Vehicle seat with fold-flat position

Abstract

The vehicle seat includes first and second risers that respectively engage first and second rails on a vehicle floor; a seat back extending from a first pivot axis on the first and second risers; and a seat cushion attached to the first and second risers using a four-bar linkage, wherein the seat cushion is not attached to or supported by the seat back; the vehicle seat has (i) a comfort position in which a latch holds the seat cushion in a first position relative to the seat back, the seat cushion being supported only by the four-bar linkage in the first position, and (ii) a fold-flat position in which the four-bar linkage is folded to position the seat cushion toward the floor, and the seat back is folded about the first pivot axis to assume a second position at least partially overlapping the seat cushion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 383,888, filed November 15, 2022, entitled "VEHICLE SEAT WITH FOLD-FLAT POSITION," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat having a fold-flat position. [Background technology]

[0003] Vehicle seats can be designed for two purposes: to provide seats for passengers and to fold down to provide a load floor for luggage or other vehicle cargo. In some existing sport utility vehicles (SUVs), their second- and optionally third-row seats can be folded down to provide a substantially flat load floor; however, the mechanical approaches that have been used can result in the load floor being positioned at a significant height above the vehicle floor (and thus also at a significant height above the ground). As another example, at least one existing minivan uses captain's chairs in the second row, which can be folded into a compartment formed in the so-called vehicle body-in-white (i.e., the vehicle's frame or body structure that provides its component structure). However, the latter approach is not applicable when the space under the vehicle floor is used for another purpose, such as to accommodate the battery pack of an electric vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, a vehicle seat includes first and second risers that engage first and second rails, respectively, on a vehicle floor; a seat back extending from a first pivot axis on the first and second risers; and a seat cushion attached to the first and second risers using a four-bar linkage, wherein the seat cushion is not attached to or supported by the seat back; the vehicle seat has (i) a comfort position in which a latch holds the seat cushion in a first position relative to the seat back, the seat cushion being supported only by the four-bar linkage in the first position; and (ii) a fold-flat position in which the four-bar linkage is folded to position the seat cushion toward the floor, and the seat back is folded about the first pivot axis to assume a second position at least partially overlapping the seat cushion.

[0005] Implementations may include any or all of the following features: the four-bar linkage includes a first bar extending from a first riser pivot axis on the first riser to a first seat pivot axis on a second bar on the seat cushion; a third bar extending from a second seat pivot axis on the second bar to a second riser pivot axis on the first riser, where the first riser forms a fourth bar of the four-bar linkage; a fifth bar extending from a third riser pivot axis on the second riser to a third seat pivot axis on a sixth bar on the seat cushion; and a seventh bar extending from a fourth seat pivot axis on the sixth bar to a fourth riser pivot axis on the second riser, where the second riser forms an eighth bar of the four-bar linkage. The latch is positioned on one of (i) the four-bar linkage or (ii) the first riser or the second riser, and the latch engages a striker to hold the seat cushion in the first position relative to the seat back, and the striker is positioned on another one of (i) the four-bar linkage or (ii) the first riser or the second riser. The vehicle seat includes a first latch and a second latch for the first riser and the second riser, respectively. The seat back further includes a plurality of connecting links, each having a first end at the first pivot axis and a second end at a second pivot axis, with the remainder of the seat back connected to the second pivot axis, and the plurality of connecting links positioned on either side of the seat back. The vehicle seat further includes a cross member extending between the plurality of connecting links. The vehicle seat further comprises at least one child seat attachment point on the cross member, and the orientation of the plurality of connecting links is adjusted using the second pivot axis before the seat back is folded about the first pivot axis to assume the second position overlapping the seat cushion, and the vehicle seat further comprises a first shaft extending along the first pivot axis and a second shaft extending along the second pivot axis.The second pivot axis, rather than the first pivot axis, is used to adjust the comfort of the seat back. The vehicle seat also (iii) has an easy entry position in which the seat back is rotated using the second pivot axis and the vehicle seat is moved along the first rail and the second rail. The vehicle seat is part of a row of split seats in the vehicle, the row of split seats having a wide portion and a narrow portion. The vehicle seat is the wide portion of the row of split seats. The wide portion of the row of split seats further includes a center seat, the center seat being cantilevered by the vehicle seat. The vehicle seat is the narrow portion of the row of split seats. The vehicle seat further includes a seat belt retractor supported by a plate extending between the first riser and the second riser. A seat belt webbing extends from the seat belt retractor through the vehicle seat to the top of the seat back, the seat belt webbing having anchorages on the first riser and the second riser. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 shows an example of a vehicle seat in the comfort position.

[0007] [Figure 2A] 2 illustrates an example of moving the vehicle seat of FIG. 1 between a comfort position and a fold-flat position. [Figure 2B] 2 illustrates an example of moving the vehicle seat of FIG. 1 between a comfort position and a fold-flat position. [Figure 2C] 2 illustrates an example of moving the vehicle seat of FIG. 1 between a comfort position and a fold-flat position. [Figure 2D] 2 illustrates an example of moving the vehicle seat of FIG. 1 between a comfort position and a fold-flat position.

[0008] [Figure 3A]2 illustrates an example of moving the vehicle seat of FIG. 1 between a comfort position and an easy entry position. [Figure 3B] 2 illustrates an example of moving the vehicle seat of FIG. 1 between a comfort position and an easy entry position.

[0009] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows an example of a rail and riser.

[0010] [Figure 5] 2 shows an example of a rear view of the vehicle seat of FIG. 1.

[0011] [Figure 6] 2 illustrates an example of the vehicle seat of FIG. 1 serving as a wide portion of a row of separate seats within a vehicle.

[0012] [Figure 7] 1 shows an example of a vehicle seat that can function as a narrow portion of a row of separate seats in a vehicle.

[0013] [Figure 8] An example of a four-bar linkage mechanism for a vehicle seat is shown in FIG. [Figure 9] An example of a four-bar linkage mechanism for a vehicle seat is shown in FIG.

[0014] [Figure 10] 1 shows an example of a vehicle seat with only a single pivot.

[0015] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] This specification describes example systems and techniques for providing a vehicle with one or more rows of sturdy, practical seats that can be folded down to provide a flat load floor at conveniently low load levels. In some implementations, the vehicle seats have seat cushions that are suspended solely by a four-bar linkage in the comfort position and are not supported by the seat back. The four-bar linkage allows the seat cushion to fold downward in a fold-flat position, positioning the seat cushion toward the vehicle floor. Additionally, the seat back can have at least one pivot, allowing it to fold down into a position that overlaps the seat cushion.

[0017] The present subject matter can provide improved seating and cargo features for different types of vehicles. Vehicles are sometimes characterized in terms of the height of their load floor. For example, some minivans are recognized as offering a relatively low load floor, which allows for easy loading or cargo and facilitates occupant entry into the vehicle. On the other hand, occupants in such vehicles may be seated at a relatively low level due to the low load floor. Indeed, another vehicle characteristic is the height at which occupants sit in the vehicle (sometimes referred to as the "H-point," in reference to the expected height of a typical occupant's hip joints). SUVs are often referred to as offering a relatively high H-point compared to other types of vehicles, while many of these SUVs also suffer from the disadvantage of having a relatively high load floor.

[0018] In contrast to the above, a vehicle according to the present subject matter can be designed with a high H-point similar to an SUV, but a low load floor similar to a minivan. Such a vehicle can have one or more rows of seats according to the present subject matter, where the seats are easily positioned into a comfort position with a high H-point for the occupants; or the seats conveniently stow into a fold-flat position to have significant cargo space, essentially unprecedented in that vehicle class. This approach that allows the seats to stow into a fold-flat position is particularly advantageous because it does not require any storage space within the body-in-white, which in some implementations (i.e., electric vehicles) can instead be used to house a significant capacity battery pack.

[0019] Examples herein refer to vehicles. A vehicle is a machine that transports passengers, cargo, or both. A vehicle can have one or more motors that use at least one type of fuel or other energy source (e.g., electricity). Examples of vehicles include, but are not limited to, cars, trucks, and buses. The number of wheels can vary between vehicle types, and one or more (e.g., all) of the wheels can be used to propel the vehicle, or the vehicle can be unpowered (e.g., when a trailer is attached to another vehicle). A vehicle can include a passenger compartment that accommodates one or more people.

[0020] Examples described herein refer to top, bottom, front, side, or back. These and similar expressions identify things or aspects in a relative manner, based on an explicit or arbitrary notion of perspective. That is, these terms are merely exemplary and are used for illustrative purposes and do not necessarily indicate the only possible positions, orientations, etc.

[0021] Below, examples of vehicle seats are described that include several folding / unfolding or stowing / deploying actions related to the seat. In some implementations, the seat movements can be at least partially automated by motorized actions powered by the vehicle itself. For example, a power recliner or other actuator can use electrical energy to rotate and / or translate mechanical components relative to one another. In other implementations, the actions can be manual, meaning that a user manually provides the necessary force. As such, the following description covers both automatic and manual actions.

[0022] 1 shows an example of a vehicle seat 100 in a comfort position. The vehicle seat 100 can be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. Some parts of the vehicle seat 100 are omitted in the figure for clarity.

[0023] A vehicle seat 100 is positioned on rails attached to a floor 102 of a vehicle. One or more rails may be used, and rail 104 is visible here supporting the vehicle seat 100. The vehicle seat 100 may have one or more risers for engaging the rail 104, and a riser 106 of the vehicle seat 100 is shown here positioned on the rail 104. The vehicle seat 100 may have a bracket 108 extending from the riser 106. For example, the bracket 108 may be a portion of the riser 106 that extends away from the rail 104, or the bracket 108 may be a separate component attached to the riser 106.

[0024] The vehicle seat 100 has a seat back 110 for supporting the upper body of an occupant. The seat back 110 may include a frame covered by a cushion and / or trim. The seat back 110 may include a connecting link 112 that is foldable or otherwise adjustable. The connecting link 112 may have a first end at a pivot axis 114, such that the seat back 110, including the connecting link 112, extends from the pivot axis 114. The connecting link 112 has a second end at a pivot axis 116 (e.g., opposite the first end). That is, the remainder of the seat back 110, other than the connecting link 112, may be coupled to the pivot axis 116 and thereby to the connecting link 112. As used herein, the pivot axis 114 continues through the backrest 110 in the direction into the view, such that the pivot axis 114 extends from end to end of the backrest 110; similarly, the pivot axis 116 continues through the backrest 110 in the direction into the view, such that the pivot axis 116 extends from end to end of the backrest 110. The vehicle seat 100 may have two instances of the connecting link 112 positioned on either side of the backrest 110, only one of which is visible in the view.

[0025] The vehicle seat 100 may have a seat cushion 118 for a passenger to sit on when the vehicle seat 100 is in the comfort position. The seat cushion 118 may include a frame covered by cushioning and / or trim. The seat cushion 118 is attached to the riser 106 using a four-bar linkage 120. The seat cushion 118 is not attached to or supported by the seat back 110. That is, the seat cushion 118 may be free and not rest on anything except the four-bar linkage 120. For example, the seat cushion 118 is not supported by the bracket 108. In the comfort position (e.g., the position shown) of the vehicle seat 100, a gap may exist between the end of the seat cushion 118 and the lowermost end of the seat back 110. In some implementations, the gap may be covered by a filler component. For example, the filler component may be attached to the seat back 110.

[0026] The pivot 114 and / or 116 can be used to perform one or more functions of the vehicle seat 100. In some implementations, the pivot 114 can be used to stow the vehicle seat 100 into a fold-flat position. For example, this can allow the seat back 110 to assume a position that at least partially overlaps the seat cushion 118. In some implementations, the pivot 116 can be used to adjust the seat back 110 (e.g., tilt it more or less) in a comfort position. For example, this comfort adjustment can be made using only the pivot 116 and not the pivot 114. In some implementations, the pivot 116 can be used to place the vehicle seat 100 in an easy-entry position (e.g., to create a wider opening for occupants to enter the next row of seats in the vehicle).

[0027] 2A-2D show examples 200-206 of moving the vehicle seat 100 of FIG. 1 between a comfort position and a fold-flat position. Any of the examples 200-206 can be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. In example 200, the seat back 110 is now in one of several positions that the seat back 110 can assume when the vehicle seat 100 is in the comfort position. The seat cushion 118 is no longer in the comfort position; rather, the seat cushion 118 has rotated about the four-bar linkage 120 in a counterclockwise direction in this illustration, away from the seat back 110. The rotation of example 200 is here represented diagrammatically by arrow 208. For example, this movement can be facilitated by unlatching the seat cushion using latch 210. Due to the four-bar linkage 120, rotation of the example 200 may initially raise the seat cushion 118 higher than it is in the comfort position, and then lower it toward the floor 102.

[0028] Before the seat cushion 118 is unlatched, the vehicle can verify that the vehicle seat 100 is in the rearmost position on the rails 104 (e.g., so that the uppermost portion of the seat back 110 does not contact the back of any seat in the row in front of the vehicle seat 100 in the fold-flat position). For example, this verification can be performed using an electronic sensor after a user input, such as pressing a button. If the vehicle seat 100 is not currently in the correct position, the vehicle seat 100 can first be moved rearward on the rails 104. Except for the features just described, the vehicle seat 100 does not have to move along the rails 104 in any of the examples 200-206.

[0029] In example 202, the seat cushion 118 is folded into a position toward the floor 102. For example, a portion of the seat cushion 118 and / or a portion of the four-bar linkage 120 may rest on the floor 102 and / or rails 104. Here, the seat cushion 118 is positioned significantly lower than in the comfort position (e.g., FIG. 1), providing substantial room for a low, flat load floor within the vehicle. The seat back 110 may not be moved from the comfort position in the situation shown in example 202.

[0030] In example 204, the connecting link 112 can rotate about one or both of the pivot axes 114 and 116 to move the backrest 110. The connecting link 112 can rotate in either direction. In some implementations, the connecting link 112 rotates such that the pivot axis 116 is positioned substantially above the pivot axis 114 in the vertical direction. The remainder of the backrest 110, other than the connecting link 112, can also or instead rotate about the pivot axis 116. For example, the remainder of the backrest 110 can be substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the connecting link 112. The rotation in example 204 is represented schematically here by arrow 212. As such, the orientation of one or more connecting links 112 can be adjusted using at least the pivot axis 116 before the backrest 110 is folded about the pivot axis 114 and assumes a position (described next) overlying the seat cushion 118.

[0031] In example 206, the seat back 110 is folded about pivot 114 to assume a position at least partially overlapping the seat cushion 118. The rotation of example 206 is now represented diagrammatically by arrow 214. The seat back 110 is now positioned essentially flat against the seat cushion 118, thereby providing a low, flat load floor within the vehicle. For example, the seat back 110 is substantially parallel (e.g., horizontal) with the floor 102 in example 206.

[0032] This example illustrates that vehicle seat 100 may include first and second risers (e.g., risers 106 in FIG. 1 ) for engaging first and second rails (e.g., rails 104), respectively, on a floor (e.g., floor 102) of the vehicle. Vehicle seat 100 may include a seat back (e.g., seat back 110) extending from a first pivot (e.g., pivot 114) on the first and second risers. Vehicle seat 100 may include a seat cushion (e.g., seat cushion 118) attached to the first and second risers using a four-bar linkage (e.g., four-bar linkage 120). The seat cushion may not be attached to or supported by the seat back. The vehicle seat 100 can have a comfort position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ) in which a latch (e.g., latch 210) holds the seat cushion in a first position relative to the seat back, where the seat cushion is supported in the first position only by the four-bar linkage. The vehicle seat 100 can have a fold-flat position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2D ) in which the four-bar linkage is folded to position the seat cushion toward the floor and the seat back is folded about a first pivot axis to assume a second position at least partially overlapping the seat cushion.

[0033] Vehicle seat 100 may also support one or more other movements, such as those described herein. Figures 3A-3B show examples 300-302 of moving vehicle seat 100 of Figure 1 between a comfort position and an easy entry position. Any of examples 300-302 can be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein.

[0034] In example 300, the vehicle seat 100 is in its rearmost position on the rails 104. The seat back 110 has rotated counterclockwise in this figure from the comfort position (e.g., FIG. 1) about pivot 116. In contrast, the seat cushion 118 may not be rotated in example 300. As such, the seat cushion 118 is currently supported only by the four-bar linkage 120.

[0035] In example 302, the vehicle seat 100 is being moved along the rails 104. For example, this may involve moving the vehicle seat 100 toward the front row of seats within the vehicle. As such, the vehicle seat 100 can now create a wider opening for occupants to enter the next row of seats within the vehicle. As such, example 302 can be characterized as an easy entry position in which the seat back 110 is rotated using the pivot 116 and the vehicle seat 100 is moved along the rails 104.

[0036] Figure 4 shows an example of the rails 104 and risers 106 of Figure 1. The mechanical interaction between the rails 104 and risers 106 allows the vehicle seat 100 (e.g., Figure 1) to be selectively moved or held securely in place along the rails 104.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows an example of a rear view of the vehicle seat 100 of FIG. 1. The vehicle seat 100 has a connecting link 112 and a connecting link 112′ on the other side of the seat back 110. The connecting links 112 and 112′ may be substantially similar to one another (e.g., identical or of mirror image design). The vehicle seat 100 has a cross member 500 extending between the connecting links 112 and 112′. The cross member 500 may perform one or more functions with respect to the vehicle seat 100. In some implementations, one or more child seat attachment points 502 may be provided on the cross member 500. For example, the child seat attachment points 502 may be used as anchoring points in accordance with the ISOFIX standard for child safety seats.

[0038] Pivot axes 114 and 116 are shown extending across seat back 110. Vehicle seat 100 may have a shaft 504 extending along pivot axis 114. Vehicle seat 100 may have a shaft 506 extending along pivot axis 116.

[0039] The vehicle seat 100 can have a seat belt retractor 508. In some implementations, the seat belt retractor 508 is mounted underneath the vehicle seat 100, such as between the bracket 108 and a bracket 108′ on the other side of the vehicle seat 100.

[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the vehicle seat 100 of FIG. 1 functioning as a wide portion of a split seat row in a vehicle. The split seat row can have two or more portions. The vehicle seat 100, and / or other seat instances described herein, can function as one or more of such portions. In some implementations, the split seat row includes a wide portion and a narrow portion. For example, the wide portion may correspond to approximately 60% of the width of the split seat row, and the narrow portion may correspond to approximately 40% of the width of the split seat row. Other proportions may be used. In some implementations, the vehicle seat 100 is the wide portion of the split seat row. The seat back 110 can include a seat back portion 110′ (e.g., corresponding to an outboard seating position) and a seat back portion 110″ (e.g., corresponding to a center seating position). The seat cushion 118 can include a seat cushion portion 118′ (e.g., corresponding to an outboard seating position) and a seat cushion portion 118″ (e.g., corresponding to a center seating position). The center seat, having a backrest portion 110'' and a seat cushion portion 118'', may be cantilevered with the vehicle seat 100. For example, the outer seats, having a backrest portion 110' and a seat cushion portion 118', may be positioned on a rail 104 and an opposite rail 104', while the center seat may not have any rails directly below it.

[0041] The vehicle seat 100 may include a plate 600 that extends between the riser 106 and the opposing riser 106'. For example, the seat belt retractor 508 may be supported by the plate 600.

[0042] The vehicle seat 100 may include one or more seat belts for the occupants, where a seat belt webbing 602 extends first from a seat belt retractor 508 under the seat cushion portion 118', then through the vehicle seat 100 (e.g., between the risers 106 and 106' and inside the backrest portion 110') to the top of the backrest 100 (e.g., the top of the backrest portion 110'). The seat belt webbing has anchorages on the risers 106 and 106'.

[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates an example vehicle seat 700 that can function as a narrow portion of a split seat row in a vehicle. For example, the narrow portion may correspond to approximately 40% of the width of the split seat row. Other percentages may be used. The vehicle seat 700 can be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. The vehicle seat 700 can have a seat back 702 and a seat cushion 704. The seat back 702 and seat cushion 704 can be positioned on a four-bar linkage 706 attached to risers 708 and 708′, which engage rails 710 and 710′, respectively. The seat cushion 704 is not attached to or supported by the seat back 702. That is, the seat cushion 704 can be free and not rest on anything other than the four-bar linkage 706.

[0044] 8-9 show an example of a four-bar linkage 120 for the vehicle seat 100 of FIG. 1. In the four-bar linkage 120, three of the four bars may be movable relative to the riser 106 or 106'. The fourth bar may be part of the riser 106 or 106'.

[0045] The four-bar linkage 120 may include a bar 800 that extends from a riser pivot 802 on the riser 106 to a seat pivot 804 on a bar 806 on the seat cushion 118 .

[0046] The four-bar linkage 120 may include a bar 808 extending from a seat pivot 810 of the bar 806 to a riser pivot 812 of the riser 106 , where the riser 106 forms a bar 814 of the four-bar linkage 120 .

[0047] The four-bar linkage 120 may include a bar 816 that extends from a riser pivot 818 on the riser 106 ′ to a seat pivot 820 on a bar 822 on the seat cushion 118 .

[0048] The four-bar linkage 120 can include a bar 824 extending from a seat pivot 826 of the bar 822 to a riser pivot 828 of the riser 106 ′, where the riser 106 ′ forms a bar 830 of the four-bar linkage 120 .

[0049] That is, bars 806 and 822 may each be part of seat cushion 118; bar 814 may be part of riser 106; and bar 830 may be part of riser 106'.

[0050] The vehicle seat 100 may have a latch 832 configured to engage with a striker 834. For example, the latch 832 and the striker 834 may selectively latch the four-bar linkage 120 to the riser 106 so that the seat cushion 118 is in the comfort position. Either the latch 832 or the striker 834 may be positioned on the riser 106, and the other of the latch 832 and the striker 834 may be positioned on the four-bar linkage 120. The vehicle seat 100 may have a latch 832' configured to engage with a striker 834'. For example, the latch 832' and the striker 834' may selectively latch the four-bar linkage 120 to the riser 106' so that the seat cushion 118 is in the comfort position. Either the latch 832 ′ or the striker 834 ′ may be positioned on the riser 106 ′, and the other of the latch 832 ′ or the striker 834 ′ may be positioned on the four-bar linkage 120 .

[0051] The vehicle seat 100 may have a cross member 836 that extends between at least the risers 106 and 106′. In some implementations, the cross member 836 may extend beyond either or both of the risers 106 or 106′. For example, this may facilitate cantilevering of the seat (e.g., the center seat having the backrest portion 110″ and the seat cushion portion 118″ in FIG. 6 ).

[0052] FIG. 10 shows an example of a vehicle seat 1000 having only a single pivot axis. The vehicle seat 1000 can be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. Some portions of the vehicle seat 1000 are omitted from the illustration for clarity. The vehicle seat 1000 is positioned on one or more rails 1002 attached to a floor 1004 of the vehicle. The vehicle seat 1000 can have one or more risers 1006 for engaging with the rails 1002. The vehicle seat 1000 can have a bracket 1008 extending from the riser 1006. The vehicle seat 1000 has a seat back 1010 for supporting the upper body of an occupant. The seat back 1010 can be connected to a pivot axis 1012. As used herein, the pivot shaft 1012 continues through the seat back 1010 in the direction into the figure, such that the pivot shaft 1012 extends from one end of the seat back 1010 to the other. The pivot shaft 1012 can be used in performing one or more functions of the vehicle seat 1000, including, but not limited to, moving the vehicle seat 1000 to a fold-flat position and / or an easy entry position, or adjusting the seat back 1010 for occupant comfort. The vehicle seat 1000 can have a seat cushion 1014 attached to the riser 1006 using a four-bar linkage 1016. The seat cushion 1014 is not attached to or supported by the seat back 1010; that is, the seat cushion 1014 can be free and not resting on anything but the four-bar linkage 1016.

[0053] As used throughout this specification, the terms "substantially" and "about" are used to describe and account for slight variations, such as those due to variations in processing. For example, they can refer to less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%. Also, as used herein, indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" mean "at least one."

[0054] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed in more detail below, are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein (provided that such concepts are not mutually inconsistent). In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

[0055] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the specification.

[0056] Additionally, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order or sequential order shown to achieve desirable results. Furthermore, other processes may be provided or deleted from the described flows, and other components may be added to or removed from the described systems. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0057] While certain features of the described implementations have been shown and described herein, numerous modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of the implementations. They have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation, and it should be understood that various changes in form and details may be made. Any portion of the apparatus and / or methods described herein may be combined in any combination except in mutually exclusive combinations. The implementations described herein may include various combinations and / or subcombinations of the functions, components, and / or features of the different implementations described.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat, a first riser and a second riser that engage, respectively, a first rail and a second rail on the floor of the vehicle; a seat back extending from a first pivot axis on the first riser and the second riser; and a seat cushion attached to the first riser and the second riser using a four-bar linkage, wherein the seat cushion is not attached to or supported by the seat back; Equipped with The vehicle seat has (i) a comfort position in which a latch holds the seat cushion in a first position relative to the seat back, the seat cushion being supported solely by the four-bar linkage in the first position, and (ii) a fold-flat position in which the four-bar linkage is folded to position the seat cushion toward the floor and the seat back is folded about the first pivot axis to assume a second position at least partially overlapping the seat cushion. Vehicle seat.

2. The four-bar linkage mechanism is a first bar extending from a first riser pivot axis on the first riser to a first seat pivot axis on a second bar on the seat cushion; a third bar extending from a second seat pivot on the second bar to a second riser pivot on the first riser, wherein the first riser forms a fourth bar of the four-bar linkage; a fifth bar extending from a third riser pivot on the second riser to a third seat pivot on a sixth bar on the seat cushion; and a seventh bar extending from a fourth seat pivot on the sixth bar to a fourth riser pivot on the second riser, the second riser forming an eighth bar of the four-bar linkage; 10. The vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein:

3. 3. The vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the latch is positioned on one of (i) the four-bar linkage or (ii) the first riser or the second riser, and the latch engages a striker to retain the seat cushion in the first position relative to the seat back, and the striker is positioned on another one of (i) the four-bar linkage or (ii) the first riser or the second riser.

4. 4. The vehicle seat of claim 3, wherein the vehicle seat comprises a first latch and a second latch for the first riser and the second riser, respectively.

5. 3. The vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the backrest further comprises a plurality of connecting links, each of the plurality of connecting links having a first end at the first pivot axis and a second end at a second pivot axis, the remainder of the backrest being connected to the second pivot axis, and the plurality of connecting links being positioned on both sides of the backrest.

6. 6. The vehicle seat of claim 5, further comprising a cross member extending between said plurality of connecting links.

7. 7. The vehicle seat of claim 6, further comprising at least one child seat attachment point on said cross member.

8. 6. The vehicle seat of claim 5, wherein the orientation of the plurality of connecting links is adjusted using the second pivot axis before the seat back is folded about the first pivot axis to assume the second position overlapping the seat cushion.

9. 6. The vehicle seat of claim 5, further comprising a first shaft extending along the first pivot axis and a second shaft extending along the second pivot axis.

10. 6. The vehicle seat of claim 5, wherein the second pivot axis, rather than the first pivot axis, is used for adjusting the comfort of the seat back.

11. 6. The vehicle seat of claim 5, wherein the vehicle seat also has (iii) an easy entry position in which the backrest rotates using the second pivot axis and the vehicle seat is moved along the first rail and the second rail.

12. 3. The vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the vehicle seat is part of a row of separate seats in the vehicle, the row of separate seats having a wide portion and a narrow portion.

13. The vehicle seat of claim 12, wherein the vehicle seat is the wide portion of the row of separate seats.

14. 14. The vehicle seat of claim 13, wherein the wide portion of the row of separate seats further includes a center seat, the center seat being cantilevered by the vehicle seat.

15. The vehicle seat according to claim 12, wherein the vehicle seat is the narrow portion of the row of separate seats.

16. 3. The vehicle seat of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a seat belt retractor supported by a plate extending between the first riser and the second riser.

17. 17. The vehicle seat of claim 16, wherein a seat belt webbing extends from the seat belt retractor through the vehicle seat to the top of the seat back, the seat belt webbing having anchorages on the first riser and the second riser.

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