Seat assembly with stadium and fold and kneel positions

Abstract

A seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle includes a seat cushion, a mounting bracket fixedly attached to an interior of a vehicle, a seatback pivotably connected to the mounting bracket and pivotable between an upright position and a folded position overlaying the seat cushion, a locking mechanism pivotably coupling the seatback to the seat cushion, a front leg pivotably connected to the seat cushion for supporting the seat cushion above a floor of the automotive vehicle, and a rigid link pivotably connected to the front leg and pivotably connected to the mounting bracket. The seatback and the seat cushion are pivotable relative to each other while the locking mechanism is in an unlocked condition and the locking mechanism prevents pivoting of the seatback and the seat cushion relative to each other while in a locked condition.

Description

SEAT ASSEMBLY WITH STADIUM AND FOLD AND KNEEL POSITIONSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 718,888, filed on November 11, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a rear seat assembly for an automotive vehicle that is selectively pivotable between a use position, a stadium position, and a fold and kneel position.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] It is common for automotive vehicles, such as pick-up trucks and SUVs, to have passenger cabins with one or more rear seat assemblies. Typically, the rear seat assembly includes a seatback pivotably coupled to a seat cushion. Certain known rear seat assembles are free-standing and include a locking recliner assembly pivotably coupling the seatback to the seat cushion. Other known rear seat assemblies are positioned between a row of front seat assemblies and a rear wall of the cabin. Certain known rear seat assemblies include a high latch releasably locking the seatback of the rear seat assembly to the rear wall.

[0004] New truck and SUV interiors are trending towards rear seats with increased seat adjustment abilities. However, certain known seat assemblies might be difficult to reposition between a use position and a storage position, such as a stadium position, a folded position, or a fold and kneel position. In addition, certain seat assemblies are unable to reposition the folded seat assembly adjacent to the vehicle floor, which restricts the amount of storage space available while the seat assembly is in a storage position.

[0005] It is desirable to provide both passenger comfort for occupants using the rear seat assemblies and to provide maximum storage capacity within the vehicle cabin when the seat assembly is unoccupied. In addition, it is desirable to provide a rear seat assembly that is easily repositioned between a use position and a storage position with increased seat adjustment abilities. It is also desirable to provide a storage position adjacent to the vehicle floor (i.e., a fold and kneel position) to increase the amount of storage available to the occupant while theseat assembly is stored. It is also desirable to provide another storage position with the seat cushion pivoted upward towards the seatback (i.e., a stadium position).SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one embodiment, there is provided a seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion, a mounting bracket fixedly attached to an interior of a vehicle, a seatback pivotably connected to the mounting bracket and pivotable between an upright position and a folded position overlaying the seat cushion, a locking mechanism pivotably coupling the seatback to the seat cushion, a front leg pivotably connected to the seat cushion for supporting the seat cushion above a floor of the automotive vehicle, and a rigid link pivotably connected to the front leg and pivotably connected to the mounting bracket. The seatback and the seat cushion are pivotable relative to each other while the locking mechanism is in an unlocked condition and the locking mechanism prevents pivoting of the seatback and the seat cushion relative to each other while in a locked condition.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rear seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 2 is a top view of the rear seat assembly in Figure 1;

[0010] Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of portion 3 of the rear seat assembly of Figure 1;

[0011] Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of portion 4 of the rear seat assembly of Figure 1;

[0012] Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the rear seat assembly of Figure 1;

[0013] Figure 6 is a semi-transparent perspective view of a portion of Figure 5;

[0014] Figure 7 is a right side view' of the rear seat assembly of Figure 2, shown in a use position;

[0015] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional right side view of the rear seat assembly of Figure 7, taken along line 8-8 in Figure 2;

[0016] Figure 9 is a right side view of the rear seat assembly of Figure 8, show n in a fold and kneel position;

[0017] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional right side view of the rear seat assembly of Figure 9, taken along line 8-8 in Figure 2;

[0018] Figure 11 is a right side view of the rear seat assembly of Figure 10, shown in a stadium position;

[0019] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional right side view of the rear seat assembly of Figure 11, taken along line 8-8 in Figure 2;

[0020] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a rear seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 14 is a right side view of the rear seat assembly of Figure 13, shown in a use position;

[0022] Figure 15 is a right side view of the rear seat assembly of Figure 14, shown in a fold and kneel position; and

[0023] Figure 16 is a right side view of the rear seat assembly of Figure 15, shown in a stadium position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Figures 1-16 illustrate a rear seat assembly 10 for use in an automotive vehicle 12, according to embodiments described herein. Directional references employed or shown in the description, figures, or claims, such as top, bottom, upper, lower, upward, downward, lengthwise, widthwise, left, right, and the like, are relative terms employed for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any respect. Referring to the Figures, like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0025] Figures 1-12 depict a rear seat assembly 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The rear seat assembly 10 (hereinafter, “the seat assembly"’) includes a seatback 14 pivotably coupled to a seat cushion 16 and supported above a floor 17 of the automotive vehicle 12 (hereinafter, “the vehicle floor”). The seatback 14 and the seat cushion 16 include a back frame 18 and a cushion frame 20, respectively, for supporting a foam pad (not shown) encased by a trim cover (not shown), as is commonly known in the art. The back frame 18 and the cushion frame 20 are generally rectangular-shaped and include a tubular and / or panel-like construction, as is commonly known in the art. The seat assembly 10 is repositionable between a use position (Figures 1-8), a fold and kneel position (Figures 9 and 10), and a stadium position (Figures 11 and 12). In the use position (Figures 1-8), the seatback 14 is in a generally upright position with the seat cushion 16 supported generally horizontal in a raised position above the vehicle floor 17. In the fold and kneel position (Figures 9 and 10), the seat cushion 16 is adjacent to the vehicle floor 17 and the seatback 14 is pivoted downward to a folded position overlaying the seat cushion 16. In the stadium position, the seatback 14 is in the upright position and the seat cushion 16 is rotated upward such that the seat cushion 16 is adjacent to the seatback 14 in a rotational direction. The seat assembly 10 shown in Figure 1 is commonly known as a full bench type seat assembly. It will be appreciated that the seat assembly 10 might comprise a 60-40 split bench type seat assembly, a single bucket type seat assembly, or the like without altering the scope of the present invention.

[0026] Depicted in Figure 1 , the seat assembly 10 also includes a first high latch 22, a second high latch 24, an inboard end 26, and an outboard end 28. The first and second high latches 22, 24 are integrated within the seatback 14 and positioned adjacent to an upper portion of the inboard and outboard ends 26, 28, respectively. The seat assembly 10 is fixedly coupled to the vehicle floor 17 within an interior of the automotive vehicle 12 with the seatback 14 positioned adjacent to a back wall 32 while in the use position. The vehicle floor 17 and the back wall 32 are fixedly coupled to the body -in-white BIW (not shown) of the automotive vehicle 12, as is commonly known in the art. In addition, the back wall 32 includes a pair of strikers 34. with the stnkers 34 positioned adjacent to the inboard and outboard ends 26, 28 of the seat assembly 10. The high latches 22, 24 releasably couple to the adjacent striker 34 while the seat assembly 10 is in the use position (Figures 1-8) and while the seat assembly 10 is in the stadium position (Figures 11 and 12), as is commonly known in the art. One example of a high latch 22, 24 to facilitate securing the seatback 14 to the back wall 32 of the automotive vehicle 12 is shown in PCT Application PCT / US2024 / 029114, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. The seat assembly 10 optionally includes an upper biasing mechanism (not shown), such as a torsion spring, operatively coupled between the seatback 14 and the seat cushion 16 to provide a biasing force sufficient to pivotably bias the seatback 14 towards the fold and kneel position (Figures 9 and 10), as is commonly known in the art.

[0027] Depicted in Figures 1, 3, and 4. the seat assembly 10 also includes an inboard mounting bracket 36, an outboard mounting bracket 38, a cross tube 39, an inboard attachment bracket 40, and an outboard attachment bracket 41. The inboard and outboard mounting brackets 36, 38 (hereinafter, “mounting brackets”) are laterally spaced apart and mounted to the vehicle floor 17 and / or the back wall 32 adj acent to the inboard and outboard ends 26, 28of the seatback 14, respectively. Depicted in Figures 3, 4, and 9. the mounting brackets 36, 38 are generally U- shaped brackets which include a support flange 42, 43, an end flange 44, 45, a mount wall 46, 47, a tube aperture 48, 49, a pivot hole 50, 51, and a tube slot 52, 53, respectively. The mounting brackets 36, 38 are substantially mirror images of each other with the support flange 42, 43 and the end flange 44, 45 projecting away from opposing sides of the mount wall 46, 47; the tube aperture 48, 49 and the pivot hole 50, 51 spaced apart and extending laterally through the end flange 44, 45; and the tube slot 52, 53 extending laterally through the support flange 42, 43 and aligned with the tube aperture 48, 49. Further, the mount w alls 46, 47 are fixedly coupled to the vehicle floor 17 and / or the back wall 32. The cross tube 39 is a rectangular-shaped hollow tube which extends laterally through the tube apertures 48, 49 and the tube slots 52. 53 in the mounting brackets 36, 38, respectively, and which is fixedly coupled thereto. Depicted in Figures 2, 4, and 8, the inboard and outboard attachment brackets 40, 41 include an L-shaped notch 54 along an upper end and spaced apart from a rear wall 55. The inboard and outboard attachment brackets 40, 41 are laterally spaced apart with the L-shaped notches 54 fixedly coupled to the cross tube 39 and the rear walls 55 fixedly coupled to the floor 17 and / or to the back w all 32 of the automotive vehicle 12.

[0028] Depicted in Figures 3 and 4, the seat assembly 10 also includes an inboard back bracket 56 and an outboard back bracket 57 fixedly coupled to a lower portion of the inboard and outboard ends 26, 28 of the back frame 18, respectively. The inboard and outboard back brackets 56, 57 (hereinafter, “back brackets”) are generally L-shaped brackets which are substantially mirror images of each other. The back brackets 56, 57 include a side flange 58, 60. a back plate 62, 64, a pivot tab 66. 68. a pivot aperture 70, 72, and a shaft hole 74, 76, respectively. The side flange 58, 60 projects at a generally right angle from an outer side of theback plate 62, 64. The pivot tab 66, 68 projects at a generally right angle from an inner side of the back plate 62, 64 adjacent to a lower end thereof. The pivot aperture 70, 72 extends laterally through the pivot tab 66, 68. The shaft hole 74, 76 extends laterally through the side flange 58, 60. Each of the back brackets 56, 57 is fixedly coupled to the back frame 18 by upper and lower mechanical fasteners 78, 80 extending through respective bolt holes (not shown) in the back plate 62, 64.

[0029] Depicted in Figures 3 and 4, the seat assembly 10 also includes an inboard back pivot 82 and an outboard back pivot 84, which are substantially mirror images of each other and described hereinafter as back pivots 82, 84 for simplicity. The back pivots 82, 84 are free pivots which pivotably couple the back frame 18 to the mounting brackets 36, 38 viathe back brackets 56, 57, respectively. In more detail, the back pivots 82, 84 extend through the respective pivot aperture 70, 72 in the back bracket 56, 57 and through the respective pivot hole 50, 51 in the adjacent mounting bracket 36, 38.

[0030] Depicted in Figures 1-6, the cushion frame 20 includes a front tube 86, a center tube 88, an inboard side bracket 90, an outboard side bracket 92, and a rear tube 94. The front tube 86 has a tubular construction and includes an inboard portion 96 and an outboard portion 98 extending from opposing ends of a front portion 100, forming a U-shaped member. The center tube 88 has a tubular construction and extends laterally between the inboard and outboard portions 96, 98 of the front tube 86 and is fixedly coupled thereto. The inboard and outboard side brackets 90, 92 are substantially mirror images of each other and include a side wall 102, 104 extending in a longitudinal direction betw een a forward end 106, 108 and a rearward end 110, 112. respectively. The forward ends 106, 108 of the inboard and outboard side brackets 90, 92 are fixedly coupled to the inboard and outboard portions 96, 98 of the center tube 88, respectively. The rear tube 94 has a tubular construction which extends laterally between the rearw ard ends 110, 112 of the inboard and outboard side brackets 90, 92 and is fixedly coupled thereto.

[0031] Depicted in Figures 1-6, the seat assembly 10 also includes an inboard support bracket 114, a center support bracket 116, and an outboard support bracket 118 (hereinafter, “support brackets"’) fixedly coupled to the cushion frame 20. The support brackets 114, 116, 118 are U- shaped brackets which are similarly constructed. Each of the support brackets 114, 116, 118 includes a first segment 120, a second segment 122, an end segment 124, a set of support holes 126, a spring hole 127, and a set of pin holes 128, 129. The first and second segments 120, 122are laterally spaced apart and extend from the end segment 124. The support holes 126 are axially aligned and extend laterally through the first and second segments 120, 122, respectively, and are adjacent to a lower end thereof. The spring hole 127 extends laterally through the second segment 122 and is spaced apart from the adjacent support hole 126. The pin holes 128, 129 are axially aligned, extend laterally through the first and second segments 120, 122, respectively, and are spaced rearward of the support holes 126. The support brackets 114, 116, 118 are laterally spaced apart and fixedly coupled to the front tube 86 and to the center tube 88 along an upper edge of the first and second segments 120, 122. Each support bracket 114, 116, 118 includes a respective stop pin 130 having a generally cylindrical shape and extending laterally between the pin holes 128, 129.

[0032] Depicted in Figures 1 -4, the seat assembly 10 also includes an inboard cushion bracket 131 and an outboard cushion bracket 132, which are fixedly coupled to the cushion frame 20 and pivotably coupled to the back brackets 56, 57, respectively. In more detail, the inboard and outboard cushion brackets 131, 132 are arcuate-shaped brackets which are substantially mirror images of each other and include a lower end 133, 134, an upper end 136, 138, and a shaft passageway (not shown), respectively. The lower end 133, 134 of each of the cushion brackets 131, 132 is fixedly coupled to the adjacent side bracket 90, 92, respectively, by a set of mechanical fasteners 140.

[0033] Depicted in Figures 3 and 4, the seat assembly 10 also includes an inboard disc assembly 142 and an outboard disc assembly 144, which pivotably couple the back frame 18 to the cushion frame 20. The inboard and outboard disc assemblies 142, 144 (hereinafter, “disc assemblies”) are substantially mirror images of each other and include a locking mechanism 146 with a release lever 148 for selectively locking and allowing pivoting of the back frame 18 relative to the cushion frame 20. The disc assemblies 142, 144 include an inner side (not shown) and an outer side (not shown). The inner sides of the disc assemblies 142, 144 are axially aligned with the shaft holes 74, 76 and fixedly coupled to the adjacent back brackets 56, 57. The outer sides (not shown) are axially aligned with the shaft passageways (not shown) and fixedly coupled to the adjacent cushion brackets 131, 132. The disc assemblies 142, 144 are configured with a single locking position, described in more detail below7. The disc assemblies 142, 144 automatically lock when the back frame 18 and the cushion frame 20 are pivoted relative to each other to one of the fold and kneel position (Figures 9 and 10) and the stadium position (Figures 1 1 and 12). The disc assemblies 142, 144 prevent pivoting of the back frame18 and the cushion frame 20 relative to each other while in a locked condition. Actuating the release levers 148 unlocks the disc assemblies 142, 144, which allows the back frame 18 and / or the cushion frame 20 to be pivoted relative to the other to the use position (Figures 1-8). The disc assemblies 142, 144 are retained in an unlocked condition while the seat assembly 10 is in the use position (Figures 1-8) with the high latches 22, 24 coupled to the strikers 34. One exemplary disc assembly 142, 144 is described in U.S. Patent 8,459,743, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. It should be appreciated that any suitable locking and release mechanism known in the art, such as a latched pivot, a recliner assembly, a power mechanism, or the like, could be substituted for the disc assemblies 142, 144 without varying the scope of the present invention.

[0034] Depicted in Figures 2-5, the seat assembly 10 also includes an inboard handle 150, an outboard handle 152, a first Bowden cable 153, a second Bowden cable 154, a release mechanism 155, an inboard Bowden cable 156, and an outboard Bowden cable 157, for selectively unlocking the disc assemblies 142, 144. The inboard and outboard handles 150, 152 (hereinafter, "handles") are operatively coupled to the first and second Bowden cables 153, 154 respectively, which in turn are operatively coupled to the release mechanism 155. The inboard and outboard Bowden cables 156, 157 include an outer end which is fixedly coupled to the respective release lever 148 on the disc assemblies 142, 144, and an inner end which is operatively coupled to the release mechanism 155. In operation, actuating one of the handles 150, 152 applies tension onto one of the first and second Bowden cables 153, 154 and actuates the release mechanism 155, which in turn applies tension to the inboard and outboard Bowden cables 156, 157 causing the release levers 148 to rotate and unlock the disc assemblies 142, 144, as is commonly known in the art. It will be appreciated the seat assembly 10 might include other known methods of actuating the release levers 148, as is commonly known in the art without altering the scope of the present invention.

[0035] Depicted in Figures 1, 5 and 6, the seat assembly 10 also includes an inboard leg bracket 158, a center leg bracket 160, and an outboard leg bracket 162 (hereinafter, ‘'leg brackets”) pivotably coupled to the support brackets 114, 116, 118, respectively. The leg brackets 158, 160, 162 are U-shaped brackets which are similarly constructed and include aright flange 164, a left flange 166, a front wall 168, a set of leg holes 170, a stop tab 172, a first notch 174, and a second notch 176. The right and left flanges 164. 166 are laterally spaced apart and project away from the front wall 168. The leg holes 170 extend laterally through the right and leftflanges 164, 166, respectively, and are adjacent to an upper end thereof. The stop tab 172 projects away from an upper end of the right flange 164. The first and second notches 174, 176 are arcuate-shaped and extend along a lower portion of the right and left flanges 164, 166, respectively. The upper ends of each of the leg brackets 158, 160, 162 are spaced laterally between the first and second segments 120, 122 of the respective one of the support brackets 114, 116, 118 with the leg holes 170 axially aligned with the adjacent support holes 126.

[0036] Depicted in Figures 2 and 6, the seat assembly 10 also includes a first torsion spring 178 and a second torsion spring 179. Each torsion spring 178, 179 includes a first spring end 180 and a second spring end 182 extending from a spring coil 184 and a center passageway (not shown) extending axially therethrough. The first torsion spring 178 is spaced laterally between the leg holes 170 in the inboard leg bracket 158 with the center passageway (not shown) axially aligned with the leg holes 170. In addition, the first spring end 180 is fixedly coupled to the spring hole 127 in the inboard support bracket 114 and the second spring end 182 abuts the front wall 168 of the inboard leg bracket 158. The second torsion spring 179 is similarly assembled with the outboard support bracket 118 and the outboard leg bracket 162.

[0037] Depicted in Figures 5 and 6, the seat assembly 10 also includes an inboard leg pivot 186, a center leg pivot 188. and an outboard leg pivot 190 (hereinafter, ‘leg pivots’"), which are free pivots and pivotably couple the leg brackets 158, 160, 162 to the support brackets 1 14, 116, 118, respectively. Each one of the leg pivots 186, 188, 190 extend axially through the leg holes 170 in the respective one of the leg brackets 158, 160, 162 and through the support holes 126 in the respective one of the support brackets 114, 116, 118. In addition, each one of the inboard and outboard leg pivots 186, 190 also extend axially through the center passageway (not shown) of the torsion springs 178, 179, respectively. The torsion springs 178, 179 springbias the inboard and outboard leg brackets 158, 162 downward in a clockwise direction (arrows 192) relative to the adjacent support bracket 114, 118, as viewed in Figure 6. Each of the torsion springs 178, 179 also spring-biases the adjacent stop tab 172 in the clockwise direction (arrow 192) towards an engaged condition with the adjacent stop pin 130.

[0038] Depicted in Figures 5 and 6, the seat assembly 10 also includes a front leg 194, which supports the cushion frame 20 above the vehicle floor 17. The front leg 194 has a tubular construction with a circular cross-section and a W-shaped profile and includes a center portion 196, a first curved portion 198, a second curved portion 200, a first base portion 202, a second base portion 204, an inboard leg portion 206, and an outboard leg portion 208. The centerportion 196 extends laterally between adjacent upper ends of the first and second curved portions 198, 200. The first and second base portions 202, 204 extend laterally away from adjacent lower ends of the first and second curved portions 198, 200, respectively, with the base portions 202, 204 offset from the center portion 196 and extending generally parallel thereto. The inboard and outboard leg portions 206, 208 extend away from adjacent outer ends of the base portions 202, 204, respectively, with the leg portions 206, 208 being laterally spaced apart and extending generally perpendicular to the adjacent base portions 202. 204. Upper ends of the leg portions 206, 208 extend between the right and left flanges 1 4, 1 6 of the adjacent one of the inboard and outboard leg brackets 158, 162 and are fixedly coupled thereto. In addition, the first and second notches 174, 176 on the center leg bracket 160 are fixedly coupled to the center portion 196 of the front leg 194.

[0039] Depicted in Figures 1, 4, and 8, the seat assembly 10 also includes a link bracket 210 fixedly coupled to the cross tube 39 and spaced laterally between the inboard mounting bracket 36 and the outboard mounting bracket 38. The link bracket 210 is a generally L-shaped bracket and includes a back hole 212 and a base slot 214. The back hole 212 extends laterally through the link bracket 210 adjacent to an upper end thereof. The base slot 214 is formed in a lower end of the link bracket 210. In addition, the base slot 214 is fixedly coupled to the cross tube 39 with the link bracket 210 projecting upwardly from the cross tube 39.

[0040] Depicted in Figure 8, the seat assembly 10 also includes a rigid link 216 pivotably coupled to the link bracket 210. The rigid link 216 is sized and shaped to conform to the floor 17 and / or the back wall 32 of the automotive vehicle 12. The rigid link 216 is an elongated contoured link which includes a base segment 218, a front segment 220. a transition segment 222, a rear segment 224, an upright segment 226, a rear hole 228, and a front hole 230. As viewed in Figure 8, the base segment 218 extends generally horizontally between an inner end of the front segment 220 and a lower end of the transition segment 222. The transition segment 222 extends in a generally vertical direction and adjoins an adjacent end of the rear segment 224. The rear segment 224 extends in a generally horizontal direction and adjoins a lower end of the upright segment 226. The upright segment 226 extends in a generally vertical direction with the rear hole 228 extending laterally therethrough and adjacent to an upper end thereof. The front hole 230 extends laterally through the front segment 220 and adjacent to an outer end thereof. It will be appreciated that the size and shape of the rigid link 216 might vary to conform to variations in the vehicle BIW, including variations in the floor 17 and / or the back wall 32,without altering the scope of the present invention. Depicted in Figures 4 and 8, the seat assembly 10 also includes a link pivot 232, which pivotably couples the rigid link 216 to the link bracket 210. The link pivot 232 is a free pivot that extends axially through the back hole 212 in the link bracket 210 and through the rear hole 228 in the rigid link 216.

[0041] Depicted in Figures 5 and 8, the seat assembly 10 also includes a center link 234 fixedly coupled to the front leg 194 and pivotably coupled to the rigid link 216. The center link 234 includes a link hole 236 and a curved notch 238. The link hole 236 extends laterally through the center link 234 adjacent to a lower end thereof. The curved notch 238 is formed in an upper end of the center link 234. The curved notch 238 is fixedly coupled to the center portion 196 of the front leg 194 such that the center link 234 is spaced adjacent to and laterally apart from the center leg bracket 160 and projecting in a downward direction. Depicted in Figures 5 and 8, the seat assembly 10 also includes a center pivot 240, pivotably coupling the center link 234 to the rigid link 216. The center pivot 240 is a free pivot that extends laterally through the link hole 236 in the center link 234 and through the front hole 230 in the rigid link 216.

[0042] Depicted in Figures 5 and 6, the seat assembly 10 also includes an inboard leg attachment 242 and an outboard leg attachment 244, which releasably couple the front leg 194 to the vehicle floor 17. The inboard and outboard leg attachments 242, 244 (hereinafter, leg attachments) are similarly constructed. Each leg attachment 242, 244 includes a pedestal 246, a set of mechanical fasteners 248, and a U-shaped clip 250. The pedestal 246 includes a substantially U-shaped receiving port 252 for receiving an adjacent base portion 202, 204 of the front leg 194 with the receiving port 252 being open towards an obliquely upper direction. In addition, the pedestal 246 includes a first base flange 254, a second base flange 256. an upper slot 258, and a lower slot 260. The first and second base flanges 254, 256 project laterally away from a lower portion of the pedestal 246. The mechanical fasteners 248 extend through a respective one of the base flanges 254, 256 and fixedly couple the pedestal 246 to the vehicle floor 17, as is commonly known in the art. The upper and lower slots 258. 260 extend in a lateral direction along an upper portion and a lower portion of the receiving port 252, respectively. The U-shaped clip 250 forms part of the receiving port 252 and includes an arcuate-shaped portion 262, an upper end portion 264, a lower end portion 266, and a clip opening 268. The arcuate-shaped portion 262 extends circumferentially between the upper and lower end portions 264, 266 with the clip opening 268 defined between the upper and lower end portions 264, 266. The clip opening 268 has a width slightly narrower than a diameter offirst and second base portions 202, 204 of the front leg 194. In addition, the upper and lower end portions 264, 266 are curved outwardly away from the arcuate-shaped portion 262 and include a respective retainer hook (not shown) at a distal end. The U-shaped clip 250 is secured to the pedestal 246 by causing the retainer hooks (not shown) of the clip 250 to be engaged with and fixed in the upper and lower slots 258, 260, respectively, of the pedestal 246. It will be appreciated that the U-shaped clips 250 act as free pivots while the first and second base portions 202. 204 of the front leg 194 are inserted into the respective clip openings 268.

[0043] The operation of the seat assembly 10 is described below in reference to Figures 1-12. Depicted in Figures 7 and 8, the seat assembly 10 is initially in the use position with the back frame 18 supported in a generally vertical upright position, the high latches 22, 24 releasably coupling the back frame 18 to the adjacent strikers 34, and the cushion frame 20 supported in a generally horizontal raised position above the vehicle floor 17. Initially, the front leg 194 and the center link 234 are substantially upright in an extended position with the base portions 202, 204 of the front leg 194 releasably coupled to the U-shaped clips 250 in the leg attachments 242, 244, which secures the cushion frame 20 to the vehicle floor 17. In addition, the disc assemblies 142, 144 are initially in the unlocked condition such that the cushion frame 20 and the back frame 18 are rotatable relative to each other. The torsion springs 178, 179 spring-bias the front leg 194 in the clockwise direction (arrow 192), Also, the rigid link 216 initially extends along the vehicle floor 17.

[0044] Depicted in Figure 8, the seat assembly 10 includes a kinematic linkage 270 having a first link 272, a second link 274, a third link 276, and a fourth link 278. The first link 272 extends between the leg pivots 186, 188, 190 and the disc assemblies 142, 144. The second link 274 extends between the disc assemblies 142, 144 and the back pivots 82, 84, 232. The third link 276 extends between the back pivots 82, 84, 232 and the center pivot 240. The fourth link 278 extends between the center pivot 240 and the leg pivots 186, 188, 190. The leg pivots 186, 188, 190. the back pivots 82, 84, 232, and the center pivot 240 act as free pivots. In addition, the U-shaped clips 250 act as free pivots while releasably coupled to the base portions 202, 204 of the front leg 194. The kinematic linkage 270 is locked and unlocked by the disc assemblies 142, 144 at one pivot. The disc assemblies 142, 144 act as free pivots while in the unlocked condition. Further, the disc assemblies 142, 144 include a single locking position and automatically lock when one of the back frame 18 and the cushion frame 20 are rotated towards the other one, as further described below. While the disc assemblies 142, 144 are in the lockedcondition, actuating one of the handles 150, 152 causes the release levers 148 to rotate, which in turn unlocks the disc assemblies 142. 144. In addition, the high latches 22, 24 can be selectively unlatched from the strikers 34, as is commonly known in the art.

[0045] In order to move the seat assembly 10 from the use position (Figures 7 and 8) to the fold and kneel position (Figures 9 and 10), an occupant unlatches the high latches 22, 24, as is commonly known in the art. Next, the occupant pivots the seatback 14 about the back pivots 82, 84, 232 towards the seat cushion 16 in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 280) past a vertical position (not shown). After the seatback 14 is pivoted past the vertical position (not shown), gravity causes the seatback 14 to pivot downward and overlay the seat cushion 16. The seat cushion 16 rotates in the clockwise direction (arrow 192) about the disc assemblies 142, 144 as the seatback 14 is pivoted downward (arrow 280) towards the seat cushion 16. In addition, the counterclockwise rotation (arrow7280) of the seatback 14 causes the front leg 194 to rotate about the U-shaped clips 250 and the center pivot 240 in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 280) towards the vehicle floor 17 until the front leg 194 substantially aligns with the base segment 218 of the rigid link 216, described hereinafter as a retracted position. The disc assemblies 142, 144 automatically lock when the back frame 18 and the cushion frame 20 are substantially parallel, corresponding to the seat assembly 10 arriving in the fold and kneel position depicted in Figures 9 and 10. Locking the disc assemblies 142, 144 also locks the kinematic linkage 270. The kinematic linkage 270 is retained in its current position until the disc assemblies 142, 144 are unlocked by the occupant. Further, the disc assemblies 142, 144 and the leg attachments 242, 244 retain the seat assembly 10 in the fold and kneel position with the seatback 14 overlaying the seat cushion 16 and the front leg 194 attached to the vehicle floor 17 until the occupant actuates one of the handles 150, 152 or until the occupant lifts up on the seat assembly 10 to cause the front leg 194 to disengage from the leg attachments 242, 244.

[0046] In order to move the seat assembly 10 from the fold and kneel position (Figures 9 and 10) to the stadium position (Figures 11 and 12), the occupant lifts up on the seatback 14 and / or the seat cushion 16 (arrow7192) w ithout actuating either of the handles 150, 152, causing the front leg 194 to disengage from the leg attachment 242, 244. Next, the occupant pivots the seat assembly 10 rearward in the clockwise direction (arrow 192) about the back pivots 82, 84, 232 until the seatback 14 arrives in the upright position and the high latches 22, 24 automatically latch to the adjacent strikers 34. The front leg 194 is substantially aligned with the base segment218 of the rigid link 216 in the stadium position with the front leg 194 maintained in the retracted position. The disc assemblies 142, 144 and the high latches 22. 24 retain the seat assembly 10 in the stadium position with the seat cushion 16 in an upright position adjacent to the seatback 14 until the occupant actuates one of the handles 150, 152 or until the occupant unlatches the high latches 22, 24. The seat assembly 10 has a common leg retraction and rotation in both the stadium position (Figures 11 and 12) and the fold and kneel position (Figures 9 and 10).

[0047] In order to return the seat assembly 10 to the use position (Figures 7 and 8) from the fold and kneel position (Figures 9 and 10), the occupant actuates one of the handles 150, 152 (arrow 282) which applies tension onto the inboard and outboard Bowden cables 156, 157 via the release mechanism 155, which in turn causes the release levers 148 to rotate and unlock the disc assemblies 142, 144. After unlocking the disc assemblies 142, 144, the occupant lifts up on the seatback 14 and pivots the seatback 14 rearward in the clockwise direction (arrow 192) about the back pivots 82, 84, 232 towards the upright position. The seat cushion 16 pivots in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 280) about the disc assemblies 142, 144 as the seatback 14 is rotated rearward (arrow 192). The rearw ard rotation (arrow 192) of the seatback 14 and the spring-bias in the torsion springs 178, 179 cause the front leg 194 to pivot in the clockwise direction (arrow 192) about the leg pivots 186, 188, 190 and cause the front leg 194 to rotate upward and rearward (arrow 192) about the U-shaped clips 250 and the center pivot 240 to the extended position with the stop tab 172 engaged with the stop pin 130 (Figure 6), which in turn repositions the seat cushion 16 to the generally horizontal raised position above the vehicle floor 17. Next, the high latches 22, 24 automatically latch to the adjacent strikers 34. which returns the seat assembly 10 to the use position (Figures 7 and 8). The disc assemblies 142, 144 are retained in the unlocked condition while the seat assembly 10 is in the use position.

[0048] In order to move the seat assembly 10 from the use position (Figures 7 and 8) to the stadium position (Figures 11 and 12), the occupant lifts up on the seat cushion 16 (arrow 192) without actuating either of the handles 150, 152, causing the front leg 194 to disengage from the leg attachment 242, 244. Next, the occupant pivots the seat cushion 16 upward in the clockwise direction (arrow 192) about the disc assemblies 142, 144, which in turn causes the rigid link 216 to pivot upward in the clockwise direction (arrow 192) about the back pivots 82, 84. 232 until the seat cushion 16 arrives in the upright position and the disc assemblies 142, 144 automatically lock. As the seat cushion 16 is pivoted upward (arrow- 192), the front leg 194rotates in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 282) about the center pivot 240 and about the leg pivots 186, 188, 190 until the front leg 194 substantially aligns with the base segment 218 on the rigid link 216, described hereinafter as a retracted position. The disc assemblies 142, 144 and the high latches 22, 24 retain the seat assembly 10 in the stadium position with the seat cushion 16 in an upright position adjacent to the seatback 14 until the occupant actuates one of the handles 150, 152 or until the occupant unlatches the high latches 22, 24.

[0049] In order to return the seat assembly 10 to the use position (Figures 7 and 8) from the stadium position (Figures 11 and 12), the occupant actuates one of the handles 150, 152 (arrow 282) which applies tension onto the inboard and outboard Bowden cables 156, 157 via the release mechanism 155, which in turn causes the release levers 148 on the disc assemblies 142, 144 to rotate and unlock the disc assemblies 142, 144. After unlocking the disc assemblies 142, 144, the occupant pivots the seat cushion 16 in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 280) about the disc assemblies 142, 144 past a vertical position (not shown) and towards the generally horizontal position. After the seat cushion 16 is rotated past the vertical position (not shown), gravity causes the seat cushion 16 to pivot downward, which in turn causes the front leg 194 to rotate rearward (arrows 192) about the center pivot 240 tow ards the extended position. The downward rotation (arrow' 280) of the seat cushion 16 and the spring-bias in the torsion springs 178, 179 cause the front leg 194 to pivot in the clockwise direction (arrow 192) about the leg pivots 186, 188, 190 and cause the front leg 194 to rotate upward and rearward (arrow 192) about the center pivot 240 to the extended position wdth the stop tab 172 engaged with the stop pin 130 (Figure 6). The seat cushion 16 continues to pivot downward (arrow' 280) until the front leg 194 engages with the U-shaped clips 250 in the leg attachments 242, 244, which fixedly couples the front leg 194 to the vehicle floor 17 with the seat cushion 16 in the generally horizontal raised position above the vehicle floor 17. The seat assembly 10 is retained in the use position until the occupant repositions the seat assembly 10 as described above.

[0050] In order to move the seat assembly 10 from the stadium position (Figures 11 and 12) to the fold and kneel position (Figures 9 and 10), the occupant unlatches the high latches 22, 24 without actuating either of the handles 150, 152. Next, the occupant pivots the seat assembly 10 forw ard and downward in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 280) about the back pivots 82, 84, 232 past the vertical position (not shown). After the seat assembly 10 is pivoted past the vertical position (not shown), gravity causes the seat assembly 10 to pivot downward (arrow 280) about the back pivots 82, 84, 232 to the fold and kneel position (Figures 9 and 10), causingthe front leg 194 to engage with the U-shaped clips 250 in the leg attachments 242, 244. The front leg 194 is maintained substantially aligned with the base segment 218 of the rigid link 216 as the seat assembly 10 is pivoted between the stadium position and the fold and kneel position. The disc assemblies 142, 144 and the leg attachments 242, 244 retain the seat assembly 10 in the fold and kneel position with the seatback 14 overlaying the seat cushion 16 until the occupant actuates one of the handles 150, 152 or until the occupant lifts up on the seat assembly 10 to cause the front leg 194 to disengage from the leg attachments 242, 244.

[0051] A second embodiment of the seat assembly 10' is illustrated in Figures 13-16, where like primed reference numerals represent similar elements as those described above. Only significant differences between the two embodiments are reflected in the Figures and the description below. The second embodiment of the seat assembly 10' includes a seatback 14' which is freestanding and is pivotably connected to the cushion frame 20' with conventional recliner assemblies 284, 286 for selectively locking and allowing pivoting of the seatback 14' relative to the seat cushion 16'. In contrast, the seat assembly 10 of the first embodiment includes a seatback 14 which is releasably attached to the vehicle back wall 32 by high latches 22, 24 and further is pivotably connected to the cushion frame 20 by disc assemblies 142, 144 having a single locking position.

[0052] Depicted in Figures 13-16, the seat assembly 10' also includes the back frame 18' fixedly coupled to the back brackets 56', 57', which in turn are pivotably connected to the adjacent mounting brackets 36', 38' by the respective back pivots 82’, 84'. The seat assembly 10' also includes the link bracket 210' fixedly attached to the cross tube 39' and the front leg 194' fixedly coupled to the leg brackets 158', 160'. 162' and to the center link 234', with the leg brackets 158', 160', 162' pivotably connected to the cushion frame 20' via the associated leg pivots 186', 188', 190'. The seat assembly 10' also includes the cushion frame 20' fixedly coupled to the adjacent cushion brackets 131', 132', which in turn are pivotably coupled to the adjacent back brackets 56', 57' via the recliner assemblies 284, 286, respectively. In addition, the seat assembly 10' includes the rigid link 216' pivotably coupled to the center link 234' via the center pivot 240' and pivotably coupled to the link bracket 210' via the link pivot 232'. The seat assembly 10' also includes the mounting brackets 36', 38' and the leg attachments 242', 244' fixedly attached to the floor 17' of an automotive vehicle 12', wherein the front leg 194' releasably couples with the U-shaped clips 250' in the leg attachments 242', 244'.

[0053] The recliner assemblies 284, 286 are spring biased towards a locked condition, which prevents rotation of the seatback 14' relative to the seat cushion 16'. In addition, the recliner assemblies 284, 286 are operatively coupled to the respective release levers 148', which in turn are operatively coupled to the inboard and outboard handles 150', 152' for actuating the recliner assemblies 284, 286. The recliner assemblies 284, 286 include a first locking position corresponding to the seat assembly 10' in the use position with the seatback 14' rotationally spaced apart from the seat cushion 16' and a second locking position corresponding to the seatback 14' and the seat cushion 1 ’ being rotationally adjacent to each other (i.e., in the stadium position or the fold and kneel position). While the recliner assemblies 284, 286 are in the locked condition, actuating one of the handles 150', 152' causes the release levers 148' to rotate, which in turn unlocks the recliner assemblies 284, 286. The recliner assemblies 284, 286 act as free pivots while in the unlocked condition. The recliner assemblies 284, 286 are optionally configured with two locking positions, more than two locking positions, or incremental locking positions and may include a hold-open feature, as is commonly known in the art. An exemplary recliner assembly is described in U.S. Patent 8,459,743, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It should be appreciated, however, that any suitable locking and release mechanism known in the art could be substituted for the recliner assemblies 284, 286 without varying the scope of the present invention.

[0054] Depicted in Figure 14, the seat assembly 10' includes a kinematic linkage 270' having a first link 272’ extending between the leg pivots 186', 188', 190' and the recliner assemblies 284, 286, a second link 274' extending between the recliner assemblies 284, 286 and the back pivots 82', 84', 232', a third link 276' extending between the back pivots 82', 84', 232' and the center pivot 240', and a fourth link 278' extending between the center pivot 240' and the leg pivots 186', 188', 190'. The leg pivots 186', 188', 190', the back pivots 82', 84', 232', and the center pivot 240' act as free pivots. In addition, the U-shaped clips 250' act as free pivots while releasably coupled to the front leg 194'. The kinematic linkage 270' is selectively locked and unlocked by the recliner assemblies 284, 286 at one pivot.

[0055] The operation of the seat assembly 10' is described below in reference to Figures 14- 16. As described above, the seatback 14' is free-standing and pivotably connected to the cushion frame 20' with conventional recliner assemblies 284, 286. The kinematic linkage 270' locks with the recliner assemblies 284, 286 at one pivot. The seat assembly 10' has a common leg retraction and rotation in both the stadium position (Figure 16) and the fold and kneelposition (Figure 15). The rigid link 216' is sized and shaped to conform to the vehicle BIW. The seat assembly 10' is repositionable between the use position (Figure 15), the fold and kneel position (Figure 15), and the stadium position (Figure 16) in a similar manner as described above with the seat assembly 10 of the first embodiment. It will be appreciated that the seat assembly 10' might include a secondary locking mechanism (not shown), which retains the seat assembly 10' in the stadium position (Figure 16) until the occupant releases the secondary locking mechanism (not shown). Depicted in Figure 14, while the seat assembly 10' is in the use position, the seatback 14' is pivotable in the forward direction (arrow 280') towards an upright seating position (shown as seatback 14A') and pivotable in the rearward direction (arrow 192') towards a reclined seating position (shown as seatback 14B') in response to the occupant actuating one of the handles 150'. 152' (arrow 282'), which in turn unlocks the recliner assemblies 284, 286 and allows the seatback 14' to be pivoted relative to the seat cushion 16'. It will be appreciated that pivoting the seatback 14' towards the upright seating position 14A' and towards the reclined seating position 14B' also causes the back brackets 56', 57' to pivot about the back pivots 82', 84', which in turn causes the cushion frame 20' and the front leg 194' to be repositioned due to the kinematic linkage 270'. However, the movement within the kinematic linkage 270' as the seatback 14' is repositioned between the upright seating position 14A' and the reclined seating position 14B' is insufficient to cause the seat assembly 10' to be repositioned to the fold and kneel position (Figure 15). Further, the recliner assemblies 284, 286 automatically relock after the handles 150', 152' are released (i.e., returned to the unactuated condition) and the seatback 14' is pivotally aligned with an available locking position within the recliner assemblies 284, 286. It will be appreciated that the seat assembly 10' is repositioned to the fold and kneel position (Figure 15) from the use position (Figure 14) by pivoting the seatback 14' in the forward direction (arrow 280') past the upright seating position 14A' and past a vertical position, as described above.

[0056] As discussed above, the seat assembly 10, 10' of the present invention provides increased seat adjustment capabilities since the seat assembly 10, 10' is repositionable between a use position, a fold and kneel position adjacent to the vehicle floor 17, 17', and a stadium position with the seat cushion 16, 16’ pivoted upward adjacent to the seatback 14, 14'. The seat assembly 10' also provides for improved passenger comfort while using the seat assembly 10' since the seatback 14' is optionally adjustable between an upright position 14A' and a reclined position 14B'. Further, the seat assembly 10. 10' includes a kinematic linkage 270, 270' having a single locking pivot which is easily repositionable between the use position, the fold andkneel position adjacent to the vehicle floor 17, 17', and the stadium position. Further, the seat assembly 10. 10' provides maximum storage capacity within the automotive vehicle 12, 12' cabin when the seat assembly 10, 10' is unoccupied by providing a fold and kneel position adjacent to the vehicle floor 17, 17' with a rigid link 216, 216' which is sized and shaped to conform to the vehicle BIW.

[0057] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle, the seat assembly comprising: a seat cushion; a mounting bracket fixedly attached to an interior of a vehicle; a seatback pivotably connected to the mounting bracket and pivotable between an upright position and a folded position overlaying the seat cushion; a locking mechanism pivotably coupling the seatback to the seat cushion, wherein the seatback and the seat cushion are pivotable relative to each other while the locking mechanism is in an unlocked condition and the locking mechanism prevents pivoting of the seatback and the seat cushion relative to each other while in a locked condition; a front leg pivotably connected to the seat cushion for supporting the seat cushion above a floor of the automotive vehicle; and a rigid link pivotably connected to the front leg and pivotably connected to the mounting bracket.

2. The seat assembly as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: a leg attachment fixedly attached to the floor of the automotive vehicle for releasably coupling with the front leg; wherein the front leg is pivotable between an extended position and a retracted position adjacent to the floor of the automotive vehicle while the front leg is releasably coupled to the leg attachment and the locking mechanism is in the unlocked condition; and wherein the locking mechanism prevents the front leg from pivoting between the extended position and the retracted position while the locking mechanism is in the locked condition and the front leg is releasably coupled with the leg attachment.

3. The seat assembly as set forth in claim 2, further comprising: a cushion frame supporting the seat cushion; a back frame supporting the seatback; a cross tube fixedly attached to the mounting bracket and extending in a lateral direction; a link pivot pivotably coupling the rigid link to the cross tube; a center pivot pivotably coupling the rigid link to the front leg; and a leg pivot pivotably coupling the front leg to the cushion frame; wherein the link pivot, the center pivot, and the leg pivot are free pivots; andwherein the back frame is pivotably coupled to the cushion frame by the locking mechanism.

4. The seat assembly as set forth in claim 3, further comprising: a back bracket fixedly attached to the back frame and pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket; wherein the locking mechanism is pivotably coupled between the cushion frame and the back bracket.

5. The seat assembly as set forth in any one of claim 2 through 4, wherein: the leg attachment further comprises a U-shaped clip for releasably coupling with the front leg.

6. The seat assembly as set forth in any one of claim 2 to 5, wherein: the front leg is spring biased towards the extended position.

7. The seat assembly as set forth in any one of claims 2 through 6, wherein: the seat assembly is repositionable between a use position with the seat cushion raised above the floor of the vehicle and the seatback in the upright position, a fold and kneel position with the seat cushion adjacent to the floor of the vehicle with the seatback in the folded position overlaying the seat cushion, and a stadium position with the seatback in the upright position and the seat cushion rotated upward adjacent to the seatback.

8. The seat assembly as set forth in claim 7, wherein: the front leg is the retracted position in both the stadium position and the fold and kneel position.

9. The seat assembly as set forth in any one of claim 1 to 8, wherein: the rigid link is sized and shaped to extend along the floor of the vehicle.

10. The seat assembly as set forth in any one of claim 1 through 9, further comprising: a handle operatively coupled to the locking mechanism; wherein the locking mechanism is spring biased towards the locked condition; and wherein actuating the handle causes the locking mechanism to be unlocked.

11. The seat assembly as set forth in any one of claim 1 through 10, wherein:the locking mechanism includes a recliner assembly having a first locking position corresponding to the use position with the seatback spaced apart from the seat cushion in a rotational direction and a second locking position corresponding to the seatback and the seat cushion being adjacent to each other in the rotational direction; the seatback and the seat cushion are pivotable relative to each other while the recliner assembly is in the unlocked condition; and the recliner assembly prevents the seatback and the seat cushion from pivoting relative to each other while the recliner assembly is in the locked condition.

12. The seat assembly as set forth in any one of claim 1 through 11. wherein: the seatback is freestanding.

13. The seat assembly as set forth in any one of claim 1 through 12, wherein: the seatback is pivotable between the upright position and a reclined position.

14. The seat assembly as set forth in any one of claim 1 through 10, wherein: the locking mechanism includes a disc assembly having a single locking position and spring biased towards the locked condition; and the seatback and the seat cushion are aligned with the single locking position while the seatback and the seat cushion are adjacent to each other in a rotational direction.

15. The seat assembly as set forth in one of claim 1 through 10 and claim 14, wherein: the seatback includes a high latch fixedly attached to the seatback; the automotive vehicle includes a back wall having a striker; the high latch is releasably coupled with the striker while the seatback is in the upright position which prevents pivoting of the seatback relative to the seat cushion while releasably coupled to the striker; and the seatback is pivotable relative to the seat cushion while the high latch is spaced apart from the striker.

Images