Lear Siegler, Inc.

Walter Lyszczarz

Dennis H Heling

Randall T Murphy

Russell F Chekirda

Frank J Sposite

A latch mechanism (24) disclosed secures a vehicle seat (10) in a seating position and is selectively releasable to permit movement of cushion, back, and auxliary components (14, 16, 18) on a support linkage (20) to a bed position. The latch mechanism includes a first latch (26) having a latched position for securing the cushion and back components (14, 16) in the seating position. A second latch (28) of the mechanism has a latched position for securing the auxiliary component (18) in a vertical seating position at the rear of the back component. A pair of the first latches are preferably provided at opposite lateral sides of the seat with the second latch therebetween and are releasable in coordination therewith by an actuator (30) of the mechanism to permit unlatching that allows the seat movement to the bed position. A laterally extending connector shaft (96) of the actuator coordinates the releasing of the latches and is pivotally moved by a pedal-actuated member through a pair of cams.

Latch mechanism for vehicle seat convertible to bed

A vehicle seat support assembly including an overcenter locking mechanism with a flexible metallic band wrapped about a floor mounted support tube and connected to a seat support frame pivotal on the tube such that tensioning of the band in an overcenter manner selectively prevents pivotal seat frame movement. A locking member of the mechanism is pivotally supported on the frame for rotation about a first axis and pivotally supports one end of a link about a movable second axis with another end of the link connected to one end of the band. In a locking position of the mechanism, the ends of the link are overcenter with respect to the first axis to provide the band tensioning and consequent prevention of seat frame pivoting. A curved intermediate portion of the link between its ends extends around a pin that supports the locking member on the frame. One preferred embodiment has its link provided with upper and lower link portions between which the other end of the band extends for connection to the seat frame, and a tensioner is provided for clamping a bight section of the band to provide proper band tension in the locking position. In another preferred embodiment, the link extends through an opening in the other band end and is connected to the seat frame by a tensioner having a pivotal lever. Both preferred embodiments have a manually actuated handle that moves the locking member and concomitantly moves a cooperable pawl on the seat frame into and out of engagement with the support tube. A mounting and thrust plate construction cooperates with the upper tube end in mounting the seat frame and limiting pivotal seat frame movement.

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Warren, MI, United States of America

Walter Lyszczarz