Seat and seat belt restraint assembly

Abstract

A bench seat has a backrest cushion and a seat cushion, and can convert between a normal use position and a non-use position where the seat cushion is folded flat against the backrest cushion. The bench seat can also be removed completely from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The seat cushion includes a tubular frame member. A seat belt buckle includes a strap which connects to a seat bracket welded to the frame member of the seat cushion. A shank extends from the seat bracket and includes a T-shaped male coupling end. A floor bracket is attached to the vehicle floor and has a female coupling which interlocks with the male coupling when the bench seat is in the use position for establishing a secondary path of restraint directly between the seat belt buckle and the floor to transfer restraint loads directly to the floor in the event the frame member of the bench seat yields under restraint loads imposed during sudden deceleration. This arrangement permits the structural members of the bench seat to be constructed of more easily deflectable materials which are lighter in weight and less costly.