US 7,320,501 B2
Remote release actuating system for a seat assembly
Mark R. Keyser, Lake Orion, Mich. (US); and Michele R. Palomba, Romeo, Mich. (US)
Assigned to Lear Corporation, Southfield, Mich. (US)
Filed on Oct. 28, 2004, as Appl. No. 10/904,203.
Prior Publication US 2006/0097560 A1, May 11, 2006
Int. Cl. B60N 2/02 (2006.01); B60N 2/04 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 297—378.12  [296/65.09] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A seat assembly for a vehicle, the assembly including:
a seat back that is moveable through an arcuate range about an axis, the seat back being moveable between a design position in which it may support an occupant and a full fold flat position;
one or more seat back latches that are operatively connected to the seat assembly for releasably securing the seat back in the design position;
a seat cushion that supports the seat back, the seat cushion having a rearward portion that cooperates with the seat back, the seat cushion having one or more associated floor latches located proximate a rear portion of the seat, the seat cushion having a forward portion that is pivotally attached to the floor so that the seat cushion and seat back may tumble forwardly when the seat back latches are disengaged, the seat back lies in the full fold flat position and the floor latches are disengaged to facilitate occupant ingress and egress in relation to the vehicle; and
a release system associated with the one or more seat back and floor latches for releasing the one or more seat back and floor latches, the release system including one or more activators for closing an electrical circuit, at least some of the one or more activators being selected from the group consisting of a button, a toggle switch and a wireless remote key fob, the one or more activators being positioned at a location selected from the group consisting of an overhead console, a front row headliner, and a C-pillar of the vehicle.