US 7,469,952 B2
	Low profile seat stowage mechanization
James L. Luttinen, Brighton, Mich. (US); and Anthony A. Bane, Clay Township, Mich. (US)
Assigned to GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit, Mich. (US)
Filed on May 16, 2007, as Appl. No. 11/749,362.
Prior Publication US 2008/0284196 A1, Nov. 20, 2008
Int. Cl. B60N 2/02 (2006.01)

U.S. Cl. 296—68.09  [296/66]

5 Claims

1. A passenger seat assembly comprising: a seatback cushion extending from an upper extent surface to a lower extent surface; a base cushion extending from a forward extent surface to a rearward extent surface; and a translational joint assembly having a rearward portion operatively connecting the seat back cushion for movement with respect to the base cushion and a forward portion operatively connecting the base cushion for movement with respect to the seat back cushion to allow the passenger seat assembly to move between an occupiable and a stowed position; wherein the base cushion moves in a forward and downward direction as the passenger seat assembly transitions into the stowed position and in an upward and rearward direction as the passenger seat assembly transitions into the occupiable position; wherein the translational joint assembly includes: a link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the link being pivotally connected to the seatback cushion, a hinge having a first end and a second end, the first end of the hinge being pivotally connected to the second end of the link, a translational sleeve operatively connected to the second end of the hinge, a translational rod, the translational sleeve being slidably engaged to the translational rod, and a support rod having a first end being pivotally connected to the translational rod, and a second end being pivotally connected to an underside of the base cushion; wherein the translational sleeve translates along a substantial portion of the translational rod when the passenger seat assembly moves between the occupiable and stowed positions.