Importance

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Abstract

A latch assembly with an interlock incorporatable into a seat hinge assembly for use in a vehicle connectable to a striker on a vehicle body. The seat hinge assembly includes a lower hinge member, an upper hinge member, a first latching mechanism, second latching mechanism, and an interlock operatively coupled to the first and second latching mechanisms. The first latching mechanism is operable in a latched mode to couple the lower hinge member to a striker and in an unlatched mode to allow movement of the lower hinge member relative to the striker. The second latching mechanism is operable in a locked mode for securing the upper hinge members in a fixed position relative to the lower hinge member and in an unlocked mode to allow movement of the upper hinge member relative to the lower hinge member. The interlock is operable in a disabling mode when the first latching mechanism is in its unlatched mode and in an enabling mode when the first latching mechanism is in its latched mode. In its disabling mode the interlock prevents movement of the second latching mechanism from its unlocked mode to its locked mode. Conversely, when in its enabling mode, the interlock allows movement of the second latching mechanism from its unlocked mode to its locked mode.

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First Claim