Joseph A Hamilton

US Patent:

54560195, Oct 10, 1995

Filed:

Apr 20, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/230477

Inventors:

Robert J. Dowell - Pinckney MI
Joseph A. Hamilton - Westland MI

Assignee:

Lear Seating Corporation

International Classification:

G01B 525

US Classification:

33600

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for measuring the coordinates of a vehicle seat hip pivot axis, or H-point, including a vehicle seat assembly (10) supported on a support structure (30). The support structure (30) having x and z coordinate grid lines and an alignment pick-up bar (82) for aligning the seat (10) along predetermined x and z coordinate grid lines. A seat occupant simulating manikin (32) is positioned on the seat (10) for defining the vehicle seat hip pivot axis. Measuring device (92) for aligning and measuring the hip pivot axis, or H-point, includes a guide (120) fixedly supported at predetermined x,z coordinates on the support structure (30) for guiding a housing member (94) along an x-axis. A telescoping member (96) slidably extends from the housing member (94) along a y-axis and a measuring pointer (108) extends from the telescoping member (96) along a z-axis to align with and measure the hip pivot axis, or H-point, on the manikin.