Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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EASILY HANDLED MOVABLE VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vehicle seat assembly for use in a motor
vehicle and
more particularly to seat assemblies of the type utilized in vans, sports
vehicles and
the like.
Background of the Invention
The nature of vans, sports utility vehicles and the other vehicles similar
thereto is that
it is frequently desirable for the user to convert the space within the back
of the
vehicle from a seat accommodating space to a cargo accommodating space. This
situation arises more often in vans than in most other types of motor vehicles
meant
primarily as a transportation vehicle due to the suitability of vans for the
transport of
cargo. In order to convert the seat accommodating space into a cargo
accommodating
space it becomes necessary to handle the seat assembly.
An important factor concerning the ease of handling the seat assembly is its
weight.
Weight reduction, however, cannot be achieved by sacrificing the strength of
the seat
to adequately protect the occupant in an emergency situation. There exists a
need to
provide a seat assembly which will more effectively balance the ease of
handling by
weight reduction and the need to provide sufficient strength to protect the
occupant.
One prior art reference, U.S. Pat. No. 2,582,687, proposes a manner for
mounting a
vehicle seat for movement to a storage position within the interior of the
vehicle. The
'687 patent discloses a motor vehicle having a seat assembly in the rear
compartment
thereof which is moveable from an operative position wherein it can receive
occupants seated thereon and a storage position wherein both the seat back
assembly
and the seat cushion assembly are unfolded in an extended manner and supported
alongside the roof of the vehicle. The seat back assembly and the seat cushion
assembly of the '687 patent are slidably mounted on a set of guide tracks
which allow
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the seat assembly to slide upward along the rear wall of the vehicle to an
unfolded
position alongside the roof. Such a manner of mounting, however, does not
provide a
desirable balance between weight and strength.
Summary of the Invention
It is therefore an object of the present invention to satisfy the need
expressed above.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, this objective is
obtained
by providing a vehicle seat assembly which achieves such desirable advantages.
The
present invention is a vehicle seat assembly for use in a motor vehicle having
an
interior space defined by structure including a bottom floor, transversely
spaced side
walls, and an upper roof defining an interior space therein within which the
vehicle
seat assembly can be mounted. The vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat
cushion
assembly having a seat cushion frame structure. The seat cushion assembly is
constructed and arranged to be mounted within the interior space of the motor
vehicle
in an operative position wherein an occupant can be seated thereon. A seat
back
assembly has a lightweight seat back frame structure. The seat back assembly
is
constructed and arranged to be mounted within the interior space of the motor
vehicle
in an operative position to support the back of an occupant seated on the seat
cushion
assembly.
The seat back frame structure includes elongated transversely spaced frame
members
constructed and arranged to be connected with the interior structure of the
motor
vehicle at upper portions thereof and extend downwardly therefrom when the
seat
back assembly is in the operative position thereof. The seat back frame
structure is
associated with the seat cushion frame structure to form a cushion associated
seat
frame structure disposed below upper portions of said transversely spaced
frame
members when the seat cushion assembly and seat back assembly are in the
operative
positions thereof.
The cushion associated seat frame structure is constructed and arranged to be
connected with and extend between lower portions of the side walls of the
motor
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vehicle when said seat cushion assembly and seat back assembly are in the
respective
operative positions thereof. The cushion associated frame structure is also
constructed
and arranged so that force applied thereto by an occupant during conditions of
sudden
acceleration or deceleration are resisted by the cushion associated frame
structure by
virtue of the connection thereof with the side walls of the motor vehicle.
In such a seat assembly according to the principles of the present invention,
it is
preferable that the seat cushion assembly and seat back assembly are disposed
in
spaced vertical relation to the floor of the motor vehicle when in the
respective
operative positions thereof. To ensure that the forces applied to the seat
assembly are
transmitted to the side walls of the vehicle without unnecessarily increasing
the
weight of the cushion associated frame structure, the cushion associated frame
structure includes an elongated tensile structure constructed and arranged to
be
connected with and extend between the side walls of the motor vehicle when the
seat
cushion assembly and seat back assembly are in the respective operative
positions
thereof The cushion associated frame structure is constructed andarranged such
that
force applied to the cushion associated frame structure caused by an occupant
during
conditions of sudden acceleration or deceleration results in bending of the
cushion
associated frame structure within the elastic limit of the material thereof
The tensile
structure is constructed and arranged such that the aforesaid bending of the
cushion
associated frame structure applies tension to the tensile structure when
connected
between the side walls of the motor vehicle to thereby resist further bending
of the
cushion associated frame structure caused by the occupant during condition of
sudden
acceleration or deceleration.
The broadest aspects of the present invention may be used in various kinds of
vehicle
seat assemblies. For example, the principles of the present invention may be
used in
the seat assembly which can be removed or rolled out of the rear of the van,
an
example of which is disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 60/067,497, the entirety of which is hereby
incorporated into
the present application by reference.
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It is preferable that the vehicle seat assembly of the present invention can
be
manipulated so that the seat cushion assembly and seat back assembly can be
stored in
storage positions within the interior of the vehicle. It is an objective of
the present
invention to provide a seat assembly embodying the broad principles of the
present
invention described above wherein the seat cushion assembly is moveably
mounted to
the seat back assembly such that the seat cushion assembly can be moved when
the
seat back assembly is in the operative position thereof to a folded position
with
respect to the seat back assembly wherein the seat cushion assembly is
disposed
alongside the seat back assembly.
The transversely spaced frame members of the seat back frame structure are
constructed and arranged to be pivotally attached to the interior structure of
the motor
vehicle at the upper portions thereof such that the seat cushion assembly can
be
moved to the folded position thereof alongside the seat back assembly and
thereafter
the seat back assembly together with the seat cushion assembly can be swung
upwards to be retained in respective storage positions wherein the seat
cushion
assembly and seat back assembly are disposed alongside the roof of the motor
vehicle
in vertically spaced relation to the floor of the motor vehicle.
Preferably, the cushion associated frame structure is constructed and arranged
to
establish a connection with the side walls of the motor vehicle as the seat
cushion
assembly is moved from the folded position thereof to the operative position
thereof
after the seat back assembly has been swung downwards to the operative
position
thereof to thereby retain the seat cushion assembly and seat back assembly in
the
respective operative positions thereof.
Additionally, a yieldable cushion supporting structure may be provided which
is
configured to be connected between the transversely spaced frame members of
the
seat back frame structure and the interior structure of the motor vehicle. The
yieldable
cushion supporting structure is constructed and arranged such that (1) the
yieldable
cushion supporting structure can yieldingly support the seat cushion assembly
and
seat back assembly in the respective releasable storage positions thereof
alongside the
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roof of the motor vehicle after the seat cushion assembly and seat back
assembly have
been released and (2) the yieldable cushion support structure can control
downward
movement of the seat cushion assembly and seat back assembly as they are being
swung downwardly from the respective storage positions thereof.
It is further contemplated that the broadest principles of the present
invention may be
applicable to vehicle seat assemblies in which the seat cushion assembly is
stored
within the floor of the motor vehicle and the seat back assembly is stored
alongside
the roof, rather than storing both seat cushion assembly and seat back
assembly
alongside the roof.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction
with
the following drawings wherein like numerals represent like elements, and
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the inner rear of a van
vehicle with
a vehicle seat assembly embodying the principles of the present invention
mounted in
an operative position therein;
FIG. 2 is a profile view of the van vehicle in vertical section showing the
seat
assembly in its operative position in solid lines, the seat cushion assembly
in its seat
cushion storage position in phantom lines, and the roof storage position of
the entire
seat assembly being shown in dotted lines;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 showing the seat assembly in
its roof
storage position;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of the seat assembly shown
in
FIG.1;
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FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view showing an end portion of the
main
cross frame member of the frame assembly;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the latch assembly for the
seat
assembly showing the position of the components of the latching mechanism just
prior to being moved into latched relation;
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the same in locked position with
the
releasing position shown in dotted lines;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rear of a passenger van with a second
embodiment
seat assembly according to the principles of the present invention inside;
FIG. 9 is a sectional profile view of the van illustrating the seat assembly
in an
operative position and in a stored position;
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the inside of the van depicting
the seat
assembly in the operative position;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a seat frame assembly of the seat assembly;
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of the inside of the passenger van
with the
seat assembly in a ceiling storing position;
FIG. 13 is a side plan view of a tubular load carrying bracket;
FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the load carrying bracket shown in FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a side view of the seat frame assembly shown in FIG. 11 with a
lower seat
frame assembly shown in FIG. 11 folded up to a seat back frame assembly;
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FIG. 16 is a side view of the seat frame assembly shown in FIG. 11 in the
operative
position;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative construction of a pin
receiving
structure disposed on the side wall of the motor vehicle;
FIG. 18 is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternative construction for
pivotally
connecting the seat cushion assembly to the seat back assembly; and
FIGS. 19A and 19B are fragmentary views of the upper portion of the interior
of the
vehicle having a vehicle condition actuated locking structure mounted thereon.
Detailed Description Of The First Embodiment Shown In The Drawings
Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a
fragmentary view of the interior rear end of a van vehicle 10 having an
interior
structure including a lower floor, an upper roof, and transversely spaced
sidewalls
defining an interior space within which a vehicle seat assembly, generally
indicated at
12, constructed in accordance with the principles of present invention is
mounted in
an operative position in spaced relation above the floor of the vehicle. The
seat
assembly 12 is made up of two sub-assemblies; namely, a seat cushion assembly,
generally indicated at 14, and a seat back assembly, generally indicated at
16.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the seat cushion
assembly
14 and seat back assembly 16 are pivotally interrelated to one another so that
the seat
cushion assembly 14 is capable of being pivoted about a transverse horizontal
axis
from a seat cushion operative position into an intermediate or folded position
alongside the seat back assembly 16 so that a seating surface of the seat
cushion
assembly 14 is disposed alongside and facing a back supporting surface of the
seat
back assembly 16.
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Also in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the seat back
assembly 16 is mounted in the vehicle 10 for swinging movement from (1) a seat
back
operative position in which the seat back assembly 16 extends downwardly with
respect to the roof of the motor vehicle such that the seat cushion assembly
14 can be
moved to its seat cushion operative position and (2) a storage position
wherein the
seat cushion assembly 14 is pivoted into its folded position alongside the
seat back
assembly 16 and both are swung upwardly into storage positions alongside the
roof of
the vehicle. The operative position is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in solid lines
and the
storage positions are shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2 and in solid lines in
FIG. 3. As
can be seen in the Figures, the bottom surface of the seat cushion assembly 14
is
preferably disposed adjacent to the roof when the seat back assembly 16 is
swung up
into the roof storage position.
In view of the roof-storage position of the seat assembly 12, it is highly
desirable that
the weight of the seat assembly 12 be reduced as much as possible commensurate
with good safety and comfort practices. Moreover, since the seat assembly 12
functions as the rear seat in a van-type vehicle 10, the seat assembly 10 is
sized to
accommodate three occupants in side-by-side relation. It is to be.understood,
however, that the principles of the present invention may be applied to a one
or two
passenger seat. Finally, seat belt assemblies for the three occupants are
contemplated
to be carried by the seat assembly 12 itself.
All of these factors make weight reduction difficult to achieve. To this end,
the seat
assembly 12 includes a lightweight seat back cushion frame assembly, generally
indicated at 18, and a lightweight seat cushion frame assembly, generally
indicated at
20, which is pivotally mounted to the seat back cushion frame assembly 18.
Together,
the seat cushion and seat back cushion frame assemblies 20,18 define a cushion
associated frame structure. As best shown in FIG. 4, the seat back cushion
frame
assembly 18 includes a pair of transversely spaced side frame members 22
connected
to the interior structure of the vehicle at upper portions thereof and
extending
downwardly therefrom when the seat back assembly 16 is in the operative
position
thereof. These side frame members 22 are of tubular construction with the
upper
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portions thereof being pressed together so as to enable the upper extremities
to be
bored to form openings as indicated at 24 in FIG. 4 to receive pivot pins 26.
As shown
in FIG. 2, the pivot pins 26 are mounted on the frame or interior structure of
the
vehicle 10 near or on the roof. The pins 26 go through the openings 24 and
serve to
pivotally mount the seat back frame assembly 18 for swinging movement between
the
operative position and the roof-storage position thereof.
Extending between the mid-portion of the two side frame members 22 is an upper
horizontal frame member 28 which carries a series of tubes 30 for adjustably
receiving a pair of head restraint assemblies 32. Extending between the lower
extremities of the vertical frame members 22 is a lower horizontal frame
member 34,
the ends of which are connected to the lower ends of the side frame members 22
which, in turn, are fixed to a bracket plate 36 which extends forwardly to
receive a
hinge or pivot pin 38.
The seat cushion frame assembly 20 includes tensile structure in the form of a
main
horizontal frame member 40 which is of tubular construction formed of a
suitable
lightweight structural metal and a U-shaped tubular frame member 42 extending
from
opposite ends thereof so as to define an essentially rectangular frame. Fixed
to each
end of the main frame member 40 is a bracket plate 44 which is apertured to
receive
an associated pivot pin 38. In this way, the pivot pins 38 cooperate with the
bracket
plates 36 and 44 to effect the pivotal mounting of the seat cushion assembly
14 to the
seat back assembly 16.
As best shown in FIG. 1, the seat assembly 12 includes for the three occupants
three
separate seat belt assemblies, generally indicated at 46, 48 and 50. The right-
hand seat
belt assembly 46 includes a lap belt 52 which is suitably fixed at one end to
a
connecting member 54 which, in turn, is fixed to the right-hand free leg of
the U-
shaped frame member 42. The opposite end of the lap belt 52 is connected with
one
end of a shoulder belt 56 which extends from a reel assembly 58 carried by the
seat
back frame assembly at a position adjacent the juncture of the right-hand side
frame
member 22 and upper frame member 28. The interconnected lap and shoulder belts
52
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and 56 are provided with a latch element which enters a releasable latch
receiving
assembly 60 fixed to the end of a short belt which is fixed to a connecting
member 62
which, in turn, is fixed to a bracket 64. Bracket 64 is fixed, as by welding
or the like,
to the exterior surface of the main frame 40 at a position spaced from the
adjacent end
thereof.
Similarly, the central or middle belt assembly 48 includes a lap belt 66 which
is fixed
at one end to connecting member 68 which, in turn, is connected to a bracket
70 fixed,
as by welding or the like, to the exterior surface of the main tubular frame
member 40
in spaced relation to the bracket 64. The lap belt 66 has its opposite end
connected
with a shoulder belt 72 which extends over the central portion of the upper
frame
member 28 and downwardly to a reel assembly 74 fixedly carried by the main
tubular
frame member 40. As before, the end of the lap belt 66 at its connection with
the
shoulder belt 72 is provided with a latch element operable to enter a
releasable latch
receiving assembly 75 fixed on a short belt suitably fixed to the connecting
member
64.
Finally, the left-hand seat belt assembly 50 includes a lap belt 76 which is
fixed at one
end to a connecting member 78 which, in turn, is suitably fixed to the left-
hand end
portion of the U-shaped frame member 42. The lap belt 76 has its opposite end
affixed
to the adjacent end of a shoulder belt 80 which extends from a reel assembly
82 fixed
to the upper end of the seat back frame assembly 18 at the juncture between
the upper
frame member 28 and the left hand side frame member 22. As before, the
interconnected ends of the lap belt and shoulder belts 76 and 80 are provided
with a
latch element which enters a releasable latch receiving assembly 83 carried by
a short
belt which is fixed to the connecting member 68. Optionally, the shoulder belt
72 of
the middle belt assembly 48 can be eliminated. From the above, it can be seen
that the
seat belt assemblies 46, 48 and 50 are of conventional reel-type construction
and that
any other conventional type may be utilized so long as the connection with the
seat
assembly 12 is the same.
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In the event of an accident such as a head-on collision, the forward thrust of
the seat
occupants is resisted by the seat belt assemblies 46, 48 and 50. The stress
thus
imposed on the seat belt assemblies is, in turn, transmitted to the main frame
member
40 by the connecting members 54, 62, 68 and 78. The forces transmitted to the
connecting members 62 and 68 will cause the main tubular frame member 40 to
bend
in a forward direction within an elastic limit of the material thereof.
Instead of providing the tensile structure in the form of main frame member 40
with a
thicker wall and the added weight thereof to resist this bending action, a
tensile
element 84 is mounted within the interior of the main frame member 40. As best
shown in FIG. 5, the tensile element 84 is a preferably flexible member in the
form of
a belt having a construction like a seat belt. It will be understood that
other tensile
elements may be utilized such as ropes, chains, cables and the like. The seat
belt
tensile element 84 is preferred because of its strerigth to weight ratio.
Furthermore, it
should be understood that the location of the tensile structure is not limited
to the seat
cushion frame structure 20.
As shown in FIG. 5, the tensile element 84 has its opposite ends connected to
tensile
element mounting structure in the form of eye bolts 86 extending inwardly
through
openings in recessed end caps 88 in the bracket plates 44. The outwardly
extending
end of each eye bolt 86 is threaded to receive a tensile force transmitting
pin in the
form of a nut 90. The two nuts 90 are turned in operative relation with the
eye bolts
86 with a tightness just sufficient to maintain the tensile element 84 taut
under normal
circumstances without any significant pressure being applied thereto. Under a
stress
condition, however, where bending forces are applied to the main tubular frame
member 40, the bending stresses are resisted by the tensile forces which build
up into
the tensile element 84 by virtue of the bending action which is taking place.
This
resistance to the bending action provides the necessary strength to resist the
peak load
conditions with a construction which is considerably less in terms of overall
weight
than would be required in a simple structural member.
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In other words, according to the broadest principles of the present invention
the
cushion associated frame structure 20 is constructed and arranged such that
force
applied to the cushion associated frame structure 20 caused by an occupant
during
conditions of sudden acceleration or deceleration results in bending of the
cushion
associated frame structure 20 within the elastic limit of the material
thereof. The
tensile structure of the present invention is constructed and arranged such
that the
aforesaid bending of the cushion associated frame structure 20 applies tension
to the
tensile structure when connected between the side walls of the vehicle 10 to
thereby
resist further bending of the cushion associated frame structure 20 caused by
the
occupant during conditions of sudden acceleration and deceleration. It is to
be
understood that the tensile element 84 alone could suffice to satisfy the
broad
functional principles of the tensile structure of the present invention.
The seat back assembly 16 includes in conjunction with the seat back frame
assembly
18 a thin foam cushion 92 covered with a suitable cover 93. To enable the foam
cushion 92 and cover 93 to be minimized in bulk and weight, a seat back
suspension
membrane 96 made of a canvas-like material is fixed between the side frame
members 22 and the upper and lower frame members 28 and 34. A pair of spring-
like
elongated stabilizing elements 94 are mounted between the upper and lower
frame
members 28 and 34 to aid in the support of the suspension membrane 96.
Similarly, a
suspension membrane 98 is mounted between the main frame member 40 and the U-
shaped frame member 42 to receive thereon an abbreviated foam cushion 100
suitably
covered by a cover 102. As before, a pair of stabilizing elements may be
provided
between the members 40 and 42 to aid in supporting the suspension membrane 98,
if
desired. Preferably, as best seen in FIG. 2, the seating surface of the seat
cushion
assembly 14 has a contour and the back supporting surface of the seat back
assembly
16 has a contour complementary to the contour of the seating surface such that
the
seat cushion assembly and seat back assembly 14,16 have a reduced vertical
profile
when they are in the storage positions thereof alongside the roof of the motor
vehicle
so that the drivers' rearward vision is not unduly limited.
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Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1, 3, 6 and 7, the seat assembly 12
is
selectively retained in its operative position by means of a pair of pin
receiving
structures 104 fixed to the side walls of the vehicle 10. As is evident from
FIG. 5, the
tensile force transmitting pins in the form of nuts 90 have a knob-like
configuration
and the pin receiving structures 104 are essentially C-shaped so as to receive
both the
knob end as well as the shank of the nuts 90. The pin receiving structures 104
serve to
resist inward movement of the tensile element 84 of the tensile structure when
tension
is applied thereto whereas the retention function is performed by a pair of
latch
assemblies, generally indicated at 106, fixed to opposite sides of the U-
shaped frame
member 42 in depending relation thereto. The latch assemblies 106 serve as
both
operative position retaining structure to retain the seat cushion assembly and
seat back
assembly 14, 16 in their respective operative positions and seat back storage
retaining
structure to retain the seat back assembly 16 in the roof storage position
with the seat
cushion assembly 14 in its seat cushion storage position also alongside the
roof
The latch assemblies 106 are adapted to receive and retain a pair of knob-like
supporting pins 108 fixed to the sides of the vehicle 10 in forwardly spaced
relation to
the nut-receiving structures 104.
As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, each latch assembly 106 includes a mounting
plate
109 suitably fixed to the exterior surface of the associated leg of the U-
shaped frame
member 42 in depending relation. Affixed to each mounting plate 109 at a lower
end
portion thereof is a pivot pin I 10 on which is mounted a latch member 112.
Each
latch member 112 includes a forwardly opening pin-receiving slot 114 which
provides
a downwardly facing pin-engaging surface 116 which extends beyond a lower jaw-
like portion 118 of the latch member 112.
Formed in the rearward face of each latch member 112 is a locking surface 120
which
is adapted to be engaged by a locking member 122 which is pivotally mounted on
the
mounting plate 110 by a pivot pin 124 disposed parallel with the pivot pin
110. A
suitable biasing structure in the form of a tension coil spring 126 is mounted
between
an upper end of each locking member 122 and an upper end of each latch member
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112. In addition, the upper end of each locking member 122 is connected to one
end
of a cable 128 forming a component of a Bowden wire assembly, generally
indicated
at 130. Each Bowden wire assembly 130 includes a flexible tube 132 which
slidably
receives the Bowden wire cable 128 therein. One end of each flexible tube 132
is
suitably fixed to the associated leg of the U-shaped frame member 42, as by a
clip
134. Each flexible tube 132 containing the associated cable 128 extends
beneath the
associated leg of the U-shaped member 42 and has its opposite end fixed to a
mounting plate 136 secured to the rear surface of the main frame member 40 in
depending relation thereto.
As shown in FIG. 4, both Bowden wire assemblies 130 are thus connected in side-
by-
side relation to the mounting plate 136. As best shown in FIG. 3, the cables
128
extending from the flexible tubes 132 are connected to a handle 138. By
pulling the
- handle 138, both cables 128 are moved within. the respective flexible tubes
132 to
effect a movement of the locking members 122 about their pivot pins 124. The
handle
138, the mounting plate 136, and the Bowden wire, assemblies 130 comprise an
actuating assembly.
The seat assembly 12 is moved from the roof storage position into -its
operating
position by swinging the seat assembly 12 downwardly with the seat cushion
assembly 14 folded up against the seat back assembly 16. When the seat
assembly 12
is swung downwardly, the nuts 90 will engage within the nut-receiving
structures 104
and thus stop the rearward pivotal movement about the upper pivot pins 26
extending
through the bores 24.
Next, the seat cushion assembly 14 is pivoted downwardly about the pivot pins
38
with respect to the seat back assembly 16 from its seat cushion storage
position to its
seat cushion operative position. During the latter part of this movement, the
latching
assemblies 106 carried by the seat cushion assembly 14 will be moved into
operative
relation with the support pins 108 carried by the sides of the van vehicle 10.
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FIG. 6 illustrates the position of each latch assembly 106 just prior to the
engagement
of the associated support pin 108. As the seat cushion assembly 14 is moved
further
downwardly, each latch member 112 is pivoted in a counter-clockwise direction,
as
viewed in FIG. 6, causing the spring 126 to extend. Each latch member 112 will
continue to be pivoted until the associated pivot pin 108 engages the
associated
mounting plate 109, at which time the locking members 122 are biased by the
springs
126 to engage within locking surfaces 120 formed in the forward portion of the
latch
members 112. The support pins 108 are thus fixedly retained in the latch
assemblies
106. In this way, the seat assembly 12 is retained in its operating position.
When it is desired to move the seat assembly 12 from its operating position
into its
roof-storage position, the handle 138 is again actuated or pulled outwardly
which,
through the operation of the cables 128, will move the locking members 122
into a
position to release the latch members 112. The springs are then operable to
bias the :
latch members 112 downwardly, which has the effect of lifting the seat cushion
assembly 14 slightly as the latch assemblies 106 assume the position shown in
FIG. 6.
The seat cushion assembly 14 can then be further raised manually into the seat
cushion storage position alongside the seat back assembly 16 and then the
entire seat
assembly 12 can then be manually swung upwardly about the pivot pins 26 to the
roof
' 20 starage position.
As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a nut-receiving structure 140 is provided on
each
side of the vehicle 10 to receive the nuts 90 when the seat assembly 12 has
reached its
roof-storage position. In addition, there are support pins 142 provided
rearwardly of
each nut-receiving structure 140 so that, as the entire seat assembly 12 is
moved
upwardly, the latch assemblies 106 will move from the inoperative position of
FIG. 6
into the latched position of FIG. 7. This movement is much the same as
previously
described so that when the latch assemblies 106 are finally locked, the entire
seat
assembly 12 will be retained in its roof-storage position. When stored in the
storage
position alongside the roof, the latch assemblies 106 operate such that the
seat cushion
assembly 14 and seat back assembly 16 are releasably retained in the storage
position
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so that they can be released therefrom in response to manual operation of the
above-
described actuating assembly, thereby realizing a releasable storage position.
Preferably, the vehicle seat assembly 12 also includes a yieldable cushion
support
structure in the form of a pair of gas struts 150 pivotally connected between
the
transversely spaced side frame members 22 and the interior structure of the
motor
vehicle 10, preferably on portions of the side walls located rearwardly of the
seat
cushion assembly 14 and seat back assembly 16 when in the respective operative
positions thereof. The gas struts 150 are constructed and arranged such that
they can
yieldingly support the seat cushion assembly 14 and seat back assembly 16 in
the
releasably storage positions after the seat cushion assembly 14 and seat back
assembly
16 have been released. The gas struts 150 also serve to control the downward
movement of the seat cushion assembly 14 and seat back assembly 16 as they are
swung downwardly fromthe storage positions alongside the roof of the vehicle
10.
Preferably, the gas struts 150 operate to provide the effect that the seat
cushion
assembly 14 and seat hack assembly 16 hav;, a neutral weight so that swinging
movement thereof requires a minimal amount of effort. Conventional gas struts,
such
as those used to support vehicle gates or hoods, may be used to perform these
functions. It should also be understood that hydraulic struts may be used in
order to
actively raise the seat cushion assembly 14 and seat back assembly 16 to the
storage
positions alongside the roof.
The advantage of the present subject matter is that, when the operator of the
vehicle
10 desires to use the vehicle 10 as a rear end cargo-type vehicle, the seat
assembly 12
can be easily moved from its operative position into a roof-storage position
where the
cargo space provided is maximal.
It is to be understood that various modifications may be made to the
embodiment
described hereinabove consistent with the principles of the present invention.
For
example, the seat cushion assembly 14 may be mounted to the seat back assembly
16
in such a manner that the bottom surface, rather than the seating surface, is
coextensive with the back supporting surface of the seat back assembly 16.
Also, the
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seat back assembly 16 may be stored on the roof the motor vehicle with the
back
supporting surface facing either towards the roof, as described above, or
towards the
floor of the vehicle. Further, the supporting pins 108, 142 may extend
inwardly from
the side walls of the vehicle 10, as described above, or may be fixed to
structures
attached to the floor and roof, respectively, of the vehicle 10.
These variations listed in the above paragraph are provided simply to
illustrate the
various modifications which may be provided within the principles of the
present
invention. Other various modifications and alterations may be made in
accordance
with the scope and spirit of the principles of the present invention embodied
in the
claims appended hereto.
Detailed Description of the Second Embodiment of the Invention
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 8 illustrates a seat assembly, generally
indicated at
210, embodying the principles of the present inventioninside a passenger van,
generally indicated at 212. The seat assembly 210 includes a left seat
assembly 214
and a right seat back assembly 216 which are constructed and arranged to swing
open
from an operating position, generally indicated at 218, to-a deployed
position,
generally indicated at 220. These right and left seat back assemblies 214,216
may also
be referred to as seat back sections. As shown in FIG. 9, the seat assembly
210 is also
constructed and arranged such that a seat cushion assembly 222 pivots to an
intermediate position alongside the seat back assemblies 214, 216 and the
entire seat
assembly 210 swings up to a roof storage position, generally indicated at 224.
A seat
back operative position is realized when both of the seat back assemblies 214,
216 are
in the seat back operating positions thereof.
In view of the ceiling storing position 224 of the seat assembly 210, it is
highly
desirable that the weight of the seat assembly 210 be reduced as much as
possible
commensurate with good safety and comfort practices. Also, it is contemplated
that
seat belt assemblies for the occupants will be carried on the seat assembly
210.
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All of these factors make weight reduction difficult to achieve. To this end,
the seat
assembly 210 includes, referring more particularly to FIG. 11, a lower seat
frame
assembly 226, a right seat back frame assembly 228, and a left seat back frame
assembly 230. The right and left seat back frame assemblies 228, 230 pivot
from the
operative position 218 to the deployed position 220 with respect to the seat
assembly
210. As best shown in FIG. 11, the right and left seat back frame assemblies
228, 230
include a pair of side frame members 232, 234 which are of tubular
construction.
Upper ends of the side frame members 232, 234 are bent at approximately a
right
angle so that each end of the tubular side frame members 232, 234 face
outwardly.
The upper ends of the side frame members 232, 234 are configured to be rotated
on
pivot pins (not shown) located on the interior walls 236 of the van 212 near
the ceiling
as shown in FIG. 9. These pivot pins allow the seat assembly 210 to be swung
from
the operative position 218 to the ceiling storing position 224. It is to be
understood
that the gas struts 150 of the first embodiment may be used to control the
movement
of the cushion assembly in this second embodiment.
Each seat back frame assembly 228, 230 further includes a generally U-shaped
swinging frame.member 240, 242. Cylindrical pivot members 244 are disposed on
the
end of each leg-of the swinging frame members 240, 242. These cylindrical
pivot
members 244 allow the swinging frame members 240, 242 to pivot about the side
frame members 232, 234 in a direction like that indicated by arrow A in FIG.
11,
thereby pivoting the seat back assemblies 214, 216 from the operative position
218 to
the deployed positions 220. When the seat back assemblies 214, 216 are in the
deployed positions thereof, elongated articles of cargo can be disposed in the
vehicle
by laying them across the seating surface of the seat cushion assembly 222 and
between the seat back assemblies 214, 216 in a longitudinal direction of the
vehicle.
Additionally, passage of persons and articles between portions of the vehicle
located
forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle seat assembly 210 is allowed when the
seat
back assemblies are in the deployed positions 220 thereof.
The upper leg of each U-shaped swinging frame member 240, 242 has tubes 251
for
adjustably receiving a pair of head restraint assemblies 245. It is also
contemplated
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that the head restraint assemblies 245 may be fixed directly to the swinging
frame
members 240,242.
A lower seat back frame member 241 having a tubular construction extends
between
the lower ends of each side frame member 232, 234. The lower end of each side
frame
member 232, 234 is fixedly attached to a mounting bracket 239 by bolts,
welding, or
other similar securing means. Each mounting bracket 239 extends downwards and
backwards from the side frame members 232, 234. A tensile structure in the
form of a
main horizontal frame member 246 extends between the two mounting brackets
239.
The mounting brackets 239 are secured to the main horizontal frame member 246
by
tensile force transmitting pins in the form of latch pins 247 disposed on the
ends of
the main horizontal frame member 246. The lower end of each side frame member
232, 234 is also connected to a pivoting bracket 248. The pivoting brackets
248 and
the lower end of eaeh..side frame member 232, 234 are apertured to receive
pivot pins
249. The pivoting brackets 248 are connected to the side frame members 232,
234
with the pivot pins 249 such that each pivoting bracket 248 pivots about the
lower end
of the side frame members 232, 234.
The seat cushion assembly 226 includes a generally U-shaped seat frame member
252
having a tubular construction. The U-shaped seat frame member 252 has a pair
of legs
254, 256 and an end portion 258, 260 of each leg is flattened. A generally
horizontal
rear frame member 243 extends between the end portions 258, 260 of each leg
254,
256. The end portion 258, 260 of each leg 254, 256 is also fixedly engaged to
a
mounting arm 262 of each pivoting bracket 248 by welding. Bolts or other
similar
securing means may also be used to fixedly engage the end portions 258, 260
and the
mounting arms 262. Thus, the seat cushion frame assembly 226 is pivotally
connected
to the seat back frame assemblies 228, 230 by the use of the pivoting brackets
248.
Preferably, the seat back assemblies 214, 216 and the seating areas 223 of the
seat
cushion assembly are angled inwardly to provide more leg room behind the seat
or
seats in front of the seat assembly 210.
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As is best shown in FIG. 10, the seat assembly 210 includes two separate seat
belt
assemblies, generally indicated at 264 and 266. The right seat belt assembly
264
includes a lap belt 268 which is suitably fixed at one end to a connecting
member 270.
The connecting member 270 is connected to the latch pin 247 on the right side
of the
main horizontal frame member 246 inside of the mounting bracket 244. The
opposite
end of the lap belt 268 is connected with one end of a shoulder belt 272 which
extends
from a reel assembly 274. The reel assembly 274 is carried by the right seat
back
frame assembly 214 at a position adjacent the juncture of the right swinging
frame
member 240 and the right side frame member 232. The interconnected lap and
shoulder belts 268, 272 are provided with a latch element (not shown) which
enters a
releasable latch receiving assembly 276 fixed to the end of a short belt which
is fixed
to a connecting member 278. The connecting member 278 is fixed to a belt
bracket
280. The belt bracket 280 is secured to the main horizontal frame member 246
by
welding or other similar securing means at a position spaced from the right
end of the
frame member 246 as best shown in FIG. 10.
The left seat belt assembly 266 includes a lap belt 282 fixed at one end to a
connecting member 284. The connecting member 284 is secured to the latch pin
247
on the left side of the main horizontal frame member 246 inside of the
mounting
bracket 244. The opposite end of the lap belt 282 is connected to one end of a
shoulder belt 285 which extends from a reel assembly 286. The reel assembly
286 is
fixed to the left seat back frame assembly 216 adjacent the juncture between
the left
side frame member 234 and the left swinging frame member 242. As before, the
interconnected shoulder and lap belts 282 and 284 are provided with a latch
element
(not shown) which enters a releasable latch receiving assembly 288. The latch
receiving assembly 288 has a short belt which is suitably fixed to the
connecting
member 290. The connecting member 290 is fixed to a belt bracket 292. The belt
bracket 292 is secured to the main horizontal frame member 246 by welding or
other
similar securing means at a position spaced from the left end of the frame
member
246 as best shown in FIG. 10. Also, it is contemplated that the reel
assemblies 274,
286 of the right and left seat belt assemblies may be secured to the interior
walls 236
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of the van 212 rather than adjacent the junctures of the side frame members
232, 234
and the swinging frame members 240, 242.
As best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the pivoting brackets 248 each have a squab
latch
portion 291 with an engaging arm 292 extending from the bracket 248 and a C-
shaped
nut-engaging slot 294 immediately below the engaging arm 292. FIGS. 13 and 14
illustrate a tubular load carrying bracket 296. A load carrying bracket 296 is
fixed in
the interior of the van body on each side of the van 212 as best shown in FIG.
13.
Each load carrying bracket 296 has a tubular construction with flattened
opposite ends
298, 300, one of which is a wheel house end 298 and the other of which is a D-
pillar
attachment and 300. The wheelhouse end 298 of each load carrying bracket 296
is
curved upwardly to attach to a wheelhouse (not shown) of the van 212. A D-
pillar
attachment end 300 of each load carrying bracket 296 extends outwardly at an
approximately 45 degree angle and has an inwardly facing right angle for
attaching
the load carrying bracket 296 to a D-pillar (not shown) in the body of the van
212. A
center portion 302 of the load carrying bracket 296 extends upwardly at
approximately a 45 degree angle from the wheelhouse end 298 to the D-pillar
attachment end. A seat cushion latch striker 304 adjacent the wheelhouse end
298
extends inwardly from each center portion 302 through the van walls and
extends into
the interior of the van 212.
A squab latch engaging area 306 is attached to each load carrying bracket at
the
juncture of the center portion 302 and the D-pillar attachment end 300. Each
squab
latch engaging area 306 has a downwardly facing squab latch receiving opening
308.
The squab latch receiving openings 308 extend through each van wal1236 and
into
the interior of the van 212. Each squab latch receiving opening 308 is defined
by a
first vertical wall 310 that is parallel to and spaced evenly from the van
walls 236 and
a second vertical wall 312 that extends inwardly from the load carrying
bracket 296
through each van wall 236 and is formed continuously with the first vertical
wall 310.
As best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the seat assembly 210 is swung down
from
the roof storage position 224 and disposed in the operative position 218, the
heads of
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the latch pins 247 of the main horizontal frame member 246 engage latch pin
supports
314 projecting inwardly from each van wall 236. As the lower seat frame
assembly
226 is swung down from the seat cushion storage position shown in FIG. 15 to
the
operative position 218 shown in FIG. 16, each pivoting bracket 248 pivots
about the
side frame members 232, 234 of the seat back frame assemblies 214, 216 and
each
engaging arm 292 of the squab latch portions 291 of the pivoting brackets 248
engages the squab latch receiving openings 308 extending inwardly from the
load
carrying brackets 296. Also, the C-shaped engaging slot 294 of each squab
latch
portion 291 engages the shaft of each latch pin 247. Thus, the squab latch
portions
291 of the pivoting brackets 248 retain the latch pins 247 of the main
horizontal frame
member 246 in an engaged relation with the squab latch engaging areas 306 of
each
tubular load carrying bracket 296.
It is to be understood that the squab latch portions and the tubular load
carrying
members may also be utilized in the seat assembly described in the first
embodiment.
Likewise, it is contemplated that the nut-receiving structures described in
the first
embodiment -of the present invention may be used-in this second embodiment in
place
of the squab latch an tubular load carrying bracket.
In the event of an accident such as a head-on collision, the forward thrust of
the seat
occupants is resisted by the seat belt assemblies 264, 266. The force imposed
on the
seat belt assemblies 264, 266 by the forward thrust of the occupants is
transmitted to
the connecting members 270, 278, 284, 290. The forces transmitted to the
connecting
members 278 and 290 will cause the main horizontal frame member 246 to bend in
a
forward direction. The main frame member 240 functions as a tensile structure
according to the principles of the present invention as described above with
respect to
the first embodiment.
As best shown in FIG. 9, the seat back assemblies 214, 216 include in
conjunction
with the seat back frame assemblies 228, 230 a pair of thin foam cushions 322
covered with suitable covers 324. Preferably the covers 324 are designed to
entirely
cover the seat back assemblies 214, 216 such that the seat back frame
assemblies 228,
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230 are hidden from view. To enable the foam cushions 322 and covers 324 to be
minimized in bulk and weight, a pair of spring-like elongated stabilizing
elements
(not shown) may be mounted vertically between the upper and lower legs of the
U-
shaped swinging frame members 240, 242. A suspension membrane (not shown) may
also be mounted between the left and right legs 254, 256 of the U-shaped frame
member 252 to receive thereon foam cushion 334 suitably covered by a cover
336. As
before, a pair of stabilizing elements (not shown) may be provided between the
legs
254, 256 of the U-shaped frame member 252 to aid in supporting the cushion
334, if
desired. Preferably, the contours of the seating surface of the seat cushion
assembly
complements the contours of the back supporting surfaces of the seat back
portions so
that the cushion assemblies have a reduced vertical profile when in the
storage
position thereof.
Referring now more particularly to FIG. 11, the seat cushion assembly 226 of
the seat
assembly 210 is selectively retained in its operating position by means of a
pair of
latch assemblies, generally indicated at 338, fixed to each leg 2-54, 256 of
the U-
shaped frame member 252. The latch assemblies 338 have a construction similar
to =
the latch assemblies described in the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, Bowden wire assemblies 362 are connected in side-by-side
relation to the mounting plate 368. These Bowden wire assemblies actuate the
latch
assemblies in the manner described above with respect to the first embodiment.
The seat assembly 210 is moved into its operative position 218 by swinging the
seat
assembly 210 down from the ceiling storing position 224 with the seat cushion
assembly 222 folded upwardly against the seat back assembly 214, 216. When the
seat assembly 210 is swung downwardly, the latch pins 247 will engage the
latch pin
supports 314 and thus stop the rearward pivotal movement about the pivot pins
238
located on the ceiling. Next, the seat cushion assembly 222 and pivoting
bracket 248
are pivoted downwardly about the pivot pins 249 with respect to the seat back
assemblies 214, 216. During the latter part of this movement, the latching
assemblies
338 carried by the seat cushion assembly 222 will be moved into operative
relation
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with the seat cushion latch strikers 304 carried by the walls 336 of the van
vehicle
212.
As best shown in FIG. 10, seat cushion latch strikers 370 are provided on the
ceiling
of the van 212 so that, as the entire seat assembly 210 is moved upwardly, the
latch
assemblies 338 will move from the inoperative position thereof into the
latched
position thereof. This movement is much the same as previously described so
that
when the latch assemblies 338 are finally locked, the entire seat assembly 210
will be
retained in its ceiling storage position 224.
Operating position retaining structure and deployed position retaining
structure in the
form of forwardly facing and rearwardly facing deployment latch assemblies
372,
374, respectively, are fixed to the bottom of each seat back assembly 214, 216
adj:acent the center of the seat assembly 210. The deployment latch assemblies
372,
374 are attached to the lower legs of the U-shaped swinging frame members 240,
242
by welding, bolts, or other suitable attachment means. The forwardly facing
latch
assemblies 372 are attached to the U=shaped swinging frame member inwardly
from
the rearwardly facing latch assemblies 374 and each have an opening facing
forward
when the seat back assemblies 214, 216 are in the operative position 218. The
rearwardly facing latch assemblies 374 each have an opening facing the rear of
the
van 212 when the seat back assemblies 214, 216 are in the operating positions
218
thereof.
The forwardly facing and rearwardly facing latch assemblies 372, 374 have a
construction similar to conventional door latches. Examples of such door
latches are
given in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,523,704, 3,697,105, 5,000,495, and 4,929,007 all of
which
are hereby incorporated into the present application by references. It is also
contemplated that a construction such as that of the hood latch disclosed in
U.S. Pat.
No. 4,936,611 could be used, which is hereby incorporated into the present
application by reference.
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Seat back latch strikers 376 are fixed to the seat assembly 210 and the
interior walls
236 of the van 212. The two seat back latch strikers 376 on the seat assembly
210
each have two legs attached to the lower seat back frame member 241, spaced
axially
with respect to the member 241 and extending radially in a vertical direction
therefrom. A striking piece connects the legs of each seat back latch striker
376 on the
seat assembly 210. Likewise, the two seat back latch strikers 376 on the van
walls 236
are fixed to the wall by welding or similar attachment means and each have two
legs
spaced horizontally and extending orthogonally and inwardly with respect to
the van
wall 236 in a horizontal direction. As before, the ends of the legs of each
seat back
latch striker 376 on the van walls 236 are connected by a striking piece. The
strikers
376 are disposed such that when the seat back cushion assemblies 214, 216 are
in the
operative position 218, the strikers 376 on the seat cushion assembly 210
engage the
forwardly facing latch assemblies 372 in a locking relation, thereby securing
the seat
back cushion assemblies 228, 230 in the operative position 218, and when the
seat
back assemblies 214, 216 are in the deployed position 220, the strikers 376 on
the van
walls 236 engage the rearwardly facing latch assemblies 374,-thereby securing
the
seat back cushion assemblies 228, 230 in the deployed position 220.
An actuating handle 378 is disposed on the inside side of each seat back
assembly
214, 216. The actuating handles 378 are pivotally mounted in the brackets 380
which
are fixedly attached to the inside members of the U-shaped swinging frame
members
240, 242 adjacent the latch assemblies 372, 374. The actuating handles 378 are
accessible through apertures 382 in the covers 324 covering the seat back
assemblies
214, 216. Each actuating handle 378 is operatively connected to a
corresponding
forwardly facing latch assembly 372 and a corresponding rearwardly facing
latch
assembly 374 by Bowden wires (not shown) or other conventional means capable
of
transmitting movement such that manually operating the actuating handles 378
actuates the forwardly facing latch assemblies 372 and the rearwardly facing
latch
assemblies 374 and disengages the latch assemblies 372 from the strikers 376.
It is also contemplated that the seat back assemblies 214, 216 may be spaced
immediately adjacent to each other in the operative position 218. Therefore,
it is
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contemplated that the actuating handles 378 would be located at a position
accessible
from both the operative position 218 and the deployed position 220, such as on
the top
or bottom of each seat back assembly 214, 216. Also, two handles on each seat
back
assembly 214, 216 may be used to promote such accessibility.
Thus, to move the seat back assemblies 214, 216 from the operative position
218 to
the deployed position 220, the actuating handles 378 are manually operated,
thereby
disengaging the forwardly facing latch assemblies 372 from the strikers 376 on
the
seat assembly 210, and the seat back assemblies 214, 216 are pivoted backward
about
the side frame members 232, 234. As the seat back assemblies 214, 216 reach
the
deployed position 220, the rearwardly facing latch assemblies 374 engage the
strikers
376 on the van walls 236 in a locking relation, thereby securing the seat back
assemblies 214, 216 in the deployed position 220. Likewise, to move the seat
back
-- assemblies 214, 216 from the deployed position 220 to the operative-
position 218, the
actuating handles 378 are manually operated, thereby disengaging the
rearwardly
facing latch assemblies 374 from the strikers 376 on the van walls:236, and
the seat
back assemblies 214, 216 are pivoted forward about the side frame members 232,
234. As the seat back assemblies 214, 216 reach the operative position 218,
the
forwardly facing latch assemblies 372 engage the strikers 376 on the seat
assembly
210 in a locking relation, thereby securing the seat back assemblies 214, 216
in the
operating position 218.
FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative pin receiving structure, generally
indicated at 400,
which can be mounted to the side walls of the motor vehicle so as to receive
the
tensile force transmitting pins of any vehicle seat assembly embodying the
broad
principles of the present invention when the seat assembly is mounted within
the
interior space of the vehicle. Preferably, this alternative pin receiving
structure 400 is
to be used in conjunction with vehicle seat assemblies in which at least the
seat back
assembly thereof can be swung upwardly to a storage position alongside the
roof of
the vehicle.
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The alternative pin receiving structure 400 is constructed and arranged to be
mounted
on the side walls of the vehicle by welding or other suitable means at any
suitable
location capable of carrying the loads applied thereto. An arcuate pin
receiving slot
402 is formed therein to receive the tensile load transmitting pins of the
seat cushion
assembly when the cushion assemblies thereof are in the operative positions
thereof.
It is to be understood that the curvature of the pin receiving slot 402 need
not be the
same as the travel of the tensile load transmitting pins. By varying the
curvature of the
slot 402, the seat back assembly can be urged downwardly so as to create
tension in
the seat back frame structure and the transversely spaced side members to
thereby
obtain a more rigid mounting.
The pin receiving structure optionally may have a pin hole 404 which is
designed to
receive a spring biased pin, shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B and indicated at 430,
mounted- on the cushion associated frame structure to provide further
resistance
against fore and aft movement of cushion assemblies. In order to move the
cushion
assernbiies from the operative positions thereof, the spring biased pins are
moved out
of engagement with-the pin holes 404. It is contemplated that these spring
biased pins
may be operated either by the actuating assembly having Bowden wire assemblies
described above with respect to either of the two embodiments or by use of a
solenoid
which actuates the pins responsive to certain operating conditions of the
vehicle.
FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative construction for pivotally connecting the
seat cushion
frame structure 406 to the seat back frame structure 408. The seat cushion
frame
structure 406 has a tensile structure in the form of a main frame member 400
extending transversely across a rear portion thereof. The tensile structure
performs the
same function as those described above and has a similar construction.
However, the
tensile load transmitting pins in the form of nuts 412 are mounted off center
with
respect to the main frame member 410 so that the nuts are below the central,
longitudinal axis of the frame member 410 when the cushion assemblies are in
the
operative positions thereof. The tensile element is still mounted within the
frame
member 410 along the central longitudinal axis thereof on tensile element
mounting
structures like those tensile elements described above. To ensure transmission
of the
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tensile forces built-up in the tensile element, the tensile element is
operatively
communicated with the tensile force transmitting pins by virtue of the bracket
414
which pivotally connects the seat cushion frame structure 406 to the seat back
frame
structure 408, thereby connecting the tensile force transmitting pins in force
transmitting relation with the tensile element mounting structures.
A pin slot 416 is formed in the lower portion of the bracket 414 associated
with the
seat back frame structure 408. This pin slot 4161imits the movement of the
seat
cushion assembly beyond the operative position thereof by engaging the nuts
412.
It is to be understood that the latch assemblies mounted on the seat cushion
frame
structures in the previously discussed embodiments may be replaced by strikers
418
as shown in FIG. 18. These strikers 418 may be engaged by latches (not shown)
mounted on the side walls of the motor vehicle or may simply rest on engaging
portions (not shown) on the side walls of the vehicle. Removing the latch
assemblies
from the frame structure is advantagecrus in that it reduces the weight of the
seat
assernbly.
Additionally, a vehicle operating condition locking structure; illustrated in
FIG. 19A
and 19B and generally indicated at 420, may be used to retain the cushion
assemblies
in the storage positions thereof alongside the roof. The locking structure 420
is in the
form of a solenoid 422 operatively communicated to the ignition of the vehicle
and a
Y-shaped engaging element 424. The locking structures 420 are disposed
rearwardly
and below the nut-receiving structure 140, illustrated in the first embodiment
described above, and on the side wall surface 426 facing away from the
interior of the
vehicle so that they are adjacent a pin receiving hole 428 adapted to receive
the
aforementioned spring-biased pins 430. The pin receiving holes 428 are
configured to
support the cushion assemblies in the storage positions thereof alongside the
roof
when the spring-biased pins are inserted therein.
The solenoid 422 senses a vehicle operating condition by being communicated to
the
ignition of the vehicle so that when it senses that the engine is running, the
Y-shaped
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engaging element will be moved outwardly therefrom to engage the retractable
pins
430, thereby preventing the retractable pins mounted on the cushion associated
frame
structure from being withdrawn from the pin receiving holes 428, thereby
preventing
the cushion assemblies from swinging downwardly during vehicle operation.
Also, an
annular groove 432 is preferably formed on each of the pins 430 to facilitate
engagement of the Y-shaped engaging element 424 therewith. It is also
contemplated
that the solenoid may be communicated with the transmission rather than the
ignition
so that the Y-engaging element 424 is moved outwardly from the solenoid when
the
transmission is shifted from a neutral gear to a forward or reverse gear. It
is to be
understood that the construction and operation of the locking structure 420
may be
use in conjunction with any vehicle seat assembly in which at least a cushion
assembly thereof is movable to a storage position alongside the roof of the
vehicle.
- 4t will be thus seen that the objects of the present invention have been
Ailly and
effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that the foregoing
preferred
specific embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of
illustrating -
the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is
subject to
change without departure from such principles. Therefore the present invention
includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the
following
claims.
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