MXPA00008878A - A retractable automotive seat assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A retractable automotive seat assembly (10) having a seat back and a seat cushion. The seat assembly is moveable within an interior of a passenger vehicle (12) between an operative position for supporting an occupant and a stowed position with the seat back stored against a headliner of the vehicle and the seat cushion recessed within a floor (22) of the vehicle. The seat back is pivotally mounted to the headliner of the vehicle. A pair of upper retaining latches are mounted to a side wall of the vehicle for securing the seat back in a roof (28) storing position disposed above the seat cushion and adjacent the headliner. A pair of lower retaining latches (24, 30) are mounted to the side wall of the vehicle below the upper retaining latches (30) for securing the seat back in a seat back operative position abutting at least a portion of the seat cushion. A pair of seat cushion brackets are mounted to the seat cushion for supporting and pivoting the seat cushion independently from the seat back between a seat cushion operative position and a floor (22) storing position with the seat cushion pivoting downwardly into a cavity recessed within the floor (22) of the vehicle. The seat cushion also includes a pair of seat cushion retaining latches for securing the seat cushion in the seat cushion operative position.

Description

ASSEMBLY OF AUTOMOTIVE SEAT RE RAIBLE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an automotive seat assembly that is retractable and stored within an interior space of a passenger vehicle.

Description of the Prior Art Removable seat assemblies for automotive vehicles and the like are well known in the art. As can be seen, the space for loading in a rear compartment of the vehicle can be maximized by removing the seat assembly. The removable seat is typically a third row seat which is removed from the vehicle through a rear opening in the vehicle. The removable seats of the prior art have four securing points that secure the seat to the floor of the vehicle. The securing points are usually pin assemblies mounted to a seat lifter in the seat assembly, which is secured in a cavity for the key that is REF.:122941 found on the floor. Some removable seats include wheels or rollers to assist in the removal of the vehicle seat. These removable seat assemblies of the prior art work relatively well when constraints of weight and / or space are not a first necessity. The first deficiencies with these seat assemblies are related to the size and weight of the seats. These removable seats can weigh up to 68 kilograms (150 pounds), which can create great difficulty in removing the seat from the vehicle. In addition, keyholes create a cavity within the floor which can cause a number of problems for a user of the vehicle. One solution contemplated by the prior art is to have a retractable seat assembly which stores the entire seat within a cavity in the floor of a vehicle. There are a number of deficiencies with these known retractable seats, one such deficiency being that the seat assembly must include a relatively complicated retraction mechanism for moving the seat assembly between a sitting position and a retracted position. In addition, the cavity inside the floor must be of considerable depth and size to accommodate the entire seat assembly together with the retraction mechanism. Finally, these retractable prior art seats typically have thin, uncomfortable and unattractive seating surfaces. Another solution is illustrated in French Patent No. 2 748 241 which houses or stores a portion of the seat back of a seat assembly, in a cavity that was previously filled by a seat cushion. The seat cushion is first rotated forward towards a vertical housed position. This prior art solution does not completely hide both portions of the cushion and backrest within the vehicle. In addition, when the seat assembly is in the concealed, ie concealed, position, an undesired number of openings are formed between the back of the folded seat and the upset seat cushion. Another contemplated solution is to have the seat back portion of the seat assembly concealed against a rear window or on the roof of the vehicle with the seat cushion remaining stationary or lying forward in a vertical position. These known retractable seats are also susceptible to a number of deficiencies such as lacking adequate retention pins to ensure that the backrest and seat cushion are not completely concealed within the vehicle. European Patent No. 0 736 411 describes a rear seat assembly that can be manipulated and moved from a sitting position to a storage position. The seat cushion and back rest remain together when in the hidden position, so that the seat assembly creates a continuous wall between a passenger compartment of the vehicle and a rear storage compartment. The seat assembly remains in this position hidden by means of L-shaped brackets that interact with a pair of keys extending from the seat cushion. This prior art design is also susceptible to similar deficiencies, as well as the other solutions considered summarized above. Specifically, the backrest and seat cushion are not stored or hidden separately within the vehicle, when in the stored or stored position. In addition, there are no retention pins to secure the seat cushion and backrest in the stored or stored position.

Brief Description of the Invention A retractable automotive seat assembly within the interior of a vehicle. The seat assembly comprises a seat cushion and a seat back which can rotate between an operative position of the seat backrest with at least a portion of the back of the seat bordering the seat cushion and a storage position on the roof with the backrest of the seat placed above the seat cushion. At least one upper retaining pin is adapted to be mounted to the interior of the vehicle, to secure the backrest of the seat in the storage position on the roof arranged above the seat cushion. At least one lower retaining pin is adapted to be mounted to the interior of the vehicle below the upper retaining pin, to secure the backrest of the seat in the operating position of the backrest of the boundary seat with at least a portion of the seat cushion. More specifically, the retractable automotive seat assembly can be moved within the interior of the vehicle between an operative position to support an occupant, and a partially housed position stored against an awning or roof of a vehicle and partially recessed within the floor of a vehicle. vehicle. The seat backrest is adapted to be rotatably mounted inside the vehicle for movement between the operating position of the seat backrest and the storage position on the roof, with the backrest of the seat positioned above the seat cushion adjacent to the seat. to the roof. At least one seat cushion bracket is mounted to the seat cushion to support and rotate the seat cushion independently of the seat back, between an operative position of the seat cushion with at least one seat cushion portion bordering the seatback of the seat when the backrest of the seat is in the operative position of the backrest of the seat and a storage position on the floor, which is a recessed part or cavity of the seat cushion • that rotates downwardly within the floor of the vehicle. Accordingly, the present invention incorporates a fully retractable seat assembly, wherein the seat backrest is secured in both positions, i.e. when the seat is stowed and when it is ready to be used for sitting, and the seat cushion It is independently stored inside a cavity in the floor of the vehicle. The present seat assembly maximizes the cargo space available in the vehicle, without having to remove the full feel assembly from the vehicle. The firm and light construction of the seat assembly allows easy and safe storage of the seat assembly while providing it with good safety practices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, just as they will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a split-turn seat assembly of the present invention, which is located in the rear of a passenger vehicle; Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the interior of a vehicle incorporating the seat assembly in an operative position; Figure 3 is a side view, partly in cross section, of the seat assembly within the vehicle; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a structural assembly representing the principles of the present invention; Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the interior of the vehicle, incorporating the seat assembly in a stored or stored position; Figure 6 is a partially cross-sectional view of a structural, horizontal, lower member of the structural assembly shown in Figure 3; Figure 7 is a side view, partly in cross section, of a lower retaining pin for retaining a seatback assembly of the split seat assembly in the operative position; Figure 8 is a side view, partially in cross section, of an upper retaining pin for retaining an assembly of the seat back in the stored or stored position; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 7; and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Figure 8.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Modality Referring to the figures, where similar numbers indicate similar or corresponding parts throughout all the various views, a retractable automotive seat assembly is generally indicated with the number 10 in Figures 1-3. The seat assembly 10 is movable within the interior of a passenger vehicle 12. Specifically, the seat assembly 10 moves within the interior of a passenger vehicle 12 between an operative position that supports an occupant, and a stored position partially stored against a roof 28 of the vehicle 12 and partially recessed within a floor 38 of the vehicle 12. The passenger vehicle 12 can be any type of appropriate vehicle such as a small van (mini-van), a conversion van or a vehicle for sporting purposes. The vehicle 12 shown includes interior side walls 18, the floor 38 and the awning or roof 28. The seat assembly 10 includes an assembly of the seat cushion generally indicated by the numeral 14, and a seat back assembly, generally indicated with the number 16. The seat back assembly 16 and the seat cushion assembly 14, are constructed and arranged to be separable from each other. The seat assembly 16 is rotatably mounted to an upper portion of the side walls 18 of the vehicle 12. Alternatively, the seat back assembly 16 can be mounted to the awning or roof 28 of the vehicle 12. The seat cushion assembly 14 is rotatably mounted to the floor 38 of the vehicle 12 by pivotally connecting the seat cushion to the brackets 20. The seatback assembly 16 is rotatable between an operative position of the seatback, with at least a portion of the assembly backrest of the seat 16 bordering the seat cushion assembly 14, and a storage position on the roof with the seat back assembly 16 positioned above the seat cushion assembly 14. Specifically, the seat back assembly 16 is retained in the operative position of the seat back by the lower retaining pins 24, fixed to the side walls 18 of the vehicle 12. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the assembly 16 The backrest of the seat can be rotated upwards in the direction indicated by the arrow A towards the storage position on the roof 28 of the vehicle 12. The seat back assembly 16 is rotatably mounted to the awning or roof 28 of the vehicle 12. , such that the seat back assembly 16 is positioned adjacent the awning 28 when it is in the storage position in the roof. The seat back assembly 16 is retained in the storage position in the roof by upper latch pins 30, fixed to the upper portions of the side wall 18 of the vehicle 12. For purposes of illustration, the lower latch pins 24 and upper 30, are shown schematically or hidden in Figures 1,2,3 and 5. The retaining pins 24,30 will be discussed in more detail below with reference to Figures 7-10. The seat cushion assembly 14 is held in an operative position of the seat cushion by an assembly surface 16 of the seat back. When the seat back assembly 16 is rotated upwardly from the operative position of the seat backrest to the storage position in the roof, the seat cushion assembly 14 can be rotated in the brackets 20 of the connected seats of the seat. rotating manner, in a direction indicated by arrow B to a storage position on the floor, in a storage area 36 on the floor on the 38th floor of the vehicle. The brackets 20 are shown in a generic form in the figures. As you can appreciate, the brackets 20 preferably have a double hinge so that the assembly 14 of the seat cushion does not interfere with the brackets 20 when they rotate towards the storage position on the floor. As will also be appreciated, the full thickness of the seat cushion assembly 14 preferably equals the floor storage area 36 in size and depth. For purposes of illustration, the seat back assembly 16 and the seat cushion assembly 14 are shown in solid lines when they are in the operating positions, and are shown in phantom lines when they are in their positions. storage. Accordingly, the method of retraction of the automotive seat assembly 10 within the interior of a vehicle 12, between the operative position to support the occupant and the housed position, partially stored against the roof 28 of the vehicle 12, and partially recessed inside the floor 38 of the vehicle 12 comprises the steps of: rotating the seat back assembly 16 between the operative position of the seat backrest with at least a portion of the seat back assembly 16, bordering the seat cushion assembly 14 seat, and that the storage position on the roof with the backrest assembly of the seat allows the seat cushion assembly 14 to rotate about the keys 55 from the operative position of the seat cushion to the floor storage position. The seat back assembly 16 includes a structure 48 of the seat back which has a pair of structural members 56, lateral, transversely spaced apart. The side structural members 56 have a tubular construction with an upper portion 58 flattened to allow the mounting holes 60 to be drilled through the upper portions 58. The mounting holes 60 are configured to receive the pivotal keys 62, shown in figures 1, 2, 3 and 5. The pivot pins 62 extend inward from the side walls 18 of the vehicle 12 near the roof 28, to allow the seat back assembly 16 to rotate upwardly around the pivot pins 62 from the operative position of the seat backrest, to the storage position in the roof adjacent to the awning 28 of the vehicle 12. Extending between and fixed to the intermediate portions of the side structural members 56, there is an upper horizontal structural member 64. The upper structural member 64 loads a series of tubes 66 to receive in an adjustable manner a pair of supports for the cab 68. Extending between and fixed to a lower portion 57 of the side structural members 56, there is a lower horizontal structural member 70 which is discussed in detail below. As shown in Figure 6, the lower portions 57 of the side structural members 56 are flattened so that a hole 72 for the cotter pins can be punched through them. The holes 72 for the pins of the pins are designed to fix the side structural members 56 to the horizontal structural member 70 by means of the anchoring keys 74. The anchoring keys 74 extend from each end of the lower horizontal structural member 70 to fit selectively with the lower retention pins 24 and higher 30. As best shown in the figure 2, the seat assembly 10 includes three separate seatbelt assemblies, generally indicated by the numerals 76,78,80. Seat belt assemblies 76, 78, 80 are constructed in a conventional manner. A right seat belt assembly 76 includes a flap belt 82 which is appropriately secured at one end to the connecting member 84. The connecting member 84 is secured to the right side of the lower horizontal structural member 70, within the member Structural member 56 by the anchor key 74. The opposite end of the flap belt 82 is connected to one end of a shoulder belt 86, which extends from a reel assembly 88. The reel assembly of 88 is carried by the structure 48 of the back of the seat in a position adjacent to the joint of the right lateral structural member 56, and the upper horizontal structural member 64. The interconnected flap and shoulder belts 82 and 86, are provided with a pin element (no. shown) which enters a releasable pin receiver 90 with a short belt which is fixed to a connecting member 92. The connecting member 92 is fixed to a lower side. 94 of the belt. The belt bracket 94 is secured to the lower horizontal structural member 70 by welding or other appropriate securing means in a position spaced from the right end of the structural member 70 as shown in Figure 4. Similarly, a belt assembly 78 of the central or intermediate seat, includes a flap belt 96 which is fixed at one end of the aforesaid connecting member 92. As discussed above, the connecting member 92 is connected to the belt bracket 94. The flap belt 96 has its opposite end connected with a shoulder belt 102 that extends over the seat back assembly 16 and an upper horizontal structural member 64 and down towards a reel assembly 104. The reel assembly 104 is securing the lower horizontal structural member 70, by welding or other appropriate securing means. As before, the interconnected flap and shoulder belts 96 and 102 are provided with a pin element (not shown) operable to enter a pin receiver 106. The pin receiver 106 has a short belt appropriately secured to a pin. connecting member 98. The connecting member 98 is connected to a belt bracket 100. The bracket 100 of the belt is secured by welding or other appropriate securing means to the lower horizontal structural member 70, in a separate position between the left end of the structural member 70 and the other bracket 94 of the belt as shown in Fig. 4. Finally , the belt assembly 80 of the left seat includes a flap belt 108 fixed at one end to a connecting member 110. The connecting member 110 is secured to the left side of the lower horizontal structural member 70 within the side structural member 56 by the anchor key 74. The opposite end of the flap belt 108 is connected to one end of a shoulder belt 112 extending from a reel assembly 114. The reel assembly 114 is attached to the structure 48 of the seat back, at the juncture between the structural member, left lateral 56, and the upper horizontal structural member 64. As before, the belts Interconnected shoulder and flap urones 112 and 108 are provided with a pin element (not shown) that enters a releasable pin receiver 116. The pin receiver 116 has a short belt that is properly secured to the connecting member. 98. As already discussed, the connecting member 98 is connected to the belt bracket 100. Optionally, the shoulder belt 102 of the intermediate belt assembly 78 can be removed. In addition, it is contemplated that the spool assemblies 88114 of the left and right seat belt assemblies 76,80 can be secured to the side walls 18 of the vehicle 12, instead of the joints of the side structural members 56 and the upper horizontal structural member 64. In the In the event of an accident such as a head-on collision, the push of the occupants forward of the seat is resisted by seat belt assemblies 76, 78, 80. The force imposed on the seat belt assemblies 76, 78, 80 by pushing the occupants forward is transmitted to the connecting members 84, 92, 98, 110. The forces transmitted to the connecting members 92 and 98 in particular will cause the lower horizontal structural member 70 to bend in a forward direction. Instead of providing the lower horizontal structural member 70 with a thicker wall and the added weight thereof to resist the bending action, a tensioning member 118 is mounted inside the lower structural member 70. Specifically, the lower horizontal structural member 70, is in the shape of a recessed tube and the tensioning member 118 is positioned within and parallel to the recessed tube and extends between the opposite ends of the recessed tube, thereby limiting the curvature of the lower horizontal structural member 70, in response to the loads of the seat belt by the action on the tension. As best shown in Figure 6, the tension element 118 is in the form of a belt having a construction similar to a seat belt. It will be understood that other tension elements such as cables and the like can be used. The seat belt tension element 118 is preferred by virtue of its strength and weight ratio. Under a tension condition where the forces of curvature are applied to the lower horizontal structural member 70, the bending stresses are resisted by the tensile forces that are formed in the tensioning element 118. The tensile forces that are formed in the element Tensioner 118 is transmitted to the eyebolts 120 and the anchor keys 74. The anchor keys 74 are retained in the lower retaining pins 24 which are fixed to the side walls 18 of the passenger vehicle 12. The anchor keys 74 to its they transmit the tension forces to the lower retaining pins 24 and to the side walls 18 of the vehicle 12. This resistance to the bending forces provides the force necessary to withstand peak load conditions, with a construction that is considerably lighter in weight. terms of full weight, than a simple tubular member with a thicker wall that has the same strength. Referring again to Figure 3, the seat back assembly 16 includes, along with the backrest structure of the seat 48, a foam pad 124 which is lightweight, and is covered with a cover of appropriate finishes 126. To permit that the foam pad 124 and the finish of the cover 126 are minimized in terms of volume and weight, a suspension membrane of the seat back (not shown) can be fixed between the side structural members 56 and the structural members, horizontal, lower and upper 64 and 70. As shown in Figure 4, four spring-like elongated stabilizing elements 130 are mounted between the upper and lower horizontal structural members 64.70 to assist in the support of the foam pad 124. Similarly, a suspension membrane (not shown) can be mounted on the structure 46 of the seat cushion, between the rear horizontal structural member 50 and the structural U-shaped board 52. Seat cushion assembly 14 includes a lightweight foam pad 134 appropriately covered by a cover finish 136. In addition, a pair of stabilizing elements 132 are provided between the rear horizontal structural member 50 and the structural member 52 U-shaped, to assist in the support of the foam pad 134. The stabilization elements 132 may have contours similar to the stabilization elements 130 of the structure 48 of the seat back. Referring now more particularly to Figures 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, the seat back assembly 16 is retained in the operative position of the seat back by the lower retaining pins 24. As will be appreciated, the pins of lower retainers 24 can be mounted to a wheel housing structure, to the side walls 18 or to any other appropriate portion of the vehicle 12. As shown in Figure 7, each lower retaining pin 24 comprises a housing of the pin 40 fixedly attached to the wall 18, a pin member 142, and a tilt member 144. The pin housing 140 has a vertical wall 146 and a horizontal wall 148 formed together in a continuous manner and extending inwardly from the side wall 18. A housing plate 150 formed continuously with both vertical side walls 146 and horizontal 148, extends from vertical wall 146 along the length of the wall ho rizontal 148 separated and parallel to the side wall 18 of the vehicle. The pin member 142 is rotatably mounted in the pin housing 140 in a rotating key 152-inserted through an opening in the pin member 142. The pin member 142 has a cam surface 154 opposite the rotating key 152. The cam surface 154 is positioned outside the pin housing 140 and extends downward toward the pin housing 140 at an angle. The pin housing 140 has a groove 156 that receives the key of the C-shaped pin facing the front of the vehicle 12. Also on the pin member 142, a pin retention surface is provided, semi-circular 158, face to the groove 156, which receives the key of the C-shaped pin. One end of the inclining member 144 is fixed to an opening 160 in the pin member 142, and the other end of the inclination member 144 is fixed to a projection 162 on the horizontal wall 148 of the housing 140 of the pin. The tilting member 144, which is preferably a spring 144, continuously tilts the pin member 142 toward a position with the pin, positioned around the anchor key 74. A drive arm 164 extends vertically from the pin member 142. and curves at a right angle to move the pin member 142 from the pin position to a released position. A engaging portion 166 of the actuator arm 164 extends generally horizontally towards the front of the vehicle 12. A stop portion 167 extends generally horizontally and inwardly from the actuator arm 164, and has contact with the plate. of housing 150 to prevent the pin member 142 from falling to the lower surface of the pin housing 140. A release actuator is positioned within a guide housing 170. The guide housing 170 is fixedly attached to the outer surface of each side structural member 56. The release actuator 168 selectively engages with the actuator arm 164 to raise the arm of actuation 164 and moving the pin member 142, from the pin position, against the deviations or inclinations of the spring 144 to the released position. Specifically, the release actuator 168 is allowed to slide along its longitudinal axis within the guide housing 170. The guide housing 170 has a tubular groove 172 facing outwardly. A engaging portion 174 of the release actuator 168 extends outwardly at a right angle, in a generally horizontal direction through the slot 172. The guide housing 170 is configured to limit all rotational and lateral movement of the release actuator 168., whereby only the release actuator 168 is allowed to move along its longitudinal axis. As will be appreciated, the release actuator 168 can be of any appropriate design or configuration as long as the pin member 142 can be effectively operated. A cable 178 is attached to the end of the release actuator 168 opposite the engaging portion 174 to operably move the release actuator 168, and rotate the pin member 142 toward the released position. As also shown in Figure 4, the cable 178 is preferably a component of a Bowden type wire assembly, which further includes a flexible conduit 180, a mounting plate 182, and a drive handle 184. The plate assembly 182 is attached to upper horizontal structural member 6? , and the drive handle 184 is rotatably connected to the mounting plate 182. The handle 184 is located off-center to provide access between the head supports 68. As will be appreciated, the mounting plate 182 and the handle 184 are they can mount the lower horizontal structural member 70, to offer an easier release of the stored position. The flexible conduits 180 extend along the upper structural member 64 and below the lateral structural members 56 from a position immediately adjacent to the mounting plate 182, to a position immediately adjacent the guide housing 170. The cables 178 extend to through each conduit 180 and are operatively connected to the actuating handle, so that manual operation of the handle 184 moves the cables 178 within the conduits 180 and this results in the movement of the release actuator 168 along of its longitudinal axes. As the seatback assembly 16 rotates down from the ceiling storage position to the operative position of the seat backrest, the anchor keys 74 contact the cam surfaces 154, and the pin members 142 are engaged. they move from the slots 156 receiving the keys of the pin and the anchoring keys 74 are received there. When the anchor keys 74 are received in the receiving slots 156 of the anchor key, the anchor keys 74 have no more contact with the cam surfaces 154 of the pin members 142, and the springs 144 tilt the pin members 142. in an engaged position with pin retaining surfaces 158, which retain the anchor keys 74 in the receiving grooves 156 of the pin key. In addition, the engaging portion 174 of the release actuator 168 is positioned immediately below the engaging portion 166 of the actuating arm 164. To move the seatback assembly 16 from the operative position of the seatback to the operative position. of storage on the roof, the operating handle 184 is manually operated, resulting in an upward movement of the release actuators 158 along their longitudinal axes. The upward movement of the release actuators 168 causes the engaging portion 174, of the release actuators 168, to engage with the engaging portion 166 of the actuator arm 164 in a lifting relationship, whereby the pin member 142 it moves out of the engaged position and the anchor keys 74 are allowed to move freely from the receiving slots 156 of the pin. Thus, the backrest assembly 16 of the seat can then move outward from the operative position of the seat backrest, and can be turned up towards the storage position in the roof. When the seat back assembly 16 is in the storage position in the roof, the seat cushion assembly 14 can then be rotated from the operative position of the seat cushion to the storage position within the storage area 36 in the seat. floor. Referring now more particularly to figures 1, 2,5,8 and 10, the seat back assembly 16 is retained in the storage position in the roof, by the upper latch pins 30. Each upper latch pin 30 comprises a pin housing 190 fixedly attached to the latch. the upper portions of the wall 18, a pin member 192, and an inclination member 194. The pin housing 190 has a vertical wall 196 and a horizontal wall 198 formed continuously together and extending inwardly from the side wall 18 of the vehicle. A receiving plate 200 spaced apart parallel to the side wall 18, and continuously formed with both vertical walls 196 and horizontal walls 198, extends from the wall 196 along the length of the horizontal wall 198. The pin member 192 is assembled from rotating manner to the pin housing 190, in a rotary key 202 inserted through an opening in the pin member 192. The pin member has a cam surface 204 opposite the rotating key 202. The cam surface 202 is positioned outside the housing 190 of the pin, and extends upward toward the pin housing 190 in an angle. The pin housing 190 has a receiving groove 206 of the C-shaped pin key facing downward. In the pin member 192, a semi-circular pin retention surface 208 is also provided, facing the receiving slot 206 of the C-shaped pin key. One end of the tilt member 194 is fixed to an opening 210 in the pin member 192, and the other end of the tilting member 194 is fixed to a projection 212 on the vertical wall 196 of the pin housing 190. The tilting member 194, which is preferably a spring 194, continuously tilts the pin member 192 to a position with the pin, disposed about the anchor key 74. A drive arm 214 extends in a generally horizontal direction toward the rear part of the vehicle 12 from the pin member 192, and curving at a right angle to move the pin member 192 from the position with the pin driven to a released position. A engaging portion 216 of the actuator arm 214 extends generally downward. A stop portion 218, as best seen in FIG. 10, extends inwardly in a generally horizontal direction from the drive arm 214, and contacts the housing plate 200 to prevent the pin member 192 from rotating toward the front of the housing 190 of the pin. As will be appreciated, the upper retention pins 30 are preferably similar to the lower retention pins 24. The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be natural of the words of the description instead of a limitation. It should now be obvious to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in view of the above teachings. Therefore, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. It is noted that in proportion to this date, the best known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the manufacturing to which it refers.

Claims (29)

1. A retractable automotive seat assembly movable within the interior of a vehicle, said assembly comprising: a seat cushion; a backrest of the seat adapted to be mounted rotatably to the interior of the vehicle, and rotatably between an operative backrest position of the seat, with at least a portion of said backrest of the seat bordering said seat cushion, and a storage position on the roof with said backrest separated from and disposed above said seat cushion; said assembly is characterized in that it has at least one upper retaining pin adapted to be mounted inside a vehicle, to ensure the backrest of the seat in said storage position in the roof, and at least one lower retaining pin adapted for mounting to the vehicle. inside of a vehicle, under said upper retaining pin to secure said backrest of the seat in the operative position of the seatback

2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the seat back includes a backrest structure of the seat supporting a foam pad, and has a pair of side structural members interconnected by an upper horizontal structural member, and a structural member. lower horizontal.

3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2, characterized in that said lateral structural members include an upper portion for rotatably mounting said seat backrest to an awning or vehicle roof.

4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3, characterized in that it further includes anchoring keys extending from each end of said lower horizontal structural member, for a selective engagement with said lower and upper retaining pins.

5. An assembly as set forth in claim 4, characterized in that the lower and upper retaining pins include a pin housing, and a pin member rotatably mounted within the pin housing, for selective engagement with said anchoring keys.

6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5, characterized in that it further includes a biasing member interconnected between the pin housing and the pin member to continuously tilt the pin member to a position with the pin driven, disposed about the anchor key.

7. An assembly as set forth in claim 6, characterized in that each of said pin members includes a drive arm for moving the pin member from said pin position to a released position.

8. An assembly as set out in claim 7, characterized in that it also includes a release actuator that selectively engages each of said drive arms, to lift said drive arm and move said pin member from the position with pin driven in against said inclination of the inclination member to the released position.

9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8, characterized in that it further includes a cable extending to each release actuator for operably moving said release actuator, and rotating the pin member to said release position.

10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9, characterized in that it also includes a handle mounted to said structure of the backrest of the seat, and connected to said cable for the selective actuation of said cable.

11. An assembly as set forth in claim 4, characterized in that it also includes at least one seat belt connection member, mounted to the lower horizontal structural member, to receive the loads of the seat belt.

12. An assembly as set forth in claim 11, characterized in that the lower horizontal structural member comprises a recessed tube and a tension element disposed in and in parallel with said recessed tube, which extends between them. opposite ends of said recessed tube, whereby the curvature of said lower horizontal structural member is limited, in response to said seat belt loads by actuation in the tension.

13. An assembly as set forth in claim 12, characterized in that the tensioning element is interconnected between said anchoring keys of the lower horizontal structural member.

14. An assembly as set forth in claim 2, characterized in that the seat cushion includes a seat cushion structure, which supports a foam pad, and has a rear horizontal structural member connected to the U-shaped structural member.

15. An assembly as set forth in claim 14, characterized in that it also includes at least one seat cushion bracket mounted to the U-shaped structural member, to support and rotate the seat cushion independently of the seat back between an operative position of the cushion of the seat with at least a portion of the seat cushion, bordering on. the backrest of the seat, when the backrest of the seat is in said operative position of the backrest of the seat and a storage position on the floor with said seat cushion rotating downward towards a position stored inside the vehicle.

16. An assembly as set forth in claim 15, characterized in that it also includes a retaining pin of the seat cushion, mounted inside the vehicle, for securing said seat cushion in said operative position of the seat cushion.

17. An assembly as set forth in claim 16, characterized in that it further includes retaining keys extending from each end of said rear horizontal structural member, for selective engagement with said seat cushion retaining pins.

18. A retractable, automotive seat assembly movable within the interior of a vehicle, between an operative position for supporting an occupant, and a stored position partially stored against a roof or awning of a vehicle, and partially recessed within the floor of a vehicle. vehicle, said assembly comprises: a seat cushion; a backrest of the seat adapted to be rotatably mounted to the interior of the vehicle, for movement between an operative position of the backrest of the seat with at least a portion of the backrest of the seat bordering said seat cushion, and a storage position on the roof with the back of the seat arranged above the seat cushion and adjacent to the awning or roof; said assembly is characterized in that it has at least one seat cushion bracket mounted to said seat cushion for supporting and rotating said seat cushion independently of said seat backrest, between an operative position of the seat cushion, with at least a portion of the seat cushion. seat cushion bordering said backrest of the seat, when said backrest of the seat is in the operative position of the backrest of the seat, and a storage position of the floor with said seat cushion that rotates downward and recessed within the floor of the vehicle.

19. An assembly as set forth in claim 18, characterized in that it also includes a storage area on the floor, recessed in the floor of the vehicle and adapted to receive and store said seat cushion, when the seat cushion is in said position. storage on the floor.

20. An assembly as set forth in claim 19, characterized in that it further includes a rotary cover mounted on the floor of the vehicle to cover the storage area of the floor, and said seat cushion when said seat cushion is in said storage position on the floor. floor .

21. An assembly as set forth in claim 18, characterized in that the seat cushion includes a structure of the seat cushion that supports a foam pad, and has a rear horizontal structural member connected to a U-shaped structural member.

22. An assembly as set forth in claim 21, characterized in that it further includes a retaining pin of the seat cushion mounted inside the vehicle, for securing said seat cushion in said operative position of the seat cushion.

23. An assembly as set forth in claim 22, characterized in that it further includes retaining keys which extend from each end of said rear horizontal structural member, to selectively engage said seat cushion retaining pins.

24. An assembly as set forth in claim 18, characterized in that it also includes at least one upper retaining pin mounted to the interior of the vehicle, adjacent to the awning or roof to secure said backrest of the seat in said storage position on the roof, disposed above of the seat cushion.

25. An assembly as set forth in claim 24, characterized in that it also includes at least one lower retaining pin mounted to the interior of the vehicle, for securing said backrest in said operative position of the backrest of the boundary seat with at least a portion of said seat cushion. seat

26. An assembly as set forth in claim 25, characterized in that said seat back includes a backrest structure of the seat supporting a foam pad, and has a pair of side structural members interconnected by an upper horizontal structural member and a horizontal structural member lower.

27. An assembly as set forth in claim 26, characterized in that it further includes anchoring keys extending from each end of said lower horizontal structural member, for selective engagement with said lower and upper retaining pins, during said movement of said backrest. of the seat between said storage position in the roof and said operative position of the seat backrest.

28. A method for retracting an automotive seat assembly within a vehicle, between an operative position to support an occupant, and a stored position partially stored against a vehicle roof or awning, and partially recessed within a floor of the vehicle, the seat assembly includes a seat cushion and a seat back and the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: rotating the seat back between an operative position of the seat back with at least a portion of the back of the seat. seat, bordering the seat cushion and a storage position on the roof with the back of the seat arranged above the seat cushion and adjacent to the roof; said method is characterized by rotating the seat cushion independently from the back of the seat between an operative position of the seat cushion, with at least a portion of the seat cushion bordering the back of the seat when the seat backrest is in position operating of the seat backrest, and a floor storage position with the seat cushion rotating downward and recessed within the floor of the vehicle.

29. A method as set forth in claim 28, characterized in that the rotation of the seat cushion is further defined by the rotation of the seat cushion from the operative position of the seat cushion 180 ° to the storage position on the floor, which substantially positions the seat cushion turned inside the floor of the vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A retractable automotive seat assembly (10), which has a backrest and a seat cushion. The seat assembly can be moved within the interior of a passenger vehicle (12) between an operative position to support an occupant and a stowed position with the backrest of the seat stored against an awning or roof of the vehicle and the seat cushion recessed inside the floor (22) of the vehicle. The seat backrest is rotatably mounted to the roof or awning of the vehicle. A pair of top latching pins are mounted to a side wall of the vehicle for securing the seat back in a position stored in the roof (28) disposed above the seat cushion and adjacent to the roof. A pair of lower retaining pins (24, 30) are mounted to the side wall of the vehicle under the upper retaining pins (30), to secure the backrest of the seat in an operative position of the backrest of the boundary seat with at least a portion of the seat cushion. A pair of seat cushion brackets are mounted to the seat cushion to support and rotate the seat cushion independently of the seat backrest, between an operative position of the seat cushion and a floor storage position with the seat cushion. which rotates down into the hollow cavity in the floor (22) of the vehicle. The seat cushion also includes a pair of seat cushion locking pins to secure the seat cushion in the operative position of the seat cushion.