US20070075577A1 - Vehicle seat assembly - Google Patents
Vehicle seat assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070075577A1 US20070075577A1 US11/162,096 US16209605A US2007075577A1 US 20070075577 A1 US20070075577 A1 US 20070075577A1 US 16209605 A US16209605 A US 16209605A US 2007075577 A1 US2007075577 A1 US 2007075577A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- seat
- torsion rod
- inboard
- upright position
- outboard
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/30—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats
- B60N2/3002—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats back-rest movements
- B60N2/3004—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats back-rest movements by rotation only
- B60N2/3009—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats back-rest movements by rotation only about transversal axis
- B60N2/3011—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats back-rest movements by rotation only about transversal axis the back-rest being hinged on the cushion, e.g. "portefeuille movement"
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/30—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats
- B60N2/3038—Cushion movements
- B60N2/304—Cushion movements by rotation only
- B60N2/3045—Cushion movements by rotation only about transversal axis
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/30—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats
- B60N2/3038—Cushion movements
- B60N2/304—Cushion movements by rotation only
- B60N2/3045—Cushion movements by rotation only about transversal axis
- B60N2/305—Cushion movements by rotation only about transversal axis the cushion being hinged on the vehicle frame
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/30—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats
- B60N2/3072—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats on a lower level of a multi-level vehicle floor
- B60N2/3075—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats on a lower level of a multi-level vehicle floor stowed in recess
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/30—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats
- B60N2/3072—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats on a lower level of a multi-level vehicle floor
- B60N2/3077—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats on a lower level of a multi-level vehicle floor stowed in the luggage compartment
- B60N2/3079—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats on a lower level of a multi-level vehicle floor stowed in the luggage compartment in a recess
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a vehicle seat assembly and, more particularly, to a stowable vehicle seat assembly incorporating a torsion rod that assists in rotating the seat assembly from either a rear stowed position or a forward collapsed position to a position intermediate the stowed and collapsed positions.
- the seat backs of the second and third row of seats are pivotally connected to the seat bottom.
- the seatbacks are movable between an upright position, for the seating of an occupant, and a collapsed position, wherein the seat back is pivoted forward to a position above the seat bottom. It is sometimes desirable to reconfigure the seatback of the second row seat so that when the seatback is in its forward position a back surface of the seatback is generally horizontal.
- the back surface of the seatback can also be coplanar with the collapsed seat back of the third row seat. It is known to provide a panel which is manually moveable to a position to bridge the gap between the second and third row seats so that a relatively flat horizontal support surface is formed.
- the seat bottom has a rear portion which is pivotally mounted on the vehicle floor.
- the seat bottom includes an upper surface and a lower surface.
- a seat back is pivotally mounted on the seat bottom and is moveable to a collapsed position onto the upper surface of the seat bottom. Once the seat back is moved to its collapsed position, the combination of the seat bottom and the seat back are pivotable about 180 degrees to their storage position within the recess formed in the floor of the vehicle.
- a stowable seat assembly for use with a vehicle having a floor and a recess formed therein.
- the assembly includes a seat and a pivot tube adapted to be secured to the vehicle floor, with the seat being operatively pivotable about the pivot tube between a first, collapsed position and a second, stowed position with the seat being at least partially stowed within the vehicle recess.
- the seat passes through a third, upright position intermediate the first and second positions as the seat is pivoted between the first and second positions.
- a torsion rod is mounted on the pivot tube and is free to twist. The torsion rod is operatively coupled to the seat during pivoting of the seat toward and away from the third, upright position.
- the torsion rod provides a first biasing torque for assisting pivotal movement of the seat from the second stowed position toward the third, upright position and a second biasing torque for assisting pivotal movement of the seat from the first, collapsed position toward the third, upright position.
- a method for making a stowable seat assembly having a seat for use in a vehicle having a floor and a recess formed therein.
- the method includes the steps of securing a pivot tube to the vehicle floor and pivotally coupling the seat to the pivot tube whereby the seat is pivotable about the pivot tube between a first, collapsed position and a second, stowed position with the seat being partially stowed within the vehicle recess, with the seat passing through a third, upright position intermediate the first and second positions as the seat is pivoted between the first and second positions.
- the method further includes the step of mounting a torsion rod on the pivot tube so the torsion rod is free to twist and coupling the torsion rod to the seat during pivoting of the seat toward and away from the third, upright position.
- the method additionally includes the steps of causing the torsion rod to be twisted or wound as the seat pivots away from the third, upright position and causing the torsion rod to unwind as the seat pivots toward the third, upright position.
- FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a seat assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the seat backs of each included seat being in an upright, use or seating position;
- FIG. 1B is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1A , with the seat back of the left hand seat being rotated to a forward, collapsed position;
- FIG. 1C is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1B , but with the seat back and seat bottom of the left hand seat rotated rearward to an intermediate position between the forward collapsed position and a rear stowed position;
- FIG. 1D is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1C , but with the left hand seat rotated to a fully stowed position;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view further illustrating the construction of the seat assembly shown in FIGS. 1A-1D ;
- FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3 A- 3 A in FIG. 4A ;
- FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3 B- 3 B in FIG. 4B ;
- FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3 C- 3 C in FIG. 4C ;
- FIG. 4A is a perspective view further illustrating the seat assembly of the present invention with the left hand seat in the collapsed position shown in FIG. 1B ;
- FIG. 4B is a perspective view further illustrating the seat assembly of the present invention with the left hand seat in the upright position shown in FIG. 1C ;
- FIG. 4C is a perspective view further illustrating the seat assembly of the present invention with the left hand seat in the stowed position shown in FIG. 1D .
- FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a seat assembly 10 according to the present invention.
- FIG. 1A illustrates the seat assembly 10 installed in a motor vehicle 12 (partially shown in FIG. 1A ).
- the motor vehicle 12 includes a floor 14 and a recess 16 formed in the floor 14 .
- the seat assembly 10 includes a first seat 18 and a second seat 20 which are individually pivotable, separate from one another, about a pivot tube 22 which is secured to the floor 14 of vehicle 12 in a subsequently described manner.
- the seats 18 and 20 are symmetrically opposite, or mirror images, of one another in structure and, accordingly, only seat 18 will be described in detail.
- Seat 18 includes a seat back 24 and a seat bottom 26 .
- the seat back 24 includes a cushion 28 , having a forward surface 30 and a rear surface 32 (shown in FIG. 1B ).
- the seat bottom 26 includes a cushion 34 having an upper surface 36 and a lower surface 38 .
- the forward surface 30 of the seat back 24 faces forwardly, while the rear surface 32 faces rearwardly.
- the upper surface 36 of seat cushion 34 faces upwardly.
- the seat back 24 is pivotal relative to the seat bottom 26 , in a subsequently described manner. As shown in FIG. 1B , the seat back 24 is pivoted forward to a collapsed position such that the seat back 24 is in contacting engagement with the seat bottom 26 and the rear surface 32 of cushion 28 faces upwardly. The position of seat 18 shown in FIG. 1B corresponds to a collapsed position of the seat 18 .
- FIG. 1D illustrates the seat 18 in a stowed position, with the seat 18 being at least partially stowed within the recess 16 of the vehicle 12 .
- FIG. 1C illustrates seat 18 in an upright position that is intermediate the collapsed position shown in FIG. 1B and the stowed position shown in FIG. 1D .
- the intermediate position shown in FIG. 1C is about midway between the collapsed and stowed positions of seat 18 and is different than the use position illustrated in FIG. 1A .
- Seat 18 pivots about 180 degrees between the collapsed and stowed positions and accordingly, when seat 18 is in the intermediate position shown in FIG. 1C , it is about 90 degrees from the collapsed and stowed positions.
- Seat 18 further includes an optional panel assembly, indicated generally at 40 , with the assembly 40 including a first panel 42 and a second panel 44 hingedly connected to panel 42 by a hinge 46 .
- Panel 42 is secured to the seat bottom 26 of seat 18 by one or more fasteners such as screws, clasps, etc. (not shown).
- fasteners such as screws, clasps, etc. (not shown).
- panels 42 and 44 together with similar panels (not shown) of seat 20 combine to form a relatively flat load floor that substantially covers the recess 16 of vehicle 12 and extends forward toward the next forward row of seats (not shown) in vehicle 12 .
- panel 44 automatically deploys from its concealed position, by a known mechanism such as the linkage shown in previously incorporated U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,709,040 and 6,746,083.
- each of the panels 42 and 44 have a generally rectangular shape.
- the particular shape of panels 42 and 44 , the means for deploying panel 44 and any other structural support means that may be required, such as that which is discussed in the previously incorporated patents, is known and does not form a part of the present invention.
- the seat back 24 and seat bottom 26 of seat 18 are each formed from a structural framework, indicated generally at 48 and 50 , respectively, in FIG. 2 and the cushions 28 and 34 discussed previously that are illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D .
- the seat cushions 28 and 34 can be made of any suitable material which provides a cushion support for the occupant.
- the seat cushions 28 and 34 can be made of one or more layers of foam material attached to the corresponding framework and having an outer trim cover material adhered thereto. Examples of suitable cover materials are cloth, leather and vinyl.
- the structural frameworks 48 and 52 can be made of any suitable material such as metal, plastics or composites which support an occupant of the seat assembly 10 .
- the framework 48 of seat back 24 is a closed loop tubular member 52 that generally defines the shape of the seat back 24 .
- a headrest 54 is mounted to the tubular member 52 by a mount structure (not shown).
- the framework 50 of the seat bottom 26 generally includes a pan 56 , having a raised rear portion 58 , and a pair of side bars 60 attached to the pan 56 .
- the framework 48 of the seatback 24 is pivotally attached to the framework 50 of the seat bottom 26 about a pivot axis (not shown).
- the seat assembly 10 preferably includes a latch mechanism (not shown), such as that shown and described in the previously incorporated U.S. patents, for releasably securing the seat back 24 to its seating position relative to seat bottom 26 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B .
- the latch mechanism can be any suitable conventional latch mechanism as discussed in the previously incorporated U.S. patents.
- the latching mechanism is contained within a housing member 62 shown in FIG. 2 .
- the framework 50 of the seat bottom 26 of seat 18 and a framework 64 of a seat bottom 66 of seat 20 are pivotally attached relative to the vehicle floor 14 by the pivot tube 22 which extends laterally, substantially across the width of the vehicle 12 .
- the framework 64 includes a pan 56 , having a raised rear portion 58 , and a pair of side bars 60 attached to the pan 56 , as does framework 50 of seat 18 as discussed previously.
- the pivot tube 22 has a cylindrical tubular cross-section and extends through both of the seats 18 and 20 such that the width of the pivot tube 22 is wider than the width of the seat bottoms 26 and 66 as may be appreciated with reference to FIG. 2 .
- the pivot tube 22 has ends 68 , 70 which extend beyond the outboard sides of the seats 18 and 20 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the pivot tube 22 is positioned underneath the raised rear portion 58 of pan 56 of seat 18 and the raised rear portion 58 of pan 56 of seat 20 .
- the ends 68 , 70 of the pivot tube 22 are mounted on the floor 14 by brackets 72 .
- the center portion (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2 .) of the pivot tube 22 can also be mounted on the vehicle floor 14 by another bracket (not shown).
- the brackets 72 include a lower plate 74 attached to the floor 14 by conventional means such as threaded fasteners 76 .
- Each of the brackets 72 includes a pair of generally triangularly shaped flanges 78 that extend upwardly from the lower plate 74 and include apertures for receiving the pivot tube 22 .
- the pivot tube 22 is fixed to the brackets 68 by conventional means such as welding, such that the pivot tube 22 cannot rotate relative to the brackets 72 .
- the framework 50 of the seat bottom 26 can be pivotally attached to the pivot tube 22 by any suitable manner.
- pairs of spaced apart bushing or bearing assemblies indicated generally at 80 (one partially shown in FIG. 2 ) can be installed onto the side bars 60 of the structural framework 50 of seat bottom 26 .
- the framework 50 of the seat bottom 26 is pivotally mounted on the pivot tube 22 at two distinct locations, such as the lateral sides of the framework 50 .
- This mounting arrangement provides additional support for the seat 18 , such as when subjected to lateral loads acting on the seat back 24 or about the center of gravity of the seat assembly.
- each seat 18 and 20 preferably includes a conventional latch assembly, indicated generally at 82 in FIG. 2 , for releasable securing the seat bottoms 26 and 66 relative to the vehicle floor 14 and maintaining the seats 18 and 20 in their seating positions shown in FIG. 1A .
- the latch assembly 82 can be any suitable conventional latch mechanism.
- Seat 18 is pivotable about the pivot tube 22 between the collapsed position shown in FIG. 1B and the stowed position shown in FIG. 1D , with the seat 18 being partially stowed within the vehicle recess 16 when it is in the stowed position shown in FIG. 1D . More particularly, seat 18 pivots about a centerline axis 57 of the pivot tube 22 .
- the seat 18 pivots between the collapsed and stowed positions or between the stowed and collapsed positions, the seat 18 passes through the upright position, shown in FIG. 1C , that is intermediate the collapsed and stowed positions.
- the upright position shown in FIG. 1C is different than the use or seating position shown in FIG. 1A .
- 1C comprises a midway point of pivotable travel of the seat 18 and is not a use position. For instance, if the seat 18 pivots a total of about 180° between the collapsed position shown in FIG. 1B and the stowed position shown in FIG. 1D , the seat 18 is about 90° from each of the collapsed and stowed positions when it is in the upright position shown in FIG. 1C .
- the seat assembly 10 includes a pair of torsion rods 84 (one shown), with one of the torsion rods 84 associated with each of the seats 18 , 20 .
- the torsion rods 84 can be made of spring steel or other materials having similar material properties as spring steel.
- the structural features and functions of the torsion rod 84 associated with the seat 18 will be subsequently described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 , 3 A- 3 C and 4 A- 4 C, and are the same as the features and functions of the torsion rod 84 associated with seat 20 .
- the torsion rod 84 is mounted on the pivot tube 22 and is free to twist relative to the pivot tube 22 .
- the torsion rod 84 is operatively coupled to the seat 18 during pivoting of the seat 18 toward and away from the upright position of the seat shown in FIG. 1C . Additionally, as subsequently discussed in greater detail, the torsion rod 84 is operatively effective for assisting pivotal movement of the seat 18 from the stowed position shown in FIG. 1D toward the upright position shown in FIG. 1C and from the collapsed position shown in FIG. 1B , toward the upright position shown in FIG. 1C .
- the torsion rod 84 includes a centrally disposed portion 86 , an inboard end 88 and an outboard end 90 , with the inboard 88 and outboard 90 ends being coaxially disposed with the centrally disposed portion 86 of torsion rod 84 .
- Torsion rod 84 includes a longitudinal centerline axis 92 that passes through the inboard end 88 , centrally disposed portion 86 and the outboard end 90 .
- the torsion rod 84 further includes first 94 and second 96 protruding portions, disposed proximate the inboard end 88 of rod 84 , and third 98 and fourth 100 protruding portions disposed proximate the outboard end 90 of torsion rod 84 .
- Each of the protruding portions 94 , 96 , 98 and 100 protrude away from the longitudinal centerline axis 92 .
- the first 94 and fourth 100 protruding portions are relatively larger than the second 96 and third 98 protruding portions.
- the protruding portions 94 and 100 are open loops having a generally U-shape.
- the relatively smaller protruding portions 96 and 98 also are open loops and have an arcuate shape.
- the protruding portions 94 , 96 , 98 and 100 can have other shapes, and can be substantially the same size as one another, within the scope of the present invention.
- Seat assembly 10 further includes two pairs of collars 102 (one pair shown), with one pair being associated with each of the torsion rods 84 .
- the collars 102 are fixed to pivot tube 22 by conventional means such as welding.
- Each of the collars has a raised portion 104 for receiving one of the ends 88 , 90 of the torsion rod 84 .
- the ends 88 and 90 are free to twist relative to pivot tube 22 within the raised portions 104 of the collars 102 .
- the centrally disposed portion of rod 84 is substantially surrounded by a protective sheath 105 to prevent wear of either the pivot tube 22 or torsion rod 84 , as torsion rod 84 twists relative to pivot tube 22 as subsequently discussed.
- Seat assembly 10 also includes four rotation stops 106 (two shown), with two associated with each of the torsion rods 84 .
- the inboard rotation stop is designated as stop 106 a
- the outboard stop is designated as stop 106 b .
- each of the stops 106 a and 106 b includes a first arcuate portion 108 attached to the pivot tube 22 by conventional means such as welding and a second portion 110 that extends away from the pivot tube 22 .
- the seat assembly 10 includes two pairs of brackets 112 (one pair shown) with one pair of the brackets 112 being associated with each of the seats 18 , 20 .
- an inboard bracket, designated as 112 a and an outboard bracket, designated as 112 b , are associated with the seat 18 .
- the brackets 112 a and 112 b are fixedly attached by conventional means, such as welding, to a connector panel 114 (shown in cross-section in FIGS. 3A-3C ; and shown in fragmentary view in FIGS. 4A and omitted from FIGS. 4B and 4C for purposes of clarity of illustration).
- the connector panel 114 is fixedly connected to the pan 56 of the structural framework 50 of seatbottom 26 of seat 18 by brackets 111 and 115 that are attached to the pan 56 by conventional means, such as threaded fasteners that can include bolts 117 and associated nuts (one shown).
- Bracket 111 has an upstanding flange 113 having an aperture formed therein to receive pivot tube 22 .
- bracket 115 has an upstanding flange 119 having an aperture formed therein to receive pivot tube 22 . Accordingly, the brackets 112 a and 112 b , as well as the connector panel 114 , pivot with the structural framework 50 about the pivot tube 22 , as the seat 18 is pivoted from one position to another.
- Each of the brackets 112 a and 112 b include first 116 and second 118 end walls and a central portion 120 integral with and interconnecting the end walls 116 and 118 .
- the endwalls 116 and 118 terminate in out-turned flanges 122 and 124 , respectively.
- the flanges 122 , 124 are fixedly attached to the connector panel 114 by conventional means, such as welding.
- Each of the brackets 112 a and 112 b further includes a notch 126 formed therein. As may be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C , the notch 126 is formed in portions of the endwall 116 and central portion 122 .
- bracket 112 a and 112 b are oriented differently on connector panel 114 . More particularly, the endwalls 116 of the brackets 112 a and 112 b are facing in substantially opposite directions. As may be appreciated with reference to FIGS.
- brackets 112 a , 112 b this allows one of the brackets 112 a , 112 b to be engaged with the torsion rod 84 while the other of the brackets 112 a , 112 b is disengaged from the torsion rod 84 as the seat 18 pivots away from or toward the upright position shown in FIG. 1C .
- the torsion rod 84 is in a free-state, unwound condition and is not engaged with either of the brackets 112 a and 112 b when the seat 18 is in the upright position illustrated in FIGS. 1C, 3B and 4 B. Instead, the protruding portion 94 protrudes through notch 122 and into the interior space 128 defined by inboard bracket 112 a without engaging endwalls 116 and 118 . Similarly, the protruding portion 100 of torsion rod 84 protrudes through notch 122 and into the interior space 128 defined by the outboard bracket 112 b without engaging endwalls 116 and 118 .
- torsion rod 84 When an operator of the vehicle 12 desires to pivot the seat 18 from the stowed position shown in FIGS. 1D, 3C and 4 C to the collapsed position shown in FIGS. 1B, 3A and 4 A, the torsion rod 84 exerts a first biasing torque on the outboard bracket 112 b in the direction of rotational movement until seat 18 reaches the upright position shown in FIGS. 1C, 3B and 4 B. Accordingly, torsion rod 84 assists the operator in pivoting the seat 18 from the stowed position to the upright position. In the upright position, the torsion rod 84 is completely unwound and does not exert a torque on the bracket 112 b .
- the first biasing torque has a variable magnitude, with the maximum magnitude existing when the seat 18 is in the stowed position shown in FIGS. 1D, 3C and 4 C.
- the magnitude of the first biasing torque decreases as the seat 18 is rotated away from the stowed position until it is zero when the seat 18 is in the upright position shown in FIGS. 1C, 3B and 4 B.
- the protruding portion 98 of torsion rod 84 engages the outboard rotation stop 106 b
- the protruding portion 94 of torsion rod 84 engages the inboard bracket 112 a , causing the torsion rod to be twisted or wound between protruding portions 98 and 94 in the direction of rotation.
- the torsion rod 84 is fully wound in this direction when the seat is in the collapsed position shown in FIGS. 1B, 3A and 4 A.
- the torsion rod 84 again has potential energy.
- the protruding portion 94 of torsion rod 84 exerts a second biasing torque on the inboard bracket 112 a in the direction of rotational movement until the seat reaches the upright position shown in FIGS. 1C, 3B and 4 B.
- the second biasing torque also has a variable magnitude, with the maximum magnitude existing when the seat 18 is in the collapsed position shown in FIGS.
- the magnitude of the second biasing torque decreases as the seat 18 is rotated away from the collapsed position toward the upright position shown in FIGS. 1C, 3B and 4 B.
- the first and second biasing torques act in different directions from one another but in one embodiment they have substantially the same maximum magnitude, or scalar value. In other embodiments, the first and second biasing torques can have different maximum magnitudes, depending upon the particular application of seat assembly 10 .
- the seats 18 and 20 are pivotable independently of one another about the centerline axis 57 of pivot tube 22 . Accordingly, one of the seats 18 , 20 can be in a stowed position for instance, while the other of the seats 18 , 20 can be in a use position to support an occupant.
- Torque-assist is provided for each of the seats by the torsion rods 84 and associated collars 102 , rotation stops 106 and brackets 112 as discussed and illustrated with respect to seat 18 .
- the torsion rods 84 of the present invention, and the associated rotation stops 106 a , 106 b and brackets 112 a , 112 b have been illustrated as part of seat assembly 10 , which is a manually operated seat assembly.
- the torsion rods 84 and associated rotation stops 106 a , 106 b and brackets 112 a , 112 b can also be advantageously utilized with a powered seat assembly such as that described in pending U.S. patent application entitled “Seat Assembly with Automatic Stow Feature,” having Ser. No. 10/907,039, filed Mar. 17, 2005, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- torsion rod 84 When used with a powered seat assembly, the torque-assist provided by torsion rod 84 in pivoting from either the stowed or collapsed position toward the upright position allows the use of a lower torque and lighter weight motor to provide the remaining torque necessary to pivot the corresponding seat.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a vehicle seat assembly and, more particularly, to a stowable vehicle seat assembly incorporating a torsion rod that assists in rotating the seat assembly from either a rear stowed position or a forward collapsed position to a position intermediate the stowed and collapsed positions.
- With the advent of large motor vehicles such as minivans and sport utility vehicles, newer approaches to cargo storage have been required, as compared to the traditional trunk of an automobile. This is because such vehicles typically include a third row seat or seats positioned rearward of the two rows found in a typical automobile, with relatively small cargo volume existing between the third row seat(s) and the rear end of the vehicle.
- One earlier approach to solve this problem provided one or more removable seats that could be disconnected and removed from the vehicle. However, this type of seating system was disadvantageous due to the need to disconnect individual seats from their anchored positions in the vehicle floor and to store the seats outside of the vehicle and then subsequently reattach them as additional passenger seating was required. As a result, such vehicles could be reconfigured only by expending considerable time to adapt to the changing needs regarding passenger capacity and cargo volume.
- Another known approach to resolve the problem of insufficient cargo space is described as follows. In some vehicles, the seat backs of the second and third row of seats are pivotally connected to the seat bottom. The seatbacks are movable between an upright position, for the seating of an occupant, and a collapsed position, wherein the seat back is pivoted forward to a position above the seat bottom. It is sometimes desirable to reconfigure the seatback of the second row seat so that when the seatback is in its forward position a back surface of the seatback is generally horizontal. The back surface of the seatback can also be coplanar with the collapsed seat back of the third row seat. It is known to provide a panel which is manually moveable to a position to bridge the gap between the second and third row seats so that a relatively flat horizontal support surface is formed.
- It is also known to provide a third row seat which is pivotable to a storage position within a recess formed in the vehicle floor for stowing the third row seat. The seat bottom has a rear portion which is pivotally mounted on the vehicle floor. The seat bottom includes an upper surface and a lower surface. A seat back is pivotally mounted on the seat bottom and is moveable to a collapsed position onto the upper surface of the seat bottom. Once the seat back is moved to its collapsed position, the combination of the seat bottom and the seat back are pivotable about 180 degrees to their storage position within the recess formed in the floor of the vehicle. Furthermore, it is also known in stowable seats of this type to provide a panel pivotally connected to a rear portion of a seat bottom, such that the panel is moveable to a generally horizontal deployed position which is generally coplanar with a lower surface of the seat bottom when the seat bottom is in the stowed position, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,709,040 and 6,746,083, which are assigned to the common Assignee and are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention, a stowable seat assembly is provided for use with a vehicle having a floor and a recess formed therein. The assembly includes a seat and a pivot tube adapted to be secured to the vehicle floor, with the seat being operatively pivotable about the pivot tube between a first, collapsed position and a second, stowed position with the seat being at least partially stowed within the vehicle recess. The seat passes through a third, upright position intermediate the first and second positions as the seat is pivoted between the first and second positions. A torsion rod is mounted on the pivot tube and is free to twist. The torsion rod is operatively coupled to the seat during pivoting of the seat toward and away from the third, upright position. The torsion rod provides a first biasing torque for assisting pivotal movement of the seat from the second stowed position toward the third, upright position and a second biasing torque for assisting pivotal movement of the seat from the first, collapsed position toward the third, upright position.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for making a stowable seat assembly having a seat for use in a vehicle having a floor and a recess formed therein. The method includes the steps of securing a pivot tube to the vehicle floor and pivotally coupling the seat to the pivot tube whereby the seat is pivotable about the pivot tube between a first, collapsed position and a second, stowed position with the seat being partially stowed within the vehicle recess, with the seat passing through a third, upright position intermediate the first and second positions as the seat is pivoted between the first and second positions. The method further includes the step of mounting a torsion rod on the pivot tube so the torsion rod is free to twist and coupling the torsion rod to the seat during pivoting of the seat toward and away from the third, upright position. The method additionally includes the steps of causing the torsion rod to be twisted or wound as the seat pivots away from the third, upright position and causing the torsion rod to unwind as the seat pivots toward the third, upright position.
- These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a seat assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the seat backs of each included seat being in an upright, use or seating position; -
FIG. 1B is a perspective view similar toFIG. 1A , with the seat back of the left hand seat being rotated to a forward, collapsed position; -
FIG. 1C is a perspective view similar toFIG. 1B , but with the seat back and seat bottom of the left hand seat rotated rearward to an intermediate position between the forward collapsed position and a rear stowed position; -
FIG. 1D is a perspective view similar toFIG. 1C , but with the left hand seat rotated to a fully stowed position; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view further illustrating the construction of the seat assembly shown inFIGS. 1A-1D ; -
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken alongline 3A-3A inFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3B-3B inFIG. 4B ; -
FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken alongline 3C-3C inFIG. 4C ; -
FIG. 4A is a perspective view further illustrating the seat assembly of the present invention with the left hand seat in the collapsed position shown inFIG. 1B ; -
FIG. 4B is a perspective view further illustrating the seat assembly of the present invention with the left hand seat in the upright position shown inFIG. 1C ; -
FIG. 4C is a perspective view further illustrating the seat assembly of the present invention with the left hand seat in the stowed position shown inFIG. 1D . - Referring now to the drawings,
FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating aseat assembly 10 according to the present invention.FIG. 1A illustrates theseat assembly 10 installed in a motor vehicle 12 (partially shown inFIG. 1A ). Themotor vehicle 12 includes afloor 14 and arecess 16 formed in thefloor 14. Theseat assembly 10 includes afirst seat 18 and asecond seat 20 which are individually pivotable, separate from one another, about apivot tube 22 which is secured to thefloor 14 ofvehicle 12 in a subsequently described manner. Theseats seat 18 will be described in detail. -
Seat 18 includes a seat back 24 and aseat bottom 26. The seat back 24 includes acushion 28, having aforward surface 30 and a rear surface 32 (shown inFIG. 1B ). The seat bottom 26 includes acushion 34 having anupper surface 36 and alower surface 38. In the use position illustrated inFIG. 1A , theforward surface 30 of the seat back 24 faces forwardly, while therear surface 32 faces rearwardly. Additionally, in the use position shown inFIG. 1A , theupper surface 36 ofseat cushion 34 faces upwardly. - The seat back 24 is pivotal relative to the seat bottom 26, in a subsequently described manner. As shown in
FIG. 1B , the seat back 24 is pivoted forward to a collapsed position such that the seat back 24 is in contacting engagement with the seat bottom 26 and therear surface 32 ofcushion 28 faces upwardly. The position ofseat 18 shown inFIG. 1B corresponds to a collapsed position of theseat 18. -
FIG. 1D illustrates theseat 18 in a stowed position, with theseat 18 being at least partially stowed within therecess 16 of thevehicle 12.FIG. 1C illustratesseat 18 in an upright position that is intermediate the collapsed position shown inFIG. 1B and the stowed position shown inFIG. 1D . The intermediate position shown inFIG. 1C is about midway between the collapsed and stowed positions ofseat 18 and is different than the use position illustrated inFIG. 1A .Seat 18 pivots about 180 degrees between the collapsed and stowed positions and accordingly, whenseat 18 is in the intermediate position shown inFIG. 1C , it is about 90 degrees from the collapsed and stowed positions. -
Seat 18 further includes an optional panel assembly, indicated generally at 40, with theassembly 40 including afirst panel 42 and asecond panel 44 hingedly connected topanel 42 by ahinge 46.Panel 42 is secured to theseat bottom 26 ofseat 18 by one or more fasteners such as screws, clasps, etc. (not shown). Whenseat 18 is in the use position shown inFIG. 1A or the collapsed position shown inFIG. 1B ,panels seat bottom 26. However, when theseat 18 is in the stowed position shown inFIG. 1D ,panels seat 20 combine to form a relatively flat load floor that substantially covers therecess 16 ofvehicle 12 and extends forward toward the next forward row of seats (not shown) invehicle 12. Whenseat 18 is moved from the seating or use position shown inFIG. 1A to the stowed position shown inFIG. 1D ,panel 44 automatically deploys from its concealed position, by a known mechanism such as the linkage shown in previously incorporated U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,709,040 and 6,746,083. In the illustrative embodiment, each of thepanels panels panel 44 and any other structural support means that may be required, such as that which is discussed in the previously incorporated patents, is known and does not form a part of the present invention. - The seat back 24 and
seat bottom 26 ofseat 18 are each formed from a structural framework, indicated generally at 48 and 50, respectively, inFIG. 2 and thecushions FIGS. 1A-1D . The seat cushions 28 and 34 can be made of any suitable material which provides a cushion support for the occupant. For example, the seat cushions 28 and 34 can be made of one or more layers of foam material attached to the corresponding framework and having an outer trim cover material adhered thereto. Examples of suitable cover materials are cloth, leather and vinyl. - The
structural frameworks seat assembly 10. In a preferred embodiment, theframework 48 of seat back 24 is a closedloop tubular member 52 that generally defines the shape of the seat back 24. Aheadrest 54 is mounted to thetubular member 52 by a mount structure (not shown). - The framework 50 of the seat bottom 26 generally includes a
pan 56, having a raisedrear portion 58, and a pair of side bars 60 attached to thepan 56. Theframework 48 of theseatback 24 is pivotally attached to the framework 50 of the seat bottom 26 about a pivot axis (not shown). - The
seat assembly 10 preferably includes a latch mechanism (not shown), such as that shown and described in the previously incorporated U.S. patents, for releasably securing the seat back 24 to its seating position relative to seat bottom 26 as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B . The latch mechanism can be any suitable conventional latch mechanism as discussed in the previously incorporated U.S. patents. With regard to theseat 18 of theseat assembly 10 of the present invention, the latching mechanism is contained within ahousing member 62 shown inFIG. 2 . - The framework 50 of the
seat bottom 26 ofseat 18 and aframework 64 of aseat bottom 66 ofseat 20, are pivotally attached relative to thevehicle floor 14 by thepivot tube 22 which extends laterally, substantially across the width of thevehicle 12. Theframework 64 includes apan 56, having a raisedrear portion 58, and a pair of side bars 60 attached to thepan 56, as does framework 50 ofseat 18 as discussed previously. Preferably, thepivot tube 22 has a cylindrical tubular cross-section and extends through both of theseats pivot tube 22 is wider than the width of theseat bottoms FIG. 2 . Accordingly, thepivot tube 22 has ends 68, 70 which extend beyond the outboard sides of theseats FIG. 2 , thepivot tube 22 is positioned underneath the raisedrear portion 58 ofpan 56 ofseat 18 and the raisedrear portion 58 ofpan 56 ofseat 20. - The ends 68, 70 of the
pivot tube 22 are mounted on thefloor 14 bybrackets 72. If desired, the center portion (shown in phantom lines inFIG. 2 .) of thepivot tube 22 can also be mounted on thevehicle floor 14 by another bracket (not shown). Thebrackets 72 include alower plate 74 attached to thefloor 14 by conventional means such as threadedfasteners 76. Each of thebrackets 72 includes a pair of generally triangularly shapedflanges 78 that extend upwardly from thelower plate 74 and include apertures for receiving thepivot tube 22. Thepivot tube 22 is fixed to thebrackets 68 by conventional means such as welding, such that thepivot tube 22 cannot rotate relative to thebrackets 72. - The framework 50 of the seat bottom 26 can be pivotally attached to the
pivot tube 22 by any suitable manner. For example, pairs of spaced apart bushing or bearing assemblies, indicated generally at 80 (one partially shown inFIG. 2 ) can be installed onto the side bars 60 of the structural framework 50 of seat bottom 26. Preferably, the framework 50 of the seat bottom 26 is pivotally mounted on thepivot tube 22 at two distinct locations, such as the lateral sides of the framework 50. This mounting arrangement provides additional support for theseat 18, such as when subjected to lateral loads acting on the seat back 24 or about the center of gravity of the seat assembly. - Since the
seat bottoms seats vehicle floor 14, eachseat FIG. 2 , for releasable securing theseat bottoms vehicle floor 14 and maintaining theseats FIG. 1A . Thelatch assembly 82 can be any suitable conventional latch mechanism. -
Seat 18 is pivotable about thepivot tube 22 between the collapsed position shown inFIG. 1B and the stowed position shown inFIG. 1D , with theseat 18 being partially stowed within thevehicle recess 16 when it is in the stowed position shown inFIG. 1D . More particularly,seat 18 pivots about acenterline axis 57 of thepivot tube 22. When theseat 18 pivots between the collapsed and stowed positions or between the stowed and collapsed positions, theseat 18 passes through the upright position, shown inFIG. 1C , that is intermediate the collapsed and stowed positions. The upright position shown inFIG. 1C is different than the use or seating position shown inFIG. 1A . The upright position shown inFIG. 1C comprises a midway point of pivotable travel of theseat 18 and is not a use position. For instance, if theseat 18 pivots a total of about 180° between the collapsed position shown inFIG. 1B and the stowed position shown inFIG. 1D , theseat 18 is about 90° from each of the collapsed and stowed positions when it is in the upright position shown inFIG. 1C . - Referring now to
FIGS. 3A-3C and 4A-4C, theseat assembly 10 includes a pair of torsion rods 84 (one shown), with one of thetorsion rods 84 associated with each of theseats torsion rods 84 can be made of spring steel or other materials having similar material properties as spring steel. The structural features and functions of thetorsion rod 84 associated with theseat 18 will be subsequently described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 3A-3C and 4A-4C, and are the same as the features and functions of thetorsion rod 84 associated withseat 20. Thetorsion rod 84 is mounted on thepivot tube 22 and is free to twist relative to thepivot tube 22. Thetorsion rod 84 is operatively coupled to theseat 18 during pivoting of theseat 18 toward and away from the upright position of the seat shown inFIG. 1C . Additionally, as subsequently discussed in greater detail, thetorsion rod 84 is operatively effective for assisting pivotal movement of theseat 18 from the stowed position shown inFIG. 1D toward the upright position shown inFIG. 1C and from the collapsed position shown inFIG. 1B , toward the upright position shown inFIG. 1C . - As shown in
FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, thetorsion rod 84 includes a centrally disposedportion 86, aninboard end 88 and anoutboard end 90, with the inboard 88 and outboard 90 ends being coaxially disposed with the centrally disposedportion 86 oftorsion rod 84.Torsion rod 84 includes alongitudinal centerline axis 92 that passes through theinboard end 88, centrally disposedportion 86 and theoutboard end 90. - The
torsion rod 84 further includes first 94 and second 96 protruding portions, disposed proximate theinboard end 88 ofrod 84, and third 98 and fourth 100 protruding portions disposed proximate theoutboard end 90 oftorsion rod 84. Each of the protrudingportions longitudinal centerline axis 92. As shown inFIGS. 4A-4C , the first 94 and fourth 100 protruding portions are relatively larger than the second 96 and third 98 protruding portions. The protrudingportions portions portions -
Seat assembly 10 further includes two pairs of collars 102 (one pair shown), with one pair being associated with each of thetorsion rods 84. Thecollars 102 are fixed to pivottube 22 by conventional means such as welding. Each of the collars has a raisedportion 104 for receiving one of theends torsion rod 84. The ends 88 and 90 are free to twist relative to pivottube 22 within the raisedportions 104 of thecollars 102. The centrally disposed portion ofrod 84 is substantially surrounded by aprotective sheath 105 to prevent wear of either thepivot tube 22 ortorsion rod 84, astorsion rod 84 twists relative to pivottube 22 as subsequently discussed. -
Seat assembly 10 also includes four rotation stops 106 (two shown), with two associated with each of thetorsion rods 84. The inboard rotation stop is designated asstop 106 a, while the outboard stop is designated asstop 106 b. As shown inFIGS. 4A-4C , each of thestops arcuate portion 108 attached to thepivot tube 22 by conventional means such as welding and asecond portion 110 that extends away from thepivot tube 22. - The
seat assembly 10 includes two pairs of brackets 112 (one pair shown) with one pair of thebrackets 112 being associated with each of theseats FIGS. 3A-3C and 4A-4C, an inboard bracket, designated as 112 a, and an outboard bracket, designated as 112 b, are associated with theseat 18. Thebrackets FIGS. 3A-3C ; and shown in fragmentary view inFIGS. 4A and omitted fromFIGS. 4B and 4C for purposes of clarity of illustration). Theconnector panel 114 is fixedly connected to thepan 56 of the structural framework 50 ofseatbottom 26 ofseat 18 bybrackets 111 and 115 that are attached to thepan 56 by conventional means, such as threaded fasteners that can includebolts 117 and associated nuts (one shown). Bracket 111 has anupstanding flange 113 having an aperture formed therein to receivepivot tube 22. Similarly,bracket 115 has anupstanding flange 119 having an aperture formed therein to receivepivot tube 22. Accordingly, thebrackets connector panel 114, pivot with the structural framework 50 about thepivot tube 22, as theseat 18 is pivoted from one position to another. - Each of the
brackets central portion 120 integral with and interconnecting theend walls endwalls flanges flanges connector panel 114 by conventional means, such as welding. Each of thebrackets notch 126 formed therein. As may be appreciated with reference toFIGS. 4A-4C , thenotch 126 is formed in portions of theendwall 116 andcentral portion 122. The presence of thenotches 122 permits the protrudingportion 94 oftorsion rod 84 to protrude through thenotch 122 ofbracket 112 a into aninterior space 128 defined bybracket 112 a. Similarly, thenotch 122 formed inbracket 112 b allows the protrudingportion 100 oftorsion rod 84 to protrude through thenotch 122 ofbracket 112 b into theinterior space 128 defined bybracket 112 b. Thebrackets connector panel 114. More particularly, theendwalls 116 of thebrackets FIGS. 3A-3C and 4A-4C, as well as the subsequent discussion, this allows one of thebrackets torsion rod 84 while the other of thebrackets torsion rod 84 as theseat 18 pivots away from or toward the upright position shown inFIG. 1C . - The
torsion rod 84 is in a free-state, unwound condition and is not engaged with either of thebrackets seat 18 is in the upright position illustrated inFIGS. 1C, 3B and 4B. Instead, the protrudingportion 94 protrudes throughnotch 122 and into theinterior space 128 defined byinboard bracket 112 a without engagingendwalls portion 100 oftorsion rod 84 protrudes throughnotch 122 and into theinterior space 128 defined by theoutboard bracket 112 b without engagingendwalls - In use, as the
seat 18 is pivoted in a first direction indicated at 130 inFIG. 4B away from the upright position shown inFIGS. 1C, 3B and 4B toward the stowed position shown inFIGS. 1D, 3C and 4C, the protrudingportion 96 oftorsion rod 84 engages the inboard rotation stop 106 a, while the protrudingportion 100 oftorsion rod 84 engages thewall 118 of theoutboard bracket 112 b, causing thetorsion rod 84 to be twisted, or wound indirection 130, until thetorsion rod 84 is fully wound in this direction as illustrated inFIG. 4C . In this position, thetorsion rod 84 possesses potential energy. When an operator of thevehicle 12 desires to pivot theseat 18 from the stowed position shown inFIGS. 1D, 3C and 4C to the collapsed position shown inFIGS. 1B, 3A and 4A, thetorsion rod 84 exerts a first biasing torque on theoutboard bracket 112 b in the direction of rotational movement untilseat 18 reaches the upright position shown inFIGS. 1C, 3B and 4B. Accordingly,torsion rod 84 assists the operator in pivoting theseat 18 from the stowed position to the upright position. In the upright position, thetorsion rod 84 is completely unwound and does not exert a torque on thebracket 112 b. The first biasing torque has a variable magnitude, with the maximum magnitude existing when theseat 18 is in the stowed position shown inFIGS. 1D, 3C and 4C. The magnitude of the first biasing torque decreases as theseat 18 is rotated away from the stowed position until it is zero when theseat 18 is in the upright position shown inFIGS. 1C, 3B and 4B. - As the operator further pivots or rotates the
seat 18 indirection 132 shown inFIG. 4B away from the upright position shown inFIGS. 1C, 3B and 4B toward the collapsed position shown inFIGS. 1B, 3A and 4A, the protrudingportion 98 oftorsion rod 84 engages the outboard rotation stop 106 b, while the protrudingportion 94 oftorsion rod 84 engages theinboard bracket 112 a, causing the torsion rod to be twisted or wound between protrudingportions torsion rod 84 is fully wound in this direction when the seat is in the collapsed position shown inFIGS. 1B, 3A and 4A. In this position, thetorsion rod 84 again has potential energy. When the operator desires to rotate theseat 18 from the collapsed position shown inFIGS. 1B, 3A and 4A to the stowed position shown inFIGS. 1D, 3C and 4C, the protrudingportion 94 oftorsion rod 84 exerts a second biasing torque on theinboard bracket 112 a in the direction of rotational movement until the seat reaches the upright position shown inFIGS. 1C, 3B and 4B. Accordingly,torsion rod 84 assists the operator in pivoting or rotating theseat 18 from the collapsed position toward the upright position. The second biasing torque also has a variable magnitude, with the maximum magnitude existing when theseat 18 is in the collapsed position shown inFIGS. 1B, 3A and 4A. The magnitude of the second biasing torque decreases as theseat 18 is rotated away from the collapsed position toward the upright position shown inFIGS. 1C, 3B and 4B. The first and second biasing torques act in different directions from one another but in one embodiment they have substantially the same maximum magnitude, or scalar value. In other embodiments, the first and second biasing torques can have different maximum magnitudes, depending upon the particular application ofseat assembly 10. - The
seats centerline axis 57 ofpivot tube 22. Accordingly, one of theseats seats torsion rods 84 and associatedcollars 102, rotation stops 106 andbrackets 112 as discussed and illustrated with respect toseat 18. - The
torsion rods 84 of the present invention, and the associated rotation stops 106 a, 106 b andbrackets seat assembly 10, which is a manually operated seat assembly. However, thetorsion rods 84 and associated rotation stops 106 a, 106 b andbrackets torsion rod 84 in pivoting from either the stowed or collapsed position toward the upright position allows the use of a lower torque and lighter weight motor to provide the remaining torque necessary to pivot the corresponding seat. - While the foregoing description has set forth preferred embodiments of the present invention in particular detail, it must be understood that numerous modifications, substitutions and changes can be undertaken without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the ensuing claims. The invention is therefore not limited to specific embodiments as described, but is only limited as defined by the following claims.
Claims (18)
Priority Applications (3)
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DE102006028100A DE102006028100B4 (en) | 2005-08-29 | 2006-06-19 | Vehicle seat assembly |
GB0616521A GB2429642B (en) | 2005-08-29 | 2006-08-21 | Vehicle seat assembly |
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US20100207421A1 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2010-08-19 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd. | Stowable vehicle seat |
CN102233834A (en) * | 2010-04-22 | 2011-11-09 | 通用汽车环球科技运作有限责任公司 | Folding seat system |
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WO2007115413A1 (en) * | 2006-04-12 | 2007-10-18 | Intier Automotive Inc. | Fold flat seat assembly |
FR2921025B1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2010-03-12 | Faurecia Sieges Automobile | AUTOMOTIVE CAR SEAT ARRANGEMENT IN A TANK IN THE FLOOR OF THE AUTOMOBILE |
US8002331B2 (en) | 2008-09-11 | 2011-08-23 | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | Vehicles having utility dump bed and folding seat assembly |
US7806454B2 (en) * | 2008-12-22 | 2010-10-05 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Integrated carrier assembly for a seat back of a motor vehicle |
FR2972690B1 (en) * | 2011-03-17 | 2013-05-03 | Cera | DEVICE FOR BRAKING THE RABATMENT OF A SEAT BACK OF A MOTOR VEHICLE |
US8894031B2 (en) * | 2011-03-17 | 2014-11-25 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Seating system for a motor vehicle |
WO2013133403A1 (en) * | 2012-03-09 | 2013-09-12 | テイ・エス テック株式会社 | Seat mounting structure |
DE102012214499B4 (en) | 2012-08-14 | 2021-09-09 | Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg | Seat arrangement with two drive devices for pivoting two adjustment parts |
US9475412B2 (en) | 2013-02-06 | 2016-10-25 | TS Tech Americas, Inc. | Vehicle including seat having first and second biasing members |
US10259395B2 (en) * | 2017-03-17 | 2019-04-16 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Retention mechanism for a forward folding seat assembly |
US9844272B1 (en) * | 2017-04-25 | 2017-12-19 | Seachrome Corporation | Lift assist systems and methods for adjustable seats |
MX2020006437A (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2020-09-17 | Polaris Inc | Rear suspension assembly for a vehicle. |
US11285807B2 (en) | 2018-01-05 | 2022-03-29 | Polaris Industries Inc. | Driveline assembly for a utility vehicle |
US11260773B2 (en) | 2018-01-09 | 2022-03-01 | Polaris Industries Inc. | Vehicle seating arrangements |
DE102019200983A1 (en) | 2019-01-25 | 2020-07-30 | Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg | Adjustment mechanism with striking spring |
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US6869138B2 (en) * | 2002-08-23 | 2005-03-22 | Daimlerchrysler Corporation | Underfloor stowage of a folding seat in a vehicle |
US20040046408A1 (en) * | 2002-08-27 | 2004-03-11 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Vehicle seat storage assisting apparatus |
US6896309B2 (en) * | 2002-08-27 | 2005-05-24 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Vehicle seat storage assisting apparatus |
US6709040B1 (en) * | 2002-09-27 | 2004-03-23 | Lear Corporation | Vehicle seat assembly |
US6746083B2 (en) * | 2002-09-27 | 2004-06-08 | Lear Corporation | Vehicle seat assembly |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100207421A1 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2010-08-19 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd. | Stowable vehicle seat |
US8177281B2 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2012-05-15 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd. | Stowable vehicle seat |
CN102233834A (en) * | 2010-04-22 | 2011-11-09 | 通用汽车环球科技运作有限责任公司 | Folding seat system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2429642A8 (en) | 2007-03-09 |
DE102006028100A1 (en) | 2007-03-01 |
GB2429642B (en) | 2008-04-23 |
US7192088B1 (en) | 2007-03-20 |
GB2429642A (en) | 2007-03-07 |
DE102006028100B4 (en) | 2010-12-02 |
GB0616521D0 (en) | 2006-09-27 |
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