Retaining mechanism for forward folding seat assembly

Abstract

A foldable seat assembly for a vehicle includes a foldable seat bottom pivotally mounted to a support surface and including a mounting aperture disposed therethrough. A seat back is connected to the support surface and includes an outwardly extending bracket having an upwardly extending engagement member disposed thereon. The engagement member has a frame portion disposed on an underside surface of the seat bottom and first and second side walls extending upwardly through the mounting aperture, the side walls including opposing inwardly extending lugs for receiving the engagement member therebetween when the seat bottom is in a use position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to retention mechanisms, and more particularly to retention mechanisms incorporated into a fold-flat seat assembly to maintain the fold-flat seat assembly in a downwardly folded in use position when the fold-flat seat assembly is unoccupied. BACKGROUND

[0002] Many vehicles today provide a second row seat structure that flips forward, which allows a user to flip the seat portion of the second row seat assembly with a forward rotation of the vehicle to provide improved cargo space, and also provides space to allow the seat back assembly to rotate forward to provide access to the trunk or cargo space. Some configurations rely on interference between the padding material of the seat portion and the seat back at a bite line between the seat portion and the seat back padding material to maintain the seat portion in a downwardly in use position during a crash event. This interference can not be sufficient to properly maintain the unoccupied seat portion in a downwardly folded in use position. Other retention concepts include inertial latches selectively engaged during a frontal crash event added to the rear riser assembly of the seat structure. This solution requires added mechanisms and increases the cost and weight of the overall system. Therefore, there is a need to create a lighter weight, more cost effective and integrated solution to maintain the seat portion in a downwardly folded in use position when the seat portion is unoccupied during a crash event or other event that can cause the fold-flat seat assembly to move toward an upright stowed position. SUMMARY

[0003] One aspect of the present invention includes a fold-flat seat assembly having a seat pan rotatably supported on a support surface between a stowed position and an in use position. An engagement member is connected to the seat pan and includes a receiving aperture, the engagement member having first and second lugs extending inwardly into the receiving aperture. An engagement component is connected to the support surface and is received in the receiving aperture when the seat pan is in the in use position.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention can include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0005] • the seat pan is rotatably supported on the support surface;

[0006] • the engagement member is connected to the seat pan; and

[0007] • the engagement component is connected to the support surface.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention includes a folding seat assembly having a seat pan pivotally connected to a support surface and having a mounting hole disposed therethrough. An engagement member is connected to the mounting hole of the seat pan and includes a receiving hole, the engagement member having one or more lugs extending inwardly into the receiving hole. An engagement member is connected to the support surface and extends upwardly from the support surface. The engagement member is received in the receiving hole of the engagement member when the seat pan is folded downwardly to the support surface.

[0009] However, another aspect of the present invention includes a folding seat assembly having a seat pan with a mounting hole disposed therethrough. A seat back is connected to a support surface and includes a bracket having an upwardly extending engagement member. The engagement member includes a frame portion disposed on a lower surface of the seat pan and first and second side walls extending upwardly through the mounting hole of the seat pan. The first and second side walls include opposing inwardly extending lugs for receiving the engagement member therebetween when the seat pan is in a use position.

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a folding seat assembly comprising:

[0011] a seat pan rotatably supported on a support surface between a stowed position and a use position;

[0012] an engagement member connected to the seat pan, wherein the engagement member includes a receiving hole, the engagement member having first and second lugs extending inwardly into the receiving hole; and

[0013] an engagement member connected to the support surface, wherein the engagement member is received in the receiving hole when the seat pan is in the use position.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the seat pan includes a mounting hole disposed therethrough.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first and second lugs are disposed on first and second side walls extending upwardly through the mounting hole.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first and second side walls are resiliently flexible.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the engagement member includes a frame portion abutting a lower surface of the seat pan, wherein the first and second side walls extend upwardly from the frame portion.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the folding seat assembly of the present invention includes:

[0019] a cushion member disposed on an upper surface of the seat pan, wherein the cushion member includes a recess disposed over the mounting hole of the seat pan in assembly, wherein the first and second side walls extend upwardly from the frame portion into the recess of the cushion member.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first and second lugs include an upwardly angled lower surface and a downwardly angled upper surface.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the engagement member includes a rod having a circular outer surface.

[0022] According to the present invention, there is provided a folding seat assembly, the folding seat assembly comprising:

[0023] a seat pan pivotally connected to a support surface and having a mounting hole;

[0024] an engagement member connected to the mounting hole and having a receiving hole, the engagement member having one or more lugs extending inwardly into the receiving hole; and

[0025] an engagement component extending upwardly from the support surface, wherein the engagement component is received in the receiving hole of the engagement member when the seat pan is folded downwardly.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the engagement member includes a frame portion disposed on a lower surface of the seat pan, the engagement member having one or more side walls extending upwardly from the frame portion through the mounting hole of the seat pan.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the one or more side walls are soft and resilient, and further wherein the one or more lugs are disposed on an inner surface of the one or more side walls.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the engagement member is clamped to the mounting hole of the seat pan.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mounting hole is disposed in a recessed portion of a lower surface of the seat pan, such that the engagement member is substantially flush with the lower surface of the seat pan, and further wherein a portion of the engagement member extends outwardly from an upper surface of the seat pan through the mounting hole.

[0030] According to the present invention, there is provided a folding seat assembly, the folding seat assembly comprising:

[0031] a folding seat pan having a mounting hole;

[0032] a seat back having a bracket, the bracket having an engagement component extending upwardly; and

[0033] An engagement member having a frame portion disposed on a lower surface of a seat pan and first and second side walls extending upwardly through mounting holes, the side walls including opposing inwardly extending lugs for receiving an engagement member between the opposing inwardly extending lugs when the seat pan is in a use position.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the folding seat assembly of the present invention includes:

[0035] A cushion member disposed on an upper surface of the seat pan, wherein the cushion member covers the mounting holes.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first and second side walls extend upwardly into recesses disposed on a lower surface of the cushion member.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the engagement member includes a rod having a circular outer surface.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the opposing inwardly extending lugs include an upwardly angled lower surface and a downwardly angled upper surface.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first and second side walls are soft and resilient.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the seat back and the seat pan are connected to the upper surface, and further wherein the mounting holes of the seat pan are disposed on a rear portion of the seat pan.

[0041] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] In the drawings:

[0043] Figure 1A is a front perspective view of a folding seat assembly;

[0044] Figure 1B is a front perspective view of the folding seat assembly of Figure 1A with the seat portion in a forwardly folded upright stowed position;

[0045] Figure 1C is a rear perspective view of the folding seat assembly of Figure 1B ; with the seat portion in a forwardly folded upright stowed position;

[0046] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a seat pan of a folding seat assembly having a plurality of hinge assemblies connected thereto;

[0047] Figure 3It is a top perspective view of the first arm of the hinge assembly having the engaging parts disposed thereon;

[0048] Figure 4 It is a top perspective view of the second arm of the hinge assembly having the engaging parts disposed thereon;

[0049] Figure 5A Is Figure 3 and 4 The engaging parts are shown in the disengaged position. Figure 3 and 4 Top-view perspective view of the hinge assembly in the open position;

[0050] Figure 5B It is the hinge assembly and the display in the disengaged position. Figure 5A Side elevation view of the joint components;

[0051] Figure 6 This is when the joining components are displayed in the joining position. Figure 5B Side elevation view of the hinge assembly;

[0052] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a seat back assembly supported on a support surface by multiple brackets with upwardly extending connecting parts.

[0053] Figure 8A It is a top perspective view of a connecting member having a receiving hole, wherein the connecting member has first and second lugs extending inward into the receiving hole;

[0054] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A A bottom-view perspective view of the connecting components;

[0055] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the seat base, in which Figure 8A The connecting components are set in the mounting holes of the seat base plate;

[0056] Figure 10 It receives the mounting holes, such as those for mounting to the seat base. Figure 9 In the joint components Figure 7 A top perspective view of the joining components; and

[0057] Figure 11 It is intercepted along line XI. Figure 1A The sectional view shows Figure 10 The mating parts receive in Figure 10 In the receiving hole of the connecting component. Detailed Implementation

[0058] For purposes of this description, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the Figure 1A orientation as shown in the drawings and as set forth in the written description that follows, merely for purposes of illustration. However, it is submitted that the application can assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is not explicitly stated herein, as

[0059] Reference is now made to Figure 1A , a foldable seat assembly 10 is shown and contemplated for use as a second or third row passenger option within a vehicle. The foldable seat assembly 10 includes a seat portion 12 and a seat back 14. The seat portion 12 is shown in Figure 1A as having three portions 12A, 12B, and 12C. It is contemplated that this seat portion 12 can be rotated forward along a path as indicated by arrow R along a pivot axis PA identified using dashed lines in Figure 1A . Portions 12A-12C of the seat portion 12 can be rotated individually or together. It is contemplated that the embodiment shown in Figure 1A will include individual rotation of portion 12A while portions 12B and 12C of the seat portion 12 will rotate together as a combined assembly. Any manner of rotation of portions 12A-12C of the seat portion 12 is contemplated for use with the present application. Likewise, the seat back 14 includes portions 14A, 14B that can fold down to a stowed position as the seat portion 12 is rotated upwardly, thereby providing access to a trunk or cargo space of the vehicle. In Figure 1A the embodiment shown, the seat portion 12 and the seat back 14 are shown in a use position, with the seat portion 12 in an overall horizontal use position and the seat back 14 shown in an overall upright or semi-reclined use position. In this manner, Figure 1A the foldable seat assembly 10 with the seat portion 12 and the seat back 14 in a use position is positioned to support one or more vehicle occupants. Both the seat portion 12 and the seat back 14 are pivotally connected to a support surface 16, which is contemplated to be a portion of the vehicle body.

[0060] Reference is now made to Figure 1B , the seat portion 12 is shown having been rotated from a downward use position shown in Figure 1A to an upright forwardly folded stowed position. Thus, as the seat portion 12 is rotated along the pivot axis PA along a path as indicated by arrow R, the seat portion 12 is rotatable between a use position Figure 1A and a stowed position Figure 1B) between the use position and the upright stowed position. With the seat portion 12 in the upright stowed position, portions 14A, 14B of the seat back 14 can be rotated forward in the direction as indicated by arrow 18 to provide an enhanced cargo carrying option for the vehicle. The seat back 14 is secured to a support surface 16 by a plurality of brackets 15 from which the seat back 14 pivots. With the folding seat assembly 10 having a rotating seat portion 12, it is important that portions 12A-12C of the seat portion 12 move easily from the use position Figure 1A ) to the upright stowed position Figure 1B ) to facilitate the user. However, it is also necessary to properly maintain the seat portion 12 in the use position during a crash event in which forces can act on the seat portion 12 to move the seat portion 12 from the use position toward the stowed position. Accordingly, the seat portion 12 shown in Figure 1A and 1B provides enhanced retention of the seat portion 12 in the use position to avoid unwanted release or movement of the seat portion 12 when the seat portion 12 is unoccupied.

[0061] Referring now to Figure 1C , the folding seat assembly 10 is shown with the seat portion 12 in the upright stowed position. The seat portion 12 is connected to the support surface 16 via a plurality of hinge assemblies 20. The hinge assemblies 20 provide articulating movement of the seat portion 12 in the direction as indicated by arrow R along a pivot axis PA. This articulating movement is generally attributed to a first arm 22 being hingedly connected to a second arm 24, wherein the first arm 22 is further connected to the support surface 16 while the second arm 24 is operably connected to the seat portion 12. The first and second arms 22, 24 of the hinge assembly 20 are further described below. As shown in Figure 1C , the seat portion 12 includes two seat pans 30, 32, wherein the seat pan 30 supports portions 12A of the seat portion 12 and the seat pan 32 supports portions 12B and 12C of the seat portion 12. The seat pans 30, 32 are connected to cushion members 34, 36 along upper surfaces of the seat pans 30, 32, respectively. The second arm 24 of the hinge assembly 20 is shown connected to lower surfaces of the seat pans 30, 32. The seat pans 30, 32 include mounting holes 38 disposed therethrough, which are generally disposed adjacent to rear edges of the seat pans 30, 32, as further described below. The mounting holes 38 are disposed through recessed portions 39 of the seat pans 30, 32 to provide a substantially flush appearance when engagement members 112 Figure 8A and 8B are received in the mounting holes 38, as further described below.

[0062] Referring now to Figure 2The seat pan 30 of the seat portion 12 shown in Figure 2 includes a plurality of hinge assemblies 20 connected to a lower surface 40 of the seat pan 30. Specifically, the hinge assemblies 20 are connected to the lower surface 40 of the seat pan 30 at the second arms 24 of the hinge assemblies 20 via fasteners 43. While the images shown in Figures 1A-1C include the seat pan 30 of the seat portion 12 shown in Figures 1A-1C , it is contemplated that the description of the seat pan 30 will also generally describe the seat pan 32 with respect to the retaining member described further below. The seat pan 30 is shown having a lower surface 40 and an upper surface 42 that include front and rear peripheral edge portions 44, 46 and side peripheral edge portions 48, 50. The peripheral edge portions 44, 46, 48 and 50 generally surround a main body portion 52 of the seat pan 30, which is contoured to support a vehicle occupant. The mounting holes 38 are disposed through the main body portion 52 of the seat pan 30 on the recessed portions 39 and adjacent the rear peripheral edge 46. The hinge assemblies 20 are connected to the lower or underside 40 of the seat pan 30 proximate the front peripheral edge 44 of the seat pan 30. In this manner, the seat pan 30 is configured to rotate forward via the hinge assemblies 20 in the manner described above with reference to Figure 1A . The first arms 22 of the hinge assemblies 20 are connected to the second arms 24 via hinge pins 26 that generally define a pivot axis PA along which the seat pan 30 rotates. The second arms 24 are configured to be connected to the support surface 16 via fasteners received through the mounting holes 28 of the first arms 22 that fixedly connect the hinge assemblies 20 to the vehicle body at the support surface 16. As described above, the seat pan 30 includes a retaining member configured to retain a seat portion, such as the seat portion 12 described above, in a downwardly folded, in-use position as shown in Figure 1B . The hinge assemblies 20 and the mounting holes 38 of the seat pan 30 are configured to receive the retaining member that is configured to retain the seat portion 12 in the in-use position, however, is readily permitted to allow a user to move the seat portion 12 to the upright stowed position shown in 1C . Thus, the retaining member described below is configured to deter undesired or unwanted movement of the seat portion 12 when the seat portion 12 is unoccupied, however, the retaining member is designed to allow a user to readily move the seat portion 12 from the in-use position to the upright stowed position. The retaining member of the folding seat assembly 10 will now be described.

[0063] Referring now to Figure 3 , a portion of the first arm 22 of the hinge assembly 20 is shown having a main body portion 60. The main body portion 60 is generally defined by first and second side members 62, 64 that are interconnected by a central planar mid-portion 66 to define a generally U-shaped cross-section of the first arm 22 of the hinge assembly 20. As shown inFigure 3 Further shown, a joining member 70 is connected to the main body portion 60 of the first arm 22. The joining member 70 includes first and second leg portions 72, 74 interconnected by an intermediate portion 76. The joining member 70 includes angled portions 78, 80 disposed between the first and second leg portions 72, 74 and the intermediate portion 76 such that the intermediate portion 76 extends upwardly and outwardly from the main body portion 60 of the first arm 22 of the hinge assembly 20. In this manner, the joining member 70 provides a joining portion that extends outwardly from the first arm 22 of the hinge assembly 20 via the intermediate portion 76. In Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second leg portions 72, 74 of the joining member 70 are connected to the first and second side members 62, 64 of the main body portion 60 of the first arm 22. It is further contemplated that any disposition of the first and second leg portions 72, 74 of the joining member 70 can be used to connect the joining member 70 to the main body portion 60 of the first arm 22. Moreover, any disposition, such as a plate, can be used to connect the joining member 70 to the main body portion 60 of the first arm 22. In Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the joining member 70 is shown in the form of a retaining rod that is configured from a bent wire made of a metallic material, such as steel. Other materials are contemplated for use with the present application, and in the case of a metallic joining member, the joining member 70 can be welded to the first arm 22 of the hinge assembly 20, which is also contemplated to be comprised of a steel stamping. In Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the joining member 70 is contemplated to have a uniform diameter D throughout the intermediate portion 76 as specifically indicated.

[0064] Reference is now made to Figure 4 , the second arm 24 of the hinge assembly 20 is shown connected to the lower surface 40 of the seat bottom 30. The second arm 24 includes first and second side members 82, 84 interconnected by a generally central planar intermediate portion 86. The side members 82, 84 and the intermediate portion 86 together define a main body portion 87 of the second arm 24. As Figure 4 Further shown, end portions of the side members 62, 64 of the first arm 22 are connected with end portions of the side members 82, 84 of the second arm 24 via the hinge pin 26 such that the first and second arms 22, 24 are hingedly connected to one another and are operable relative to one another between open and closed positions. As Figure 4As further shown, the engaging member 90 is connected to the body portion 87 of the second arm 24 at the intermediate plane portion 86 via a fastener 91, which is intended to connect the engaging member 90 to the second arm 24 and to the lower surface 40 of the seat base 30. The engaging member 90 is intended to be a polymer portion that can be formed using injection molding or other similar polymer molding techniques. The engaging member 90 includes a base portion 92 through which the fastener 91 is disposed. The engaging member 90 further includes a clamping member 94 extending outward therefrom. The clamping member 94 includes first and second resilient members 96, 98 extending outward from the base portion 92. Figure 4 As shown, the first and second elastic members 96, 98 of the clip member 94 are generally spaced apart to define a receiving recess 100 disposed between the first and second elastic members 96, 98. The elastic members 96, 98 are intended to be soft and elastic, and are assumed to be generally made of polymer. In this way, the engaging member 70 of the first arm 22 can be received in the receiving recess 100 defined between the first and second elastic members 96, 98 in the outwardly opening clip member 94. Specifically, as further described below, the middle portion 76 of the engaging member 70 of the first arm 22 is intended to be received in the receiving recess 100 of the clip member 94. Therefore, the receiving recess includes a spacing associated with the diameter D of the engaging member 70 of the first arm 22.

[0065] Now for reference Figure 5A The hinge assembly 20 is shown with the engaging member 70 connected to the first arm 22 and the engaging member 90 connected to the second arm 24. As oriented within a vehicle, the first and second arms 22, 24 may be referred to as upper and lower arms or supports, which are hingedly connected to each other via hinge pins 26 between open and closed positions. Figure 5A In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge assembly 20 is in the open position, while the engaging components 70 and 90 are disengaged from each other at a distance. When the seat base 30 is oriented towards the use position (in... Figure 1A When the hinge assembly 20 rotates downwards (as shown), the engaging component 90 moves from the hinge assembly 20. Figure 5A The open position shown in the image moves toward the closed position and approaches the engaging part 70, as described below. Figure 6 Display and description.

[0066] Therefore, as Figure 5A As shown, when the seat base is in the upright folded position and the seat portion 12 ( Figure 1B) in the open position when interrelated in an upright stowed position. When the seat pan 30 is rotated along the pivot axis PA of the hinge assembly 20 in a direction as indicated by arrow R downward, the engagement member 90 of the second arm 24 approaches the engagement member 70 of the first arm 22 of the hinge assembly 20 until the engagement member 70 of the first arm 22 is received in the receiving recess 100 of the engagement member 90 of the second arm 24. In this way, the second arm 24 is a movable upper arm that moves with the seat pan 30 when connected to the lower surface 40 of the seat pan 30. The first arm 22 is intended to be fixedly connected to a support surface (such as the support surface 16 shown Figure 1C in the open position when interrelated in an upright stowed position. When the seat pan 30 is rotated along the pivot axis PA of the hinge assembly 20 in a direction as indicated by arrow R downward, the engagement member 90 of the second arm 24 approaches the engagement member 70 of the first arm 22 of the hinge assembly 20 until the engagement member 70 of the first arm 22 is received in the receiving recess 100 of the engagement member 90 of the second arm 24. In this way, the second arm 24 is a movable upper arm that moves with the seat pan 30 when connected to the lower surface 40 of the seat pan 30. The first arm 22 is intended to be fixedly connected to a support surface (such as the support surface 16 shown

[0067] Reference is now made to Figure 5BThe hinge assembly 20 is shown again in the open position with the engaging parts 70, 90 of the first and second arms 22, 24 disengaged from each other. The engaging parts 70, 90 are partially shown in dashed lines when they are relatively concealed by the outwardly extending side members 64, 84 of the first and second arms 22, 24 of the hinge assembly 20. Therefore, the retaining components of the hinge assembly 20 are fully integrated into the hinge assembly 20, thus providing a simple retaining solution for the seat base 30. As described above, the first and second elastic members 96, 98 of the clip member 94 are soft and elastic to bend outward in the direction indicated by arrow F during engagement of the middle portion 76 of the engaging part 70 of the first arm 22. The circular outer surface 77 of the middle portion 76 of the engaging part 70 provides a smooth profile for receiving within the receiving recess 100 provided between the first and second elastic members 96, 98. Furthermore, the clip member 94 includes a circular outer surface 99 on the first and second elastic members 96, 98, such that the intermediate portion 76 of the engaging member 70 is readily received in the receiving recess 100. The curved outer surface 77 of the engaging member 70 also facilitates seamless pushing of the first and second members 96, 98 to their outwardly curved positions to widen the receiving recess 100 for fully receiving the intermediate portion 76 of the engaging member 70. When the intermediate portion 76 of the engaging member 70 is fully received in the receiving recess 100 of the engaging member 90, the first and second elastic members 96, 98 elastically and rapidly spring back from their outwardly curved positions to a rest position to hold the intermediate portion 76 of the engaging member 70 of the first arm 22 within the receiving recess 100 of the engaging member 90 of the second arm 24. The flexure of the elastic members 96, 98 is intended to be minimal given their semi-rigid polymer composition. The middle portion 76 receives within the receiving recess 100 of the clip member 94, intended to provide the user with tactile feedback that the seat base 30 has been held in place by the interaction of the engaging parts 70, 90 of the hinge assembly 20.

[0068] Now for reference Figure 6 The hinge assembly 20 is in the closed position, while the seat base 30 is in the folded-down use position. With the seat base 30 in the folded-down use position, the engaging member 90 of the second arm 24 has contacted and engaged with the engaging member 70 of the fixed first arm 22, such that the middle portion 76 of the engaging member 70 of the first arm 22 is received in the receiving recess 100 of the clamp member 94 of the engaging member 90 of the second arm 24. Therefore, it is expected that the first and second elastic members 96, 98 are already in the... Figure 6from their outwardly curved position to their resting position in the direction indicated by arrow F. In the case where hinge assemblies 20 are provided along the front peripheral edge 44 of the seat bottom 30, the interconnection of the engagement members 70, 90 of hinge assemblies 20 will assist in holding the seat bottom 30 in the downwardly used position when a force can urge the seat bottom 30 in the upward rotational direction as indicated by arrow R toward the stowed position. Thus, multiple hinge assemblies 20 of the present concept are contemplated to be spaced apart along the front peripheral edge 44 of the seat bottom 30 and it is contemplated that all of the multiple hinge assemblies 20 shown in Figure 1C and 2 may include engagement members 70, 90 provided on their first and second arms 22, 24, respectively. Further, it is contemplated that a set of engagement members 70, 90 on a single hinge assembly 20 can be the entirety necessary to hold the seat bottom 30 in the downwardly used position such that, for example, the double hinge assembly shown in Figure 2 may include engagement members 70, 90 on a single hinge assembly 20 while other hinge assemblies 20 do not include any engagement members. While the intermediate portion 76 of engagement member 70 is shown retained within the clip member 94 of engagement member 90, it is contemplated that this intermediate portion 76 is releasably retained in the clip member 94 of engagement member 90 of the second arm 24 such that when a user provides an upward rotational force on the seat bottom 30 in the direction as indicated by arrow R, the clip member 94 releases the intermediate portion 76 of engagement member 70 from the receiving recess 100 of the clip member 94. In this manner, the intermediate portion 76 of engagement member 70 of the first arm 22 of the hinge assembly 20 is releasably retained in the engagement member 90 of the second arm 24 of the hinge assembly 20. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the engagement members 70, 90 of the first and second arms 22, 24 can also be interchanged such that the engagement member 90 is provided on the first arm 22 and the engagement member 70 is provided on the second arm 24 of the hinge assembly 20. The configuration of the engagement members 70, 90 is not critical to holding the seat bottom 30 when used with the hinge assembly 20 so long as the engagement members 70, 90 are provided on opposing arms 22, 24 of the hinge assembly for releasably connecting the engagement members to one another.

[0069] Referring now to Figure 7 , a seat back 14 is shown having a plurality of brackets 15 connected thereto, wherein the plurality of brackets 15 are further connected to a support surface 16, which can include a vehicle body or floor. As Figure 7As shown, each of the seat backs 14 includes an engagement member 110 that extends upwardly from the support 15. Thus, with the support 15 connected to the support surface 16, the engagement member 110 extends upwardly from and is fixedly connected to the support surface 16. The engagement member 110 of the seat back 14 is used to further retain the seat pan 30 in the downwardly folded in use position, such as the configuration of the seat portion 12 shown in Figure 1A FIG. 2. In the embodiment shown, the engagement member 110 is shown in the form of a hook member that can be comprised of a bar having a circular outer surface, as further described below. Figure 7 Referring now to

[0070] and Figure 8A , the engagement member 112 is shown configured to be connected to the seat pan 30 at the mounting hole 38 of the seat pan 30. In the configuration of the folding seat assembly 10 shown in 8B , it is contemplated that the engagement member 112 as shown in Figure 1C and Figure 8A will be received in the mounting hole 38 provided through the seat pan 30, 32, such that a folding seat assembly, such as the folding seat assembly 10, can include a plurality of engagement members 112 for common use with a plurality of engagement members 110 of their seat backs 14. 8B With particular reference to

[0071] , the engagement member 112 includes a frame portion 114 generally defined by first and second side members 116, 118 interconnected by a rear cross member 120. In this manner, the frame portion 114 is a non-continuous frame portion having a relief portion 122 provided between the first and second side members 116, 118. The frame portion 114 includes an outer surface 124, and the frame portion 114 generally defines a receiving hole 130 provided between the first and second side members 116, 118. As further shown in Figure 8A , the engagement member 112 further includes first and second side walls 132, 134 extending outwardly from the frame portion 114. Each of the side walls 132, 134 includes an inwardly extending lug 136, 138, respectively. In particular, the lugs 136, 138 define first and second opposing lugs that extend inwardly into the receiving hole 130 of the engagement member 112 by extending laterally from the inner surfaces 132A, 134A of the first and second side walls 132, 134 into the receiving hole 130. As shown in Figure 8A , the first and second lugs 136, 138 include upwardly angled lower surfaces 140, 142, respectively. The first and second lugs 136, 138 further include downwardly angled upper surfaces 144, 146, respectively, as shown in Figure 8A .Figure 8B In the case of angled surfaces 140, 142, 144, 146, the first and second lugs 136, 138 are configured to urge the side walls 132, 134 toward the outwardly curved position as indicated by arrow F when the engagement member 112 receives the engagement component 110 in the receiving aperture 130. Figure 7 As further shown, the engagement member 112 receives the engagement component 110 in the receiving aperture 130. In this regard, the first and second lugs 136, 138 of the engagement member 112 are configured to urge the side walls 132, 134 toward the outwardly curved position as indicated by arrow F when the engagement component 110 is received in the receiving aperture 130.

[0072] With particular reference to Figure 8B , the first and second side walls 132, 134 further include outer surfaces 132B, 134B having one or more reinforcing ribs 148 disposed thereon as well as one or more clip components 150. In assembly, the clip components 150 are used to clip the engagement member 112 and retain the engagement member 112 to a mounting hole 38 of an associated seat pan such as the seat pans 30 or 32 described above. As Figure 8B As further shown, the frame portion 114 of the engagement member 112 includes an inner surface 125 having standoff features 152 disposed on the first and second side members 116, 118 to provide a sliding fit of the engagement member 112 with the seat pan 30. In addition, the first and second side walls 132, 134 include clearance channels 154 disposed about the clip components 150 of the first and second side walls 132, 134. In this manner, the clip components 150 can be bent inwardly when the engagement member 112 is received in the mounting hole 38 of the seat pan 30.

[0073] With reference now to Figure 9 , the seat pan 30 is shown with the engagement member 112 mounted to the mounting hole 38 of the seat pan 30. With the engagement member 112 connected to the seat pan 30 at the mounting hole 38, the inner surface 125 of the frame portion 114 of the engagement member 112 abuts the lower surface 40 of the seat pan 30. In particular, the frame portion 114 of the engagement member 112 is disposed within the recessed portion 39 of the seat pan 30 such that the engagement member 112 is generally flush with the lower surface 40 of the seat pan 30. As Figure 9 As further shown, the receiving aperture 130 of the engagement member 112 is aligned with the mounting hole 38 of the seat pan 30 such that an engagement component such as the engagement component 110 described above can be received through the seat pan 30 to engage the first and second lugs 136, 138 of the engagement member 112. Figure 8A

[0074] With reference now to Figure 10 ​The seat pan 30 is shown from a top perspective view with the cushioning material removed from the upper surface 42. With the cushioning material removed from the upper surface 42, the joining member 112 is visible extending through the mounting hole 38 of the seat pan 30. In particular, the first and second side walls 132, 134 are shown extending upwardly through the mounting hole 38 of the seat pan 30 and are retained in place by the clip member 150 engaging a peripheral portion of the mounting hole 38. As Figure 10 Further shown, the joining member 110 is shown received in the receiving hole 130 disposed between the first and second side walls 132, 134 of the joining member 112. With the joining member 110 clipped to the joining member 112, the seat pan 30 is generally retained in the downwardly folded in use position by the interaction between the joining member 112 and the joining member 110 received in the receiving hole 130 of the joining member 112. In particular, when the seat pan 30 is in the downwardly folded in use position, the joining member 110 is retained by the inwardly extending lugs 136, 138. This joining is intended to be a releasable joining between the joining member 110 and the joining member 112 such that a user can release the joining member 110 from the joining member 112 by providing an upward force to the seat pan 30 to move the seat pan 30 from the use position Figure 1A ) to the upright stowed position Figure 1B ).

[0075] Reference is now made to Figure 11 , a cross-sectional view of the seat portion 12 showing the interaction between the joining member 110 and the joining member 112 with the seat portion 12 in the use position. As shown in particular in Figure 11 , the seat pan 30 is in the downwardly folded in use position such that the joining member 110 is received within and retained within the receiving hole 130 of the joining member 112. The curved outer surface 111 of the joining member 110 is shown in engagement with the upper angled surfaces 144, 146 of the first and second lugs 136, 138 of the joining member 112. The frame portion 114 of the joining member 112 is shown positioned within the recessed portion 39 of the seat pan 30 such that the joining member 112 provides a generally flush configuration relative to the lower surface 40 of the seat pan 30. As Figure 11 Further shown, the seat pan 30 includes a cushioning portion 34 connected to the upper surface 42 thereof. The cushioning portion 34 includes a lower surface 34A and an upper surface 34C. The upper surface 34C is intended to support a vehicle occupant on the seat portion 12 when the seat portion 12 is in the use position. As Figure 11Further shown, the cushion member 34 includes a recess 34B disposed over the mounting hole 38 of the seat bottom 30 in assembly. In this manner, a portion of the engagement member 112 extending through the mounting hole 38 of the seat bottom 30 is received in the recess 34B of the cushion member 34 such that the cushion member 34 does not interfere with the interaction of the engagement member 112 and the engagement component 110.

[0076] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the structure and other components of the present application described are not limited to any particular material. Other exemplary embodiments of the present application disclosed herein can be constructed of a variety of materials unless otherwise described herein.

[0077] For the purposes of this disclosure the term "connected" (and its derivatives) refers to a relationship between or among two or more components, electrical or mechanical, that are directly or indirectly connected to one another. Such connection can be permanent, in the sense that the two components (electrical or mechanical) are formed as a single unitary body, or removable or releasable, unless otherwise specified. Such connections can be between components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members that are integrally formed between the two components or as a single unitary body.

[0078] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the application shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present applications are described herein, changes can be made in the shape, size, construction, arrangement, and combination of the components, in the operation thereof, and in the application of the principles of the application without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. For example, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements of the application shown have been shown in example arrangements and other arrangements can be implemented as desired. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts can be integrally formed, the order of operations can be reversed or otherwise varied, lengths or widths of the structures and / or members or connectors and other elements of the system can be varied, the types or numbers of adjustable positions provided between elements can be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system can be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present applications. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present applications.

[0079] It is to be understood that the programs or any steps of the programs described can be combined with other programs or steps disclosed to form structures within the scope of the present application. The exemplary structures and programs disclosed herein are to be used as illustrations only and should not be deemed to narrow the scope of the present application.

[0080] It is also to be understood that variations and modifications of the structures and methods described herein can be made without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein, and that it is intended that such inventive concepts cover by the following claims unless their language explicitly states otherwise.

Claims

1. A foldable seat assembly comprising: a seat bottom rotatably supported on a support surface by a hinge assembly between a stowed position and a use position; wherein the hinge assembly includes a first arm and a second arm hingedly connected to one another between an open position and a closed position, a first engagement member disposed on the first arm and extending outwardly therefrom, and a second engagement member disposed on the second arm, wherein the first engagement member is received in and releasably retained in the second engagement member when the first arm and the second arm are in the closed position; wherein the second engagement component includes a clip member further comprising a base portion mounted to a main body portion of the second arm and a first resilient member and a second resilient member extending outwardly from the base portion, wherein a portion of the first engagement component is received in a receiving recess defined between the first and second resilient members of the clip member and is releasably retained in the receiving recess by the first and second resilient members when the first and second arms are in the closed position; a seat back connected to the support surface, the seat pan being rotatable away from the seat back forwardly from the use position to the stowed position; an engagement member connected to the seat pan and flush with a lower surface of the seat pan, wherein the engagement member includes a receiving aperture, the engagement member having a first lug and a second lug extending inwardly into the receiving aperture, wherein the first and second lugs include an upwardly angled lower surface and a downwardly angled upper surface; and a third engagement component connected to the support surface and extending upwardly therefrom, wherein the third engagement component is received in the receiving aperture when the seat pan is in the use position to retain the seat pan in the use position when unoccupied during a crash event or an event that urges the foldable seat assembly toward the stowed position.

2. The foldable seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat pan includes a mounting aperture disposed therethrough.

3. The foldable seat assembly of claim 2, wherein the first and second lugs are disposed on first and second sidewalls extending upwardly through the mounting aperture.

4. The foldable seat assembly of claim 3, wherein the first and second sidewalls are flexibly resilient.

5. The foldable seat assembly of claim 4, wherein the engagement member includes a frame portion abutting a lower surface of the seat pan, wherein the first and second sidewalls extend upwardly from the frame portion.

6. The foldable seat assembly of claim 5, comprising: a cushion member disposed on an upper surface of the seat pan, wherein the cushion member includes a recess disposed over the mounting aperture of the seat pan in assembly, wherein the first and second sidewalls extend upwardly from the frame portion into the recess of the cushion member.

7. The foldable seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the third engagement component includes a rod having a circular outer surface.

8. The foldable seat assembly of claim 3, wherein the engagement member is clipped to the mounting aperture of the seat pan, the first and second sidewalls including one or more clip members and a relief channel disposed about the clip members to retain the engagement member within the mounting aperture.

9. The foldable seat assembly of claim 2 or 8, wherein the mounting hole is disposed in a recessed portion of a lower surface of the seat pan such that the engagement member is substantially flush with the lower surface of the seat pan.

10. The foldable seat assembly of claim 3, comprising: a cushion member disposed on an upper surface of the seat pan, wherein the cushion member covers the mounting hole.

11. The foldable seat assembly of claim 10, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall extend upwardly into a recess disposed on a lower surface of the cushion member.

12. The foldable seat assembly of any one of claims 2 and 10-11, wherein the mounting hole of the seat pan is disposed on a rear portion of the seat pan.

13. The fold-flat seat assembly of claim 1, wherein, the seat back is connected to the support surface by a plurality of brackets, wherein each bracket of the plurality of brackets supports the third engagement component.

14. A foldable seat assembly, the foldable seat assembly comprising: A seat bottom pivotally connected to a support surface by a hinge assembly and having a mounting hole, wherein the hinge assembly includes a first arm and a second arm hingedly connected to each other between an open position and a closed position, a first engagement member disposed on the first arm and extending outwardly therefrom, and a second engagement member disposed on the second arm, wherein the first engagement member is received in and releasably retained in the second engagement member when the first arm and the second arm are in the closed position; wherein the second engagement component includes a clip member further comprising a base portion mounted to a body portion of the second arm and first and second resilient members extending outwardly from the base portion, wherein a portion of the first engagement component is received in a receiving recess defined between the first and second resilient members of the clip member and is releasably held in the receiving recess by the first and second resilient members when the first and second arms are in the closed position; a seat back connected to the support surface, the seat pan being pivotable forwardly away from the seat back from a use position to a stowed position; an engagement member connected to the mounting hole and having a receiving hole, the engagement member being flush with a lower surface of the seat pan and having one or more lugs extending inwardly into the receiving hole, wherein the one or more lugs include an upwardly angled lower surface and a downwardly angled upper surface; and a third engagement component extending upwardly from the support surface, wherein the third engagement component is received in the receiving hole of the engagement member when the seat pan is folded downwardly to hold the seat pan in the use position when unoccupied during a crash event or an event urging the foldable seat assembly toward the stowed position.

15. A foldable seat assembly, the foldable seat assembly comprising: a foldable seat pan having a mounting hole; Seat back with a support, the seat bottom is pivoted by a hinge assembly from a use position away from the seat back forward to a stowed position, wherein, the hinge assembly comprising a first arm and a second arm hingedly connected to one another between an open position and a closed position, a first engagement component disposed on the first arm and extending outwardly therefrom, and a second engagement component disposed on the second arm, wherein the first engagement component is received in and releasably held in the second engagement component when the first and second arms are in the closed position. wherein the second engagement component includes a clip member further including a base portion mounted to the main body portion of the second arm and first and second resilient members extending outwardly from the base portion, wherein a portion of the first engagement component is received in a receiving recess defined between the first and second resilient members of the clip member and is releasably retained in the receiving recess by the first and second resilient members when the first and second arms are in the closed position; the bracket having a third engagement component extending upwardly; and having a frame portion disposed on a lower surface of the seat pan and a first and second side wall extending upwardly through the mounting aperture, the engagement member flush with the lower surface of the seat pan, the side wall including opposing inwardly extending lugs for receiving the third engagement component therebetween when the seat pan is in the use position to retain the seat pan in the use position when unoccupied during a crash event or event urging the foldable seat assembly toward the stowed position, wherein the opposing inwardly extending lugs include an upwardly angled lower surface and a downwardly angled upper surface.

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