Retractable pivot pin assembly that connects the seat back to the uprights

Abstract

A vehicle includes: a floor; a riser attached to the floor, the riser including a pin guide surface at least partially surrounding a pin receiving hole, the pin guide surface having an angled portion; and a seat back including a retractable pivot pin assembly, the pivot pin assembly including a pin; inserted into the pin receiving hole of the riser; wherein the pin is inserted into the pin receiving hole; and wherein during the insertion of the pin into the pin receiving hole, the pin first contacts the angled portion of the pin guide surface when the pin is in an extended state. During the insertion of the pin into the pin receiving hole, as the pin moves toward the pin receiving hole, the angled portion of the pin guide surface forces the pin toward a retracted state within the retractable pivot pin assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a retractable pivot pin assembly for attachment to a seat back to pivotally attach the seat back to a riser, and thus to a novel riser. Background Art

[0002] Seat assemblies, particularly rear seat assemblies, sometimes include a seat back that pivots relative to the seat. However, a complex and expensive assembly is often used to establish the pivotable relationship. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vertical plate for a seat assembly of a vehicle includes: a pin receiving hole; a pin guide surface at least partially surrounding the pin receiving hole, the pin guide surface having an angled portion; and a lip partially surrounding the pin receiving hole and defining a boundary of the pin guide surface; wherein the angled portion of the pin guide surface and the lip form a mouth leading to the pin receiving hole.

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

[0005] The lip surrounds the pin receiving hole at least 180 degrees;

[0006] · Vertical support structures with flat vertical surfaces;

[0007] The pin receiving holes are parallel to the planar vertical surface and are in a plane that is indented relative to the planar vertical surface;

[0008] The pin guiding surface includes a planar portion surrounding the pin receiving hole, the planar portion being parallel to a planar vertical surface of the vertical support structure;

[0009] · Seat receiving hole located below the pin receiving hole;

[0010] the transition from the planar vertical surface of the vertical support structure to the planar portion of the pin guiding surface forms at least a portion of the lip; and

[0011] The mouth is disposed above the pin receiving hole.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the invention, a retractable pivot pin assembly for a vehicle comprises: a housing forming a chamber; a pin partially housed within the chamber of the housing, the pin comprising a cylindrical shaft and a bit extending from the cylindrical shaft along the length of the cylindrical shaft; wherein the pin has an extended state and can be retracted within the housing to a retracted state.

[0013] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0014] a compression spring defining a pin passage and comprising a first end and a second end;

[0015] The pin also includes a collar extending from the cylindrical shaft;

[0016] a portion of the pin is disposed within the pin passage, and a first end of the compression spring abuts the collar;

[0017] A compression spring biases the pin into an extended position;

[0018] a spacer cap abutting the second end of the compression spring, the spacer cap including a hole through which the pin may be retracted;

[0019] The housing further comprises an end portion and an elongated portion extending laterally from the end portion, the elongated portion having a snap-fit ​​receiver;

[0020] The end and elongated portions forming a chamber to receive the gasket cap, the compression spring and at least a portion of the retractable pivot pin;

[0021] The liner cap further includes a snap-fit ​​fastener disposed around a periphery of the liner cap;

[0022] The snap-fit ​​receiver of the elongated portion of the housing has received the snap-fit ​​fastener of the gasket cap;

[0023] The outer plate includes a first planar portion, a retracted planar portion parallel to and retracted from the first planar portion, a centrally located hole having a slotted portion disposed through the first planar portion, a plurality of fastening holes disposed through the first planar portion, and a plurality of fastening holes disposed through the retracted planar portion.

[0024] The elongated portion of the housing further comprises a plurality of legs terminating in orthogonally extending flanges, each of the flanges comprising an aperture;

[0025] The outer panel is fixed to the shell by fasteners, and the fasteners extend through a plurality of fastening holes provided through the first planar portion of the outer panel and a portion of the holes provided on the flanges of the legs of the shell;

[0026] A portion of each of the legs of the housing includes a finger;

[0027] The outer panel further comprises a slot extending through the first planar portion and disposed adjacent to the plurality of fastening holes;

[0028] The fingers of each portion of the plurality of legs are disposed within the slots;

[0029] A flange of a portion of the plurality of legs abuts the indented planar portion of the outer panel; and the flange abutting the indented planar portion of the panel includes a hole disposed through the flange and the hole is aligned with one of the fastening holes disposed through the indented planar portion of the outer panel.

[0030] According to a third aspect of the invention, a vehicle comprises: a floor; a vertical panel attached to the floor, the vertical panel comprising a pin guide surface at least partially surrounding a pin receiving hole, the pin guide surface having an angled portion; and a seat back comprising a retractable pivot pin assembly, the retractable pivot pin assembly comprising a pin; inserted into the pin receiving hole of the vertical panel; wherein the pin is inserted into the pin receiving hole; and wherein, during the insertion of the pin into the pin receiving hole, when the pin is in an extended state, the pin first contacts the angled portion of the pin guide surface.

[0031] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0032] during insertion of the pin into the pin receiving aperture, as the pin moves toward the pin receiving aperture, the angled portion of the pin guiding surface urges the pin toward a retracted condition within the retractable pivot pin assembly;

[0033] During the insertion of the pin into the pin receiving hole, when the pin moves adjacent to the pin receiving hole, the pin guiding surface has forced the pin to a retracted state within the retractable pivot pin assembly;

[0034] During the insertion of the pin into the pin receiving hole, when the pin moves into the pin receiving hole, the pin returns to the extended state;

[0035] The retractable pivot pin assembly further includes a compression spring abutting a collar disposed on the pin;

[0036] A compression spring applies force on the collar to push the pin into the extended state; and

[0037] The seat back further includes a frame assembly providing structural support for the seat back and a bracket connected to the frame assembly, the bracket including a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a hole extending from the first side through the second side;

[0038] a retractable pivot pin assembly attached to the first side of the bracket such that a pin of the retractable pivot pin assembly protrudes through the hole of the bracket; and

[0039] The bracket is between the compression spring of the retractable pivot pin assembly and the vertical plate.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate these and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention through a study of the following specification, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] In the attached picture:

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle showing a rear seat assembly connected to a floor with the seats in an upright position;

[0043] Figure 2yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a rear seat assembly of the invention with the seat in a folded position;

[0044] Figure 3 is attached to Figure 1 a perspective view of a rear seat assembly of a floor panel showing a frame assembly having a retractable pivot pin assembly connected to a vertical panel;

[0045] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a riser of showing a mouth opening into a pin receiving hole and a lip partially surrounding the hole;

[0046] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A side view of a riser of showing a pin guide surface having a planar portion and an angled portion surrounding a pin receiving hole;

[0047] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A view of a front portion of a riser showing a vertical support structure separating the mouth from the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion;

[0048] Figure 7 is with Figure 5 The side opposite Figure 3 Another side view of the vertical plate, showing the pin receiving hole above the seat receiving hole;

[0049] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A view of the rear portion of the vertical panel;

[0050] Fig. 9 yes Figure 3 A top view of a riser of showing the lip and the angled portion forming the mouth;

[0051] Fig.10 yes Figure 3 A bottom view of a vertical plate showing a hole with a first attachment portion and a hole with a second attachment portion;

[0052] Fig.11 yes Figure 3 a perspective view of a retractable pivot pin assembly showing a housing attached to an outer panel and a rod within a chamber formed by the housing;

[0053] Fig.12 yes Figure 3 a front view of the retractable pivot pin assembly showing the liner cap and compression spring also within the chamber of the housing;

[0054] Fig.13 yes Figure 3 A side view of the retractable pivot pin assembly showing the rod extending through a centrally located hole through the outer panel;

[0055] Fig.14 yes Figure 3 a view of a rear side of a retractable pivot pin assembly;

[0056] Fig.15 yes Figure 3 Another side view of the retractable pivot pin assembly of , showing the fasteners attaching the housing to the outer panel;

[0057] Fig.16 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a rod used in a retractable pivot pin assembly showing a projection extending from a cylindrical shaft;

[0058] Fig.17 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a compression spring used in a retractable pivot pin assembly of , showing a first end, a second end and a pin passage;

[0059] Fig.18 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a gasket cap for use in a retractable pivot pin assembly showing a hole having a slotted portion and a plurality of snap-fit ​​fasteners.

[0060] Fig.19 is a side view of the liner cap showing each of the plurality of snap-fit ​​fasteners terminating in a locking flange;

[0061] Fig. 20 is a view of the front side of the liner cap showing each of the plurality of snap-fit ​​fasteners including a depending portion terminating in a locking flange;

[0062] Fig.21 is a view of the other side of the liner cap showing the ribs provided on the cap side;

[0063] Fig. 22 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a housing for use in a retractable pivot pin assembly showing an end portion and an elongated portion having a plurality of legs;

[0064] Fig.23 is a lateral side elevation of the housing, viewed from the chamber formed by the end and longitudinal portions;

[0065] Fig.24 yes Figure 3 a side-facing inboard view of an outer plate used in a retractable pivot pin assembly of , showing a collar contact surface and a first planar portion;

[0066] Fig.25 is a perspective view of the outer panel showing a setback planar portion parallel to and setback from the first planar portion;

[0067] Fig.26 is a view of the front side of the outer plate;

[0068] Fig. 27 is another perspective view of the outer panel facing outwardly from the side, showing a fastening hole provided through each of the indented planar portions;

[0069] Fig.28 yes Figure 3 a perspective view of a retractable pivot pin assembly blown up to show the assembly of the housing, gasket cap, compression spring, rod and outer plate;

[0070] Fig.29 yes Figure 3 a perspective view of a frame assembly of a rear seat assembly showing the frame assembly attached to a retractable pivot pin assembly via a bracket and the retractable pivot pin assembly interacting with a floor riser attached thereto;

[0071] Fig.30 is attached to the bracket Figure 3 a side outboard facing view of a retractable pivot pin assembly of the bracket attached to the frame assembly showing the pin extending through a hole in the bracket;

[0072] Fig.31 is attached to Figure 3 a perspective view of a pin of a retractable pivot pin assembly of a seat back of a rear seat assembly showing the pin entering the mouth of a riser in an extended state and interacting with an angled portion of a pin guide surface;

[0073] Fig.32 is a perspective view of a pin advancing toward a pin receiving hole and an angled portion of a pin guide surface urging the pin from an extended state toward a retracted state in which the pin is retracted into the housing;

[0074] Fig.33 is a perspective view in which the pin has been advanced to the vicinity of the pin receiving hole and the pin guide surface has pushed the pin to a retracted state; and

[0075] Fig.34 is a perspective view of a pin in an extended state extending through a pin receiving hole of a riser to pivotally attach a seat back to the riser. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] For the purpose of the description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall refer to the above. Figure 3The present disclosure shown. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure can take various alternative orientations unless expressly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are simple exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0077] refer to Figures 1 to 2 The vehicle 10 includes a frame 12 having a floor 14, front seat assemblies 16a, 16b connected to the floor 14 toward the front of the vehicle 10 (not shown), and at least one rear seat assembly 20 behind the front seat assemblies 16a, 16b connected to the floor 14. The rear seat assembly 20 includes a seat back 24 and a seat 26. The seat back 24 can pivot relative to the seat 26. Figure 1 , the seat back 24 is shown in the upright position 28. Figure 2 , the seat back 24 is shown in a folded position 30, i.e., pivoted or folded over the seat 26. The rear seat assembly 20 may be disposed adjacent to a second rear seat assembly 32. The vehicle 10 may be a car, a sport utility vehicle, a truck, or a van, among others.

[0078] refer to Figure 3 , the seat back 24 of the rear seat assembly 20 is interconnected with the floor 14 via the uprights 34. In other words, the seat back 24 is pivotally attached to the uprights 34. The uprights 34 are, in turn, attached to the floor 14. Although not explicitly shown, the seat 26 of the rear seat assembly 20 may also be similarly attached to the uprights 34. The uprights 34 lift the rear seat assembly 20 off the floor 14. More specifically, the seat back 24 includes a frame assembly 138 interconnected with a retractable pivot pin assembly 36, which includes a cylindrical shaft (discussed below) that enters and pivots within a pin receiving hole (discussed below) in the uprights 34.

[0079] See also Figures 4 to 10 , the riser 34 includes a pin receiving aperture 38. The pin receiving aperture 38 receives a pin 64 (discussed below) of a retractable pivot pin assembly 36 that is attached to a frame assembly 138 of the seat back 24 to allow the seat back 24 to pivot.

[0080] The riser 34 also includes a pin guide surface 40. The pin guide surface 40 at least partially surrounds the pin receiving hole 38, and in the illustrated embodiment, completely surrounds the pin receiving hole 38. The pin guide surface 40 includes an angled portion 42. As described below, the pin guide surface 40 helps guide the pin 64 (discussed below) of the retractable pivot pin assembly 36 to the pin receiving hole 38, and the angled portion 42 gradually retracts the pin until it enters the pin receiving hole 38. As in the present embodiment, the pin guide surface 40 may also include a planar portion 44 surrounding the pin receiving hole 38. The planar portion 44 is adjacent to the angled portion 42.

[0081] The riser 34 also includes a lip 46. The lip 46 at least partially surrounds the pin receiving aperture 38 and marks the outer boundary of the pin guide surface 40. As described below, the lip 46 helps prevent the pin 64 of the retractable pivot pin assembly 36 from moving beyond the lip 46 and, therefore, helps guide the pin 64 toward the pin receiving aperture 38. The lip 46 surrounds at least half of the pin receiving aperture 38, i.e., at least 180 degrees of the pin receiving aperture 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the lip 46 surrounds approximately 270 degrees of the pin receiving aperture 38.

[0082] The angled portion 42 of the pin guide surface 40 and the lip 46 form a mouth 48. The mouth 48 is an entrance to the pin receiving hole 38. In this embodiment, the mouth 48 is disposed above the pin receiving hole 38. However, in other embodiments, the mouth 48 may be located on either side of the pin receiving hole 38, or at any angle therebetween. As described below, the pin 64 of the retractable pivot pin assembly 36 approaches the pin receiving hole 38 from the mouth 48.

[0083] The riser 34 also includes a vertical support structure 50. When the riser 34 is attached to the floor 14, the vertical support structure 50 is oriented vertically (see FIG. Figure 3 ). In this embodiment, the vertical support structure 50 includes a planar vertical surface 52. The pin receiving holes 38 are recessed relative to the planar vertical surface 52. In other words, when the vertical support structure 50 is attached to the floor 14 (see Figure 3 ), the hole is oriented more laterally than the planar vertical surface 52 (i.e., further away from the front / rear centerline of the vehicle 10). The planar portion 44 of the pin guide surface 40 is parallel to the planar vertical surface 52. Because the planar portion 44 is planar and the pin receiving hole 38 is surrounded by the planar portion 44, the pin receiving hole 38 is also planar. Therefore, the pin receiving hole 38 is on a plane that is set back relative to the planar vertical surface 52 (i.e., further away from the front / rear centerline of the vehicle 10). Because the planar portion 44 is set back relative to the planar vertical surface 52, the transition from the planar vertical surface 52 to the planar portion 44 of the pin guide surface 40 forms a portion of the lip 46. In other words, the lip 46 marks the transition from the planar vertical surface 52 to the planar portion 44 of the pin guide surface 40.

[0084] The riser 34 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a seat receiving hole 54. The seat receiving hole 54 receives an element of the seat 26 to interconnect the seat 26 with the floor 14. The seat receiving hole 54 may be within the planar vertical surface 52 and parallel to the pin receiving hole 38. When the riser 34 is attached to the floor 14, the seat receiving hole 54 is located below the pin receiving hole 38, i.e., closer to the floor than the pin receiving hole 38.

[0085] The riser 34 also includes a first attachment portion 56 and a second attachment portion 58. The first attachment portion 56 and the second attachment portion 58 allow the riser 34 to be attached to the floor 14. For example, the first attachment portion 56 and the second attachment portion 58 may be flanges having holes 60, 62, respectively, that match holes (not shown) in the floor 14 through which fasteners (not shown) may extend.

[0086] refer to Figures 11 to 28 As described above, the retractable pivot pin assembly 36 includes a pin 64 (see Fig.16 ). The pin 64 includes a cylindrical shaft 66 and a protrusion 68 extending outwardly from the cylindrical shaft 66 along the length of the cylindrical shaft 66. The protrusion 68 may include a larger portion 68a and a smaller portion 68b, the smaller portion 68b being smaller than the larger portion 68a (i.e., not extending as far as the larger portion 68a). As described below, the protrusion 68 facilitates assembly of the retractable pivot pin assembly 36 and prevents rocking after assembly. The pin 64 also includes a collar 70 extending outwardly from the cylindrical shaft 66. The collar 70 is planar and circular. The collar 70 separates the larger portion 68a from the smaller portion 68b of the protrusion 68. The pin 64 includes a chamfered end 72. The chamfered end 72 facilitates the pin 64 to slide on the pin guide surface 40 of the vertical plate 34.

[0087] The retractable pivot pin assembly 36 also includes a compression spring 74 (see Fig.17 ). The compression spring 74 defines a pin channel 76. The compression spring 74 includes a first end 78 and a second end 79 opposite the first end 78. A portion of the pin 64 is disposed within the pin channel 76 such that the first end 78 of the compression spring 74 abuts the collar 70. In this embodiment, the portion of the pin 64 having the smaller portion 68b of the protrusion 68 is disposed within the pin channel 76. As further described below, when a force is applied to the pin 64 (retracted state), the compression spring 74 allows the pin 64 to retract into the retractable pivot pin assembly 36, and then return to the original unretracted position (extended state) when the force is no longer applied. The compression spring 74 is energized when the pin 64 moves to the retracted state, and thus biases the pin 64 to the extended state.

[0088] The retractable pivot pin assembly 36 also includes a gasket cap 80 (see Figures 18 to 21). The gasket cap 80 includes a cap side 82 and another side 84 opposite the cap side 82. The cap side 82 of the gasket cap 80 partially covers and abuts the second end 79 of the compression spring 74. The gasket cap 80 includes a hole 86. The hole 86 is centrally located and extends through both the cap side 82 and the other side 84. The hole 86 includes a slotted portion 88 to match and receive the protrusion 68 of the pin 64. As further described below, the pin 64 can be retracted through the hole 86 when a force is applied to the pin 64. The gasket cap 80 also includes a rib 90 disposed on the cap side 82 for strengthening the gasket cap 80. The gasket cap 80 also includes snap-fit ​​fasteners 92a-c, the purpose of which is discussed below. The snap-fit ​​fasteners 92a-c each include a cantilever portion 94a-c that terminates in a locking flange 96a-c extending orthogonally. For example, the snap-fit ​​fastener 92a includes a cantilevered portion 94a that terminates in an orthogonally extending locking flange 96a, etc. The snap-fit ​​fasteners 92a-c are disposed around the periphery of the gasket cap 80. The cantilevered portions 94a-c extend generally orthogonally relative to the other side 84 of the gasket cap 80 and are generally parallel to the axis 98 of the pin 64 (see FIG. Fig.16 ).

[0089] The retractable pivot pin assembly 36 also includes a housing 100 (see Figures 22 to 23 ). The housing 100 helps to accommodate the gasket cap 80, the compression spring 74 and a portion of the pin 64. The housing 100 includes an end 102 and an elongated portion 104 extending generally orthogonally from the end 102. The end 102 is substantially planar. The elongated portion 104 includes snap-fit ​​receivers 106a-c that receive and retain the snap-fit ​​fasteners 92a-c of the gasket cap 80. For example, the snap-fit ​​receiver 106a receives and retains the snap-fit ​​fastener 92a of the gasket cap 80, and so on. In this embodiment, the snap-fit ​​receivers 106a-c are holes that are sized and configured to receive and retain the locking flanges 96a-c of the snap-fit ​​fasteners 92a-c of the gasket cap 80. The end 102 and the elongated portion 104 form a chamber 108. The gasket cap 80, the compression spring 74 and at least a portion of the pin 64 are housed within the chamber 108. In this embodiment, the elongated portion 104 of the housing 100 takes the form of a plurality of legs 110a-f, each of which terminates in an orthogonal, outwardly extending flange 112a-f, each flange including an aperture 114a-f. For example, the leg 110a terminates in an orthogonally extending flange 112a including an aperture 114a, and so on.

[0090] The retractable pivot pin assembly 36 also includes an outer plate 116 (see Figures 24 to 27). The outer plate 116 closes the chamber 108 of the housing 100, surrounds the gasket cap 80, the compression spring 74 and a portion of the pin 64. The outer plate 116 includes a first planar portion 118 and indented planar portions 120a-c that are parallel to and indented from the first planar portion 118. The outer plate 116 also includes a centrally located hole 122 having a slotted portion 124 disposed through the first planar portion 118. The pin 64 extends through the centrally located hole 122. The larger portion 68a of the protrusion 68 of the pin 64 is disposed through the slotted portion 124 of the outer plate 116. The outer plate 116 also includes a collar contact surface 126 disposed on one side of the outer plate 116. The collar 70 of the pin 64 abuts the collar contact surface 126 of the outer plate 116, and the collar contact surface 126 is a portion of the first planar portion 118. The collar 70 of the pin 64 and the collar contact surface 126 of the outer plate 116 prevent the compression spring 74 from pushing the pin 64 out of the retractable pivot pin assembly 36. In this embodiment, the indented planar portions 120a-c are arranged circumferentially around the centrally located hole 122. The outer plate 116 also includes a plurality of fastening holes 128a-c disposed through the first planar portion 118. The plurality of fastening holes 128a-c provide the ability to attach the outer plate 116 to the housing 100. A slot 130a-c for receiving a portion of the housing 100 is disposed through the first planar portion 118 between the hole 122 and the plurality of fastening holes 128a-c. The housing 100 also includes a plurality of fastening holes 132a-c disposed through the indented planar portions 120a-c. For example, the indented planar portion 120a surrounds the fastening hole 132a, and so on. The plurality of fastening holes 132a - c provide the ability to attach the retractable pivot pin assembly 36 to other components, such as components of the seat back 24 , as described below.

[0091] To assemble the retractable pivot pin assembly 36 (see Fig.28), first, the other side 84 of the gasket cap 80 is placed in the cavity 108 of the housing 100, and the snap-fit ​​fasteners 92a-c of the gasket cap 80 are snap-fitted into the snap-fit ​​receivers 106a-c of the housing, respectively. In other words, the snap-fit ​​receivers 106a-c of the longitudinal portion 104 of the housing 100 receive the snap-fit ​​fasteners 92a-c of the gasket cap 80, respectively. The compression spring 74 is placed in the cavity 108 of the housing 100 so that the second end 79 of the compression spring 74 is adjacent to the gasket cap 80. The pin 64 is placed in the cavity 108 of the housing 100, and the smaller portion 68b of the protrusion 68 enters the pin channel 76 at the first end 78 of the compression spring 74. The smaller portion 68b is set into the slotted portion 88 of the gasket cap 80. The first end 78 of the compression spring 74 abuts the collar 70 of the pin 64. The centrally located hole 122 of the outer plate 116 is placed over the pin 64 so that the larger portion 68a of the protrusion 68 is disposed through the slotted portion 124 of the centrally located hole 122. The first planar portion 118 of the outer plate 116 abuts the collar 70 of the pin 64. The legs 110b, 110d, and 110f of the housing 100 are slightly shorter than the legs 110a, 110c, and 110e of the housing 100 and are sized such that their flanges 112b, 112d, and 112f abut the first planar portion 118 of the outer plate 116. In addition, each of the legs 110b, 110d, and 110f includes a finger 134b, 134d, 134f disposed through the first planar portion 118 into the slot 130a-c. More specifically, the finger 134b of the leg 110b is disposed into the slot 130b, the finger 134d of the leg 110d is disposed into the slot 130c, and the finger 134f of the leg 110f is disposed into the slot 130a. The fasteners 136b, 136d, and 136f may be, among other things, rivets placed through the holes 114b, 114d, and 114f provided at the flanges 112b, 112d, 112f of the legs 110b, 110d, 110f and through the fastening holes 128a-c provided through the first planar portion 118 of the outer panel 116. For example, the fastener 136b is placed through the hole 114b at the flange 112b of the leg 110b and through the fastening hole 128b through the first planar portion 118 of the outer panel 116, and so on. Legs 110a, 110c and 110e of housing 100 are slightly longer than legs 110b, 110d and 110f of housing 100 and are sized such that flanges 112a, 112c, 112e abut indented planar portions 120a-c. For example, flange 112a of leg 110a abuts indented planar portion 120a.Each flange 112a, 112c, 112e includes a hole 114a, 114c, 114e disposed therein that aligns with the fastening holes 132a-c disposed through the indented planar portions 120a-c of the outer panel 116, which allows the entire retractable pivot pin assembly 36 to be attached to other components, such as components of the seat back 24, as described below. For example, the hole 114a disposed through the flange 112a of the leg 110a aligns with the fastening hole 132a in the indented planar portion 120a of the outer panel 116, forming a continuous hole to provide an attachment opportunity.

[0092] See also Fig.29 As described above, the seat back 24 includes a frame assembly 138 that provides structural support for the seat back 24. The frame assembly includes a retaining pin 140. The retaining pin 140 can be inserted into the second rear seat assembly 32 or an element of the frame 12 adjacent to the second rear seat assembly 32. The retaining pin 140 also serves as a second pivot point in addition to the pin 64 of the retractable pivot pin assembly 36, allowing the seat back 24 to pivot. The retractable pivot pin assembly 36 is attached to the frame assembly by a bracket 142. The pin 64 of the retractable pivot pin assembly 36 is set through the pin receiving hole 38 of the upright plate 34, and the upright plate 34 is attached to the floor 14, allowing the seat back 24 to pivot within the pin receiving hole 38 about the axis created by the pin 64. The seat back 24 is Fig.29 To transition to the folded position 30 , the seat back 24 is pivoted about the pin 64 of the retractable pivot pin assembly 36 within the pin receiving hole 38 of the upright 34 .

[0093] refer to Fig.30 , the frame assembly 138 is attached to the bracket 142. The retractable pivot pin assembly 36 is also attached to the bracket 142, with the pin 64 in front of the frame assembly 138. The bracket 142 includes a first side 144 (see Fig.31) and a second side 146 opposite the first side 144. The bracket 142 includes a hole 148 having a slotted portion 150 extending from the first side 144 through the second side 146. The bracket 142 includes a hole (not shown) surrounding the hole 148 for fastening the retractable pivot pin assembly 36 to the bracket 142. The retractable pivot pin assembly 36 is attached to the first side 144 of the bracket 142. In this embodiment, a fastener 152a is placed through one hole of the bracket, through the matching fastening hole 132a of the outer plate 116 of the retractable pivot pin assembly 36, and through the matching hole 114a of the housing 100. Fasteners 152b, 152c are similarly placed through the hole of the bracket, through the matching holes 132b, 132c of the outer plate 116, and through the matching holes 114c, 114e of the housing 100, respectively. The pin 64 of the retractable pivot pin assembly 36 protrudes through the hole 148 of the bracket 142. The larger portion 68a of the protrusion 68 is disposed within the slotted portion 150.

[0094] refer to Figures 31 to 34 , showing the action of inserting the pin 64 of the retractable pivot pin assembly 36 into the pin receiving hole 38 of the upright 34 to pivotally attach the seat back 24 to the upright 34. Fig.31 , the pin 64 of the retractable pivot pin assembly 36 is proximate the mouth 48 of the upright 34. Due to the force of the compression spring 74 on the collar 70 of the pin 64, the pin 64 is in a naturally extended state 154. The chamfered end 72 of the pin 64 contacts the angled portion 42 of the pin guide surface 40.

[0095] refer to Fig.32 , the pin 64 moves toward the pin receiving hole 38. The angled portion 42 of the pin guide surface 40 forces the pin 64 gradually toward the retracted state (see below) within the retractable pivot pin assembly 36. The compression spring 74 continues to exert force on the collar 70 of the pin 64, attempting to push the pin 64 to the extended state 154. The lip 46 that partially surrounds the pin receiving hole 38 serves to prevent the pin 64 from moving too far from the pin receiving hole 38 and away from the pin guide surface 40, which helps guide the pin 64 to the pin receiving hole 38.

[0096] refer to Fig.33 , the pin 64 has moved adjacent the pin receiving aperture 38. The pin guide surface 40 has pressed the pin 64 to the retracted state 156 within the retractable pivot pin assembly 36. The collar 70 of the pin 64 has moved closer to the gasket cap 80. The compression spring 74 continues to exert a force on the collar 70 of the pin 64 in an attempt to push the pin 64 to the extended state 154. Because the gasket cap 80 includes the aperture 86, the pin 64 can slide through the aperture 86 while the gasket cap 80 remains attached to the housing 100.

[0097] refer to Fig.34, the pin 64 is now inserted into the pin receiving hole 38. The bracket 142 is positioned between the components of the retractable pivot pin assembly 36 (including the compression spring 74, the outer plate 116 and the housing 100) and the upright 34. When the pin 64 moves into the pin receiving hole 38, the compression spring 74 pushes the collar 70 of the pin 64 and returns the pin 64 to the extended state 154. The seat back 24 can now be in the upright position 28 ( Figure 1 ) and fold position 30( Figure 2 ) and can be pivoted to an upright position 28 ( Figure 1 ) and fold position 30( Figure 2 ), can be moved from an upright position 28 ( Figure 1 ) and fold position 30( Figure 2 ) pivots, wherein the pin 64 pivots within the pin receiving hole 38. The second side 146 of the bracket 142 has a planar surface 158 that is parallel to the planar vertical surface 52 ( Fig.30 The collar 70 of the pin 64 is parallel to the planar vertical surface 52 of the plate 34 and parallel to the planar surface 158 of the second side 146 of the bracket 142. The pin channel 76 of the compression spring 74 is orthogonal to the planar vertical surface 52 of the plate 34 and the planar surface 158 of the second side 146 of the bracket 142.

[0098] It will be appreciated that changes and modifications may be made to the foregoing constructions without departing from the inventive concept and it will be appreciated that these concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless the claims, by their language, state otherwise.

Claims

1. A retractable pivot pin assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a housing, the housing forming a chamber; and a compression spring disposed within the chamber, the compression spring defining a pin passage and including a first end and a second end; a liner cap disposed within the chamber, the liner cap adjacent the second end of the compression spring and including a hole; and a pin partially received within the cavity of the housing, a portion of the pin disposed within the pin passage, and the pin comprising: Cylindrical shaft; a collar extending from the cylindrical shaft, the first end of the compression spring abutting the collar; and a protrusion extending from the cylindrical shaft along the length of the cylindrical shaft; Wherein the pin has an extended state and is retractable within the housing to a retracted state, the compression spring biases the pin to the extended state and the pin is retractable through the hole of the gasket cap to the retracted state.

2. The retractable pivot pin assembly according to claim 1, The housing further comprises: end; and an elongated portion extending laterally from the end, the elongated portion having a snap-fit ​​receiver; said end and said elongated portion forming said chamber, said chamber housing said liner cap, said compression spring and at least a portion of said retractable pivot pin; wherein the liner cap further includes a snap-fit ​​fastener disposed around a perimeter of the liner cap; and wherein the snap fit receiver of the elongated portion of the housing has received the snap fit fastener of the gasket cap.

3. The retractable pivot pin assembly of claim 2, further comprising: An outer plate, the outer plate comprising: A first plane portion; an indented planar portion, the indented planar portion being parallel to and indented from the first planar portion; a centrally located hole having a slotted portion disposed through the first planar portion; a plurality of fastening holes disposed through the first planar portion; and a plurality of fastening holes disposed through the indented plane; wherein said elongated portion of said housing further comprises a plurality of legs terminating in orthogonally extending flanges, each of said flanges comprising an aperture; Wherein, the outer plate is fixed to the shell by a fastener, and the fastener extends through the plurality of fastening holes provided through the first planar portion of the outer plate and a portion of the hole provided at the flange of the leg portion of the shell.

4. The retractable pivot pin assembly according to claim 3, wherein a portion of the plurality of legs of the housing each comprises a finger; wherein the outer panel further comprises a slot disposed through the first planar portion adjacent to the plurality of fastening holes; wherein the finger of each of the portions of the plurality of legs is disposed within the slot.

5. The retractable pivot pin assembly according to claim 4, in, The flange of a portion of the plurality of legs abuts the indented planar portion of the outer panel; and wherein the flanges adjacent the indented planar portion of the panel each include a hole disposed therethrough, and wherein the hole of the flange is aligned with one of the fastening holes disposed through the indented planar portion of the outer panel.

6. A vehicle comprising: floor; a riser attached to the floor, the riser including a pin guide surface at least partially surrounding a pin receiving aperture, the pin guide surface having an angled portion; and A seat back including a retractable pivot pin assembly including: a housing having a chamber; a liner cap disposed within the chamber; A pin having a cylindrical shaft and a collar extending from the cylindrical shaft, the pin further comprising: a projection extending from the cylindrical shaft along the length of the cylindrical shaft; a compression spring having a pin passage, a first end adjacent the collar of the pin, and a second end adjacent the spacer cap, wherein a portion of the cylindrical shaft is disposed within the pin passage; wherein the seat back is pivotally attached to the upright plate by the pin of the retractable pivot pin assembly, the pin having a retracted state in which the pin guide surface of the upright plate forces the pin to retract into the housing until the pin is located adjacent the pin receiving hole of the upright plate, in which position the compression spring forces the pin through the pin receiving hole into an extended state to pivotally attach the seat back to the upright plate.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, in, During insertion of the pin into the pin receiving aperture, the angled portion of the pin guide surface forces the pin toward a retracted condition within the retractable pivot pin assembly as the pin moves toward the pin receiving aperture.

8. The vehicle according to claim 6, in, During insertion of the pin into the pin receiving aperture, as the pin moved adjacent the pin receiving aperture, the pin guiding surface has forced the pin to the retracted state within the retractable pivot pin assembly.

9. The vehicle according to claim 6, The seat back further comprises: a frame assembly, the frame assembly providing structural support for the seat back; and a bracket connected to the frame assembly, the bracket including a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a hole extending from the first side through the second side; wherein the retractable pivot pin assembly is attached to the first side of the bracket such that the pin of the retractable pivot pin assembly protrudes through the hole of the bracket; and Wherein the bracket is between the compression spring of the retractable pivot pin assembly and the vertical plate.

10. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: The riser further includes: a lip portion partially surrounding the pin receiving hole and defining a boundary of the pin guiding surface; wherein the angled portion of the pin guiding surface and the lip form a mouth to the pin receiving aperture.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The vertical plate further comprises: A vertical support structure having a flat vertical surface; wherein said pin receiving aperture is parallel to said planar vertical surface and is in a plane that is indented relative to said planar vertical surface; and Wherein the lip surrounds at least 180 degrees of the pin receiving aperture.

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