Seat backrest folding device with lock

Abstract

A product is disclosed that may include a vehicle seatback having a back face and an opposing front face and a first side extending between the back face and the front face, the seatback having a frame and a locking member connected to the frame, the locking member being movable from a first position in which the locking member is movable relative to the frame to a second position in which the locking member is movable relative to the frame. The locking member has a first position in which the first end of the locking member is a first distance from the first side and a second position in which the first end of the locking member is a second distance from the first side, and wherein the second distance is shorter than the first distance.

Description

[0001] The technical field generally relates to vehicle seats and locking components and methods of using the same. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles have seats with backs that can be folded to engage the seat bottom. However, it can be difficult to mount and lock the seat back at a consistent angle in the folded position, often resulting in inconsistent folding angles and potentially creating wrinkles due to the squeezing condition of the seat upholstery.

[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a product that includes a vehicle seat back that can be moved to a folded position at a consistent angle and locked in place, and easily unlocked to move the seat to an upright position. Additionally, other desirable features and characteristics of the disclosed variations will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The disclosed variations can include a product that can include a vehicle seat back having a back side and an opposite front side and a first side extending between the back side and the front side, the seat back having a frame and a locking component connected to the frame, the locking component being movable from a first position in which a first end of the locking component is a first distance from the first side to a second position in which the first end of the locking component is a second distance from the first side, and wherein the second distance is shorter than the first distance.

[0005] The disclosed variations can include a product, wherein the locking component is spring-loaded and biased to the first position.

[0006] The disclosed variations can include a product, wherein the locking component is an elongated plate pivotally connected to the frame.

[0007] The disclosed variations can include a product, wherein the spring is connected to a second end of the elongated plate and the frame.

[0008] The disclosed variations can include a product, wherein the locking component is a locking pin having a shaft and the spring is received on the shaft.

[0009] The disclosed variations can include a product, wherein the seat back includes a mounting rod extending outside the first side.

[0010] The disclosed variations can include a product that further includes a vehicle body bracket having a first slot for receiving the mounting rod.

[0011] The disclosed various variations may include a product, wherein the vehicle body bracket includes an opening for receiving a first end of a locking member.

[0012] The disclosed various variations may include a product, wherein the vehicle body bracket includes a curved surface above the opening, and wherein the locking member is capable of moving from a first position to move along the curved surface and into the opening.

[0013] The disclosed various variations may include a product, wherein the opening is a second groove.

[0014] The disclosed various variations may include a product, wherein the opening is a through-hole.

[0015] The disclosed various variations may include a product, which further includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve spaced apart therefrom, wherein a lock pin extends through the first sleeve and the second sleeve, and a C-shaped clip is attached to the shaft of the lock pin, and wherein a spring is positioned between the first sleeve and the C-shaped clip, and wherein the lock pin includes a radially extending flange at a second end of the lock pin, and wherein the elongate radially extending flange engages the first sleeve, and a first end of the lock pin is in a first position.

[0016] The disclosed various variations may include a product, wherein the lock pin is capable of moving to a second position, wherein the radially extending flange is positioned away from the first sleeve.

[0017] The disclosed various variations may include a product, wherein the seat back is capable of moving to a folded position, wherein the locking member is received in the opening of the body bracket.

[0018] The disclosed various variations may include a product, wherein the body bracket includes a protrusion, and the seat back is capable of moving to an upright position, wherein the locking member engages the protrusion to lock the seat back in the upright position.

[0019] The disclosed various variations may include a product, which further includes a seat bottom, and wherein when the seat back is in the folded position covering the seat bottom, the locking member engages at least one edge of a mounting bracket defining the opening.

[0020] The disclosed various variations may include a product, wherein the locking member is capable of moving by pushing, pulling or rotating the locking member to disengage it from the engagement with the protrusion.

[0021] The disclosed variations may include a product that further includes a release device having a first end connected to a second end of a locking pin, and the release device having a second end that can be pulled to pull the locking pin from a position in an opening form in which the locking pin is received in a body bracket, or from an engagement portion of the locking pin with a protrusion of the body bracket.

[0022] The disclosed variations may include a product: a vehicle seat back having a back surface and an opposite front surface and a first side extending between the back surface and the front surface, the seat back having a frame and a locking member that can move from a first position to a second position, in the first position, a first end of the locking member is a first distance from the first side, in the second position, the first end of the locking member is a second distance from the first side, and wherein the second distance is shorter than the first distance; wherein the seat back includes a mounting rod extending outside the first side; wherein the vehicle body bracket includes a first slot formed therein for receiving the mounting rod; wherein the vehicle body bracket includes an opening for receiving the first end of the locking member; wherein the vehicle body bracket includes a curved surface above the opening, and wherein the locking member can move from the first position to move along the curved surface and into the opening.

[0023] The disclosed variations may include a method that may include: providing a vehicle seat back having a back surface and an opposite front surface and a first side extending between the back surface and the front surface, the seat back having a frame and a locking member that can move from a first position to a second position, in the first position, a first end of the locking member is a first distance from the first side, in the second position, the first end of the locking member is a second distance from the first side, and wherein the second distance is shorter than the first distance; wherein the seat back includes a mounting rod extending outside the first side; wherein the vehicle body bracket includes a first slot formed therein for receiving the mounting rod; wherein the vehicle body bracket includes an opening for receiving the first end of the locking member; wherein the vehicle body bracket includes a curved surface above the opening, and wherein the locking member can move from the first position to move along the curved surface and into the opening; and a seat bottom having a top surface; positioning the seat back above the seat bottom such that the front surface of the seat back faces the top surface of the seat bottom, and lowering the seat back toward the seat bottom such that the mounting rod is received in the first slot formed in the body bracket, and the locking member moves along the curved surface of the body bracket and is received in the opening in the body bracket such that the seat back is locked in a folded position covering the seat bottom. Description of the Drawings

[0024] The variations will be described below in conjunction with the following drawings, where like numbers represent like elements, and where:

[0025] Figure 1 Is a perspective rear view of a product according to multiple variants, the product may include a seat back, a mounting rod and a locking member, wherein the seat back is positioned to start its installation to the vehicle body bracket;

[0026] Figure 2 Is a perspective rear view of a seat back mounted to a vehicle body bracket according to multiple variants and the folded position covering the seat bottom;

[0027] Figure 3 Is a schematic side view of a vehicle seat back in an upright position according to multiple variants, and the movement of the seat back to the folded position is shown by a dashed line;

[0028] Figure 4 Is a partial rear view according to multiple variants, showing a vehicle seat back with a locking member;

[0029] Figure 5 Is a partial side view of a seat back mounted to a main bracket according to multiple variants, wherein the seat back is in an upright position;

[0030] Figure 6 Is a partial side view of a seat back mounted to a main bracket according to multiple variants, wherein the seat back is in a folded position;

[0031] Figure 7 Is a partial rear view of a vehicle seat back being installed according to multiple variants, wherein the locking member engages the curved surface of the vehicle body bracket;

[0032] Figure 8 Is a partial rear view of a vehicle seat back being installed according to multiple variants, wherein the locking member engages the curved surface of the vehicle body bracket;

[0033] Figure 9 Is a partial rear view of a vehicle seat back being installed according to multiple variants, wherein the locking member is received in an opening of the vehicle body bracket to lock the seat back in the folded position;

[0034] Figure 10 Is a partial side view of a vehicle seat back in an upright position according to multiple variants, wherein the locking member engages a protrusion of the main bracket to lock the seat back in the upright position;

[0035] Figure 11 Is a partial perspective rear view of a vehicle seat back according to multiple variants, the vehicle seat back having a mounting rod and a locking member position to be installed in the vehicle body bracket;

[0036] Figure 12is a partial side view of a vehicle seat back in an upright position according to a number of variations, wherein a locking member engages a protrusion of a body bracket to lock the seat back in the upright position;

[0037] Figure 13 is a partial perspective rear view of a seat back mounted to a body frame according to a number of variations, wherein a locking member is received in an opening formed in the body frame to lock the seat back in a folded position;

[0038] Figure 14 is a partial rear elevational view with portions removed showing a seat back mounted to a body frame according to a number of variations;

[0039] Figure 15 is a partially removed, fragmentary rear elevational view showing a seat back mounted to a body frame according to a number of variations, wherein a locking member engages a curved surface of the body frame;

[0040] Figure 16 is a partial rear elevational view with portions removed showing the seat back mounted to the body frame according to a number of variations, wherein a locking member is received in an opening of the body frame to lock the seat back in a folded position according to a number of variations;

[0041] Figure 17 is a perspective rear view of a seat back mounted to a body frame according to a number of variations, wherein a locking member is received in an opening of the body frame to lock the seat back in a folded position;

[0042] Figure 18 is a partial rear view showing a seat back mounted to a body frame according to a number of variations;

[0043] Figure 19 is a partially removed, fragmentary rear elevational view illustrating a seat back having a locking member received in an opening formed in the body frame to lock the seat back in a folded position according to a number of variations; and

[0044] Figure 20 is a partial perspective view of a seat back having a locking member extending through an opening in a body frame according to a number of variations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, summary or the following detailed description.

[0046] Figure 1Is a perspective view of product 30, which can be a vehicle seat assembly. The vehicle seat assembly can include a seat back 32. Product 30 can also include a seat bottom 34. Both the seat back 32 and the seat bottom 34 can include a frame and padding. The padding can be polymer foam on the frame, as well as an interior or trim on the padding in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The seat back 32 can include a back 36, a first side 38, and an opposite second side 40, both of which are joined to the back 36. A top surface 42 and a bottom surface 44 can both be joined to the back 36 at opposite ends. A headrest 46 can be attached to the seat back 32. The first side 38 can have a groove portion 48. A mounting rod 50 can extend to the outside of the first side 38, and a locking member 52 can also extend to the outside of the first side 38 at a position near the mounting rod 50. The seat bottom 34 can include a top surface 54 and sides 56. A main body bracket 58 can be mounted to a frame (not shown) of a vehicle (not shown). The main body bracket 58 can include a first slot 60 formed therein to receive the mounting rod 50 during assembly. Figure 2 Shows the seat back 32 mounted to the main body bracket 58 in a folded position, where the front 45 of the seat back 32 is adjacent to the top surface 54 of the seat bottom 34. The seat bottom 34 can be a single seat bottom or a bench-type seat bottom including a second seat bottom portion 54', and the second seat back 32' has features similar to those of the seat back 32.

[0047] Figure 3 Is a schematic view showing the seat back 32 moving to the folded position, shown in dashed lines, where the front 45 of the seat back 32 is adjacent to the top surface 54 of the seat bottom 34. In the folded position, an imaginary line B extending parallel to the back 36 of the seat back 32 and an imaginary horizontal line H form an angle A, which is consistent each time the seat back 32 is folded onto the seat bottom 34.

[0048] Figure 4 Is a partial cutaway view showing a locking member 66 pivotally mounted to the frame 80 of the seat back 32. In a plurality of variations, the locking member 66 can be an elongated plate 68 having a first end 70 and an opposite second end 72. The first end 70 can include a chamfered or rounded portion 75 that engages the main body bracket 58 during installation of the seat back 32.

[0049] Figure 7 Is a rear view with a portion removed, showing as the seat back 32 is lowered downward toward the seat bottom 34 and the radially extending flange portion 64 of the mounting rod 50 enters Figure 5 and Figure 6 the first slot 60 shown in, the engagement of the elongated plate 68 with the main body bracket 58. Figure 8Shows the counterclockwise movement of the first end 70 of the elongate plate 68 as the seat back 32 is further lowered downward. As the seat back 32 is further lowered downward, the first end 70 of the elongate plate 68 travels or moves along the curved surface 59 of the main body bracket 58. As the seat back 32 is lowered downward while the elongate plate 68 engages the main body bracket 58, the spring 84 is stretched and stores energy. Figure 6 and Figure 9 Shows the seat back in the folded and locked position, wherein the first end 70 of the elongate plate 68 is received in an opening or groove. In multiple variations, the first end 70 of the elongate plate 68 is received in a second slot 92 formed in the main body bracket 58. In the locked position, the movement of the seat back toward the upright position is blocked by the engagement portion 100 of the elongate plate 68 with the base edge 96, front edge 94, or rear edge 98 that defines the second slot 92 in the main body bracket 58.

[0050] Reference Figure 5 、 Figure 8 and Figure 10 and, to unlock the seat back 32 from the locked and folded position, the first end 70 of the elongate plate 68 can be pushed downward such that the first end 70 of the elongate plate 68 rotates clockwise along the imaginary circle 90, and such that the seat back 32 can rotate toward the upright position while the first end 70 of the elongate plate 68 does not engage the front edge 94, base edge 96, or rear edge 98 that defines the second slot 92 in the main body bracket 58. As the seat back 32 rotates toward the upright position, the elongate plate 68 is moved rearward in the counterclockwise direction by the spring 84 until the first end 70 of the elongate plate 68 moves past the projection 104 of the main body bracket 58. The first end 70 of the elongate plate 68 engages the projection 104 to lock the seat back 32 in the upright position. The first end of the elongate plate 68 can be pushed, causing the elongate plate to rotate out of engagement with the projection 104 such that the seat back 32 can move from the upright position to, for example, a folded position covering the seat bottom 34.

[0051] Reference Figures 11 - 20 and, in another variation, a spring-loaded locking pin 106 serves as the locking member 66. Figure 11 、 Figure 14 and Figure 18 Shows the seat back 32 positioned to be mounted to the main body bracket 58, wherein the mounting rod 50 having the flange portion 64 is to be received in a first slot 60 formed in the main body bracket 18, and such that the locking pin 106 travels or moves along the curved surface 59 of the main body bracket 58.

[0052] Reference Figures 12 - 13 and Figure 20, to unlock the seat back 32 from the locked folded position, the first end 108 of the locking pin 106 can be pushed inwardly toward the first side 38 such that the first end 108 of the locking pin 106 moves out of the second slot 92( Figure 13 ), opening the through hole 120 in the main body bracket 58( Figure 20 ), enabling the seat back 32 to move from the folded position, for example, to the upright position. When the seat back 32 is in the upright position( Figure 12 ), and the first end 108 of the locking pin 106 engages the protrusion 104 to lock the seat back 32 in the upright position. The first end 108 of the locking pin 106 can be pushed inwardly toward the first side 38 of the seat back 32, causing the locking pin 106 to move out of engagement with the protrusion 104, enabling the seat back 32 to move from the upright position to, for example, the folded position covering the seat bottom 34.

[0053] Figure 14 is a rear view with a portion removed, showing the locking pin 106 received through the first sleeve 111 and the second sleeve 112, which are spaced apart from each other and mounted to a portion of the frame 80. The locking pin 106 can have a second end 114 that extends radially outward from the shaft portion 116 of the locking pin 106. A spring 84 can be received on the shaft portion 116 of the locking pin and is held in place by the first sleeve 111 near the second end 114 of the locking pin 106 and a C - clip 118 fixed to the shaft portion 116, with the C - clip 118 positioned closer to the second sleeve 112 than the first sleeve 111. The first end 108 of the locking pin 106 can have at least one or more curved portions 113 to facilitate the travel of the first end 108 along the curved surface 59 of the main body bracket 58. Refer to Figure 15 , as the first end 108 travels or moves along the curved surface 59 of the main body bracket 58, the locking pin 106 is pushed such that the second end 114 moves away from the first sleeve 111 and the spring 84 is compressed to store energy.

[0054] Figures 16 - 17 shows that the first end 108 of the locking pin 106 can be received in an opening or groove. In multiple variations, the first end 108 of the locking pin 106 can be received in the second slot 92 formed in the main body bracket 58 such that the seat back 32 is in the folded and locked position, and movement of the seat back 32 is prevented by the engagement 110 with the front edge 94, base edge 96, or rear edge 98 that defines the second slot 92. Figure 13 shows the seat back 32 in the folded and locked position, where the locking pin 106 is received in the second slot 92 formed in the main body bracket 58.

[0055] Refer to Figure 15 and Figures 18 - 20, in another variant, the through hole 120 can be formed in the body bracket 58 such that as the first end 108 travels or moves along the curved surface 59 of the body bracket 58, the locking pin 106 is pushed, causing the second end 114 of the locking pin 106 to move away from the first sleeve 111, and the spring 84 is compressed to store energy. When the first end 108 of the locking pin 106 reaches the through hole 120, the energy stored in the spring 84 forces the first end 108 of the locking pin 106 into the through hole 120. The seat back 32 is locked in place by the engagement portion 110 with one or more edges 121 defining the through hole 120. A release device 122 can be provided, which has a first end 124 fixed to the second end 114 of the locking pin 106. The second end 126 of the release device 122 can be a loop that a driver or passenger can grasp and pull the second end 114 of the locking pin 106, causing the first end 108 of the locking pin 106 to move out of the through hole 120 to facilitate rotating the seat back to the upright position.

[0056] Although at least one illustrative variant has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are numerous variants. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Instead, the foregoing detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for those skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A product, comprising: A vehicle seat backrest having a rear face and an opposite front face and a first side extending between the rear face and the front face, the seat backrest having a frame and a locking member connected to the frame, the locking member being movable from a first position to a second position, in the first position, a first end of the locking member being a first distance from the first side, in the second position, the first end of the locking member being a second distance from the first side, and wherein the second distance is shorter than the first distance.

2. The product according to claim 1, wherein, The locking member is spring-loaded and biased to the first position.

3. The product according to claim 2, wherein, The locking member is an elongated plate pivotally connected to the frame.

4. The product according to claim 3, wherein, A spring is connected to a second end of the elongated plate and the frame.

5. The product according to claim 2, wherein, The locking member is a locking pin having a shaft, and the spring is received on the shaft.

6. The product according to claim 1, wherein The seat backrest includes a mounting rod extending outside the first side.

7. The product according to claim 6, further comprising a vehicle body bracket having a first slot for receiving the mounting rod.

8. The product according to claim 7, wherein The vehicle body bracket includes an opening for receiving the first end of the locking member.

9. The product according to claim 8, wherein, The vehicle body bracket includes a curved surface above the opening, and wherein the locking member is movable from the first position to move along the curved surface and into the opening.

10. A method, comprising: Providing a vehicle seat backrest having a rear face and an opposite front face and a first side extending between the rear face and the front face, the seat backrest having a frame and a locking member movable from a first position to a second position, in the first position, a first end of the locking member being a first distance from the first side, in the second position, the first end of the locking member being a second distance from the first side, and wherein the second distance is shorter than the first distance; wherein the seat backrest includes a mounting rod extending outside the first side; wherein a vehicle body bracket includes a first slot formed therein for receiving the mounting rod; wherein the vehicle body bracket includes an opening for receiving the first end of the locking member; wherein the vehicle body bracket includes a curved surface above the opening, and wherein the locking member is movable from the first position to move along the curved surface and into the opening; and a seat bottom having a top surface; Positioning the seat backrest above the seat bottom such that the front face of the seat backrest faces the top surface of the seat bottom, and lowering the seat backrest toward the seat bottom such that the mounting rod is received in the first slot formed in the body bracket and the locking member moves along the curved surface of the body bracket and is received in the opening in the body bracket such that the seat backrest is locked in a folded position covering the seat bottom.

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