Chairs and seats – Plural related seats – Movement of one seat effects storage of either seat
Patent
1993-05-10
1995-01-31
Cranmer, Laurie K.
Chairs and seats
Plural related seats
Movement of one seat effects storage of either seat
297 14, 297117, 2972501, 297283, A47C 1500
Patent
active
053849469
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a stowable vehicle seat which is retractably arranged in a base section, whereby said base section preferably constitutes the backrest of a vehicle seat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vehicle seats of the type which are stowable and retractably arranged in a base section are previously known. A vehicle seat is previously known from, for example, GB-A-2 167 949 (preamble of claim 1) which comprises a seat section and a back section, preferably pivotably arranged in relation to each other, whereby the seat is inwardly and outwardly foldable and in its outwardly foldable position it can be arranged with the two sections in substantially perpendicular positions for use as a seat, or with the two parts in substantially parallel position for use as an armrest (see also EP-A-258 194).
The above-mentioned document accordingly shows a child cushion (vehicle seat) whose positioning and construction is such that in its outwardly folded position it may also be used as an armrest. A centrally placed inwardly foldable armrest in a vehicle is common. From the above-mentioned documents it is accordingly also known to construct an armrest in such a way that it can be divided and used as a child cushion.
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
The disadvantage with this known combination of vehicle seat and armrest is that the arrangement is relatively cumbersome. The reason for this is that the seat section of a vehicle seat requires a certain width, and which width considerably exceeds the width which is necessary for an armrest. In other words, the known arrangement offers an armrest which considerably exceeds the optimal width for an armrest.
Furthermore, the known arrangement also presents disadvantages in its inwardly folded position since its relatively wide width implies that the separation surfaces which delimit the inwardly foldable seat/armrest will intrude on the back-rest section of the seats adjacent this seat such that the comfort of these seats is prejudicially affected.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention discloses a vehicle seat assembly comprising a first seat, which may be the permanent rear seat in a vehicle. The first seat includes a fixed base portion defining a base surface, also known as a squab, extending generally along a horizontal plane. The first seat also includes a back portion, which is often retained in a fixed position, and which defines a surface extending substantially perpendicular to the base surface. The back portion includes a recess therein, such as the recess often used to store the armrest of a vehicle when it is not in use. The vehicle seat assembly also comprises a second seat which includes a stowable base portion and a stowable back portion. The second seat is preferably pivotably connected to the first seat and is movable between a stowed position in which both the stowable base portion and the stowable back portion extend substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the base surface and are at least substantially arranged within the recess in the back portion of the first seat, and a use position in which at least the stowable base portion is arranged substantially outside of the recess and extends generally parallel to the base surface of the first seat. The stowable base portion includes widening means for selectively adjusting at least a portion of the initial width thereof so that an adjusted width can be obtained. The adjusted width is greater than the initial width so that children of various sizes can comfortably sit on the second seat when it is arranged in its use position.
Preferably, the vehicle seat assembly comprises means for maintaining the stowable base portion at a certain predetermined height above the base surface of the fixed base portion when the second seat is arranged in its use position.
It is also preferable for the vehicle seat assembly to comprise safety belt means adapted to secure an occupant on the second seat. The safety belt means may comprise a
REFERENCES:
patent: 5098157 (1992-03-01), Surot
patent: 5121965 (1992-06-01), Skold et al.
patent: 5193765 (1993-03-01), Simpson et al.
patent: 5205608 (1993-04-01), Stig
Ode Bengt
Sundstedt Per
AB Volvo
Cranmer Laurie K.
LandOfFree
Expandable, stowable vehicle seat for children does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Expandable, stowable vehicle seat for children, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Expandable, stowable vehicle seat for children will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1096029