Chairs and seats – Movable bottom – Tiltable
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-24
2001-09-25
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3636)
Chairs and seats
Movable bottom
Tiltable
C297S327000, C297S362120
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293620
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to automotive vehicle seats and, more particularly, to a latch mechanism for selectively coupling a striker pin fixed to a component of the seat to the vehicle body.
2. Discussion
Many vehicles are equipped with tiltable seats to allow easy access to storage areas. Tiltable seats are most commonly in found in passenger trucks, sports utility vehicles, and mini-vans to provide efficient access to storage areas and for selective use of certain interior spaces for passenger accommodations such as tables. The tiltable seats generally include a latching mechanism that is operative in a latched mode to secure the seat in an operative position for use as a seat and in an unlatched position where the seat is movable from the operative position to the stored position.
Commonly used latch mechanisms generally include a retention claw that is pivotably coupled to the vehicle seat frame or the vehicle floor for movement between the latched and unlatched positions. The mechanism further includes a retention pin on the other of the seat frame and vehicle floor in operative engagement with the hook. An exemplary latching mechanism is illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,235 titled “Folding Vehicle Bedseat”.
While prior art latching mechanisms are generally effective at selectively securing the vehicle seat to the vehicle floor, they present packaging problems and permit undesirable movement of the vehicle seat commonly referred to as chucking. More particularly, in available latches, the claw generally protrudes from the seat when the claw is in its unlatched position. The protruding claw is susceptible to snagging on clothing and otherwise obstructing access to the vehicle interior.
In view of the above, a continuing need exists to develop a latch that may be used in a seat, that is effectively packaged, and that minimizes or eliminates undesirable chucking.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a latch assembly for a vehicle seat that is operable to permit selective tilting of the vehicle seat from an operative position to a dumped position.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a latch assembly for a vehicle seat that reduces chucking when the vehicle seat is in an operating position.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a latch assembly for a vehicle seat that is effectively packaged relative to the seat frame and vehicle floor.
These and other objects are obtained by providing a latch assembly adapted for use in a vehicle having a movable component such as an upper seat frame member and a fixed component such as a lower seat frame member. The latch assembly is operable to allow selective movement of the movable component relative to the fixed component. The latch assembly includes a first frame member adapted to be fixed to the fixed component of the vehicle seat and a second frame member adapted to be fixed to the movable component. The second frame member is coupled to the first frame member for movement between a first operative position, such as a set position, and a second position such as a titled position. The latch assembly also includes a locking mechanism, a release mechanism, a spring, and a lockout cam. The locking mechanism is coupled to one of the first and second frame members for movement between a locked mode to lock the second frame in its first operative position and an unlocked mode wherein the second frame member is freely movable relative to the first frame member. The release mechanism is operable in a biasing mode to operatively engage the locking mechanism and exert a first biasing force urging the locking mechanism toward its locked mode and a released mode removed from operative engagement with the locking mechanism. The spring exerts a second biasing force that urges the locking mechanism toward its locked mode. The second biasing force is less than the first biasing force so that the locking mechanism is urged towards its locked mode when the release mechanism is in its biasing mode and into its unlocked mode when the release mechanism is in its released mode. The lockout cam is operable in a blocking position to maintain the locking mechanism in its unlocked mode when the second frame member is in its first operative position and a retracted position wherein the locking mechanism is movable from its unlocked mode to its locked mode.
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
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Cuomo Peter M.
Fisher Dynamics Corporation
Harness & Dickey & Pierce P.L.C.
White Rodney B.
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