Chairs and seats – Movable bottom – Interconnected with back for relative concurrent movement
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-29
2001-07-03
Brown, Peter R. (Department: 3624)
Chairs and seats
Movable bottom
Interconnected with back for relative concurrent movement
C248S430000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06254188
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This application relates generally to an assembly for mounting a seat within a vehicle. More particularly, this invention relates to a seat mounting assembly with a locking device that is laterally engaged by a release member to move the locking device between a locked position and an unlocked position.
Seat track arrangements for mounting seats within vehicles are generally well known. Most arrangements provide for a seat to be moved or adjusted in forward and rearward directions within a vehicle.
In many circumstances, it is desirable to have seats within a vehicle that include a seat back that is pivotally supported on a seat bottom such that the seat back can be folded forward and downward relative to the seat bottom. Such an arrangement is necessary, for example, in two-door vehicles so that a passenger can have access into and out of the rear seat of the vehicle. It is also desirable that a front seat in a two-door vehicle slide forward to allow easier access to the rear seat of the vehicle.
Mounting assemblies that are used to mount the seat to the vehicle are often complex, especially when the mounting assembly includes the dual capability of being able to adjust the seat in forward and rearward directions and being able to slide the seat forward when the seat back is pivoted toward the seat bottom. These complex mounting assemblies require a great number of components which increases the assembly time and the overall cost of the seat assembly.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a simplified and inexpensive seat mounting assembly that includes rearward and forward seat adjustment capability and seat sliding capability when the seat back is pivoted downwardly. It is also desirable for the mounting assembly to be durable, easy to operate, and quiet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general terms, this invention is a vehicle seat assembly with a seat back pivotally supported with respect to a seat bottom, and which is attached to the vehicle by a mounting assembly. A first track is attached to the vehicle and a second track is supported on the second track such that the second track can move forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the first track. The mounting assembly includes a locking device mounted on the second track that moves relative to the first track. The locking device includes one or more locking teeth that engage one or more slots on the first track so that the second track and the seat are maintained in a fixed position relative to the first track. The locking device includes a release member for disengaging the locking device and adjusting the position of the seat.
In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the assembly for mounting a seat within a vehicle includes a first track, a second track supported for movement relative to the first track, and a locking device supported on the second track and moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position the locking device maintains the second track in a desired position while in the unlocked position the second track is movable relative to the first track. The assembly further includes a release member that selectively moves into a release position to move the locking device out of the locked position and maintain the locking device in the unlocked position such that the second track can move relative to the first track. The release member includes an engaging portion that slidably engages the locking device and moves it between the locked and unlocked positions.
The subject invention offers several advantages over prior art systems because it provides a simplified mounting for a seat within a vehicle that is durable, easy to assemble, and quiet in operation.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3981473 (1976-09-01), Nagal
patent: 4455009 (1984-06-01), Foster et al.
patent: 4621867 (1986-11-01), Perring et al.
patent: 4639038 (1987-01-01), Heling
patent: 4666208 (1987-05-01), Tatematsu et al.
patent: 4671571 (1987-06-01), Gionet
patent: 5052751 (1991-10-01), Hayakawa et al.
patent: 5597206 (1997-01-01), Ainsworth et al.
patent: 5688026 (1997-11-01), Reubeuze et al.
Brown Peter R.
Dura Automotive Properties Inc.
Roth Robert K.
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