Chairs and seats – Bottom or back – Framework
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-28
2001-11-27
Nelson, Jr., Milton (Department: 3636)
Chairs and seats
Bottom or back
Framework
C297S354120
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322148
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a vehicle seat connection assembly having a hinge member for pivotally connecting a seat back frame and a seat bottom frame of the vehicle seat.
BACKGROUND ART
A vehicle seat is a significant component in the manufacture of vehicles. Although many vehicle seats have industrial potential, there is a need to improve vehicle seat assemblies. Typically, a vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back frame pivotally connected to a seat bottom frame with relatively little surface area contact. In many situations, a large portion of the weight of the seat back frame is supported merely by the surface area of contact of connection between the seat back and seat bottom frames. Thus, a relatively large amount of stress is directed onto a relatively small surface area at which the seat back frame connects to the seat bottom.
Moreover, many seat assemblies have connecting components requiring a relatively close fit during assembly thereof. In many situations, if the seat is assembled imprecisely, then the weight placed thereon constantly shifts during vehicle travel, resulting in seat flutter. Furthermore, such seat assemblies have connecting components that are difficult to assemble during the manufacturing of the vehicle seat. For example, in many situations, it may take the manufacturing technician or technicians several times to connect the seat back frame to the seat bottom frame, due to the relatively close connection required. Moreover, the manufacturing technician is required to retract the seat back trim in order to properly secure the seat back to the seat bottom. This difficulty increases manufacturing time and, in turn, increases costs.
Thus, what is needed is a vehicle seat assembly having a relatively large surface area of contact at which the seat back frame connects to the seat bottom frame to provide sufficient surface area support.
What is also needed is a vehicle seat assembly having a fit which connects the seat back frame to the seat bottom frame and uniformly absorbs weight placed thereon.
What is also needed is a vehicle seat assembly having connecting components requiring less manufacturing time.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide for an improved vehicle seat. The vehicle seat comprises a seat back frame and a seat bottom frame pivotally attached thereto by a hinge member. The seat back frame has a leg which extends to an end portion wherein the end portion is hollow and has an indented wall formed inwardly. The end portion terminates at an opening. The hinge member has a pivotal end attached to the seat bottom frame and a prong end having first and second spaced apart prongs disposed through the opening of the end portion. The prongs flank and engage the indented wall of the end portion of the seat back frame. The indented wall of the end portion is formed to complement the shape of the prongs to provide sufficient surface area support.
It is another object of the present invention to provide for an improved vehicle seat connection assembly for connecting a seat back frame to a seat bottom frame. The assembly includes a leg integral to the seat back frame extending to an end portion wherein the end portion is hollow and has an aperture transversely formed therethrough. The end portion has an indented wall formed about the aperture and terminates at an opening. The assembly further includes a securing member disposed at the end portion through the aperture. The assembly further includes a hinge member having a pivotal end pivotally attached to the seat bottom frame and a prong end engaging the end portion. The prong end has first and second spaced apart prongs disposed through the opening of the end portion wherein the prongs flank the securing member and engage the indented wall of the end portion of the seat back frame. The indented wall of the end portion is formed to complement the shape of the prongs to provide sufficient surface area support.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for an improved hinge member for pivotally connecting a seat back frame to a seat bottom frame to define a vehicle seat assembly. The hinge member comprises a pivotal end and a prong end. The pivotal end pivotally attaches to the seat bottom frame. The prong end engages the seat back frame. The prong end has first and second spaced apart prongs to define a void between the inner surface of the first and second prongs. The inner surface engages the seat back frame to fill the void.
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Berg Alan Dean
Kolena David P.
Saenz Danny
Brooks & Kushman P.C.
Jr. Milton Nelson
Lear Corporation
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