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Multifunction vehicular seat

Multifunction vehicular seat description/claims

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a seat for use in a vehicle. This inventive seat is said to multi-functional because it may be used not only as a translationally movable upright seat, but also as a recliner. And, it may be folded forward to allow ingress and egress to portions of the vehicle behind the location of the seat.

2. Disclosure Information

The second and third rows of seats in vehicles such as sport utility vehicles, minivans, and crossover vehicles work best if they are multi-functional. Such second and third row seats are typically configured to fold flat to increase cargo carrying capability. Also, the second row of seats must fold so as to allow access to the third row of seats and, perhaps, to the space extending behind the third row of seats. Automotive designers have incorporated a number of different mechanisms to accomplish these desired multi-functions. Such mechanisms have, however, been complicated and, in many cases, counterintuitive for the vehicle operator. U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,684 discloses a seat mechanism which is quite complicated in its operation. U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,670, although less complicated, is not adaptable to a flat floored vehicle.

A multi-function vehicular seat according to the present invention solves problems associated with known seats by providing a cost effective and easily employed mechanism in a seat which is movable translationally, which may be folded flat, which may be reclined, and which may be moved to allow ingress or egress to seating rows and/or storage space behind the location at which the seat is mounted.

A multi-function vehicular seat includes a seat cushion and a seat back. A rotatable mounting link supports the front portion of the seat cushion. A longitudinally slidable pivot mount is connected to the bottom of the seat back, and a pivotable connection extends between a rear portion of the seat cushion and a portion of the seat back located above the bottom of the seat back, such that a lower portion of the seat back functions as a link between the longitudinally slidable pivot mount and the seat cushion. The rotatable mounting link preferably includes an upper end pivoted to the front portion of the seat cushion and a lower end pivoted to a bracket for mounting to a floor, with the lower end being selectively lockable. The longitudinally slidable pivot mount is lockable both rotationally and translationally.

The present seat is movable to a flat, folded configuration by unlocking both the lower end pivot and the pivot portion of the longitudinally slidable pivot mount, and by rotating the seat back forward, while rotating the rotatable mounting link and seat cushion in a forward direction until the seat back is superimposed upon the seat cushion. Alternatively, the seat may be moved to a flat, folded configuration by unlocking both the lower end pivot of the rotatable mounting link and the pivot portion of the longitudinally slidable pivot mount, and by rotating the seat back forward while rotating the rotatable mounting link in a rearward direction until the seat back is superimposed upon the seat cushion.

The present seat is movable translationally by unlocking both the lower end pivot of the rotatable mounting link and the slide function of the longitudinally slidable pivot mount, while leaving the pivot portion of the longitudinally slidable pivot mount locked.

The present seat is movable to an ingress/egress position by unlocking the lower end pivot of the rotatable mounting link and the pivot function of the longitudinally slidable pivot mount, as well as the slide function of the longitudinal slidable mount, so as to permit the seat back to be moved forward both rotationally and translationally as the seat cushion moves forward.

It is an advantage of a seat according to the present invention that multi-functional attributes such as the ability to fold the seat flat, the ability to recline the seat back, and the ability to rotate the seat forward to allow access to an area behind the seat, are all available in the context of a seat mechanism which is less costly and less complicated than known designs.

It is another advantage of a seat system according to the present invention that operation of the seat is intuitive and easily accomplished by a vehicle operator.

Other advantages, as well as features and objects of the present invention, will become apparent to the reader of this specification.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a seat according to the present invention shown in an upright locked position.

FIG. 2 illustrates translational movement of the seat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates the seat of the present invention moving from an upright position to a folded flat position.

FIG. 4 shows the seat of the present invention moved forward and folded to allow ingress and egress to a position behind the seat.

FIG. 5 illustrates the present seat moving into a reclining configuration.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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