US20060006712A1 - Folding seat with improved structural linkage - Google Patents
Folding seat with improved structural linkage Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060006712A1 US20060006712A1 US11/179,698 US17969805A US2006006712A1 US 20060006712 A1 US20060006712 A1 US 20060006712A1 US 17969805 A US17969805 A US 17969805A US 2006006712 A1 US2006006712 A1 US 2006006712A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- free end
- folding
- seat
- seat cover
- seat assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/26—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children
- B60N2/28—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
- B60N2/2866—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle booster cushions, e.g. to lift a child to allow proper use of the conventional safety belts
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/26—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children
- B60N2/28—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
- B60N2/2875—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle inclinable, as a whole or partially
- B60N2/2878—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle inclinable, as a whole or partially the back-rest being inclinable
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/30—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats
- B60N2/3038—Cushion movements
- B60N2/304—Cushion movements by rotation only
- B60N2/3045—Cushion movements by rotation only about transversal axis
- B60N2/3047—Cushion movements by rotation only about transversal axis the cushion being hinged at the back-rest
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/26—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children
- B60N2/28—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
- B60N2002/2896—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle the child seat being foldable, e.g. to facilitate transport
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
The folding seat assembly includes a bottom member with a first free end and a second free end, a first back member having a first free end and a second free end where the first free end of the first back member is pivotally connected about a first pivot axis to the second free end of the bottom member. The assembly also includes a second back member with a first free end and a second free end where the first free end of the second back member is pivotally connected about a second pivot axis to the second free end of the bottom member. A first free end of a cross member is pivotally connected to the second free end of the second back member and the second free end of the cross member is pivotally connected to the second free end of the first back member. As a result, the bottom member is pivotable, relative to the first back member and the second back member, between an open condition and a closed condition.
Description
- This application claims priority from prior U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/587,277 filed on Jul. 12, 2004.
- This invention relates generally to automobile seats, and more specifically to a child or infant seat for automobiles and other moving vehicles. More specifically, the present invention relates to child car seats that are foldable, lightweight and, therefore, easily portable.
- It is well known in the transportation industry that vehicle seats, such as automobile seats, installed in a vehicle does not provide adequate safety for children, particularly very young infants. These vehicle seats are typically designed to contain adults due to their size and configuration. For example, the overall size of the seat and the location of the safety belts therein are designed for bodies of an adult size. When a child sits in such an adult vehicle seat, the child is not adequately contained and the safety belts are poorly positioned on the child's body. Thus, the child can easily slip under a belt during an accident thereby risking injury. In summary, a child riding in an adult vehicle seat is extremely unsafe.
- Numerous devices have been proposed for enhancing the safety for children while driving in automobiles. While seat belts have provided some measure of safety for older children, separate smaller seats have generally been used for young children and infants since these tend to restrain the child from movement in almost every direction. Also, the harness seat belts of these child car seats can be positioned in the proper location about the child.
- In most instances, these child car seats have been separate seats which can be installed on an adult automobile seat and secured in some fashion thereto by means of, for example, the adult seat belts. In newer automobiles, mounting structures are provided to connect the seat directly to the chassis of the vehicle. These child car seats have been found to be very effective in protecting the child when in a vehicle that has only adult-sized seats installed therein.
- Child car seats in the prior art are known to be provided in two primary configurations. Most common are non-folding child car seats where the body of the seat is of a unitary construction. The seat is typically made of plastic with a cushioning thereon. The overall shape of the seat is fixed into a general L-shaped configuration. Frequently, certain styles of these fixed, non-folding child car seats can also receive a handle for easier portability. Appropriate structures are provided on the seat to secure it to the adult vehicle seat onto which it is installed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,086, issued to Gunji, is an example of such a construction.
- Due to the unitary construction, the non-folding fixed child car seats of the prior art are very safe in that they are rigid structures that are not apt to collapse during an accident. This is a serious concern in aftermarket add-on seats within a vehicle. Also, the very unitary non-folding construction is also highly undesirable because it is very bulky during travel without the child or for storage, for example in the trunk of a vehicle when not in use. Therefore, in these non-folding child seats of the prior art, there is a trade off between the safety of the rigid non-folding design with portability and compactness to facilitate transport of the seat.
- To address the shortcomings of the prior unitary fixed child vehicle seats, there have been attempts in the prior art to provide a folding child car seat. These prior art seats typically include a seat back and a seat bottom that are pivotally connected to each in some way. When in use, the seat back and the seat bottom are located in an open position relative to one another to form the desired seat configuration. When not in use, the seat bottom and seat back are pivoted relative to one another so that the seat can collapse whereby the seat bottom and the seat back are proximal to one another. U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,543, issued to Hartmann, is a good example of this known construction.
- The folding child vehicle seats of the prior art are more compact and portable than the non-folding seat discussed above because they fold. However, the presence of a pivot break point introduces a structural weakness in the construction of the seat. More specifically, the pivot point that hingedly connects the seat back to the seat bottom creates a stress point that is of particular concern from a safety perspective. Thus, the prior art folding seats must provide the appropriate locking mechanism to secure the hinged connection in its open condition during use. It is critical that satisfactory locking is provided to ensure that the seat does not fold up and collapse during an accident.
- Prior art folding vehicle seats address this problem in a number of different ways. For example, locking mechanisms have been provided in the prior art directly about the pivot point between the seat back and the seat bottom. In this case, retractable pins or tabs have been used to engage with slots on the pivot structure to releasbly lock the seat in a desired open or closed condition. These pivot locks are susceptible to failure because most of the load during an accident is focused on the pivot point of the seat. Also, cross-struts have been used to secure the seat in an open condition, however, these struts are cumbersome and uncomfortable for the child when in operation. Further folding car seat designs have required cantilevered structures that require additional supports to enabled the cantilevered configuration to be successfully carried out.
- Also, while prior art foldable child car seats do collapse to a smaller overall shape than non-folding seats to facilitate transport, they are still quite bulky even when in a closed condition. This is due to the nature and configuration of how they collapse, such as the location and nature of the pivot hinge. Also, the amount of folding is limited because the thickness of the seat bottom impacts into the thickness of the seat back. Thus, the overall thickness of the folded seat is the thickness of the seat back plus the thickness of the seat bottom. Some child seats have very thin seat backs and seat bottoms to provide a compact overall folded configuration, however, the reduced thickness and padding has a negative impact on the safety of the seat when in use.
- The child car seats of the prior art suffer from various disadvantages that make them unsafe or cumbersome to use. Therefore, there is a need for a child car seat to be safe and comfortable to use. There is a further need for a child car seat to be compact and transportable while being safe. There is a particular need for compact folding child vehicle seat that safely stays open even during the impact of an accident. There is a further need for a seat with an improved structural linkage to make the frame structure of a seat more compact in configuration yet still being structurally sound. There is also a need to make the structural linkage of a folding seat easier to operate and assemble than prior art assemblies.
- The present invention preserves the advantages of prior art folding seats, such as folding child car seats. In addition, it provides new advantages not found in currently available seats and overcomes many disadvantages of such currently available seats.
- The invention is generally directed to a novel and unique folding child car seat that includes a bottom member with a first free end and a second free end, a first back member having a first free end and a second free end where the first free end of the first back member is pivotally connected about a first pivot axis to the second free end of the bottom member. The assembly also includes a second back member with a first free end and a second free end where the first free end of the second back member is pivotally connected about a second pivot axis to the second free end of the bottom member. A first free end of a cross member is pivotally connected to the second free end of the second back member and the second free end of the cross member is pivotally connected to the second free end of the first back member. As a result, the bottom member is pivotable, relative to the first back member and the second back member, between an open condition and a closed condition.
- The structural frame linkage of the present invention can be carried out in many different configurations. Preferably, four linkages, as described above, are used, however, more than four can be used depending on the application. Also, as will be described below, linkages are preferably displaceably coupled by a pivot point connection. However, the linkages may be displaceably coupled by sliding action where a pin on one linkage slides within a slot in an adjacent linkage. Also, the linkages may be displaceably connected where adjacent linkages can actually disconnect from one another to permit desired movement of the linkages relative to one another.
- These members are preferably made of steel, but could be made of other metal and non-metal materials as well that are suitable for load-bearing members.
- The members of the assembly are preferably vertically oriented plates which can support large loads utilizing less material when positioned in this fashion which is unique to the present invention. Since the load of the seat is borne in the direction of the vertically oriented plate, it is much stronger because it is this greater thickness of the plate that is resisting flexing due to the presence of the load. Thus, the load bearing ability of the frame is greatly improved with less material weight when the plates therein are oriented on their ends in a vertical fashion.
- The seat bottom member is pivotally connected to a first seat back member and a second seat back member. As the bottom seat member pivots relative to the first seat back member and the second seat back member, the first seat back member and the second seat back member much move relative to each other in view of their interconnection with a cross member or structure for allowing displaceably coupling thereof. Thus, when the first back member and the second back member are secured relative to one another, the bottom seat member will not be permitted to further pivot. For example, a pin may be routed through the first seat back member and the second seat back member for this purpose. Also to permit more complete folding, The side armrests of the seat bottom compactly nest within apertures or recesses in the seat back when the seat is in its folding condition, or the side armrests my compress downward during folding.
- During folding, the members are allowed to pass through optional slots in the front surface(s) of the seat. This feature means that the members can be designed in a more linear shape for greater strength with less material and in the folded condition of the seat. Also, there can be a closer proximity of the seat back members and seat bottom members to each other, if desired. Further, the overall seat is lighter in weight yet still strongly supported while maintaining a thin folded profile.
- The present invention addresses the problems associated with the prior art by providing a compact folding seat that has a unique folding construction coupled with a structure to receive the side arm rests of a seat bottom. A unique multiple linkage configuration permit the structural frame to be very low profile with a less complicated assembly than prior art structures.
- As a result, the compact folding seat of the present invention is much more secure than prior art folding seats and is less likely to collapse during an accident while being extremely compact and light in weight. In view of the foregoing, the folding seat of the present invention is more safe and more compact than prior art folding seats.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a folding child car seat.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a folding child car seat that is safe, secure and will not collapse during an accident.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved frame assembly for a folding seat that includes a multiple member linkage.
- It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a folding child car seat that is extremely compact.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a folding child car seat that is easy to operate.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a child car seat that is lightweight yet safe and secure.
- Another object of present invention is to provide a child car seat that is comfortable for a child to use.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a child car seat that can fold quickly and easily.
- Yet another object of the present
- The novel features which are characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention's preferred embodiments, together with further objects and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the folding child vehicle seat of the present invention in an open condition; -
FIG. 2 is a left perspective view of the folding frame structure of the present invention when in an open condition; -
FIG. 3 is a right perspective view of the folding frame structure of the present invention when in an open condition; -
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the folding seat of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the folding seat of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the seat of the present invention in a closed condition; -
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the seat of the present invention in a closed condition; -
FIG. 8 is a left perspective view of the frame construction of seat of the present invention in a closed condition; -
FIG. 9 is a right perspective view of the frame construction of seat of the present invention in a closed condition; -
FIG. 10 is left side elevational view of the frame construction of the seat of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is right side elevational view of the frame construction of the seat of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view through the line 12-12 ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the frame structure of the present invention; and -
FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the folding car seat of the present invention full padding and cushioning thereon. - Referring first to
FIG. 1 , a partial cut-away perspective view of the foldingchild vehicle seat 10 of the present invention is shown. Theseat 10 includes a seat back 12 and a seat bottom 14 pivotally connected thereto. This enables the seat bottom 14 to fold up to the seat back 12, as indicated by the arrow. - In general, the seat of the present invention includes a multiple linkage frame structure, as will be described below, and
housing 12 a installed thereon to give the seat 10 a desired ergonomic seat. Thehousing 12 a for the seat back 12 is in the form of a seat cover while the seat bottom 14 also includes a similar housing or cover 14 a thereon. Thecovers side panels 18 on the seat back 12 are preferably included. However, these structures are optional. Also, various sizes of theseat 10 of the present invention can be provided to accommodate children of different sizes and ages. - Additional padding, as seen in
FIG. 13 below, is preferably added on top of theouter housings - For ease of illustration, the folding
child vehicle seat 10 is shown without the cushioning 20 ofFIG. 2 . but it should be understood that any desiredcushioning 20, in the form of foam rubber, fabric and the like and combinations thereof, may be employed to provide an interface between theseat 10 and the child sitting therein. Theseat 10 also includes alocking mechanism 22, as best seen inFIG. 2 , which will be described in detail below. Also, as seen inFIG. 1 , pass throughapertures 26 in thehousing 12 a of the seat back 12 permit aseat belt 28 to be routed therethrough to secure it to a standard seat in a vehicle (not shown) when thecar seat 10 is facing forward. This type of interconnection is one of many ways to secure thechild seat 10 of the present invention to a vehicle seat. - Turning now to
FIGS. 2-5 , details of the novel and uniquemultiple linkage frame 30 of theseat 10 of the present invention is shown in detail. For example, inFIG. 2 , twoframes 30 are shown, however, one or more than twoframes 30 can be used as the substrate support for the seat. For ease of discussion, one of theframes 30 will be discussed in detail. The other frames 30 are identical thereto and need not be discussed herein. -
FIG. 2 shows a left side perspective view theframe structure 30 with all of thecover housing FIG. 3 shows a right side perspective view of theframe 30. It can be seen that theframe 30 is of a foldable construction where a seat back frame structure includeslinkages seat bottom frame 34 is provided. Theseat bottom frame 34 is pivotally connected tomembers pivot members frame members 30 are used, apivot rod 36 may also be provided, which runs through pivots points 36 a of each frame. - A
cross member 36 is pivotally connected to the opposing free ends offrame members pivot member 36 c connected to framemember 32 b andpivot member 36 d connected to framemember 32 a. A result, amultiple linkage frame 30 is provided that is low-profile in configuration yet very strong. - The plate-
like frame members bottom frame member 34 are oriented on their respective edges, namely, in a vertical orientation to achieve a scissoring type folding action, as will be described below. While twoframe members cross member 32 c for eachframe 30, it is possible to employ only one, or more than two, vertically oriented frame member(s) for each of the seat backframe 30 and theseat bottom frame 34, and still be within the scope of the present invention. Theseplates - There are many ways to lock the frame members relative to one another to secure the seat in a either an open or closed condition. For example, a
pin 22 may be routed through anaperture 23 inframe member 32 a andaperture 25 inframe member 32 b, as seen inFIGS. 2 and 3 . Withpin 22 in place, theframe members bottom frame member 34. Thus,cross member 32 c will be is unable to permit movement of theframe members frame 30 is secured into an open condition. A similar pin and aperture arrangement can be used for when theframe members same pin 22 may be used but different apertures throughframes - In particular, control of the counter-clockwise pivoting or rotation of the
seat bottom frame 34 relative to the seat backframe members child car seat 10 may collapse due to the impact of an accident. More specifically, when an accident occurs, such a front impact, there is a tendency for theseat 10 to be thrown forward. This causes the seat back 12 to be urged forward with high force thereby placing downward force on theseat bottom 14. In the environment of a folding seat, forward and downward force into the seat bottom 14 causes significant stress on the pivot point of a folding seat. Therefore, alocking mechanism 22 may be employed to ensure that the folding seat does not collapse, that is the seat bottom 14 rotating in a counter-clockwise direction, in the event of an accident. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , a front elevational view of theseat 10 of the present invention is shown. As discussed above, theseat bottom member 34 is preferably a vertically oriented plates. Not only are the vertically orientedplates seat 10, the vertical positioning of theframe members bottom frame member 34, can effectively scissor relative to theback frame members - As will be described in further detail in connection with
FIG. 4 , the pivoting thebottom frame member 34 can optionally pass throughslots 72 in thehousing 12 a of the seat backmember 12 in a scissor-like fashion whereby thebottom frame member 34 pass through a plane defined by the front surface of the seat backmember 12. As will be made clear below, this unique folding mechanism allows the seat bottom 14 to fold up and nest fully within the seat backmember 12. - In
FIGS. 4 and 5 , further details of the construction of thehousing 12 a of the seat back 12 and the interaction with the side arm rests 16 of the seat bottom 14 are shown in detail. The seat back 12 includes anouter housing 12 a that has a pair ofrecesses 104, which could be full pass-through apertures, that permit theside armrests 16 emanating upwardly from thehousing 14 a of the seat bottom 14 member to compactly nest therein. Therecesses 104 are of a shape and configuration that are complementary to the shape and configuration of the side arm rests 16 so that when the seat bottom 14 is folded up it closely mates with the seat backmember 12. - As can be seen in
FIGS. 6-13 , details of the compact folding of the seat bottom 14 toward the seat back 12 is shown in further detail. InFIG. 8 , a left perspective view of thefolding seat 10 of the present invention is shown in a fully folded condition.FIG. 9 shows a right side perspective view. Thus, the overall thickness of the seat, as folded, shown as T inFIG. 6 , is significantly reduced compared to prior art folding seats. This is due to the aforesaid nesting of the side arm rests 16 within thehousing 12 a of the seat backmember 12. - Preferably, pass-through
apertures 106, as seen inFIGS. 1 and 5 , are provided with eachrecess 104 to further reduced the overall weight of thefolding seat 10 of the present invention. Alternatively, it is possible to provide therecesses 104 without correspondingapertures 106 and still be within the scope of the present invention. - Referring now to
FIGS. 6-8 , details of theseat bottom frame 34 folded up to the seat backframe members FIG. 8 , a perspective view of thefolding seat 10 of the present invention with the seat backhousing 12 a and theseat bottom housing 14 a removed for illustration purposes and ease of discussion. Theseat bottom frame 34 is pivotally mounted about thepivot rod 36 so it can pivot to an upward, closed condition, as seen inFIG. 8 . - Referring to
FIGS. 8-11 , details of the unique folding action of theframe 30 is shown in detail.Linkage member 34 is preferably of an L-shaped configuration with anedge 34 a for supporting thebottom housing 14 a, as described above. The opposing end of thelinkage member 34 is pivotally interconnected to free ends oflinkage members pivot members 36 a-d andcross member 32 c. Comparing themultiple linkage frame 30 ofFIG. 8 (closed condition) toFIG. 2 (open condition), the unique folding action of the present invention can be readily seen. - More specifically, as in
FIG. 2 , thebottom member 34 is pivotally connected tomembers frame member 32 a is positioned closest to thefree end 34 b of thebottom frame member 34. Also, in the open condition, thecross member linkage 32 c is substantially aligned withlinkage members bottom linkage 34 is pivoted upwardly,pivot connection 36 b is moved rearwardly and crosslinkage 32 c pivots to permit relative movement of thelinkages bottom linkage 34 can be carried out where the depth of linkages 32 a-c can be constrained to a thickness of about Y, as seen inFIGS. 2 and 8 , in both the open and closed conditions. This is unique and an advance over the prior art. Such controlled pivoting in a short depth Y allows for strong, controlled and lockable pivoting action over prior art simple single pivot point systems in much less space. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a left side elevational view of the foldedframe 30 whileFIG. 11 illustrates a right side elevational view of the foldedframe 30. Also,FIG. 12 further illustrates a cross-sectional view through the line 12-12 ofFIG. 7 to illustrate the positioning of theseat bottom frame 34 within the seat bottom 14 when it is in a folded condition and fully nested with the seat backhousing 12 a. - The
linkage frame members linkage 32 c of the present invention are the preferred frame construction for thechild car seat 10 of the present invention. As described above, the orienting plate-like members on end in a vertical fashion enables a much larger load to be supported with the same or lesser amount of frame material. The use of internal vertically orientedplates linkage 32 c are unique in achild vehicle seat 10, whether that seat is of the folding type or of the non-folding type. - Referring now to
FIG. 13 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is show wherenotches 14 b (other notch 14 b not visible inFIG. 13 ) are provided in theseat housing 14 a to receivelinkage members such notches 14 b may be preferred overnotches 72 in the seat back 12 to receive thebottom member 14 therein. - Referring to
FIG. 14 , a view of the a finished foldingchild vehicle seat 10 of the present invention is shown with full padding andcushioning 20 andappropriate safety belts 140 in place.Such safety belts 140 are known in the art which include a pair ofshoulder belts central connection point 142 between the child's legs (not shown). Abuckle 144 is provided for releasable connection thereof.Appropriate flaps outer padding 20 of theseat 10 to permit access to all of the components discussed in detail above. For example, aflap 146 c on the seat bottom 14 permits access to the strap plate 86 shown inFIG. 12 . Also, flaps 146 a, 146 b in thepadding 20 in the seat back 12 permit the side arm rests 16 to compactly nest therein, as described above. Thus, thepadding 20 provides an additional cushioning between the passenger and the seat bottom 14 and the seat back 12. - In view of the foregoing, a new and novel
child car seat 10, 200 is provided that can be either folding or non-folding in configuration. A unique multiple linkage structure withmembers - It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be covered by the appended claims.
Claims (43)
1. A folding seat assembly, comprising:
a first member having a first free end and a second free end;
a second member having a first free end and a second free end; the first free end of the second member being pivotally connected about a first pivot axis to the second free end of the first member;
a third member having a first free end and a second free end; the first free end of the third member being pivotally connected about a second pivot axis to the second free end of the first member;
a cross member having a first free end and a second free end; the first free end of the cross member being pivotally connected to the second free end of the third member; the second free end of the cross member being pivotally connected to the second free end of the second member;
the first member being pivotable, relative to the second member and the third member, between an open condition and a closed condition.
2. The folding seat assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:
a first seat cover, having a seating surface, positioned over the first member; and
a second seat cover, having a seating surface, positioned over the second member and the third member.
3. The folding seat assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:
means for releasably securing the first member relative to the second member and the third member.
4. The folding seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second seat cover includes at least one slot therein; at least one of the first member, the third member and the cross member being pivotally received in the at least one slot to permit compact folding of the first member and first seat cover toward the second cover.
5. The folding seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first seat cover includes at least one slot therein; at least one of the second member, the third member or cross member being pivotally received in the at least one slot to permit compact folding of the first member and first seat cover toward the second cover.
6. The folding seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first member is substantially L-shaped in configuration.
7. The folding seat assembly of claim 2 , wherein the first member and the first seat cover are an integrated unitary structure
8. The folding seat assembly of claim 2 , wherein the second member and the second seat cover are an integrated unitary structure.
9. The folding seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first seat cover includes a pair of armrests emanating upwardly therefrom.
10. The folding seat assembly of claim 9 , wherein the second seat cover defines a pair of recesses therein; the pair of armrests being respectively receivable in the pair of recesses upon pivoting of the first seat cover toward the second seat cover.
11. The folding seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first member, the second member, the third member and the cross member are made of steel.
12. The folding seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first seat cover and the second seat cover are made of plastic.
13. The folding seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are not co-axial with one another.
14. The folding seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first member passes through the seating surface of the second seat cover.
15. A folding seat assembly, comprising:
a first member having a first free end and a second free end;
a plurality of second members being pivotally linked together and defining a first linkage free end and a second linkage free end which are not pivotally connected to one of the plurality of second members;
the first linkage free end being pivotally connected to the second free end of the first member; the second linkage free end being pivotally connected to the second free end of the first member;
the first member being pivotable, relative to the plurality of second members, between an open condition and a closed condition.
16. The folding seat assembly of claim 15 , further comprising:
a first seat cover, having a seating surface, positioned over the first member; and
a second seat cover positioned over the plurality of second members.
17. The folding seat assembly of claim 15 , further comprising:
means for releasably securing the first member relative to the plurality of second members.
18. The folding seat assembly of claim 15 , wherein the second seat cover includes at least one slot therein; at least one of the members being pivotally received in the at least one slot to permit compact folding of the first member and first seat cover toward the second seat cover.
19. The folding seat assembly of claim 15 , wherein the first seat cover includes at least one slot therein; at least one of members being pivotally received in the at least one slot to permit compact folding of the second member and second seat cover toward the first seat cover.
20. The folding seat assembly of claim 15 , wherein the first member is substantially L-shaped in configuration.
21. The folding seat assembly of claim 16 , wherein the first member and the first seat cover are an integrated unitary structure.
22. The folding seat assembly of claim 16 , wherein at least one of the plurality of second members and the second seat cover are an integrated unitary structure.
23. The folding seat assembly of claim 16 , wherein the first seat cover includes a pair of armrests emanating upwardly therefrom.
24. The folding seat assembly of claim 23 , wherein the second seat cover defines a pair of recesses therein; the pair of armrests being respectively receivable in the pair of recesses upon pivoting of the first seat cover toward the second seat cover.
25. The folding seat assembly of claim 15 , wherein the first member and the plurality of second members are made of steel.
26. The folding seat assembly of claim 15 , wherein the first seat cover and the second seat cover are made of plastic.
27. The folding seat assembly of claim 15 , wherein the pivot axis of the first linkage free end and the pivot axis of the second linkage free end are not co-axial with one another.
28. The folding seat assembly of claim 15 , wherein the first member passes through the seating surface of the second seat cover.
29. A folding seat assembly, comprising:
a first member having a first free end and a second free end;
a plurality of second members being displaceably coupled together and defining a first linkage free end and a second linkage free end which are not displaceably coupled to one of the plurality of second members;
the first linkage free end being displaceably coupled to the second free end of the bottom member; the second linkage free end being displaceably coupled to the second free end of the first member;
the first member being positionable, relative to the plurality of second members, between an open condition and a closed condition.
30. The folding seat assembly of claim 29 , further comprising:
a first seat cover positioned over the first member; and
a second seat cover positioned over the plurality of second members.
31. The folding seat assembly of claim 29 , further comprising:
means for releasably securing the first member relative to the plurality of second members.
32. The folding seat assembly of claim 29 , wherein the second seat cover includes at least one slot therein; at least one of the members being received in the at least one slot to permit compact folding of the first seat cover toward the second seat cover.
33. The folding seat assembly of claim 29 , wherein the first seat cover includes at least one slot therein; at least one of the members being received in the at least one slot to permit compact folding of the first seat cover toward the second seat cover.
34. The folding seat assembly of claim 29 , wherein the first member is substantially L-shaped in configuration.
35. The folding seat assembly of claim 30 , wherein the first member and the first seat cover are an integrated unitary structure.
36. The folding seat assembly of claim 30 , wherein at least one of the plurality of second members and the second seat cover are an integrated unitary structure
37. The folding seat assembly of claim 29 , wherein the first seat cover includes a pair of armrests emanating upwardly therefrom.
38. The folding seat assembly of claim 37 , wherein the second seat cover defines a pair of recesses therein; the pair of armrests being respectively receivable in the pair of recesses upon positioning of the first seat cover toward the second seat cover.
39. The folding seat assembly of claim 29 , wherein the first member and the plurality of second members are made of steel.
40. The folding seat assembly of claim 29 , wherein the first seat cover and the second seat cover are made of plastic.
41. The folding seat assembly of claim 29 , wherein the first linkage free end and the second linkage free end are not displaceably coupled at the same point on the second free end of the first member as each other.
42. The folding seat assembly of claim 29 , wherein the first member passes through the seating surface of the second seat cover when in a fully closed condition.
43. A folding support frame assembly, comprising:
a first member having a first free end and a second free end;
a second member having a first free end and a second free end; the first free end of the second member being pivotally connected about a first pivot axis to the second free end of the first member;
a third member having a first free end and a second free end; the first free end of the third member being pivotally connected about a second pivot axis to the second free end of the first member;
a cross member having a first free end and a second free end; the first free end of the cross member being pivotally connected to the second free end of the third member; the second free end of the cross member being pivotally connected to the second free end of the second member; and
the first member being pivotable, relative to the second member and the third member, between an open condition and a closed condition.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/179,698 US20060006712A1 (en) | 2004-07-12 | 2005-07-11 | Folding seat with improved structural linkage |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US58727704P | 2004-07-12 | 2004-07-12 | |
US11/179,698 US20060006712A1 (en) | 2004-07-12 | 2005-07-11 | Folding seat with improved structural linkage |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060006712A1 true US20060006712A1 (en) | 2006-01-12 |
Family
ID=35839796
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/179,698 Abandoned US20060006712A1 (en) | 2004-07-12 | 2005-07-11 | Folding seat with improved structural linkage |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060006712A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006017319A2 (en) |
Cited By (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080018152A1 (en) * | 2004-02-23 | 2008-01-24 | Ilan Vadai | Collapsible Portable Child Safety Seat |
US20080224507A1 (en) * | 2007-03-13 | 2008-09-18 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Compactible Juvenile Vehicle Seat With Forward-Folding Backrest and U-Shaped Backrest Frame |
US20080224513A1 (en) * | 2007-03-13 | 2008-09-18 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Lock for Forward-Folding Backrest |
US20080224512A1 (en) * | 2007-03-13 | 2008-09-18 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Lock for Forward-Folding Backrest |
US20080224514A1 (en) * | 2007-03-13 | 2008-09-18 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Compactible Juvenile Vehicle Seat With Forward-Folding Backrest and Retractable Armrests |
US20080258525A1 (en) * | 2007-04-20 | 2008-10-23 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Juvenile Vehicle Seat With Forward-Folding Headrest and Rearward-Folding Foundation |
US20080258526A1 (en) * | 2007-04-20 | 2008-10-23 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Compactible Juvenile Vehicle Seat |
US20080258524A1 (en) * | 2007-04-20 | 2008-10-23 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Juvenile vehicle seat with backward-folding backrest |
US20090214318A1 (en) * | 2008-02-25 | 2009-08-27 | Rohn Bowden | Insert wall anchor for a grab bar |
US8573693B2 (en) | 2010-12-21 | 2013-11-05 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Adjustable headrest for juvenile vehicle |
US8579369B2 (en) | 2010-10-26 | 2013-11-12 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Truss system for juvenile vehicle seat |
US8585138B2 (en) | 2010-10-26 | 2013-11-19 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Rigidifying system for single shell juvenile vehicle seat |
US8764108B2 (en) | 2011-03-22 | 2014-07-01 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Adjustable headrest for juvenile vehicle seat |
US9022471B2 (en) | 2011-01-07 | 2015-05-05 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Headrest for juvenile vehicle seat |
US20160046214A1 (en) * | 2014-08-18 | 2016-02-18 | Tum Create Limited | Vehicle seat with integrated child seat |
CN107264348A (en) * | 2016-04-07 | 2017-10-20 | 上海沃雨电子科技有限公司 | A kind of Foldable hand child safety seat |
CN108790972A (en) * | 2018-06-22 | 2018-11-13 | 麦克英孚(宁波)婴童用品有限公司 | A kind of child seat head rest height adjustment mechanism and use its children's seat |
US10766386B1 (en) * | 2019-04-18 | 2020-09-08 | Annie West | Foldable integrated child car seat apparatus |
US20230052314A1 (en) * | 2021-08-13 | 2023-02-16 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Seat with removable support member |
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US20080018152A1 (en) * | 2004-02-23 | 2008-01-24 | Ilan Vadai | Collapsible Portable Child Safety Seat |
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US8579369B2 (en) | 2010-10-26 | 2013-11-12 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Truss system for juvenile vehicle seat |
US8585138B2 (en) | 2010-10-26 | 2013-11-19 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Rigidifying system for single shell juvenile vehicle seat |
US8573693B2 (en) | 2010-12-21 | 2013-11-05 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Adjustable headrest for juvenile vehicle |
US9022471B2 (en) | 2011-01-07 | 2015-05-05 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Headrest for juvenile vehicle seat |
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US20160046214A1 (en) * | 2014-08-18 | 2016-02-18 | Tum Create Limited | Vehicle seat with integrated child seat |
US9676305B2 (en) * | 2014-08-18 | 2017-06-13 | Tum Create Limited | Vehicle seat with integrated child seat |
CN107264348A (en) * | 2016-04-07 | 2017-10-20 | 上海沃雨电子科技有限公司 | A kind of Foldable hand child safety seat |
CN108790972A (en) * | 2018-06-22 | 2018-11-13 | 麦克英孚(宁波)婴童用品有限公司 | A kind of child seat head rest height adjustment mechanism and use its children's seat |
US10766386B1 (en) * | 2019-04-18 | 2020-09-08 | Annie West | Foldable integrated child car seat apparatus |
US20230052314A1 (en) * | 2021-08-13 | 2023-02-16 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Seat with removable support member |
US11951950B2 (en) * | 2021-08-13 | 2024-04-09 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Seat with removable support member |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2006017319A3 (en) | 2007-04-19 |
WO2006017319A2 (en) | 2006-02-16 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SKJP HOLDINGS, LLC, FLORIDA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CLEMENT, DAVID;BERGER, RUSSELL;REEL/FRAME:016673/0107 Effective date: 20050730 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |