U.S. patent number 3,580,635 [Application Number 04/752,529] was granted by the patent office on 1971-05-25 for reclining forward folding seat.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Lear Siegler, Inc.. Invention is credited to Raymond C. Posh.
United States Patent |
3,580,635 |
Posh |
May 25, 1971 |
RECLINING FORWARD FOLDING SEAT
Abstract
A seat assembly including a cushion frame and a back frame with
control means operatively interconnecting the frames for allowing
the back frame to recline from an upright seat-forming position
while preventing forward folding movement and for allowing forward
folding movement of the back frame from the upright seat-forming
position while preventing reclining movement. Two embodiments are
disclosed and in each embodiment the control means includes a
C-shaped link pivotally connected to the cushion frame on the
folding axis and pivotally connected to the back frame at a point
on the reclining axis when in the upright seat-forming position. A
second link is pivotally connected to the cushion frame on the
reclining axis and depends therefrom and has various flanges to
coact with a dependent arcuate section of the back frame and the
C-shaped link for allowing folding movement while preventing
reclining movement and vice versa. A positioning mechanism
interconnects the cushion frame and the lower end of the second
link for controlling the reclining position of the back frame. In
one embodiment the reclining and folding axes intersect and in
another embodiment the axes are parallel.
Inventors: |
Posh; Raymond C. (Livonia,
MI) |
Assignee: |
Lear Siegler, Inc. (Santa
Monica, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
25026679 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/752,529 |
Filed: |
August 14, 1968 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/362.13;
297/378.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C
1/032 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47C
1/032 (20060101); A47C 1/031 (20060101); A47c
001/032 () |
Field of
Search: |
;297/355,354,379,378 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Zugel; Francis K.
Claims
1. A seat assembly comprising: a cushion frame, a back frame, said
control means including first link means pivotally connected to
said back frame through a first pivotal connection to define a
reclining axis about which said back frame reclines and pivotally
connected to said cushion frame through a second pivotal connection
to define a forward folding axis about which said back frame pivots
forwardly relative to said cushion frame, and means engageable with
said first link means for automatically preventing said first link
means from pivoting about said reclining axis during forward
folding movement of said back frame from said upright seat-forming
position until said back frame returns to said upright position and
for automatically preventing said first link means from pivoting
about said forward folding axis during reclining movement of said
back frame from said upright seat-forming position until said back
frame returns to said upright position.
2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 including positioning means
for positioning said back frame in any one of various reclined
positions.
3. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said last-mentioned
means includes first stop means for limiting reclining movement of
said back frame.
4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said last-mentioned
means includes second stop means for limiting folding movement of
said back frame.
5. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said control means
includes second link means operable with said back frame and said
first link means for allowing reclining movement of said back frame
by allowing said back frame to pivot relative to said first link
means while preventing movement of said first link means about said
folding axis and for allowing folding movement of said back frame
by allowing said first link means to pivot relative to said cushion
frame about said folding axis while preventing said back frame from
pivoting relative to said first link means.
6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 including first stop means
operable between said first and second link means and said back
frame for limiting reclining movement of said back frame at said
upright seat-forming position and at a fully reclined position.
7. An assembly as set forth in claim 6 including second stop means
operable between said first and second link means and said back
frame for limiting folding movement of said back frame at said
upright seat-forming position and at a fully forwardly folded
position.
8. A seat assembly comprising: a cushion frame, a back frame,
control means operatively interconnecting said frames for allowing
said back frame to recline from an upright seat-forming position
while preventing forward folding movement thereof and for allowing
forward folding movement of said back frame from said upright
seat-forming position while preventing reclining movement thereof,
said control means including at least one first pivotal connection
for defining a reclining axis about which said back frame reclines
relative to said cushion frame and at least one second pivotal
connection for defining a forward folding axis about which said
back frame pivots forwardly relative to said cushion frame to
accomplish said forward folding movement, first link means
pivotally connected to said cushion frame on said folding axis
through said second pivotal connection and pivotally connected to
said back frame so that said back frame may pivot relative thereto
about said reclining axis, second link means operably with said
back frame and said first link means for allowing reclining
movement of said back frame by allowing said back frame to pivot
relative to said first link means while preventing movement of said
first link means about said folding axis and for allowing folding
movement of said back frame by allowing said first link means to
pivot relative to said cushion frame about said folding axis while
preventing said back frame from pivoting relative to said first
link means, said second link means being pivotally connected
adjacent a first end thereof to said cushion frame for pivotal
movement relative thereto about said reclining axis.
9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said second link
means has a second end and has at least one generally arcuate
extremity between the ends thereof, said back frame includes an
arcuate section having the same radius as said arcuate extremity of
said second link means, said second link means and said arcuate
section being generally coextensive in said upright seat-forming
position, first flange means extending from said second link means
for coacting with said arcuate section so that said second link
means pivots about said reclining axis with said back frame at
least in one direction to control the reclined position of said
back frame.
10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 including positioning means
interconnecting said cushion frame and said second end of said
second link means to control the pivotal movement of said second
link means about said reclining axis for positioning said back
frame in any one of various reclined positions.
11. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said second link
means and said arcuate section are disposed in an arc about said
first mentioned pivotal connection so that said arcuate section may
move relative to said second link means by pivoting in said arc
about said first-mentioned pivotal connection to allow forwardly
folding movement of said back frame.
12. An assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said control means
includes first stop means operable between said first and second
link means and said back frame for limiting reclining movement of
said back frame at said upright seat-forming position and at a
fully reclined position.
13. An assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said control means
includes second stop means operable between said first and second
link means and said back frame for limiting folding movement of
said back frame at said upright seat-forming position and at a
fully forwardly folded position.
14. An assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said first link
means includes a first segment which is disposed in an arc about
said first-mentioned pivotal connection and is generally
coextensive with said arcuate section and said second link means
when in said upright seat forming position.
15. An assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said control means
operatively interconnects said back frame and said cushion frame
adjacent one side of said seat assembly and a single pivotal
connection interconnects said back frame and said cushion frame
adjacent the opposite side of said seat assembly so that said
reclining axis and said folding axis intersect at said single
pivotal connection.
16. An assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said control means
operatively interconnects said back frame and said cushion frame
adjacent opposite sides of said seat assembly so that said
reclining axis and said folding axis are generally parallel to one
another.
17. An assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said control means
is disposed inwardly of the sides of said cushion frame.
18. An assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein each of said
second link means, said arcuate section and said first segment has
respective front and rear edges with said front edges being closer
to said folding axis than said rear edges.
19. An assembly as set forth in claim 18 wherein said second stop
means includes a stop tab extending from said rear edge of said
first segment of said first link means for coacting with said rear
edge of said arcuate section of said back frame and a portion of
said back frame offset from one of said edges of said arcuate
section and a first tab extending from one edge of said second link
means for engaging the offset portion to limit folding movement in
said upright seat-forming position as said back frame is pivoted
from said forward folded position toward said upright seat-forming
position and to support said back frame.
20. An assembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein said first flange
means includes a second tab extending from said front edge of said
second link means to coact with said front edge of said arcuate
section of said back frame whereby said arcuate section and said
second link means pivot together during reclining movement of said
back frame toward said fully reclined position.
21. An assembly as set forth in claim 20 wherein said first link
means includes a second segment extending from one end of said
first segment to said first-mentioned pivotal connection.
22. An assembly as set forth in claim 21 wherein said second stop
means includes an extension of one of said first and second tabs
for engaging said second segment of said first link means to
prevent further folding movement of said back frame when the latter
reaches said fully forwardly folded position.
23. An assembly as set forth in claim 22 wherein said first stop
means includes said first flange means and a first offset portion
of said second segment of said first link means which coacts with
said second tab to prevent further reclining movement of said back
frame when the latter reaches said fully reclined position.
24. An assembly as set forth in claim 23 including a second offset
portion in said second segment of said first link means for
coacting with said second link means to prevent forward folding
movement during reclining movement of said back frame and to
prevent reclining movement during forward folding movement of said
back frame.
25. An assembly as set forth in claim 24 wherein said control means
operatively interconnects said back frame and said cushion frame
adjacent one side of said seat assembly and a single pivotal
connection interconnects said back frame and said cushion frame
adjacent the opposite side of said seat assembly so that said
reclining axis and said folding axis intersect at said single
pivotal connection.
26. An assembly as set forth in claim 25 wherein said first tab
extends from said rear edge of said second link means.
27. An assembly as set forth in claim 26 wherein said extension is
part of said second tab on said front edge of said second link
means.
28. An assembly as set forth in claim 27 wherein said first flange
means includes a third tab extending from said rear edge of said
second link means for coacting with said rear edge of said arcuate
section of said back frame.
29. An assembly as set forth in claim 28 wherein said second offset
portion of said second segment of said first link means comprises a
fourth tab extending therefrom for coacting with the extremity of
said first tab extending from said second link means during
reclining movement and for coacting with said second tab of said
second link means during forward folding movement.
30. An assembly as set forth in claim 29 wherein said first offset
portion of said second segment of said first link means comprises a
projection extending transversely from said fourth tab for coacting
with said second tab of said second link means when said back frame
reaches said fully reclined position.
31. An assembly as set forth in claim 24 wherein said control means
operatively interconnects said back frame and said cushion frame
adjacent opposite sides of said seat assembly so that said
reclining axis and said folding axis are generally parallel to one
another.
32. An assembly as set forth in claim 31 wherein said first tab
extends from said front edge of said second link means and is
juxtaposed to said second tab.
33. An assembly as set forth in claim 32 wherein said extension is
part of said first tab on said front edge of said second link
means.
34. An assembly as set forth in claim 33 wherein said second offset
portion of said second segment of said first link means comprises a
jog therealong so that the portions of said second segment on
opposite sides of said jog are in different planes whereby said jog
coacts with said second end of said second link means during
reclining movement and coacts with said second tab of said second
link means during folding movement.
35. An assembly as set forth in claim 34 wherein said first offset
portion of said second segment of said first link means comprises a
hook for coacting with said second tab of said second link means
when said back frame reaches said fully reclined position.
36. An assembly as set forth in claim 35 operatively
interconnecting said back frame and said cushion frame adjacent one
side of the seat assembly and including only a similar first link
means and arcuate section of said back frame for interconnecting
said back frame and said cushion frame on the opposite side of said
seat assembly.
Description
The instant invention relates to a seat assembly of the type
utilized in vehicles such as automobiles and trucks. More
specifically, the invention relates to a seat assembly including a
cushion frame and a back frame wherein the back frame mat pivot
relative to the cushion frame forwardly from an upright
seat-forming position and rearwardly to one of various reclined
positions. Such a seat is frequently utilized in a two-door
passenger car to facilitate ingress and egress to and from the rear
seat of the vehicle by forwardly folding the back frame relative to
the cushion frame and where the back frame may be moved to one of
various reclined positions for greater comfort.
This is accomplished in one prior-art seat assembly by utilizing an
intermediate frame member which is pivotally connected at one end
to the cushion frame and is pivotally connected at the other end to
the back frame. A positioning mechanism interconnects the back
frame and the intermediate frame to control the reclining pivotal
movement of the back frame relative to the intermediate frame. In
order to move the back frame to a forward folded position, the back
frame and the intermediate frame are pivoted together about the
pivotal connection of the intermediate frame to the cushion frame.
There is, however, no provision in such an assembly to prevent the
intermediate frame from pivoting relative to the cushion frame
while the back frame is in a reclined position. Furthermore, such
an intermediate frame must be connected outwardly of the cushion
frame so as to clear the padding, upholstery, trim, etc., disposed
on the cushion frame. This, of course, does not provide an
aesthetically attractive seat assembly. Thus, one of the major
problems with prior-art seat assemblies is that no seat assembly
exists which includes a forwardly folding and rearwardly reclining
back frame which is supported by members inboard of the side
extremities of the cushion frame so as to extend through a very
small opening in the upholstery and padding supported by the
cushion frame. In other words, any known means for pivotally
interconnecting the back frame and the cushion frame to allow both
forwardly folding and rearwardly reclining movement requires an
unacceptably large aperture in the upholstery and cushioning
material if disposed inboard of the side extremities of the cushion
frame.
Accordingly, it is an object and feature of this invention to
provide a seat assembly including a back frame and a cushion frame
with control means operatively interconnecting the frames for
allowing the back frame to recline from an upright seat-forming
position while preventing forward folding movement thereof and for
allowing forward folding movement of the back frame from the
upright seat-forming position while preventing reclining movement
thereof.
Another object and feature of this invention is to provide a seat
assembly including a cushion frame having side extremities and a
back frame with control means disposed inwardly of the side
extremities of the cushion frame pivotally interconnecting the back
frame and the cushion frame for allowing the back frame to move
between an upright seat-forming position and a reclined position
and to move between the upright seat-forming position and a
forwardly folded position.
In correlation with the foregoing objects and features, another
object and feature of this invention is to include in the seat
assembly a first link means pivotally connected to the back frame
to allow the back frame to pivot relative thereto back and forth
between the upright seat-forming position and a reclined position
and pivotally connected to the cushion frame to allow the back
frame to pivot between the upright seat-forming position and a
forwardly folded position.
In correlation with the foregoing objects and features, another
object and feature of this invention is to provide a seat assembly
wherein the back frame has a section disposed in overlapping
relationship with the first link means when in the upright
seat-forming position and including means operably with this
section of the back frame and the first link means for allowing the
back frame to recline while preventing forward folding movement
thereof and for allowing the forward folding movement of the back
frame while preventing reclining movement thereof.
In correlation of the foregoing objects and features of this
invention, another object and feature is to provide a seat assembly
wherein the means for controlling movement of the seat of the back
frame includes a second link means pivotally connected to the
cushion frame and cooperably with the section of the back frame and
the first link means.
In correlation with the foregoing objects and features of this
invention, another object and feature is to provide a seat assembly
wherein a first segment of the first link means is arcuate in an
arc about the pivotal connection thereof to the cushion frame and
the section of the back frame and the second link means are
disposed in the same arc and are in overlapping relationship when
the back frame is in the upright seat-forming position.
In correlation with the foregoing objects and features of this
invention, another object and feature is to provide a seat assembly
wherein the arcuate section of the back frame, the first segment of
the first link means, and the second link means have front and rear
edges with various tabs extending therefrom to coact with one
another to limit the forwardly folding and reclining movements of
the back frame as well as preventing reclining movement during
forwardly folding movement and vice versa.
Other objects and attendant advantages of the present invention
will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood
by reference to the following detailed description when considered
in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a first preferred
embodiment of the instant invention and showing the upholstery and
cushioning material in phantom and a major portion of the side of
the cushion frame broken away;
FIG. 2 is a plan view partially broken away and in cross section of
the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the control means of the
instant invention which pivotally interconnects the back frame and
the cushion frame with the outwardly disposed support elements of
the cushion frame shown in phantom and the back frame shown in the
upright seat-forming position;
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the back frame in
the fully reclined position;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken
substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the back frame in
the fully forwardly folded position;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially
along line 7-7 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view taken substantially along line 8-8 of
FIG. 3;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially
along line 9-9 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary plan view partially broken away and in
cross section of another preferred embodiment of the instant
invention;
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken substantially
along line 11-11 of FIG. 10 and showing the back frame in the
upright seat-forming position;
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 11
but showing the back frame in the fully forwardly folded
position;
FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 11 but showing the back frame in
the fully reclined position;
FIG. 14 is a view taken substantially along line 14-14 of FIG. 10;
and
FIG. 15 is a view taken substantially along line 15-15 of FIG.
10.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate like
or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a seat
assembly incorporating the instant invention is generally shown at
10.
As alluded to hereinabove, two preferred embodiments of the
invention are set forth herein. The first embodiment is illustrated
in FIGS. 1 through 9 and the second embodiment is illustrated in
FIGS. 10 through 15. Both embodiments will be described
simultaneously and those components and elements which are common
will be indicated with numerals the same or the same numerals with
the numeral of the second embodiment having a prime (')
therewith.
The seat assembly 10 includes a cushion frame 12 and a back frame
14. The back frame 14 includes a pair of arms which are
interconnected and support upholstery and cushioning material as is
well known in the art. The cushion frame 12 has lateral sides or
extremities and the lower ends of the arms of the back frame 14 are
disposed inwardly of the sides of the cushion frame 12.
The seat assembly 10 includes control means generally shown at 16
operatively interconnecting the frames 12 and 14 for allowing the
back frame 14 to recline from an upright seat-forming position
while preventing forward folding movement thereof and for
automatically allowing forward folding movement of the back frame
14 from the upright seat-forming position while preventing
reclining movement thereof.
The seat assembly 10 also includes a positioning means 18 for
positioning the back frame 14 in any one of various reclined
positions.
The control means 16 includes a first pivotal connection for
defining a reclining axis about which the back frame 14 reclines
relative to the cushion frame 12 and a second pivotal connection
for defining a forward folding axis about which the back frame 14
pivots forwardly relative to the cushion frame 12 to accomplish the
forward folding movement. In the first embodiment of FIGS. 1
through 9, the first pivotal connection is defined by the rivets or
pins 20 and 21 and the shaft 22 and the second pivotal connection
is defined by the rivet or pin 24 and the shaft 22. In the second
embodiment of FIGS. 10 through 15, the first pivotal connection is
defined by the rivets or pins 20', 21', and the rivet or pin 22',
and the second pivotal connection is defined by the rivets or pins
24'. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the control means 16
operatively interconnects the back frame 14 the cushion frame 12
adjacent one side of the seat assembly at spaced pivotal
connections and interconnects the back frame 14 and the cushion
frame 16 at the opposite side of the seat assembly through a single
pivotal connection as defined by the shaft 22. The shaft 22 extends
from the cushion frame 12 and through the back frame 14 so as to
define a reclining axis which extends through the rivets 20 and 21
and the shaft 22 when the seat is in the upright seat-forming
position and defines a folding axis which extends through the pin
24 and the interconnection of the shaft 22 and the back frame 14.
Hence, in the first embodiment, the reclining axis and the folding
axis intersect at the single pivotal connection between the shaft
22 and back frame 14. Thus, in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1
through 9, the back frame 14 will recline straight backwardly about
a substantially horizontal axis and will fold forwardly at an angle
so as to move forwardly and toward one side of the cushion frame
12. This, of course, facilitates the ingress and the egress to and
from the rear seat of a two-door automobile. In the second
embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 15, the control means
operatively interconnects the back frame 14 and the cushion frame
12 adjacent opposite sides of the seat assembly so that the rivets
or pins 20', 21', and 22' define a reclining axis when the back
frame 14 is in the upright seat-forming position and the rivets or
pins 24' define a forwardly folding axis. Thus, the control means
16 of the second embodiment interconnects the back frame 14 and the
cushion frame 12 adjacent opposite sides of the seat assembly so
that the reclining axis and the folding axis are generally parallel
to one another. Hence, in the second embodiment, the back frame 14
will forwardly fold straight over the cushion frame 12.
The control means 16 includes first link means 26, 26', and 26"
pivotally connected to the cushion frame 12 on the folding axis
through the first pivotal connection and pivotally connected to the
back frame 14 so that the back frame 14 may pivot relative thereto
about the reclining axis. The second embodiment of FIGS. 10 through
15 utilizes two such first link means one being indicated at 26'
and one being indicated at 26". Although both first link means 26'
and 26" of the second embodiment are identical, they are associated
with other components in a slightly different manner, which will
become more clear hereinafter. In the first embodiment, the first
link means 26 is pivotally connected to the cushion frame 12
through the rivet or pin 24 and the bracket 27, the bracket 27
being welded in position and forming a part of the cushion frame
12. In the second embodiment, the first link means 26' is pivotally
connected to the cushion frame 12 through the the rivet or pin 24'
and the bracket 28, the bracket 28 being welded or otherwise
secured in place and forming a part of the cushion frame 12. The
first link means 26" of the second embodiment is pivotally
connected to the cushion 12 through a rivet or pin 24" and a
bracket 29, the bracket 29 being welded or otherwise secured in
place and forming a part of the cushion frame 12. The first link
means 26, 26" are respectively pivotally connected to the back
frame 14 by the rivets or pins 20 in the first embodiment and the
rivets or pins 20', and 22' in the second embodiment.
The other components to be described hereinafter which are
cooperable and engageable with the first link means 26, 26' 26"
define means for automatically preventing the first link means 26,
26' and 26" from pivoting about the reclining axis during forward
folding movement of the back frame 14 from the upright seat-forming
position and for automatically preventing the first link means 26,
26' and 26" from pivoting about the forward folding axis during
reclining movement of the back frame 14 from the upright
seat-forming position.
The control means 16 also includes second link means 30 and 30'
with the back frame 14 and the first link means 26' for allowing
reclining movement of the back frame 14 by allowing the back frame
to pivot relative to the first link means 26, 26" while preventing
movement of the first link means 26, 26' and 26" about the folding
axis and for allowing folding movement of the back frame 14 by
allowing the first link means 26, 26" to pivot relative to the
cushion frame 12 about the folding axis while preventing the back
frame 14 from pivoting relative to the first link means 26, 26' and
26". The second link means 30 of the first embodiment is pivotally
connected adjacent a first end thereof through the rivet or pin 21
and a bracket 32 to the cushion frame 12, the bracket 32 being
welded in position and forming a part of the cushion frame 12,
whereby the second link means 30 may pivot relative to the cushion
frame 12 about the reclining axis. The second link means 30' of the
second embodiment is pivotally connected adjacent a first end
thereof through the rivet or pin 21' to the bracket 28 of the
cushion frame 12 for pivotal movement relative thereto about the
reclining axis. Each of the second link means 30 and 30' has a
second end and has at least one generally arcuate edge or extremity
extending between the ends thereof. The second link means 30 of the
first embodiment is generally arcuate in configuration whereas the
second link means 30' of the second embodiment has but one arcuate
extremity or edge.
The back frame 14 includes an arcuate section 34 having the same
radius as the arcuate extremity of the second link means 30 and 30'
respectively. The second link means 30 and 30' are generally
coextensive with the associated arcuate section 34 when the seat is
in the upright seat-forming position, as best illustrated in FIGS.
3 and 11 respectively.
First flange means extend from the second link means 30 and 31'
respectively for coacting with the arcuate section 34 so that the
second link means 30 and 30' pivot about the reclining axis with
the back frame 14 at least in one direction to control the reclined
position of the back frame 14. More specifically, in the first
embodiment, the first flange means includes the tab or flange 36
extending from the front edge of the second link means 30 to coact
with the front edge of the arcuate section 34 of the back frame 14
so that the arcuate section 34 and the second link means 30 pivot
together about the reclining axis during reclining movement of the
back frame 14 toward the fully reclined position.
In the first embodiment, first flange means also includes a tab 62
extending from the rear edge of the second link means 30 for
coacting with the rear edge of the arcuate section 34 of the back
frame 14. Thus, the tabs 36 and 62 cause the second link means 30
to rotate with the arcuate section 34 when the back frame 14 is
moving in either direction of reclining movement. In the second
embodiment, the first flange means includes a tab 36' extending
from the front edge of the second link means 30' to coact with the
front edge of the associated arcuate section 34 of the back frame
14 so that the arcuate section 34 and the second link means 30'
pivot together about the reclining axis during reclining movement
of the back frame 14 toward the fully reclined position.
The second link means 30 and 30' and the associated arcuate
sections 34 are disposed in an arc about the first pivotal
connection, which is the pivotal connection of the first link means
26 and 26' to the cushion frame 12 by the rivets or pins 24 and
24'. Thus, the arcuate sections 34 may move relative to the
respective second link means 30 and 30' by pivoting in the arc
about the pivotal connection of the first link means 26 and 26' to
the cushion frame to allow forward folding movement to the back
frame 14. Such a movement is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 12
respectively.
The first link means 26 and 26' and 26" in each embodiment includes
a first segment 38 and 38' (as viewed in FIGS. 4 and 13
respectively) which is disposed in an arc about the first pivotal
connection of the first link means to the cushion frame 12. The
first segments 38 and 38' are generally coextensive with the
arcuate sections 34 and the second link means 30 and 30'
respectively when in the upright seat-forming position. It will be
noted that each of the second link means 30 and 30', the arcuate
sections 34, and the first segments 38 and 38' have respective
front and rear edges with the front edges respectively being closer
to the folding axis, i.e., the pivotal connection of the first link
means to the cushion frame, than the rear edges.
The control means 16 also includes first and second stop means
operably between the first and second link means and the back frame
for limiting reclining movement of the back frame at the upright
seat-forming position and at a fully reclined position and for
limiting folding movement of the back frame at the upright
seat-forming position and at a fully forwardly folded position. The
upright seat-forming position for the respective embodiments is
respectively illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 11. The fully reclined
position for the respective embodiments is respectively illustrated
in FIGS. 4 and 13. The fully folded forward position for the
embodiments is respectively illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 12.
The second stop means includes stop tabs 40 and 40' extending from
the rear edges of the the first segments 38 and 38' of the first
link means 26 and 26' for coacting with the rear edges of the
arcuate sections 34 of the back frames 14. The second stop means
also includes a portion of the back frame offset from one of the
edges of the arcuate section 34. In the first embodiment, this
offset is indicated at 41 and in the second embodiment, the offset
if indicated at 42. Also included in the second stop means is a
first tab extending from one edge of the second link means for
engaging the offset portion to limit folding movement in the
upright seat-forming position as the back frame 14 is pivoted from
the forward folded position toward the upright seat-forming
position and to support the back frame 14. In the first embodiment,
the first tab is indicated at 43 and extends from the rear edge of
the second link means 30. In the second embodiment the first tab is
indicated at 43' and extends from the front edge of the second link
means 30'.
Each of the first link means 26, 26' and 26" includes second
segments 44 and 44' which extends from one end of the first
segments 38 and 38' to the first pivotal connection as defined by
the rivets or pins 24 and 24'.
The tab 36, extending from the front edge of the second link means
30 in the first embodiment, and the tab 36', extending from the
front edge of the second link means 30' of the second embodiment,
have previously been described and shall be referred to as second
tabs. The second stop means includes an extension of one of the
first and second tabs for engaging the second segment 44 or 44' of
the first link means 26 or 26' to prevent further folding movement
of the back frame 14 when the latter reaches the fully forwardly
folded position. More specifically, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1
through 9, the extension is indicated at 46 and is a part of the
second tab 36 on the front edge of the second link means 30 and
engages the second segment 44 of the first link means 26 at 48 to
limit forward folding movement as illustrated in FIG. 6. In the
second embodiment, the first tab 43' extends from the front edge of
the second link means 30' and is juxtaposed to the second tab 36'
and the extension is a part of the first tab 43' and engages the
second segment 44' of the first link means 26' at 50, as
illustrated in FIG. 12, to limit forward folding movement of the
back frame 14.
The first stop means includes the tabs 36 and 36' of the respective
embodiments and a first offset portion of the second segments 44
and 44' of the first link means 26 and 26'. In the first
embodiment, the first offset portion comprises a projection 54
extending transversely from a tab 52, the tab 52 in turn extending
from the second segment 44 of the first link means 26. In the
second embodiment, the first offset portion comprises a hook 55. In
the first embodiment, the projection 54 coacts with the second tab
36 to prevent further reclining movement of the back frame 14 when
the latter reaches the fully reclined position as illustrated in
FIG. 4. In the second embodiment the hook portion 55 of the first
link means 26' coacts with and is engaged by the second tab 36' to
prevent further reclining movement of the back frame 14 when the
latter reaches the fully reclined position as illustrated in FIG.
13.
There is also included a second offset portion in the second
segments 44 and 44' of each of the first link means 26 and 26' for
coacting with the second link means 30 and 30' respectively to
prevent forward folding movement during reclining movement of the
back frame 14 and to prevent reclining movement during forward
folding reclining movement during forward folding movement of the
back frame 14. In the first embodiment, the second offset portion
comprises the tab 52 extending from the second segment 44 of the
first link means 26. The tab 52 coacts with the lower extremity of
the first tab 36 on the second link means during reclining movement
of the back frame 14. In other words, since the second link means
30 is pivotally connected to the cushion frame 12 by the rivet 21,
the first link means 26 cannot pivot about the rivet 24 when in the
position illustrated in FIG. 4 because of the interference between
the tabs 36 and 52. The tab 52 also coacts with the second tab 36
during forward folding movement to prevent reclining movement of
the second link means 30.
In the second embodiment, the second offset portion comprises a jog
60 along the second segment 44' of the first link means 26' so that
the portions of the second segment 44' on the opposite sides of the
jog are in different planes. The jog 60 coacts with the second or
lower end of the second link means 30' during reclining movement to
prevent forward folding movement by preventing the first link means
26' from pivoting about the rivet 24'. The jog 60 also coacts with
the second tab 36' along the second link means during folding
movement to prevent reclining movement by preventing the second
link means 30' from pivoting about its pivotal connection to the
cushion frame 12.
It will be noted that in each embodiment the positioning means 18
is connected at one end to the cushion frame 12 and has a piston
extending therefrom and connected to the second end of the second
link means 30 and 30' respectively to control the pivotal movement
of the second link means 30 and 30' respectively about the
reclining axis for positioning the back frame 14 in any one of
various reclined positions. Positioning mechanisms of the type
which may be utilized with the instant invention are well known in
the art.
As alluded hereinbefore, the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 9
includes a back frame 14 which reclines about an axis which is at
an angle to and intersects the axis about which the back frame
forwardly folds whereas the embodiment of FIGS. 10 through 15
includes a back frame 14 which reclines about an axis which is
parallel and spaced from the axis about which the back frame
forwardly folds. Thus, the embodiment of FIGS. 10 through 15
includes a control means disposed on opposite sides of the seat
assembly for pivotally connecting the back frame 14 to the cushion
frame 12. In the second embodiment, however, on one side of the
seat no positioning mechanism is utilized and there is no need for
a second link means 30' on that side. Thus, only a similar first
link means 26" and a similar arcuate section 34' interconnect the
back frame 14 and the cushion frame 12 on one side of the assembly
in the second embodiment. Such is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.
The arcuate section 34' is not quite arcuate or of the same shape
as the arcuate section 34 on the other side of the seat assembly.
Also, the lower extremity of the arcuate section 34' includes a
flange 70. As viewed in FIG. 14, the outwardly most spaced member
is the bracket 29 and the inwardly most spaced member is the first
link means 26". The bracket 29 has two arcuate surfaces. During
reclining movement of the back frame 14, the flange 70 coacts with
the arcuate surface 72 of the bracket 29 to prevent forward folding
movement of the back frame 14. The flange 70 also limits the
reclining movement by engaging either the hook 55 or the projection
of the bracket 29. The flange 70 also coacts with the arcuate
surface 74 of the bracket 29 during forward folding movement to
prevent reclining movement of the back frame 14.
In the operation of the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1
through 9, the seat is normally positioned with the back frame 14
in the upright seat-forming position as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
3. If it is desired to recline the back frame 14 about the
reclining axis, the positioning mechanism 18 is manually actuated
and a force is applied against the back frame 14 to recline it
rearwardly toward the fully reclined position illustrated in FIG.
4. During this reclining movement the second link means 30 coacts
through the tab 36 with the arcuate section 34 of the back frame 14
to control the amount of reclining movement. To prevent the first
link means 26 from pivoting about the pin 24, the tab 52 interferes
with the tab 36. To return the back frame 14 to the upright
seat-forming position, the positioning mechanism 18 is actuated and
normally applies a thrust to the second link means 30 which in turn
transmits the force through the arcuate section 34 to move the back
frame 14 toward the upright seat-forming position. If it is
desirous to forwardly fold the back frame 14 to allow ingress or
egress to or from the rear seat of a two-door automobile, the back
frame 14 is merely pushed forwardly when in the upright forming
position. As the back frame 14 is pushed forwardly, the first link
means 26 pivots with the arcuate section 34 about the pivotal
connection at 24 of the first link means 26 to the cushion frame
12. During this forward folding movement, the tab 52 interferes
with the tab 36 to prevent movement of the second link means 30
which in turn prevents any reclining movement of the back
frame.
The second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 through 15 operates
in a very similar manner in that from the upright seat-forming
position, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the back frame 14 may be moved
to a reclined position, as illustrated in FIG. 13, by actuating the
positioning mechanism 18 whereby the second link means 30' will,
through the tab 36', control movement of the back frame 14 by
coacting with the the arcuate section 34. The back frame 14 of the
second embodiment may be moved to a forwardly folded position by
pushing on the back frame 14 so that the arcuate section 34 of the
back frame moves with the first link means 26' while at the same
time on the opposite side of the seat the arcuate section 34 will
move with the first link means 26". During reclining movement of
the second embodiment, the jog 60 coacts with the lower end of the
second link means 30' to prevent forward folding movement while the
seat is in any reclined position. Also, during forward folding
movement the jog 60 coacts with the tab 36' to prevent movement of
the second link means 30' and thus, any reclining movement.
The invention has been described in an illustrative manner and it
is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is
intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of
limitation.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is,
therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described.
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