CLIAMS:We claim:
1. A flip type seat assembly (100), said assembly (100) comprising:
at least one bracket (1) connected to a seat portion (2) which acts as a seating member and a back rest portion (3), is pivotally connected to a first sliding member (4) of the seat assembly (100), said first sliding member (6) is connectable to a floor (5), wherein the at least one bracket (1) is configured to flip the seat portion (2) and the back rest portion (3) of the seat assembly (100) between a first position (FP), and a second position (SP);
at least one first locking structure (9) adapted to lock the seat portion in the first position (FP), wherein the at least one first locking structure (9) is configured to slide along the first sliding member (6); and
at least one second locking structure (10) adapted to lock the back rest portion (2) which acts as a seating member in the second position (SP), wherein the at least one second locking structure (10) is configured to slide along the first sliding member (6).

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sliding member (6) is mounted on a frame (4).

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first locking structure (9) is mounted on a second sliding member (7) provide along the first sliding member (6).

4. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first locking structure (9) is at least one toggle clamp and spring loaded pin.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second locking structure (10) is a spring loaded pin.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one plate (11) is provided in either ends of the back rest (3).

7. The system as claimed in claims 1 and 8, wherein the at least one plate (11) comprises a provision (11a) to accommodate the second locking structure (10).

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a frame (4) comprises a slot (4a) for sliding the second locking structure (10) is configured along the first sliding member (6).

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first locking structure (9) and the at least one second locking structure (10) is configured with at least one sensor (12).

10. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one sensor (12) is interfaced with a warning device (13).

11. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the warning device (13) is configured to alert a user of the seat assembly (100) based on the at least one sensor signal when at least one first locking structure (9) and at least one second locking structure (10) is not engaged in first position (FP) and second position (SP) respectively.

12. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the user is provided with one of audio and visual alert.

13. A vehicle comprising flip type seat assembly as claimed in claim 1.
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a seat assembly. The embodiments disclose a flip type seat assembly for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
User/passenger comfort and the convenience is a major concern to the vehicle manufacturers. In vehicles such as but not limiting to passenger cars and goods carriers, the customers would like to have sophisticated features such as air conditioning, in car entertainment, and comfortable seating.

In passenger cars, seats are always oriented toward front side, and are permanently fixed to the vehicle floor. However, the seats are provided with sliding arrangements through which the seats can be moved in longitudinal and lateral direction according to the requirements of the user to increase the leg room for the passenger/driver. In addition, the seats are also configured such that the back rest can be tilted to any angle so as increase the space behind the seat or temporarily converting seat into a flat platform. Furthermore, in some passenger cars, height of the seats can be adjusted based on user requirement.

However, in the passenger cars the passengers/user seated in the front middle rows cannot have an eye to eye conversation with rear passengers. Also, the passengers seated in the front or middle rows have to turn around for every action with the other passengers seated behind. This becomes tedious task in long journey for the passengers to always turn around and converse with the other passengers. In addition, when the vehicle is in parked condition, and if the passenger seated in the front or middle rows need to perform some activity along with the other passenger, then the user/passenger have perform such activities over the seats.

In light of the foregoing discussion, it is observed to create a need for a flip type seat assembly to overcome the problems stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of system as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is a provision of flip type seat assembly. The assembly comprises at least one bracket connected to a seat portion which acts as a seating member and a back rest portion, is pivotally connected to a first sliding member of the seating assembly. The first sliding member is connectable to a floor, wherein the at least one bracket is configured to flip the seat portion and the back rest portion assembly between a first position, and a second position. At least one first locking structure adapted to lock the seat portion in the first position, wherein the at least one first locking structure is configured to slide along the first sliding member. Further, at least one second locking structure adapted to lock the back rest portion which acts as a seating member in the second position, wherein the at least one second locking structure is configured to slide along the first sliding member.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sliding structure is mounted on a frame.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first locking structure is mounted on a second sliding member provide along the first sliding member. The first locking structure is at least one toggle clamp and spring loaded pin.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second locking structure is a spring loaded pin.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one plate is provided in either ends of the back rest. The at least one plate comprises a provision to accommodate the second locking structure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a frame comprises a slot for sliding the second locking structure is configured along the first sliding member.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one first locking structure and the at least one first locking structure is configured with at least one sensor each. At least one sensor is interfaced with a warning device. The warning device is configured to alert a user of the seating assembly based on the at least one sensor signal when at least one first locking structure and at least one second locking structure is not engaged in first position and second position respectively. Further, the user is provided with either / or audio and visual alert.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a flip type seat assembly, which provides an option to be flipped between a first and second position.

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a flip type seat assembly which is in simple in construction, and easy to assemble.

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a flip type seat assembly which has a failsafe safety circuit to negate any unintentional seating in unlocked condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perceptive view of the flip type seat assembly of the present disclosure in first position.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the flip type seat assembly of the present disclosure in first position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the flip type seat assembly of the present disclosure in second position.

FIGS. 4a-4b illustrates detailed view of first locking structure of the flip type seat assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates perspective view of second sliding member of the flip type seat assembly.

FIGS. 6a-6d illustrates detailed view of second locking structure of the flip type seat assembly.

FIG. 7 illustrates perspective view of frame of the flip type seat assembly.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate detailed views of first and second locking structures provided with a sensor.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a warning device activation system.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

To overcome the drawbacks mentioned in the background the present disclosure provides a flip type seat assembly. The flip type seat assembly is configured such that, seat portion and backrest portion of the seat assembly can be flipped between a first position and a second position. In the first position the seat portion acts as a seating member, whereas in the second position the back rest acts as the seating member. The flip type seat assembly is arranged on a base frame so that it can be turned about its vertical axis to face in either direction. Thus, the flip type seat assembly provides an additional feature/s in the vehicles, wherein, the same seat can be used in conventional manner (facing the road) or can be adjusted so that the face the rear passenger seat and can also interact with them face to face. This can be done by flipping the seat, thereby utilizing back of the normal position seat as bottom and bottom of seat becomes back (support) of the seat.

Reference will now be made to figures which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where ever possible referral numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts.

In the following description the words such as forward, rear and front are used with respect to particular orientation of the figures as depicted in the present disclosure. The words are used to explain the aspects of the present disclosure and for better understanding; however the same is not a limitation to the present disclosure. The present disclosure is explained by taking vehicle as example, however the same should not be considered as limiting factor. The seat assembly as described can be readily used in any application where such flip action is necessary.

FIGS. 1-3 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating flip type seat assembly in first and second position. The flip type seat assembly may be used in the vehicle such as but not limiting to passenger cars. The flip type seats may be installed in either front row or middle row or both in the passenger vehicles. The flip type seat assembly (100) can be flipped between front orientation and rear orientation in the vehicle thereby improves customer convenience and delight. The flip type seat assembly (100) comprises a seat portion (2) of a predetermined shape configured as a seating member. A backrest (3) of predetermined shape configured to act as resting member for back of the user. In an embodiment, the seat member and the backrest may be made of a material such as but not limiting to plastic and metal which are generally used in the art for seats. Further, at least one bracket (1) is connected to the seat portion (2) and the back rest portion (3), such that the bracket (1) holds the seat portion and the back rest portion in substantially “L” shape when the seat assembly is in normal position. In an embodiment the bracket (1) can be one bracket extending along the length of the seat portion. In alternative embodiment, at least one bracket (1) may be provided at either ends. In an embodiment, the bracket may be formed in a shape such as but not limiting to “L” shape.

Further, the bracket (1) is pivotally connected to a first sliding member (4) of the seat assembly (100). In one exemplary embodiment the bracket is pivotally connected to a pair of first sliding member (4) of the seat assembly (100). The bracket (1) is configured to flip the seat portion (2) and the back rest portion (3) of the seat assembly (100) between a first position (FP), and a second position (SP). In the in the first position (FP) the seat portion (2) acts as a seating member [best shown in FIG. 1], whereas in the second position (SP) the back rest (3) acts as the seating member [best shown in FIG. 3]. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket (1) may be pivoted to the first sliding member (6) using a member such as but not limiting to pivot pin, nut and bolt and rivet. Further, the first sliding member (6) is mounted on a frame (4) such that the sliding member (6) allows the sliding of the seat assembly (100) in lateral and longitudinal direction. The frame (4) is adapted as base of the seating assembly (100), and can be mounted to a floor (5) for example floor of the vehicle. In an embodiment the frame (4) may be mounted on the floor by a method such as but not limiting to fastening, welding and riveting. The seating assembly (100) further comprises at least one first locking structure (9) placed in predetermined location of the seating assembly (100). In an embodiment, first locking structure is provided beneath the seating portion (2) in its either sides. The first locking structure is adapted to lock the seat portion (2) in the first position (FP). In the first position, the seat portion (2) is configured as the seating member. Further, first locking structure (9) is configured to slide along the first sliding member (6) for locking the seat portion (2). The sliding of the first locking structure along with the first sliding member helps to lock the seat portion (2) in any desired position. Further, at least one second locking structure (10) placed in predetermined location of the seating assembly (100). In an embodiment, the second locking structure (10) is provided below the first sliding member (6). The second locking structure is adapted to lock the backrest (3) in the first position (FP). In the second position, the backrest (3) is configured as the seating member. Further, second locking structure (10) is configured to slide along the first sliding member (6) for locking the backrest portion (1). The sliding of the second locking structure (10) along with the first sliding member (6) helps to lock the back rest (3) in any desired position.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first locking structure (9) is selected from at least one of but not limiting to toggle clamp and spring loaded pin. FIGS. 4a and 4b are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure which illustrates toggle clamp locking structure. The toggle clamp locking structure is a type of push pull locking structure, generally comprising a handle and a clip. The handle is used to operate the clip by applying or decreasing tension on the clip. As shown in the FIGS. 4a and 4b, a hook, in an embodiment “J” shaped hook (9b) is attached to the bottom portion of the seat portion (2), and corresponding locking clip (9a) is provided on a second sliding member (7) [best shown in FIG. 5]. Further, the first locking structure (9) is configured to lock the seat portion (2) in the first position (FP) to act as a seating member. The user/passenger may lock the seat portion (1) in the first position (FP) by aligning the clip portion (9a) into the hook (9b) and then moving the handle (9c) downwards [best shown in FIG. 4b]. Referring to FIG. 5 which shows a second sliding member (7) onto which the locking clip (9a) and the handle (9c) of the first locking structure (9) is mounted. The second sliding member (7) is mounted parallel to the first sliding member (6) on to the floor (5) by suitable support members. The second sliding member (7) facilities sliding of the first locking structure (9) along the first sliding member (6). Thereby, helps to lock the seat portion (2) in any desired position. When, the seat portion (2) is locked by the first locking structure (9) in the first position (FP), and then the seat assembly (100) will be oriented towards front of the vehicle. Further, after locking the seat portion (2) in the first position (FP) the seat assembly cannot be flipped unless the lock is released.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second locking structure (10) is a spring loaded pin. FIGS. 6a and 6d are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure which illustrates details of the second locking structure (10). The second locking structure (10) is adapted to lock the back rest portion (2) which acts as a seating member in the second position (SP). As shown in FIG. 6b a plate (11) is provided in either sides of the back rest (3) such that the plates (11) face downwards when the back rest (3) is configured in the second position (SP). The plates are provided with a provision (11a) to accommodate second locking structure (20). As shown in FIG. 6a the second locking structure is a spring loaded pin comprising a pin body and a compressed spring between two stoppers on a pin body. The spring loaded pin may be provided below the first sliding member (6), and is attached to the frame (4) such that the pin protrudes through a slot (4a) provided in the frame (4) [best shown in FIG. 7]. The spring loaded pin is configured to slide in the slot (4a) provided in the frame (4) along with the first sliding member (6). Further, the second locking structure (10) is configured to lock the backrest (3) in the second position (SP) to act as a seating member. The user/passenger may lock the backrest (3) in the second position (SP) by aligning the spring loaded pin to the provisions (11a) provided in the plates (11) [best shown in FIG. 6c], and then pushing the spring loaded pin into the provisions (11a) [best shown in FIG. 6d]. When the spring loaded pin is pushed to the provisions (11a), the portion of the pin extending into the provisions (11a) forms a lock. Thereby, helps to lock the backrest (3) in any desired position. When, the backrest (3) is locked by the second locking structure (10) in the second position (FP), and then the seat assembly (100) will be oriented towards rear side of the vehicle. Further, after locking the backrest (3) in the second position (SP) the seat assembly cannot be flipped unless the lock is released.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first locking structure (9) and the second locking structure (10) are configured to slide along with the first sliding member (6). The first locking structure (9) and the second locking structure (10) may slide along the entire length of the first sliding member or to a predetermined distance from one end.

Normally, in the vehicles the seat assembly (100) will be kept in the first position (FP) i.e. facing the front side of the vehicle/ road side. In the first position, the seat portion (2) acts as a seating member, and will be locked in the first position (FP) by the first locking arrangement (9). To flip the seat assembly to second position (SP), the first locking structure (9) is to be unlocked. After unlocking the first locking structure (9) the seat assembly (100) becomes free to slide towards the opposite ends of stationary first guide members (4). To position the seat assembly (100) in rearward facing, the seat elements like seat portion (2) and
backrest (3) are rotated backwards at the angle about 90 degrees through the bracket (1) their pivotal point. The rotated seat assembly (100) can be moved using first siding member (6) attached to it. Now in the second position (SP) the backrest (3) will be configured as seating member. In the second position (SP) the backrest (3) is secured in this position by engaging second locking structure (10) in a provision (11a) provided in the plates (11) which are rigidly secured to backrest (3). Seat back rest (3) will now become seating member which rests on the rigid part of frame (4). Here, the normal head rest (8) can become calf support or can be removed and put in guide of seat portion (2) to use as headrest (5) in flipped condition of seat.

FIGS. 8 to 10 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating block diagram of seat lock waning system and associate components. The seating assembly (100) is equipped with a seat lock waning system (200) to alert the user/occupant if the seat assembly (100) is not locked in first position (FP) and second position (SP), respectively. The Seat lock warning system (200) is configured to illuminate the warning light or sounds the buzzer to inform the occupant/user that seat has not been locked when the ignition switch is turned ON. As shown in FIG. 10 when an occupant is seated on the seat assembly, the occupant detection sensor (201) activates, thus enabling the system to recognize that the occupant has seated. Then, if the ignition switch (202) is turned ON, the warning system (200) receives a signal from sensors (203 and 204) provided in the first and second locking structure (9 and 10) respectively [best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9]. The sensors are interfaced with the warning system. The warning system (200) provides a warning signal either an audio signal or visual signal or both, to alert the user of the seat assembly (100) based on the at least one sensor signal when at least one first locking structure (9) and at least one second locking structure (10) is not engaged in first position (FP) and second position (SP) respectively. In an embodiment, the warning system (200) is configured to illuminate a warning light and / or activates audio buzzer, if the seat assembly (100) is not locked properly. In one embodiment the warning continues until the passenger/occupant locks the seat in either of the first position (FP) or the second position (SP), as applicable. If the seat is not occupied by an occupant, the warning system (200) remains extinct, regardless of the condition of the seat locked.

Advantages:
The present disclosure provides a flip type seat assembly, which provides an option to be flipped between a first and second position. Thereby, improves customer comfort, and improves customer delight. Further, the seating assembly provides option for face to face interaction of the passenger seated in the front seat with other passengers. In addition, the seat assembly provides more boot space to sleep comfortably or stretch his/her legs in case of long drive/if not feeling well. Further, if the kids if sitting on passenger seat can be safer than conventional seat. Furthermore, the distraction to the driver will be minimized.

The present disclosure provides a flip type seat assembly which is simple in construction, and easy to assemble.

The present disclosure provides a flip type flip type seat assembly which has a failsafe safety circuit to negate any unintentional seating in unlocked condition. Thereby, improves safety of the customer.

Industrial applicability:
The flip type seat assembly as described can be used any fixed type seating arrangements not limiting to vehicles. For example the seat assembly can be used in waiting lounges, auditoriums, restaurants, parks, and stadiums.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Flip type seat assembly
1 Bracket
2 Seat portion
3 Backrest
4 Frame
4a Slot in the frame
5 Floor
6 First sliding member
7 Second sliding member
8 Head rest
9 First locking structure
9a Lock clip
9b Hook
9c Handle
10 Second locking structure
11 Plates
11a Provision
FP First position
SP Second position
200 Warning system
201 Occupant sensor
202 Ignition switch
203 and 204 Lock sensors with signal wires
205 Indicator