Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to seat frames of automobiles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to backrest frames of rear seats of automobiles.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Conventionally, a backrest of a passenger seat of an automobile is bolted to the automobile pillars with the help of fasteners and linkages. When the automobile experiences an impact, irrespective of the scale of the impact, the backrest tends to move in the forward direction. The forward direction causes the passenger sitting in the passenger seat to be pushed in the forward direction. In case of a collision or an impact of higher scale, the push exerted on the passenger could aggravate the effects of the impact on the passenger.
There is therefore felt a need for a mechanism which alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism for a rear seat backrest frame of an automobile.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism for a rear seat backrest frame of an automobile which is configured to engage with the seat at the moment of frontal impact on the automobile to cause minimal displacement of the backrest during an impact, and allow foldability of the seat.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism for a rear seat backrest frame of an automobile, which has a simple and easy to install configuration.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism for a rear seat backrest frame of an automobile, which can be installed in any type of automobile.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a locking mechanism for a rear seat backrest frame of an automobile. The automobile has a seat support configured to facilitate mounting of the backrest frame thereon. The locking mechanism comprises a first bracket and a second bracket.
The first bracket is defined by a mounting base attached to the seat support, and a flange extending from the base in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base. The flange has a groove configured thereon.
The second bracket has a pair of arms joined by a connector. The arms are configured to be suspended from the operative lower portion of the backrest frame. The connector is configured to be received in the groove to couple the second bracket with the first bracket in an open configuration of the backrest frame to establish a locking connection between the backrest frame and the seat support for constraining the displacement of the backrest frame during an impact.
In an embodiment, the connecting element of the second bracket is configured to be detached from the groove of the first bracket to enable folding of the backrest frame, in an operative folded configuration of the backrest frame.
In another embodiment, the mounting base has an L-shaped configuration complementing the configuration of the seat support.
In yet another embodiment, the groove has a hook-shaped configuration.
In still another embodiment, a plurality of apertures is configured on the base. The apertures are configured to allow fasteners to pass therethrough for bolting the mounting base to the seat support.
In one embodiment, an operative end portion of each of the arms has a hook-shaped configuration to facilitate suspension of the arms on the backrest frame.
In an embodiment, the first bracket and the second bracket are of steel.
In another embodiment, the flange is welded to the mounting base.
The present disclosure further envisages a rear seat backrest frame, of an automobile, having the locking mechanism as described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A locking mechanism, of the present disclosure, for a rear seat backrest frame of an automobile will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a conventional rear seat backrest frame in normal operating conditions of the automobile;
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the conventional rear seat backrest frame, of Figure 1, when an impact force is exerted on the frame;
Figure 3 illustrates an isometric rear view of the rear seat backrest with the locking mechanism, of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates an isometric front view of the rear seat backrest frame with the locking mechanism, of Figure 3;
Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of a first bracket of the mechanism of Figure 4;
Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the first brackets, of Figure 5, mounted on a seat support of the automobile;
Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the mechanism connecting the seat support and the backrest frame, in an open configuration of the backrest frame in normal operating conditions of the automobile;
Figure 8 illustrates a side view of the mechanism connecting the seat support and the backrest frame, in an open configuration of the backrest frame when impact forces are applied on the backrest frame;
Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the mechanism connecting the seat support and the backrest frame, in an open configuration of the backrest frame;
Figure 10 illustrates a side view of the mechanism connecting the seat support and the backrest frame, in a folded configuration of the backrest frame;
Figure 11 illustrates an isometric view of the rear seat backrest frame with the mechanism, of Figure 3, when an impact force is exerted on the frame;
Figure 12 illustrates an isometric view of a second bracket of the mechanism of Figure 4.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10 rear seat backrest frame
20 seat support
100 locking mechanism
102 first bracket
104 mounting base
105 aperture
106 flange
108 groove
109 fastener
110 second bracket
112 arm
114 connector

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on," “engaged to,” "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a conventional rear seat backrest frame (10) in normal operating conditions of the automobile. Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the conventional rear seat backrest frame, of Figure 1, when an impact force is exerted on the frame.
During an impact, the backrest frame (10) tends to be displaced in the forward direction (as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2) due to the inertia acting thereupon, even when the backrest frame (10) is attached to the automobile pillar and the seat support (20). The forward displacement of the backrest frame (10) can push the person seated on the seat and accelerate the person’s movement to aggravate the impact on the person.
A locking mechanism (100), of the present disclosure, for a rear seat backrest frame (10) of an automobile will now be described in detail with respect to Figure 3 through Figure 12.
As shown in Figure 3, the automobile has a seat support (20) provided on the automobile frame (10). The seat support (20) is configured to facilitate mounting of the backrest frame (10) thereon.
Figure 4 illustrates an isometric front view of the rear seat backrest frame provided with the mechanism. The mechanism (100) comprises a first bracket (102) and a second bracket (110). Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of the first bracket. The first bracket (102) is defined by a mounting base (104) and a flange (106). The mounting base (104) is attached to the seat support (20) of the automobile frame (10). The flange (106) is configured to extend from the base (104) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base (104). The flange (106) has a groove (108) configured thereon.
As illustrated in Figure 12, the second bracket (110) is defined by a pair of arms (112) joined by a connector (114). The arms (112) are configured to be suspended from the operative lower portion of the backrest frame (10). The connector (114) is configured to be received in the groove (108) to couple the second bracket (110) with the first bracket (102) in an open configuration of the backrest frame (10) to establish a locking connection between the backrest frame (10) and the seat support (20) for constraining the displacement of the backrest frame (10) during an impact.
As seen in the pictorial representation of Figure 11, the displacement of the backrest frame (10), secured by the locking mechanism (100) of the present disclosure, is minimal when inertia forces act thereon. Consequently, the passenger is not affected by the impact forces.
In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element of the second bracket (110) is configured to be detached from the groove (108) of the first bracket (102) to enable folding of the backrest frame (10), in an operative folded configuration of the backrest frame (10).
In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the mounting base (104) has an L-shaped configuration complementing the configuration of the seat support (20). A first surface of the mounting base (104) is laid on the seat support (20), while a second surface of the mounting base (104) is configured to rest against the inclined surface of the seat support (20). In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, a plurality of apertures (105) is configured on the base (104). The apertures (105) are configured to allow fasteners (109) to pass therethrough, as shown in Figure 5, for bolting the mounting base (104) to the seat support (20).
In another embodiment, the groove (108) has a hook-shaped configuration to lock the connector (114) therein. In an operative configuration of the mechanism (100), and when the automobile is in its normal operative configuration, the connector (114) is configured to dangle in the groove (108) freely (as seen in Figure 7). However, when the automobile experiences an impact, the connector (114) is locked against the walls of the groove (108) which in turn restricts the displacement of the backrest frame (10) (as shown in Figure 8).
Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the mechanism connecting the seat support and the backrest frame, in an open configuration of the backrest frame.
Figure 10 illustrates a side view of the mechanism connecting the seat support and the backrest frame, in a folded configuration of the backrest frame. More specifically, to enable the folded configuration of the frame (10), the second bracket (110) is removed from the groove (108) and the frame (10) is then folded.
In an embodiment, an operative end portion of each of the arms (112) has a hook-shaped configuration. The hook-shaped arms (112) help in facilitating suspension of the arms (112) on the backrest frame (10).
In one embodiment, the first bracket (102) is of steel. More specifically, the first bracket (102) is of hot rolled steel. In another embodiment, the flange (106) is welded to the mounting base (104). In yet another embodiment, the flange (106) is integral to the mounting base (104).
In another embodiment, the second bracket (110) is of steel. More specifically, the second bracket (110) is of hot rolled steel.
The simple configuration of the locking mechanism (100) makes it easy to be installed in any type of automobile, without any prerequisites of the automobile model type. As a result, the installation of the mechanism (100) is cost-effective.
The present disclosure further envisages a rear seat backrest frame (10), of an automobile, having a locking mechanism (100) of the present disclosure.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a locking mechanism for a rear seat backrest frame of an automobile that:
• is configured to engage with the seat at the moment of frontal impact on the automobile to cause minimal displacement of the backrest during an impact;
• allow foldability of the seat;
• has a simple and easy to install configuration; and
• can be installed in any type of automobile.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A locking mechanism (100) for a rear seat backrest frame (10) of an automobile, the automobile having a seat support (20) configured to facilitate mounting of the backrest frame (10) thereon, said locking mechanism (100) comprising:
a. a first bracket (102) defined by a mounting base (104) attached to the seat support (20), and a flange (106) extending from said base (104) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base (104), said flange (106) having a groove (108) configured thereon; and
b. a second bracket (110) having a pair of arms (112) joined by a connector (114), said arms (112) configured to be suspended from the operative lower portion of the backrest frame (10), and said connector (114) configured to be received in said groove (108) to couple said second bracket (110) with said first bracket (102) in an open configuration of said backrest frame (10) to establish a locking connection between the backrest frame (10) and the seat support (20) for constraining the displacement of the backrest frame (10) during an impact.
2. The locking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connecting element of said second bracket (110) is configured to be detached from said groove (108) of said first bracket (102) to enable folding of the backrest frame (10), in an operative folded configuration of the backrest frame (10).
3. The locking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mounting base (104) has an L-shaped configuration complementing the configuration of the seat support (20).
4. The locking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said groove (108) has a hook-shaped configuration.
5. The locking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of apertures (105) is configured on said base (104), said apertures (105) being configured to allow fasteners (109) to pass therethrough for bolting said mounting base (104) to the seat support (20).
6. The locking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an operative end portion of each of said arms (112) has a hook-shaped configuration to facilitate suspension of said arms (112) on the backrest frame (10).
7. The locking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first bracket (102) and said second bracket (110) are of steel.
8. The locking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flange (106) is welded to said mounting base (104).
9. A rear seat backrest frame (10), of an automobile, having a locking mechanism (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
Dated this 20th day of April, 2022

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT CHENNAI