Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A rear seat assembly (100) for an automobile (102), said seat assembly (100) comprising a plurality of seat straps (104) displaceable from an inoperative configuration when said seat straps (104) are nested in the roof (102A) of said automobile (102) to an operative configuration when said seat straps (104) are extracted from their nested position and are displaced along guide rails (106) to be locked in a configuration in which said seat straps (104) form a seat.
2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said guide rails are connected to each inner side surface of said automobile (102).
3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a roller (108) is affixed to each operative end of each seat strap (104), said roller is configured to engage said seat strap (104) to said guide rails (106), and further configured to facilitate displacement of said seat straps (104) along said guide rails (106).
4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a helical spring (110) is provided in said guide rails (106) to facilitate smooth displacement of said seat straps (104) along said guide rails (106).
5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a locking mechanism connected to an operative end of said seat strap (104) and configured to secure said plurality of seat straps (104) with slots provided in said guide rails (106).
6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said locking mechanism is a center locking mechanism (112A).
7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said locking mechanism is a locking provision (112B).
8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a retraction mechanism provided at an operative inner side of roof (102A) of said automobile (102) and coupled with said seat straps (104), wherein said retraction mechanism is configured to disengage said seat straps (104) from operative configuration to inoperative configuration.
9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said retraction mechanism is a cable and pulley type retraction mechanism (116).
10. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said retraction mechanism is a telescopic barrier type retraction mechanism (118).
11. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said retraction mechanism is a foldable type retraction mechanism (120).
12. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pair of slots (122) is configured on one seat strap of said plurality of seat straps (104) to receive a buckle (124) to facilitate connection of a seat belt (126) with said buckle (124) in said operative configuration.
13. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said seat straps (104) are cushioned.
14. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said automobile (102) includes an additional door trim (128) configured to be detachably fastened to said seat straps (104) to provide a cushioning effect.
15. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein roof (102A) of said automobile (102) is provided with a separable cutout strip (130) detachably fastened to said seat strips (104) to provide a cushioning effect.
, Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of seat assemblies of automobiles.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Conventionally used commercial automobiles have seat assemblies that are fixed to the body frame of the automobile. Typically, a conventional commercial automobile has a fixed driver and co-driver seat, and a saloon area that is kept free for accommodating cargo. However, the conventional commercial automobiles do not have an explicit provision wherein such automobiles have to be used as passenger carrier too. Some of the conventional automobiles have the provision of seat assemblies that can slide and recline to make space. However, such provisions require lots of efforts to handle the seat assembly, thereby increasing the installation cost. Further, the space for storage of the cargo is not adequate. Additionally, the comfort and safety aspects of the automobile are hampered.
There is therefore required a rear assembly for automobiles.
OBJECT
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
One object of the present disclosure is to provide a rear assembly for automobiles.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an assembly that is simple in construction and assembly.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an assembly that is easy to operate.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an assembly that has is durable and reliable.
One object of the present disclosure is to provide an assembly that is tamper proof.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an assembly that has low weight.
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 rear seat assembly for an automobile. The assembly comprising a plurality of seat straps displaceable from an inoperative configuration when the seat straps are nested in the roof of the automobile to an operative configuration when the seat straps are extracted from their nested position and are displaced along guide rails to be locked in a configuration in which the seat straps form a seat.
In an embodiment, the guide rails are connected to each inner side surface of the automobile.
In one embodiment, a roller is affixed to each operative end of each seat strap. The roller is configured to engage the seat strap to the guide rails. The roller is further configured to facilitate displacement of the seat straps along the guide rails.
In another embodiment, a helical spring is provided in the guide rails to facilitate smooth displacement of the seat straps along the guide rails.
In one another embodiment, the assembly includes a locking mechanism connected to an operative end of the strap. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the plurality of seat straps with slots provided in the guide rails.
In another embodiment, the locking mechanism is a center locking mechanism.
In yet another embodiment, the locking mechanism is a locking mechanism.
In one embodiment, the assembly includes a retraction mechanism provided at an operative inner side of roof of the automobile and coupled with the seat straps. The retraction mechanism is configured to disengage the seat straps from operative configuration to inoperative configuration.
In another embodiment, the retraction mechanism is a cable and pulley type retraction mechanism.
In yet another embodiment, the retraction mechanism is a telescopic barrier type retraction mechanism.
In still another embodiment, the retraction mechanism is a foldable type retraction mechanism.
In an embodiment, a pair of slots is configured on one of the plurality of seat straps to receive a buckle to facilitate connection of a seat buckle with the buckle in the operative configuration.
In another embodiment, the seat straps are cushioned.
In yet another embodiment, the automobile includes an additional door trim configured to be detachably fastened to the seat strips to provide a cushioning effect.
In still another embodiment, roof liner of the automobile is provided with a separable cutout strip detachably fastened to the seat strips to provide a cushioning effect.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A rear seat assembly for an automobile, of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of the assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1A illustrates an isometric view of the assembly of Figure 1 in an engaged configuration;
Figure 1B illustrates an isometric view of the assembly of Figure 1 in a disengaged configuration;
Figure 2 illustrates a close-up view of helical springs assembled in guide rails of the assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates a close-up view of central locking system of the assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 4 illustrates a close-up view of locking provisions of the assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 5 illustrates a close-up view of central locking system of the assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of a cable and pulley type retraction mechanism of the assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of a telescopic barrier type retraction mechanism of the assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 8 illustrates a schematic view of a foldable type retraction mechanism of the assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 9 illustrates an isometric view of the seat straps in an engaged and disengaged position;
Figure 10A illustrates an isometric view of the seat straps in a disengaged position;
Figure 10B illustrates an isometric view of the seat straps in an engaged position;
Figure 11 illustrates a close-up view of a provision for attaching a seat belt, in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 12 illustrates an isometric view of door trim attached to the assembly of Figure 1; and
Figure 13 illustrates an isometric view of cut-out strip attached to the assembly of Figure 1.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – Rear seat assembly
102 – Automobile
102A – Roof
104 – Seat straps
106 – Guide rail
108 – Roller
110 – Helical spring
112A – Centre locking mechanism
112B – Locking provision
114A – Guide plate
114B – Knob
114B’ – Spring
114B” – Linkage
116 – Cable and pulley type retraction mechanism
116A – Pulley
116B – Bar
116C – Bearing
116D – Spring
116E – Cable
118 – Telescopic barrier type retraction mechanism
118A – Tubes
120 – Foldable type retraction mechanism
120A – Strip
122 – Slots
124 – Buckle
126 – Seat belt
128 – Door trim
130 –Cut-out strip
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, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
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.
A preferred embodiment of a rear seat assembly (100), of the present disclosure, for an automobile (102) will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 13. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure.
The rear seat assembly (100) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the assembly 100’) comprises a plurality of seat straps (104) that is displaceable from an inoperative configuration wherein the seat straps (104) are nested in the roof (102A) of the automobile (102) to an operative configuration when the seat straps (104) are extracted from their nested position, and are displaced along guide rails (106) to be locked in a configuration in which the seat straps (104) form a seat.
The guide rails (106) are connected to each inner side surface (not specifically labelled in figures) of the automobile (102). In an embodiment, the guide rails (106) are gas welded to the inner side surfaces of the automobile (102). In another embodiment, the guide rails (106) are spot welded to the inner side surfaces of the automobile (102). In yet another embodiment, the guide rails (106) are fastened to the inner side surfaces of the automobile (102) by means of closely pitched nut-bolt arrangements.
In an embodiment, the guide rails (106) have a C shaped configuration.
A roller (108) is affixed to each operative end of each seat strap (104). The roller is configured to engage the seat strap (104) to the guide rails (106). The roller is further configured to facilitate displacement of the seat straps (104) along the guide rails (106).
A helical spring (110) is provided in each guide rails (106), more specifically at an operative end of the guide rails (106). The helical spring (110) facilitates smooth displacement of the seat straps (104) along the guide rails (106). More particularly, the helical spring (110) clears ingress and egress of the seat straps (104) along the guide rails (106).
The assembly (100) is configured to be employed in commercial automobiles that operate as a goods carrier and as a passenger carrier. At times, when a commercial automobile (102) is employed as a goods carrier, it is essential that the saloon area of the automobile (102) has a large surface area to accommodate the goods therein. To fulfill this condition, the seat straps (104) are nested in the roof (102A) of the automobile (102). On the other hand, when the automobile (102) is utilized as a passenger carrier, the assembly (100) is engaged by displacing the seat strips (104) along the guide rails (106) to form a seat.
The seat assembly (100) includes a locking mechanism connected to an operative end of the seat strap (104). The locking mechanism is configured to secure the seat straps (104) with the guide rails (106). The guide rails (106) are provided with slots at an operative end for facilitating latching of the locking mechanism therein.
In an embodiment, the locking mechanism is a center locking mechanism (112A). The center locking mechanism (112A) includes a guide plate (114A) connected to an end seat strap (104) parallel to the seat straps (104). The center locking mechanism (112A) further includes a knob (114B). The end seat strap (104) is provided with a latching provision at either end. The knob (114B) is a spring loaded linkage mechanism having springs (114B’) and links (114B”). When the seat straps (104) are engaged in an operative configuration, the latching provisions hook up in the slots, thereby locking the seat straps (104) in the desired configuration. To disengage the seat strips, the knob (114B) is rotated to move the linkages (114B”) in order to unhook the latching provisions and unlock the center locking mechanism (112A).
In another embodiment, the locking mechanism is a locking provision (112B). The locking provision (112B) is typically spring loaded, and includes a press button connected to inbuilt levers. When the seat straps (104) are engaged in an operative configuration, the locking provisions (112B) are displaced along the guide rails (106) and are engaged in the slots provided in the guide rails (106). For disengaging the seat strips, the buttons are pressed.
The assembly (100) further includes a retraction mechanism provided at an operative inner side of roof (102A) of the automobile (102). The retraction mechanism is coupled with the seat straps (104). The retraction mechanism is configured to disengage the seat straps (104) from operative configuration to inoperative configuration.
In an embodiment, the retraction mechanism is a cable and pulley type retraction mechanism (116). The cable and pulley type retraction mechanism (116) includes a pulley (116A) connected to the guide rails (106) and the roof of the automobile (102). The pulleys (116A) are connected to each other by means of a bar (116B) having a bearing (116C) and a spring (116D) mounted thereon. The pulleys (116A) are further connected to the seat straps (104) and the rollers (108) by means of cables (116E). The pulleys (116A) are rotated to move the cables (116E) in order to disengage the seat straps (104) from the operative configuration.
In another embodiment, the retraction mechanism is a telescopic barrier type retraction mechanism (118). The telescopic barrier type retraction mechanism (118) includes a plurality of tubes (118A) engaged with each other. The tubes (118B) are connected to the seat straps (104) and the rollers (108). The movement of the tubes (118A) retracts the seat straps (104) in order to disengage the seat straps (104) from the operative configuration.
In another embodiment, the retraction mechanism is a foldable type retraction mechanism (120). The foldable type retraction mechanism (120) includes a foldable strip (120A) that is connected to the seat straps (104) and the rollers (108). When the assembly (100) is pulled downwards to engage the seat straps (104), the strip (120A) extends. On the other hand, when the assembly (100) is retracted, the foldable strip folds back in order to disengage the seat straps (104) from the operative configuration.
A pair of slots (122) is configured on one seat strap of the plurality of seat straps (104) to receive a buckle (124) to facilitate connection of a seat belt (126) with the buckle (124) in the operative configuration. The provision of the buckle (124) and the seat belt (126) ensure safety of the passenger when the automobile (102) is driven.
In an embodiment, the seat straps (104) are cushioned. In another embodiment, the automobile (102) includes an additional door trim (128). The door trim (128) has a cushioned operative side. The door trim (128) is detachably fastened to the seat straps (104) such that the cushioned operative side provides a cushioning effect. In yet another embodiment, the roof (102A) of the automobile (102) is provided with a separable cutout strip (130). The cutout strip (130) has a cushioned operative side. The cutout strip (130) is detachably fastened to the seat strips (104) such that the cushioned side provides a cushioning effect to the passenger.
The assembly (100) of the present disclosure has a simple configuration that results in ease in operation. As a result, the assembly (100) requires less number of components, less manufacturing time, and is cost effective. Reduced number of components reduces the weight of the assembly. The manufacturing assembly (100) is cost-effective. The productivity of the assembly is high with low failure rate and reduced efforts. Further, the assembly (100) is durable and reliable. Additionally, the assembly (100) is safe to handle and is tamper proof. The factor of safety of the assembly (100) is high. Moreover, ample space is obtained for accommodating the goods therein.
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 herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a rear seat assembly of an automobile, that:
• is simple in construction and assembly;
• is easy to operate;
• has is durable and reliable; and
• is tamper proof.
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.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, 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.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
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.