DESC:FORM 2
The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2005

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTION 10 AND RULE 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

“HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE SEAT ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE”

APPLICANTS:

Name Nationality Address
Mahindra & Mahindra Limited Indian Mahindra Research Valley, Mahindra World, City Plot No. 41/1, Anjur P.O. Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram Dist, Tamilnadu.- 603204

The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:-

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to seat systems in vehicles, and more particularly but not exclusively to height adjustable seat systems in vehicles.

BACKGROUND
[001] Generally, tractors are used for a wide variety of operations like plowing, tilling, disking, harrowing, planting, threshing, orchard cultivation etc., However for orchard cultivation, in particular for vineyard cultivation the standard tractors could not be used properly because the seat height of the tractor is so high such that it creates the problem of fouling with grapes at the time of spraying. Spraying is a major task in vineyard cultivation as nearly 75% of tractor usage involves spraying. Hence, vineyard cultivation requires a different breed of tractors.
[002] Most of the tractors designed for vineyard cultivation have seats without suspension for reducing the seat height as spraying is usually done at very low speeds. However when spraying or any other operation in vineyard cultivation is done using tractors at high speed, the lack of suspension affects the health of the operator by injuring the back.
[003] Further, due to suspension present in the seat of standard tractors, the overall vehicle height increases which make the vehicle unsuitable for vineyard cultivation.
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for a height adjustable seat assembly for a vehicle. Furthermore, there exists a need for a seat assembly that can eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[005] The principle object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a height adjustable seat assembly for a vehicle.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a seat assembly that enables standard tractors for vineyard cultivation or any farm application that requires low seat height.
[007] Yet, another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a seat assembly that provides comfort to the operator of the vehicle.
[008] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[009] The embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of the seat assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 2a depicts a rear view of the seat assembly before reducing the height of the seat assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 2b depicts a side view of the seat assembly before reducing the height of the seat assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 3a depicts a rear view of the seat assembly after reducing the height of the seat assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0014] FIG. 3b depicts a side view of the seat assembly after reducing the height of the seat assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed 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.
[0016] The embodiments herein achieve a height adjustable seat assembly for a vehicle. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 3b, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of the seat assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The seat assembly 100 includes a floating frame 102, a box structure 104, a swing arm 106, a plurality of springs 108, a damper 110, a plurality of locking studs 112, a weight adjusting stud 114, a first pivot pin 116, a second pivot pin 118, a weight adjusting bracket 120, a back cushion 122, a base cushion 124, a plurality of sliding bush 126 and a locking pin (not shown).
[0018] In an embodiment the floating frame 102 includes a plurality of L shaped member 102a, a plurality of connecting plate 102b, a plurality of holding bracket 102c, a plurality of sliding bracket 103, a plurality of locking brackets 102e and a plurality of spring holding brackets 102f. The L shaped members 102a are parallel to each other and are connected with the plurality of connecting plates 102b. In an embodiment the connecting plate 102b provided at the longitudinal portion of L shaped members 102a is provided with a U-shaped bracket (not shown) at its rear for receiving the damper 110. The longitudinal portion of the floating frame 102 is provided with the plurality of holding brackets 102c for holding a back cushion 122. The transverse portion of the floating frame 102 receives a base cushion 124 as shown in fig. 2b or fig. 3b. In an embodiment each of the sliding brackets 103 includes a pin 103a protruding at its outer side and a guide bush 103b at its top. Each of the pin 103a is used for holding each of the sliding bush 126. Each of the guide bushes 103b is used for receiving each of the locking stud 112. Each of the plurality of sliding brackets 103 is provided at the top end of the each of the L shaped members 102a. The sliding brackets 103 are used for holding the sliding bushes 126 and for receiving the locking studs 112 to facilitate the movement of the floating frame 102. In an embodiment each of the plurality of guide bushes 103b are provided at the top of each of the sliding brackets 103. The guide bushes 103b are welded/fastened to the sliding brackets 103. The guide bushes 103b provided at the top of the sliding brackets 103 are used for receiving the locking studs 112. In an embodiment, the guide bushes 103b have internal threads for receiving the locking studs 112. However it is also within the scope of the invention to provide guide bushes 103b without internal threads. The guide bushes 103b are used for aligning the locking studs 112. In an embodiment, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the sliding bracket 103 without guide bushes 103b without otherwise deterring the intended function of the sliding bracket 103 as can be deduced from the description. In an embodiment it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the sliding bracket 103 without pin 103a without otherwise deterring the intended function of the sliding bracket 103 as can be deduced from the description.
[0019] In an embodiment each of the locking brackets 102e is provided at the transverse portion of each of the L shaped member 102a. The locking brackets 102e are provided with a slot/hole for receiving the locking pin (not shown). In an embodiment the floating frame 102 includes two locking brackets 102e. However it is also within the scope of the invention to provide at least one locking bracket 102e without otherwise deterring the intended function of the locking bracket 102e as can be deduced from the description.
[0020] The plurality of spring holding brackets 102f is used for holding the springs 108. Each of the spring holding brackets 102f are provided near the bottom end of longitudinal portion of each of the L shaped members 102a. The spring holding brackets 102f are provided with groove/slot/hole (not shown) for receiving the second end 108b of the springs 108. The floating frame 102 further includes a plurality of openings (not shown) for receiving the first pivot pin 116.
[0021] The box structure 104 is an L-shaped structure that includes a plurality of longitudinal member 104a, a top plate 104b, a plurality of guide bushes 104c, a base plate 104d, a plurality of locking bracket 104e and a plurality of stopper element 104h. The box structure 104 is used for receiving the floating frame 102. The plurality of longitudinal member 104a is used for receiving the sliding bushes 126. Each of the longitudinal member 104a has a channel 104f in which the sliding bushes 126 slides. In an embodiment the channel 104f has a C shaped cross section. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the channel 104f in any other cross-section without otherwise deterring the intended function of the channel 104f as can be deduced from the description. The top plate 104b is used for holding the plurality of stopper element 104h and plurality of guide bushes 104c. Each of the stopper element 104h is connected below the top plate 104b. The top plate 104b is provided above the top ends of the plurality of longitudinal member 104a such that each of the stopper element 104h are disposed in each of the channels 104f. The plurality of stopper element 104h is used for restricting the upward movement of the sliding bushes 126 after a predetermined level thereby limiting the upward movement of the floating frame 102 after a predetermined level when the locking studs 112 are removed/not in use. The top plate 104b includes a plurality of openings (not shown) each adapted for receiving each of the locking studs 112 and an opening (not shown) adapted for receiving the weight adjusting stud 114. In an embodiment each of the plurality of guide bushes 104c are provided below the top plate 104b below the corresponding openings (not shown) for receiving the locking studs 112. The guide bushes 104c have internal threads for receiving and holding the locking studs 112.
[0022] The base plate 104d of the box structure 104 is provided at the bottom ends of the longitudinal member 104a. In an embodiment the base plate 104d is connected to each of the longitudinal member 104a through a plurality of brackets 104g. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to connect the base plate 104d with the longitudinal member 104a without using the brackets 104g. In an embodiment each of the plurality of locking brackets 104e is provided at the sides of the base plate 104d. The locking brackets 104e are provided with slots/openings for receiving the locking pin (not shown). The box structure 104 further includes a plurality of openings (not shown) for receiving the second pivot pin 118.
[0023] In an embodiment the swing arm 106 includes a first hollow shaft 106a at its front end and a plurality of second hollow shafts 106b at its rear end. The first hollow shaft 106a is used for receiving the first pivot pin 116 and the second hollow shafts 106b are used for receiving the second pivot pin 118 and the damper 110. The second pivot pin 118 is provided between the openings (not shown) in box structure 104 and through the second hollow shafts 106b and the damper 110. The first pivot pin 116 is provided between the openings (not shown) in the floating frame 102 and through the first hollow shaft 106a. The second pivot pin 118 is used for connecting the swing arm 106 with the box structure 104. The first pivot pin 116 is used for connecting the swing arm 106 with the floating frame 102. The swing arm 106 receives the load from the damper 110 and pivotally transmits to the floating frame 102.
[0024] The plurality of springs 108 is used for absorbing the shocks. The spring 108 includes a first end 108a and a second end 108b. The first end 108a of each of the plurality of springs 108 is connected with the weight adjusting bracket 120 and the second end 108b of each of the plurality of springs 108 is connected to each of the spring holding brackets 102f of the floating frame 102.
[0025] In an embodiment the damper 110 includes a retractable rod 110a and an housing 110b. The retractable rod 110a is connected with the U-bracket (not shown) in the floating frame 102 using a pin (not shown) and the housing 110b is connected between the second hollow shafts 106b of the swing arm 106. The housing 110b of the damper 110 is positioned between the hollow shafts 106b and receives the second pivot pin 118. The damper 110 is used for dampening the vibrations or shocks.
[0026] The plurality of locking studs 112 are used for adjusting the height of the floating frame 102. In an embodiment the locking studs 112 are external threaded bolts. In an embodiment each of the locking studs 112 are provided with a knob 112a for ease in handling/rotating the locking studs 112. However it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the locking studs 112 without knobs or any similar means. Each of the locking studs 112 are received by each of the guide bushes 104c via the openings (not shown) provided at the top plate 104b of the box structure 104 and thereafter the locking studs 112 are received by the guide bushes 103b of the sliding bracket 103. The thread dimensions of the locking studs 112 and guide bushes 104c are accordingly matched for proper engagement.
[0027] As the guide bushes 103b are connected to the sliding bracket 103, the guide bushes 103b on receiving the locking studs 112 compress the floating frame 102 as the sliding bushes 126 slides down inside the box structure 104 on further rotation or insertion of the locking studs 112. The rotational movement of the locking studs 112 is converted into linear movement of the floating frame 102.
[0028] The weight adjusting stud 114 is used for adjusting the level of suspension in the seat assembly 100 according to weight of the operator. The operator can set the level of suspension according to his/her weight by rotating the weight adjusting stud 114. The weight adjusting stud 114 is a threaded bolt. In an embodiment the top of the weight adjusting stud 114 is provided with a knob 114a for facilitating quick and easy operation. However it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the weight adjusting stud 114 without knob or any similar means.
[0029] The weight adjusting stud 114 is connected with the weight adjusting bracket 120. In an embodiment the weight adjusting bracket 120 includes a guide bush 120a and a plurality of grooves/slots (not shown) each adapted for holding each of the first end 108a of the springs 108. The guide bush 120a is used for receiving the weight adjusting stud 114. As the spring 108 is connected between the weight adjusting bracket 120 and spring holding brackets 102f of the floating frame, by rotating the weight adjusting stud 114, the force or tension of the spring 108 is adjusted.
[0030] In an embodiment the locking pin (not shown) is used for locking the floating frame 102. In an embodiment the sliding bushes 126 are used for sliding in the channel 104f to facilitate the movement of the floating frame 102.
[0031] The base plate 104d of the box structure 104 is placed above a slider rail assembly (not shown), with a sliding lever (not shown). Each of the sides of the slider rail assembly is received by a base rail (not shown). The base rails fixed on the vehicle holds the sides of the slider rail assembly and by using the sliding lever (not shown) the base plate 104d of the box structure 104 is moved back or forth over the slider rail assembly (not shown). As the floating frame 102 is received by the box structure 104 the entire seat assembly 100 can be moved back and forth.
[0032] FIG. 3a depicts a rear view of the seat assembly after reducing the height of the seat assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 3b depicts a side view of the seat assembly after reducing the height of the seat assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. For adjusting (reducing) the height of the seat assembly 100 the operator inserts the locking studs 112 into their corresponding openings (not shown) in the top plate 104b and rotates each of the locking studs 112. The locking studs 112 are received by the guide bushes 104c and the guide bushes 103b and further rotation of the locking studs 112 compress or push the floating frame 102 down due to which the springs 108 elongate while damper 110 is compressed. After the locking studs 112 are inserted upto their required length the height of the floating frame 102 is lowered, thereby the height of the back cushion 122 and the base cushion 124 of the seat assembly 100 is reduced and the floating frame 102 is locked at that position by the locking studs 112. The length and other dimensions of locking studs 112, springs 108, damper 110 may vary based on the requirement. In order to ensure the proper locking of the floating frame 102, the locking pin (not shown) is used as a secondary means for locking the floating frame 102. As the floating frame 102 is lowered by the locking studs 112, the locking brackets 102e of the floating frame 102 gets aligned with the locking brackets 104e of the box structure 104. Thereafter the locking pin (not shown) is inserted through the hole/slot (not shown) in the locking brackets 102e and locking brackets 104e for locking the floating frame 102. This acts as a fail-safe mechanism and reduces the load on the locking studs 112.
[0033] FIG. 2a depicts a rear view of the seat assembly before reducing the height of the seat assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 2b depicts a side view of the seat assembly before reducing the height of the seat assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. For restoring (increasing) the height of the seat assembly 100 the locking pin (not shown) is removed from the locking brackets 102e and locking brackets 104e. Thereafter, the locking studs 112 are removed by rotating the locking studs 112 in an opposite direction, due to which the floating frame 102 rises while the springs 108 are compressed and the damper 110 is elongated. Now the floating frame 102 is restored to its original height, thereby the back cushion 122 and the base cushion 124 of the seat assembly 100 are restored to their original height.
[0034] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will 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.

CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A seat assembly comprising:
a plurality of sliding bush;
a floating frame comprising, a plurality of sliding bracket, each of said sliding brackets adapted to hold each of said sliding bushes;
a plurality of locking stud adapted to adjust the height of said floating frame; and
a box structure comprising, a plurality of longitudinal member, each of said longitudinal member defining a channel each adapted for receiving each of said sliding bushes and a plurality of guide bush each adapted for receiving and holding each of said locking stud,
wherein
each of said sliding bush are adapted to slide inside each of said channel to facilitate the movement of said floating frame; said guide bushes and said sliding brackets are adapted to receive said locking studs; and said locking studs are removably connected to said guide bushes and said sliding brackets for adjusting the height of said floating frame.
2. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a locking pin adapted to lock said floating frame.
3. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said floating frame further comprises at least one locking bracket adapted for receiving said locking pin.
4. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said box structure further comprises at least one locking bracket adapted for receiving said locking pin.
5. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of spring adapted to absorb shock.
6. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a damper adapted to dampen vibrations.
7. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a swing arm adapted to transmit load from said damper to said floating frame.
8. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said box structure further comprises a plurality of stopper element adapted for restricting the upward movement of said sliding bushes after a predetermined level, thereby limiting an upward movement of said floating frame after a predetermined level.
9. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said box structure further comprises a top plate adapted to hold said plurality of stopper element and said plurality of guide bush.
10. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said sliding brackets further comprises a guide bush adapted to receive each of said locking studs.
11. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said sliding brackets further comprises a pin adapted to hold each of said sliding bushes.

Dated this 24th November 2015

Signatures:
Name of the Signatory: Dr. Kalyan Chakravarthy

ABSTRACT
Height adjustable seat assembly for a vehicle includes a plurality of sliding bush, a floating frame, a plurality of locking stud, and a box structure. The floating frame includes sliding brackets to hold the sliding bushes and to receive the locking studs. The locking studs are used for adjusting the height of the floating frame. The box structure includes longitudinal members each defining a channel for receiving each of the sliding bushes and includes guide bushes for receiving and holding each of the locking studs. The sliding bushes slide inside the channels to facilitate the movement of the floating frame and guide bushes and sliding brackets are used receive the locking studs. The locking studs are removably connected to the guide bushes and sliding brackets for adjusting the height of the floating frame.
Fig. 1

,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A seat assembly comprising:
a plurality of sliding bush;
a floating frame comprising, a plurality of sliding bracket, each of said sliding brackets adapted to hold each of said sliding bushes;
a plurality of locking stud adapted to adjust the height of said floating frame; and
a box structure comprising, a plurality of longitudinal member, each of said longitudinal member defining a channel each adapted for receiving each of said sliding bushes and a plurality of guide bush each adapted for receiving and holding each of said locking stud,
wherein
each of said sliding bush are adapted to slide inside each of said channel to facilitate the movement of said floating frame; said guide bushes and said sliding brackets are adapted to receive said locking studs; and said locking studs are removably connected to said guide bushes and said sliding brackets for adjusting the height of said floating frame.
2. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a locking pin adapted to lock said floating frame.
3. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said floating frame further comprises at least one locking bracket adapted for receiving said locking pin.
4. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said box structure further comprises at least one locking bracket adapted for receiving said locking pin.
5. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of spring adapted to absorb shock.
6. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a damper adapted to dampen vibrations.
7. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a swing arm adapted to transmit load from said damper to said floating frame.
8. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said box structure further comprises a plurality of stopper element adapted for restricting the upward movement of said sliding bushes after a predetermined level, thereby limiting an upward movement of said floating frame after a predetermined level.
9. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said box structure further comprises a top plate adapted to hold said plurality of stopper element and said plurality of guide bush.
10. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said sliding brackets further comprises a guide bush adapted to receive each of said locking studs.
11. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said sliding brackets further comprises a pin adapted to hold each of said sliding bushes.