Seat Connection Mechanism Using Metallic And Polymer Components
AssigneeSeries International, LLC
InventorAlvaro Mauricio Olarte
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A seat connection mechanism and a seat employing that mechanism where the mechanism is constructed from a combination of metal, for example extruded or cast, plastic bushings and plastic covers to create a fully enclosed tilt mechanism for seats which is reliable, easy to maintain and allows for easy removal of seats for repair thereof so long as the person removing the seat knows the removal process. Thus vandalism is inhibited and a relatively economical bracket and seat is provided with substantial durability and reliability.
Claims21
A seat connection mechanism comprising:
- a bracket portion which is metallic including an open upper portion, a pivot support and two stops;
- a pin portion which includes a support portion and a stop portion;
- a polymeric bushing which inserts into the bracket portion at the pivot support in a fixed rotational position relative to the bracket portion such that the busing is located between the pivot support and the support portion of the pin portion;
- a cover portion which is configured to cover the open upper portion to enclose the open upper portion of the bracket portion;
- wherein the pin portion is configured to rotate in contact with the polymeric bushing such that the stop portion of the pin portion moves between the two stops of the bracket portion.
A seat rotation mechanism comprising:
- a bracket portion comprising a pivot support region and at least one stop region;
- a bushing made of a polymeric material;
- a cover and configured to at least partially cover the bracket;
- a seat comprising a pin, the pin configured to rotate in contact with the bushing;
- wherein the bushing is configured to fit in the pivot support region such that the bushing is supported by the bracket and the bushing is configured to interact with the cover such that the cover inhibits removal of the bushing from the pivot support region and the bushing interacts with the cover to inhibit removal of the cover from the bracket.
A seat comprising:
- a support comprising a leg;
- a backrest;
- a seat;
- a seat connection mechanism which is configured to connect the seat to the backrest, the seat connection mechanism further configured to connect to the support, the seat connection mechanism including:
- a bracket portion which is a metallic extrusion including an open upper portion, a pivot support and two stops;
- a pin portion which includes a support portion and a stop portion;
- a polymeric bushing which inserts into the bracket portion at the pivot support in a fixed rotational position relative to the bracket portions such that the busing is located between the pivot support and the support portion of the pin portion;
- a cover portion comprising one or more pieces which cover the open upper portion to enclose the open upper portion of the bracket portion and cover a side of the bracket which faces the seat;
- wherein the pin portion is configured to rotate within a cavity of the bracket in contact with the polymeric bushing such that the stop portion of the pin portion moves between the two stops of the bracket portion;
- and
- wherein the cavity is enclosed by a section of the support which covers the cavity from a side of the bracket opposite the seat.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.