# US 5,700,056 A · Securable locking device for a movable element of an automobile vehicle seat

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- Number: US 5,700,056 A
- Document ID: US5700056A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/762,243
- Filed: 1996-12-09
- Granted: 1997-12-23
- Earliest claimed: 1995-12-19
- Assignees: Bertrand Faure Equipements SA
- Inventors: Vincent Bernard
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5700056A

## CPC

- B60N 2/366: {characterised by the locking device}
- Y10S 292/27: Disconnectable handle
- Y10S 292/37: Push button operators
- Y10T 70/5805: Freely movable when locked
- Y10T 70/5996: For seats
- B60N: SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- Y10S: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A movable lock is provided with a spring return to normally maintain the lock in a lock position. A button acts on the lock by means of a push rod. A translation guide is provided for the rod. A locking securing means is connected to the guide means for completing transverse movement between a position where locking is possible wherein the end of the rod is located closely adjacent to the element of the lock; and a secured position wherein the rod end is spaced apart from the element.

## Claims

### Claim 1

Device for locking a movable element of an automobile vehicle seat onto another separate element, said movable elements comprising: a movable lock elastically returned into a locked position, and, an unlocking button equipped with a push rod extending in a movement direction; one end of the push rod, located away from the button, being shaped to act on a movable element of the lock for moving said lock to an unlocking position when the button is pressed; the device further including translation guide means for said rod; and locking securing means connected to said guide means to move the guide means transversely to said movement direction, between a) a first position where said end of the rod is located closely adjacent to said element of the lock, and in which unlocking is possible: and b) a secured position where said end of the rod is spaced apart from said element.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the guide means include a pin inserted in a longitudinal slot of the rod.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

Device in accordance with claim 2, wherein the securing means includes a pivoting lever operably attached to the guide means.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the securing means includes a pivoting lever operably attached to the guide means.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the rod is pivotally attached to the button.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the device includes button stops means contacting the button and defining a rest position for said button, and a return spring to return the button to the rest position.

### Claim 7 (depends on 5)

Device in accordance with claim 5, wherein when the button is in the rest position and the rod is in a position where unlocking is possible, play exists between the end of the rod and the movable element of the lock.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the securing means include a knob with two stable positions.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the securing means include an electric actuator to move the guide means.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the securing means include a keyed lock.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, together with a vehicle folding backrest for housing the movable elements.