Patent ID: 6039401
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: B60N

Abstract:
An apparatus for a vehicle comprising:a collapsible and removable utility seat assembly having a front portion;a vehicle floor pan with a latch rod thereon;a bracket attached to the front portion of the utility seat assembly and having a wheel attached thereto, said bracket having a slot therein for receiving the latch rod; anda locking mechanism connected to the bracket, said locking mechanism including a lock member rotatably mounted to the bracket and said locking mechanism having a forwardly protruding leg extending sufficiently forward for automatic engagement with the floor pan in front of the latch rod as the seat assembly is pivotally collapsed forwardly in the vehicle, such that said engagement of the leg with the floor pan causes relative rotation of the lock member with respect to the bracket to move the lock member to a position securing the latch rod within the slot and preventing vertical movement of the seat assembly away from the floor pan, thereby facilitating automatic self-locking of the locking mechanism onto the latch rod as the utility seat assembly is pivotally collapsed.