Patent Publication Number: US-2022227263-A1

Title: Seat latching mechanism

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/138,925 entitled “Seat Latching Mechanism” and filed on Jan. 19, 2021, which is herein incorporated in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the field of latching mechanisms. More specifically, the embodiments relate to a non-binding mechanism for latching and unlatching a moveable component with respect to a stationary component. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Seat latching mechanisms exist that maintain the position of a seat along guiderails. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,249 to Girardi et al. discloses a seat comprising a subassembly that engages a guiderail, allowing the seat to slide along and lock into the guiderails. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021/0016685 to Bilgincan et al. discloses a mounting system for a seat comprising a rail and mounting device, allowing the seat to move along the rail and lock into place using a locking mechanism. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a latching mechanism configured to secure a first component and a second component, the first component configured for sliding longitudinally with respect to the second component, the latching mechanism including: a locking plate operatively engaging a first latch plate and a second latch plate, wherein the locking plate, the first latch plate, and the second latch plate are each mechanically coupled to the first component; a plurality of slots disposed on the second component, the plurality of slots configured to receive a first end of the first latch plate and a second end of the second latch plate, wherein reception of the first end and the second end into one of the slots secures the first component to the second component; and a first axle operatively coupled to the locking plate, allowing for rotation of the locking plate therearound, wherein rotation of the locking plate in a first direction removes the first end and the second end from one of the slots, therein releasing the first component from the second component. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a latching system configured to transition a first component and a second component between a secured orientation and a released orientation, the latching system including: a connecting member mechanically coupled to a locking plate; a first axle operatively connected to the locking plate, wherein actuation of the connecting member in a first direction causes rotation of the locking plate around the first axle in a second direction; a first latch plate and a second latch plate operatively engaged by the locking plate, wherein rotation of the locking plate displaces a first end of the first latch plate and a second end of the second latch plate; a plurality of slots configured to receive the first end and the second end, wherein reception of the first end and the second end into one of the plurality of slots places the latching system in the secured orientation. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a seat latching system configured to adjust a position of a moveable seat frame in relation to a stationary seat frame, the seat latching system including: a lever operatively connected to a connecting member; a locking plate operatively connected to the connecting member and a first axle; a first cylindrical member disposed on a first latch plate, the first cylindrical member operatively engaged by the locking plate; a second cylindrical member operatively connecting the first latch plate to a second latch plate; and a plurality of slots disposed on the stationary seat frame, the plurality of slots configured to receive a first end of the first latch plate and a second end of the second latch plate, wherein actuation of the lever causes the connecting member to move in a first direction, causing rotation of the locking plate around the first axle in a second direction, wherein rotation of the locking plate in the second direction releases the first end and the second end from one of the slots, thereby allowing the position of the moveable seat frame to be adjusted. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of a seat with a seat base having a seat latching mechanism installed thereon, in an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is side view of the seat base having the seat latching mechanism of  FIG. 1  installed thereon; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the seat latching mechanism of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the seat latching mechanism of  FIG. 1  positioned in a locked orientation; 
         FIG. 5  is a back view of the seat latching mechanism of  FIG. 4  positioned in the locked orientation; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the seat latching mechanism of  FIG. 1  positioned in transition between the locked orientation of  FIG. 4  and the released orientation of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a back view of the seat latching mechanism of  FIG. 6  positioned in transition between the locked orientation of  FIG. 5  and the released orientation of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the seat latching mechanism of  FIG. 1  positioned in the released orientation; and 
         FIG. 9  is a back view of the seat latching mechanism of  FIG. 8  positioned in the released orientation. 
     
    
    
     The drawing figures do not limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     In this description, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein. 
     Traditional lock pins often bind when inserting into, or withdrawing from, a hole or notch in a component. An edge of the lock pin presses against an inner surface or edge of the hole or slot, which creates friction with the lock pin. When the component is loaded, the increased friction can make insertion or withdrawal of the lock pin difficult. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a locking mechanism with latch plates that move away from the inner surface or edge of the hole or slot, which removes any friction in the mechanism as the latch plates are withdrawn from the hole or slot, thereby preventing binding up of the locking mechanism. 
       FIG. 1  is perspective view of a seat base  100  configured with an exemplary seat latching mechanism  200  installed thereon. Seat base  100  includes a stationary seat frame  110  and a moveable seat frame  120  that is configured for moving with respect to stationary seat frame  110 . For example, stationary seat frame  110  has a plurality of legs configured for mounting to a floor of a vehicle (e.g., motor vehicle, electric vehicle, aircraft, etc.), such that stationary seat frame  110  is mechanically coupled to the floor for remaining stationary with respect to the vehicle. Moveable seat frame  120  is for example a bucket frame of a bucket assembly configured to support a seat bottom of a seat. Moveable seat frame  120  is configured to slide back and forth in a longitudinal direction (e.g., forward and aft with respect to the vehicle). Seat latching mechanism  200 , which is further described below in connection with  FIGS. 3-9 , is configured to latch and unlatch for securing and releasing moveable seat frame  120 , respectively. 
     An exemplary user release system is configured for enabling a user to actuate seat latching mechanism  200  for securing and releasing moveable seat frame  120 . The user release system provides a manually actuated mechanism that includes a lever  130 , an axle  140 , a connecting member  150 , and a linkage  160 . A user may pull on lever  130  to release seat latching mechanism  200  via axle  140 , connecting member  150 , and linkage  160 , as further described below in connection with  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 2  is side view of seat base  100  having seat latching mechanism  200  installed thereon. Axle  140  is configured for rotating about its axis. Linkage  160  has a first end that is mechanically coupled with axle  140 , such that rotation of axle  140  causes pivoting of linkage  160 . A second end of linkage  160 , opposite the first end, is pivotably coupled with connecting member  150 , such that pivoting of linkage  160  causes lengthwise movement of connecting member  150 . 
     In operation, lever  130  (see  FIG. 1 ), which is mechanically coupled to axle  140 , is pulled by a user outwardly in front of seat base  100 . Pulling of lever  130  causes axle  140  to rotate (e.g., in a clockwise direction as viewed in  FIG. 2 ), which pivots linkage  160  to rotate in the same direction. As linkage  160  is rotated, it pulls connecting member  150 , which actuates seat latching mechanism  200  causing release of seat latching mechanism  200  for enabling movement of moveable seat frame  120  with respect to stationary seat frame  110 . Operation of seat latching mechanism  200  is described below in connection with  FIGS. 3-9 . 
     Alternatively, a motorized user release system may be employed (not shown). For example, a motor may be configured to push/pull connecting member  150 , and the user may activate the motor via e.g., a switch electrically coupled with the motor, or a user interface communicatively coupled for controlling the motor. 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of seat latching mechanism  200  installed on seat base  100 . For the purposes of this disclosure, the views of seat latching mechanism  200  as depicted in  FIGS. 3, 4, 6, and 8  in which locking plate  260  and connecting member  150  are viewable is defined as a “front view”. It is noted that the front view is a top-down view of the seat latching mechanism  200  of  FIGS. 1-2 . Conversely, the opposing views of seat latching mechanism  200  as depicted in  FIGS. 2, 5, 7 and 9  are defined as a “back view”. It is noted that the back view is a down-up view of the seat latching mechanism  200  of  FIGS. 1-2 . However, it is contemplated that seat latching mechanism  200  may be in any orientation (e.g., vertical, sideways, diagonal, etc.) that allows for adjustment of moveable seat frame  120 . In  FIGS. 3-9 , portions drawn with light lines indicate components that are normally hidden from view by other components. 
     A mounting bracket  225  is used to mechanically couple components of seat latching mechanism  200  with moveable seat frame  120 . A locking plate  260  is coupled to a first spring  251  via an eyelet  262  for biasing locking plate  260  in a securing position. Locking plate  260  is pivotable about a first axle  271  and is configured for actuating movement of a second latch plate  282  and a first latch plate  281 , as further described below in connection with  FIGS. 4-9 . Second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281  are configured for insertion into a slot  112  located in an upper surface of stationary seat frame  110 . Stationary seat frame  110  may include more than one slot  112  for enabling moveable seat frame  120  to be secured to stationary seat from 110 in more than one corresponding position. For example, moveable seat frame  120  may be secured in a first position configured for a user to sit upright, a second position for the user to sit in a reclined posture, and a third position for the user to lie down. 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of seat latching mechanism  200  positioned in a locked orientation. Specifically, second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281  are fully deployed in a downward position such that ends of second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281  extend beneath a lower edge of mounting bracket  225  for insertion into a slot for locking thereto (e.g., slot  112  shown in  FIG. 3 ). A second end  282   a  of second latch plate  282  is configured for pressing against a first inner wall of slot  112 , and a first end  281   a  of first latch plate  281  is configured for pressing against a second inner wall of slot  112 , opposite the first inner wall. 
     In  FIG. 4 , the arrows  410 ,  420 ,  430 , and  440  indicate directions of movement for various components as seat latching mechanism  200  is actuated for release. As further described below, components move in the directions indicated in  FIG. 4  to transition seat latching mechanism  200  from the locked orientation shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , through the in-between position shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , to the released orientation shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     Connecting member  150  is pivotally coupled with locking plate  260  via a fourth axle  272 . As connecting member  150  is pulled in a first direction  410 , locking plate  260  is pulled via fourth axle  272  causing locking plate  260  to rotate about first axle  271  in a second direction  420  indicated in  FIG. 4 . 
     First cylindrical member  291  is mechanically coupled to first latch plate  281  such that first latch plate  281  rotates about a second axle  273  in a third direction  430 . A second cylindrical member  292  is mechanically coupled with first latch plate  281  such that second cylindrical member  292  moves in a fourth direction  440  as first latch plate  281  rotates in the third direction  430 . This will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     Second latch plate  282  has a hole configured to accept second cylindrical member  292 . This enables second cylindrical member  292  to push second latch plate  282 , thereby coordinating movement between first latch plate  281  and second latch plate  282 . For example, when first latch plate  281  rotates in third direction  430 , second cylindrical member  292  moves in the fourth direction  440  causing rotation of second latch plate  282  in the second direction  420  about a third axle  274 . 
     A second spring  252  is configured to push downwardly on second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281 . Second spring  252  is housed within an internal bore of mounting bracket  225  and is partially viewable in  FIG. 6 . In the back views of  FIGS. 5, 7, and 9 , mounting bracket  225  is rendered partially transparent to enable viewing of second spring  252  within the internal bore of mounting bracket  225 . In the view of  FIG. 4 , second spring  252  is invisibly located behind locking plate  260  (see  FIGS. 6 and 8 ) and is instead graphically illustrated to indicate its presence for clarity. Second spring  252  is configured to bias second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281  downwardly, thereby assisting first spring  251  with the transition to the locked orientation. 
     For the front view depicted in  FIG. 4 , first direction  410  is a substantially horizontal direction towards the right, second direction  420  is a counterclockwise rotation, third direction  430  is a clockwise rotation, and fourth direction  440  is a substantially upwards vertical direction. In the other front views of  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the directions of movement are the same. In the back views of  FIGS. 5, 7, and 9 , the horizontal and rotational directions are opposite that of  FIG. 4 . It is noted that seat base  100  may comprise a seat latching mechanism on both sides of the frame. Therefore, as is evident to one skilled in the art, the clockwise and counterclockwise directions may be alternative depending on the viewing angle and/or the side of seat base  100  that seat latching mechanism  200  is located on. 
       FIG. 5  is a back view of the seat latching mechanism of  FIG. 4  positioned in the locked orientation. From the back view of  FIG. 5 , second spring  252  and a channel  230  are viewable. Channel  230  is formed in mounting bracket  225  and is configured to constrain second cylindrical member  292  as it moves upwardly from the bottom of channel  230  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , to near the middle of channel  230  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , to the top of channel  230  as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of seat latching mechanism  200  positioned in transition between the locked orientation of  FIG. 4  and the released orientation of  FIG. 8 . Specifically, second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281  are partially rotated such that the ends of second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281  are partially withdrawn inwardly and upwardly. The second end  282   a  of second latch plate  282  and the first end  281   a  of first latch plate  281  have moved inwardly to avoid contacting inner walls of slot  112 . 
       FIG. 7  is a back view of the seat latching mechanism of  FIG. 6  positioned in transition between the locked orientation of  FIG. 5  and the released orientation of  FIG. 9 . Second cylindrical member  292  is positioned between the bottom and top of channel  230 . Note that second cylindrical member  292  is slightly off-center (e.g., horizontally to the right of center) in  FIG. 7  because second cylindrical member  292  moves upwardly along an arc as first latch plate  281  rotates upwardly. 
       FIG. 8  is a front view of seat latching mechanism  200  oriented in the released orientation. Specifically, second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281  are fully withdrawn upwardly such that ends of second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281  are lifted above the lower edge of mounting bracket  225 . In the released orientation depicted in  FIG. 8 , the ends of second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281  are raised for clearing any slot beneath mounting bracket  225  (e.g., slot  112  of stationary seat frame  110 ). 
       FIG. 9  is a back view of the seat latching mechanism of  FIG. 8  positioned in the released orientation. As viewable in  FIG. 9 , second cylindrical member  292  is positioned near the top of channel  230 .  FIGS. 4-9  are best viewed together with the following description. 
     In operation, as seat latching mechanism  200  is actuated for release via connecting member  150 , its components move in the directions  410 ,  420 ,  430 , and  440  indicated in  FIG. 4  such that the ends of second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281  rise inwardly and upwardly, transitioning through the in-between orientation depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7  to the released orientation depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     When seat latching mechanism  200  is no longer actuated for release, first spring  251  pulls locking plate  260  via eyelet  262  (see  FIG. 3 ) while locking plate  260  pushes downwardly on second cylindrical member  292 . This counterrotates locking plate  260  in a direction opposite that of second direction  420  and pulls connecting member  150  in a direction opposite that of first direction  410 . As locking plate  260  counterrotates, second spring  252  pushes second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281  downwardly (in the opposite of fourth direction  440 ), which counterrotates second latch plate  282  in a direction opposite that of second direction  420  and counterrotates first latch plate  281  in a direction opposite that of third direction  430 . In other words, when first spring  251  and second spring  252  return seat latching mechanism  200  from the released orientation to the locked orientation of  FIG. 4 , all the components of seat latching mechanism  200  move opposite the directions indicated in  FIG. 4 . 
     First cylindrical member  291  and second cylindrical member  292  are for example bolts that are threaded into first latch plate  281 . Optionally, one or more of the first cylindrical member  291  and second cylindrical member  292  comprise a soft coating (e.g., rubber) to soften the noise of the locking plate  260  as it transitions between the locked and released orientations. First axle  271 , fourth axle  272 , second axle  273 , and third axle  274  are for example bolts or pins configured for enabling rotation about the axle by one or more components. The bolts/pins may have an end cap on one end, and the latch/locking plates may contact the bolts/pins inside the end cap. Optionally, one or more of the axles each include a plain bearing around an outer diameter of the axle to reduce friction during rotation of the one or more components. 
     When installed on seat base  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , seat latching mechanism  200  is mounted to moveable seat frame  120  while the ends of second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281  are configured for insertion into slot  112 , which is in stationary seat frame  110 , such that in the locked orientation, seat latching mechanism  200  prevents movement of moveable seat frame  120  with respect to stationary seat frame  110 . 
     In the locked orientation, the ends  281   a ,  282   a  of first and second latch plates  281 ,  282 , respectively, press against inner walls of slot  112  in opposing directions thereby preventing movement of seat latching mechanism  200  in the opposing directions. 
     To release seat latching mechanism  200 , second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281  rotate such that second end  282   a  and first end  281   a  move inwardly away from the opposing inner walls of slot  112  thereby removing potential friction and enabling second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281  to freely and smoothly rotate upwardly out of slot  112  without binding. As described above, stationary seat frame  110  may include more than one of slot  112  such that moveable seat frame  120  may be secured in more than one corresponding location. 
     In situations where moveable seat frame  120  is loaded (e.g., a user is weighting moveable seat frame  120 ), either one of second end  282   a  or first end  281   a  may be pressed against an inner wall of slot  112  creating friction that could cause binding or otherwise make withdrawal of the corresponding latch plate somewhat difficult. By moving second end  282   a  and first end  281   a  inwardly and away from the opposing inner walls of slot  112 , friction is alleviated, and binding is avoided, which enables second latch plate  282  and first latch plate  281  to be smoothly and easily retracted from slot  112 . 
     As indicated in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 8 , locking plate  260  includes a notch  265 , which is shaped to accept a portion of the outer diameter of second cylindrical member  292 . When connecting member  150  is no longer actuated (e.g., via the user release system and lever  130 ), first spring  251  counterrotates locking plate  260  until second cylindrical member  292  is received by notch  265 , which prevents further movement of locking plate  260  beyond the locked orientation. Notch  265  provides a hard stop that ensures locking plate  260  remains in the locked orientation (as shown in  FIG. 4 ), resisting first and second springs  251 ,  252 , until the user release system is once again used to actuate seat latching mechanism  200  via connecting member  150 . When locking plate  260  is first actuated, it rotates about first axle  271  in first direction  410  (see  FIG. 4 ) until the notch  265  portion of locking plate  260  moves beside second cylindrical member  292  as depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
     Locking plate  260  has a first edge  260   a  and a second edge  260   b . Second edge  260   b  of locking plate  260  is shaped to allow second cylindrical member  292  to move upwardly when the notch  265  portion of locking plate  260  rotates clear of second cylindrical member  292  (e.g., as depicted in  FIG. 6 ). 
     First edge  260   a  is shaped such that as locking plate  260  rotates in second direction  420 , it pushes a first cylindrical member  291  in the first direction  410 . An upper portion of first edge  260   a  is slightly curved, followed by a middle portion that bows outwardly, and followed by a lower portion that is substantially straight. A small gap exists between first edge  260   a  and main body (e.g., behind the end cap) of second cylindrical member  292  such that as rotation of locking plate  260  in second direction  420  initiates, first cylindrical member  291  does not move. Then, as locking plate  260  rotates, the outwardly bowed portion of first edge  260   a  contacts first cylindrical member  291  and displaces it in first direction  410  to the in-between position depicted in  FIG. 6 . With further rotation of locking plate  260 , contact of first cylindrical member  291  transitions to the lower (and straighter) portion of first edge  260   a , and displacement of first cylindrical member  291  decreases as the released orientation is approached (see  FIG. 8 ). 
     Optionally, one or both of the first edge  260   a  and second edge  260   b  comprise a soft material (e.g., rubber), such that movement of the edges  260   a ,  206   b  along a portion of the first cylindrical member  291  and second cylindrical member  292 , respectively, is smooth. 
     Embodiments disclosed herein provide a seat latching mechanism for use in aircraft seats, automobile seats, or recreational vehicles; however, seat latching mechanism  200  could be used to conveniently secure and release any two components intended for motion therebetween. 
     Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of what is claimed herein. Embodiments have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from what is disclosed. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from what is claimed. 
     It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.