Low-profile latch interface for headrest storage compartment

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2018319504-A1
Application number	US-201715586533-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	May 4, 2017
Priority date	May 4, 2017
Publication date	Nov 8, 2018
Grant date	—

Abstract

A securement mechanism for a storage compartment in a seat headrest may comprise a housing tray and a first latch disposed in the housing tray. A release button may be disposed in the housing tray and may contact the first latch. The release button may be configured to be substantially coplanar with the housing tray when the securement mechanism is in a secured position.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A securement mechanism for a storage compartment in a seat headrest, comprising:
a housing tray; a first latch disposed in the housing tray; and a release button disposed in the housing tray and contacting the first latch, wherein a hook end of the first latch extends towards the release button, and wherein the release button is configured to be substantially coplanar with the housing tray when the securement mechanism is in a secured position.

2 . The securement mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising a second latch disposed in the housing tray.

3 . The securement mechanism of claim 2 , further comprising:
a first biasing member in operable communication with the first latch and biasing the first latch toward a first latch position that secures the securement mechanism; and a second biasing member in operable communication with the second latch and biasing the second latch toward a second latch position that secures the securement mechanism.

4 . The securement mechanism of claim 3 , further comprising a pivot shaft disposed in the housing tray, wherein the first latch and the second latch are mounted to the pivot shaft, and wherein the first biasing member is configured to apply a first torque to the first latch and cause the first latch to rotate about the pivot shaft in a first circumferential direction, and wherein the second biasing member is configured to apply a second torque to the second latch and cause the second latch to rotate about the pivot shaft in the first circumferential direction.

5 . The securement mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the housing tray comprises a guidepost.

6 . The securement mechanism of claim 5 , wherein the guidepost of the housing tray is disposed through an opening in the release button.

7 . The securement mechanism of claim 2 , further comprising:
a pivot shaft disposed in the housing tray, wherein the first latch and the second latch are configured to rotate about an axis of the pivot shaft; a first pivot shaft retainer configured to retain the pivot shaft relative to the housing tray; and a second pivot shaft retainer configured to retain the pivot shaft relative to the housing tray, wherein at least one of the first pivot shaft retainer and the second pivot shaft retainer is configured to provide a contact surface for the release button.

8 . The securement mechanism of claim 7 , wherein the first latch and the second latch are disposed between the first pivot shaft retainer and the second pivot shaft retainer.

9 . The securement mechanism of claim 2 , further comprising:
a pivot shaft disposed in the housing tray, wherein the first latch and the second latch are configured to rotate about an axis of the pivot shaft; and a pivot shaft retainer configured to retain the pivot shaft relative to the housing tray, wherein the pivot shaft retainer is disposed between the first latch and the second latch.

10 . A seat, comprising:
a housing; a headrest door rotationally coupled to the housing; a striker coupled to the headrest door; a housing tray coupled to the housing, wherein the housing tray defines a first opening configured to receive the striker; and a securement mechanism disposed in the housing tray, the securement mechanism comprising:
a first latch comprising a hook end located within the housing tray and configured to extend into a second opening defined by the striker; and
a release button contacting the first latch, wherein the release button is configured to be substantially coplanar with the housing tray when the securement mechanism is in a secured position.

11 . The seat of claim 10 , wherein the securement mechanism further comprises a second latch configured to extend into the opening in the striker.

12 . The seat of claim 10 , wherein the securement mechanism further comprises:
a pivot shaft, wherein the first latch is mounted to the pivot shaft; a pivot shaft retainer disposed over the pivot shaft and coupled to the housing tray; and a biasing member in operable communication with the first latch.

13 . The seat of claim 12 , wherein the biasing member is configured to apply a first torque to the first latch and cause the first latch to rotate about the pivot shaft in a first circumferential direction.

14 . The seat of claim 13 , wherein the release button is configured to apply a second torque to the first latch and cause the first latch to rotate about the pivot shaft in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction when the second torque is greater than the first torque.

15 . The seat of claim 12 , wherein the pivot shaft retainer is configured to provide a contact surface for the release button.

16 . The seat of claim 10 , further comprising a collapsible bulb seal disposed between the headrest door and the housing tray.

17 . A method of securing a storage compartment in a seat, comprising:
coupling a striker to a headrest door; coupling a housing tray to a housing of the seat, wherein the headrest door is rotationally coupled to the housing; and disposing a securement mechanism in the housing tray, the securement mechanism comprising:
a first latch located within the housing tray and configured to extend into an opening defined by the striker; and
a release button contacting the first latch, wherein the release button is configured to be substantially coplanar with the housing tray when the securement mechanism is in a secured position.

18 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising disposing a collapsible bulb seal between the housing tray and the headrest door.

19 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising:
disposing a pivot shaft in the housing tray; mounting the first latch to the pivot shaft; disposing a biasing member in the housing tray, wherein the biasing member contacts the first latch; and disposing a pivot shaft retainer over the pivot shaft.

20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the securement mechanism further comprises a second latch configured to operate independently of the first latch.

Assignees

• Ami Ind Inc

Inventors

• Porter Ryan
• Marutzky Kyler

Classifications

• B64D11/0646

  Seats characterised by special features of stationary arms, foot or head rests · CPC title

• B64D11/0636 Primary

  Personal storage means or waste disposal bags · CPC title

• B64D11/0638

  with foldable tables, trays or cup holders · CPC title

• B60R7/043

  mounted on or under a seat · CPC title

• B64D11/0691

  specially adapted for cabin crew · CPC title