Tractor seat suspension mechanism with automatic seat stop

• US 4,822,094 A
• Filed: 01/12/1988
• Issued: 04/18/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 01/12/1988
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Case Corporation (CNH Industrial N.V.)
• Original Assignee: J. I. Case Company
• Inventors: Oldfather, Raymond L., Oliver, Robert J.
• Primary Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Assistant Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Application Number:
  US07/142,935
• Time in Patent Office: 462 Days
• Field of Search: 296/65 R, 248/421, 248/423, 248/631, 248/563, 248/561, 248/573, 248/574, 297/334, 297/345, 297/347, 297/339
• US Class Current: 296/65.02
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/501 actively controlled suspension, e.g. electronic control
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/502 attached to the base of the seat B60N2/504 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/508 Scissors-like structure
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/522 characterised by dampening means
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/544 Compression or tension springs B60N2/542 takes precedence

Abstract

A seat suspension mechanism providing a vertical range of cushion travel to a tractor seat when fluid is supplied to the mechanism. The suspension mechanism includes a linkage assembly movable through a predetermined path of travel for securing the seat to the frame and a damper assembly operable in combination with the linkage assembly for regulating the cushion travel of the seat. The present invention further includes an automatic seat stop mechanism connectable to the suspension mechanism for limiting the movement of the linkage assembly and the seat upon cessation or interruption of fluid flow to the seat suspension mechanism.

Claims

1. A seat assembly for an agricultural tractor comprising:

a fluid activated seat suspension mechanism movable along a predetermined path for providing a vertical range of cushioned travel to a seat when said suspension mechanism is pressurized; and

a seat stop having a stopping surface which is movable into the predetermined path of said suspension mechanism for automatically preventing the seat from traveling beneath a predetermined height level in the event the pressure of said suspension mechanism falls below a predetermined level.

2. The seat assembly of claim 1 wherein said seat suspension mechanism includes linkage movable along a predetermined path for connecting said seat to said tractor.

3. The seat assembly of claim 2 wherein said linkage includes at least one pair of links movable along a predetermined path and connectable in a scissor-like manner intermediate their ends.

4. A seat assembly for an agricultural tractor comprising:

a seat suspension mechanism providing a vertical range of cushioned travel to a seat when fluid is supplied to the mechanism, said seat suspension mechanism includes linkage movable along a predetermined path for connecting said seat to said tractor; and

a seat stop for automatically preventing the seat from traveling beneath a predetermined height level upon interruption of supply fluid to said mechanism, said seat stop includes means movable into the predetermined path of said linkage for limiting movement of said linkage beyond a predetermined limit.

5. The seat assembly of claim 4 wherein said limiting means includes a driver which is connected to said seat suspension mechanism and is fluidically responsive to the fluid flow to the seat suspension mechanism.

6. A seat assembly for an implement comprising:

seat supporting mechanism for connecting an operator'"'"'s seat to the implement while permitting reciprocal movement thereof along a substantially vertical path, said supporting mechanism includes pivotable linkage means comprising at least one pair of links which are interconnected in a scissor-like manner intermediate their ends and movable through a predetermined path for connecting said operator'"'"'s seat to the implement;

operative means associated with said seat supporting mechanism for providing a range of cushioned travel for said operator'"'"'s in response to a flow of fluid to said operative means; and

seat stop means connectable to said operative means for limiting the range of movement of said operator'"'"'s seat upon an interruption in the fluid flow to said operative means, said seat stop means includes means movable into the predetermined path of said linkage means for preventing travel of said seat below a predetermined limit.

7. The seat assembly of claim 6 wherein said seat travel prevention means includes a driver whose operation is dependent upon fluid flow to said operative means.