Folding seat with improved structural linkage

Abstract

The folding seat assembly includes a bottom member with a first free end and a second free end, a first back member having a first free end and a second free end where the first free end of the first back member is pivotally connected about a first pivot axis to the second free end of the bottom member. The assembly also includes a second back member with a first free end and a second free end where the first free end of the second back member is pivotally connected about a second pivot axis to the second free end of the bottom member. A first free end of a cross member is pivotally connected to the second free end of the second back member and the second free end of the cross member is pivotally connected to the second free end of the first back member. As a result, the bottom member is pivotable, relative to the first back member and the second back member, between an open condition and a closed condition.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from prior U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/587,277 filed on Jul. 12, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to automobile seats, and more specifically to a child or infant seat for automobiles and other moving vehicles. More specifically, the present invention relates to child car seats that are foldable, lightweight and, therefore, easily portable.

It is well known in the transportation industry that vehicle seats, such as automobile seats, installed in a vehicle does not provide adequate safety for children, particularly very young infants. These vehicle seats are typically designed to contain adults due to their size and configuration. For example, the overall size of the seat and the location of the safety belts therein are designed for bodies of an adult size. When a child sits in such an adult vehicle seat, the child is not adequately contained and the safety belts are poorly positioned on the child's body. Thus, the child can easily slip under a belt during an accident thereby risking injury. In summary, a child riding in an adult vehicle seat is extremely unsafe.

Numerous devices have been proposed for enhancing the safety for children while driving in automobiles. While seat belts have provided some measure of safety for older children, separate smaller seats have generally been used for young children and infants since these tend to restrain the child from movement in almost every direction. Also, the harness seat belts of these child car seats can be positioned in the proper location about the child.

In most instances, these child car seats have been separate seats which can be installed on an adult automobile seat and secured in some fashion thereto by means of, for example, the adult seat belts. In newer automobiles, mounting structures are provided to connect the seat directly to the chassis of the vehicle. These child car seats have been found to be very effective in protecting the child when in a vehicle that has only adult-sized seats installed therein.

Child car seats in the prior art are known to be provided in two primary configurations. Most common are non-folding child car seats where the body of the seat is of a unitary construction. The seat is typically made of plastic with a cushioning thereon. The overall shape of the seat is fixed into a general L-shaped configuration. Frequently, certain styles of these fixed, non-folding child car seats can also receive a handle for easier portability. Appropriate structures are provided on the seat to secure it to the adult vehicle seat onto which it is installed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,086, issued to Gunji, is an example of such a construction.

Due to the unitary construction, the non-folding fixed child car seats of the prior art are very safe in that they are rigid structures that are not apt to collapse during an accident. This is a serious concern in aftermarket add-on seats within a vehicle. Also, the very unitary non-folding construction is also highly undesirable because it is very bulky during travel without the child or for storage, for example in the trunk of a vehicle when not in use. Therefore, in these non-folding child seats of the prior art, there is a trade off between the safety of the rigid non-folding design with portability and compactness to facilitate transport of the seat.

To address the shortcomings of the prior unitary fixed child vehicle seats, there have been attempts in the prior art to provide a folding child car seat. These prior art seats typically include a seat back and a seat bottom that are pivotally connected to each in some way. When in use, the seat back and the seat bottom are located in an open position relative to one another to form the desired seat configuration. When not in use, the seat bottom and seat back are pivoted relative to one another so that the seat can collapse whereby the seat bottom and the seat back are proximal to one another. U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,543, issued to Hartmann, is a good example of this known construction.

The folding child vehicle seats of the prior art are more compact and portable than the non-folding seat discussed above because they fold. However, the presence of a pivot break point introduces a structural weakness in the construction of the seat. More specifically, the pivot point that hingedly connects the seat back to the seat bottom creates a stress point that is of particular concern from a safety perspective. Thus, the prior art folding seats must provide the appropriate locking mechanism to secure the hinged connection in its open condition during use. It is critical that satisfactory locking is provided to ensure that the seat does not fold up and collapse during an accident.

Prior art folding vehicle seats address this problem in a number of different ways. For example, locking mechanisms have been provided in the prior art directly about the pivot point between the seat back and the seat bottom. In this case, retractable pins or tabs have been used to engage with slots on the pivot structure to releasbly lock the seat in a desired open or closed condition. These pivot locks are susceptible to failure because most of the load during an accident is focused on the pivot point of the seat. Also, cross-struts have been used to secure the seat in an open condition, however, these struts are cumbersome and uncomfortable for the child when in operation. Further folding car seat designs have required cantilevered structures that require additional supports to enabled the cantilevered configuration to be successfully carried out.

Also, while prior art foldable child car seats do collapse to a smaller overall shape than non-folding seats to facilitate transport, they are still quite bulky even when in a closed condition. This is due to the nature and configuration of how they collapse, such as the location and nature of the pivot hinge. Also, the amount of folding is limited because the thickness of the seat bottom impacts into the thickness of the seat back. Thus, the overall thickness of the folded seat is the thickness of the seat back plus the thickness of the seat bottom. Some child seats have very thin seat backs and seat bottoms to provide a compact overall folded configuration, however, the reduced thickness and padding has a negative impact on the safety of the seat when in use.

The child car seats of the prior art suffer from various disadvantages that make them unsafe or cumbersome to use. Therefore, there is a need for a child car seat to be safe and comfortable to use. There is a further need for a child car seat to be compact and transportable while being safe. There is a particular need for compact folding child vehicle seat that safely stays open even during the impact of an accident. There is a further need for a seat with an improved structural linkage to make the frame structure of a seat more compact in configuration yet still being structurally sound. There is also a need to make the structural linkage of a folding seat easier to operate and assemble than prior art assemblies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention preserves the advantages of prior art folding seats, such as folding child car seats. In addition, it provides new advantages not found in currently available seats and overcomes many disadvantages of such currently available seats.

The invention is generally directed to a novel and unique folding child car seat that includes a bottom member with a first free end and a second free end, a first back member having a first free end and a second free end where the first free end of the first back member is pivotally connected about a first pivot axis to the second free end of the bottom member. The assembly also includes a second back member with a first free end and a second free end where the first free end of the second back member is pivotally connected about a second pivot axis to the second free end of the bottom member. A first free end of a cross member is pivotally connected to the second free end of the second back member and the second free end of the cross member is pivotally connected to the second free end of the first back member. As a result, the bottom member is pivotable, relative to the first back member and the second back member, between an open condition and a closed condition.

The structural frame linkage of the present invention can be carried out in many different configurations. Preferably, four linkages, as described above, are used, however, more than four can be used depending on the application. Also, as will be described below, linkages are preferably displaceably coupled by a pivot point connection. However, the linkages may be displaceably coupled by sliding action where a pin on one linkage slides within a slot in an adjacent linkage. Also, the linkages may be displaceably connected where adjacent linkages can actually disconnect from one another to permit desired movement of the linkages relative to one another.

These members are preferably made of steel, but could be made of other metal and non-metal materials as well that are suitable for load-bearing members.

The members of the assembly are preferably vertically oriented plates which can support large loads utilizing less material when positioned in this fashion which is unique to the present invention. Since the load of the seat is borne in the direction of the vertically oriented plate, it is much stronger because it is this greater thickness of the plate that is resisting flexing due to the presence of the load. Thus, the load bearing ability of the frame is greatly improved with less material weight when the plates therein are oriented on their ends in a vertical fashion.

The seat bottom member is pivotally connected to a first seat back member and a second seat back member. As the bottom seat member pivots relative to the first seat back member and the second seat back member, the first seat back member and the second seat back member much move relative to each other in view of their interconnection with a cross member or structure for allowing displaceably coupling thereof. Thus, when the first back member and the second back member are secured relative to one another, the bottom seat member will not be permitted to further pivot. For example, a pin may be routed through the first seat back member and the second seat back member for this purpose. Also to permit more complete folding, The side armrests of the seat bottom compactly nest within apertures or recesses in the seat back when the seat is in its folding condition, or the side armrests my compress downward during folding.

During folding, the members are allowed to pass through optional slots in the front surface(s) of the seat. This feature means that the members can be designed in a more linear shape for greater strength with less material and in the folded condition of the seat. Also, there can be a closer proximity of the seat back members and seat bottom members to each other, if desired. Further, the overall seat is lighter in weight yet still strongly supported while maintaining a thin folded profile.

The present invention addresses the problems associated with the prior art by providing a compact folding seat that has a unique folding construction coupled with a structure to receive the side arm rests of a seat bottom. A unique multiple linkage configuration permit the structural frame to be very low profile with a less complicated assembly than prior art structures.

As a result, the compact folding seat of the present invention is much more secure than prior art folding seats and is less likely to collapse during an accident while being extremely compact and light in weight. In view of the foregoing, the folding seat of the present invention is more safe and more compact than prior art folding seats.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a folding child car seat.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a folding child car seat that is safe, secure and will not collapse during an accident.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved frame assembly for a folding seat that includes a multiple member linkage.

It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a folding child car seat that is extremely compact.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a folding child car seat that is easy to operate.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a child car seat that is lightweight yet safe and secure.

Another object of present invention is to provide a child car seat that is comfortable for a child to use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a child car seat that can fold quickly and easily.

Yet another object of the present

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention's preferred embodiments, together with further objects and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the folding child vehicle seat of the present invention in an open condition;

FIG. 2 is a left perspective view of the folding frame structure of the present invention when in an open condition;

FIG. 3 is a right perspective view of the folding frame structure of the present invention when in an open condition;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the folding seat of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the folding seat of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the seat of the present invention in a closed condition;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the seat of the present invention in a closed condition;

FIG. 8 is a left perspective view of the frame construction of seat of the present invention in a closed condition;

FIG. 9 is a right perspective view of the frame construction of seat of the present invention in a closed condition;

FIG. 10 is left side elevational view of the frame construction of the seat of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is right side elevational view of the frame construction of the seat of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view through the line 12-12 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the frame structure of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the folding car seat of the present invention full padding and cushioning thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring first to FIG. 1, a partial cut-away perspective view of the folding child vehicle seat 10 of the present invention is shown. The seat 10 includes a seat back 12 and a seat bottom 14 pivotally connected thereto. This enables the seat bottom 14 to fold up to the seat back 12, as indicated by the arrow.

In general, the seat of the present invention includes a multiple linkage frame structure, as will be described below, and housing 12a installed thereon to give the seat 10a desired ergonomic seat. The housing 12a for the seat back 12 is in the form of a seat cover while the seat bottom 14 also includes a similar housing or cover 14a thereon. The covers 12a and 14a can be made out of any material but are preferably made of injection molded plastic. These covers 12a and 14a are shown in a given ergonomic shape but any desired shape and size can be employed and still be within the scope of the present invention. It is preferred to employ well known child vehicle seat configurations which are generally accepted to meet government standards. For example, side arm rests 16 on the seat bottom 14 and side panels 18 on the seat back 12 are preferably included. However, these structures are optional. Also, various sizes of the seat 10 of the present invention can be provided to accommodate children of different sizes and ages.

Additional padding, as seen in FIG. 13 below, is preferably added on top of the outer housings 12a and 14a to provide additional cushioning for a child sitting therein.

For ease of illustration, the folding child vehicle seat 10 is shown without the cushioning 20 of FIG. 2. but it should be understood that any desired cushioning 20, in the form of foam rubber, fabric and the like and combinations thereof, may be employed to provide an interface between the seat 10 and the child sitting therein. The seat 10 also includes a locking mechanism 22, as best seen in FIG. 2, which will be described in detail below. Also, as seen in FIG. 1, pass through apertures 26 in the housing 12a of the seat back 12 permit a seat belt 28 to be routed therethrough to secure it to a standard seat in a vehicle (not shown) when the car seat 10 is facing forward. This type of interconnection is one of many ways to secure the child seat 10 of the present invention to a vehicle seat.

Turning now to FIGS. 2-5, details of the novel and unique multiple linkage frame 30 of the seat 10 of the present invention is shown in detail. For example, in FIG. 2, two frames 30 are shown, however, one or more than two frames 30 can be used as the substrate support for the seat. For ease of discussion, one of the frames 30 will be discussed in detail. The other frames 30 are identical thereto and need not be discussed herein.

FIG. 2 shows a left side perspective view the frame structure 30 with all of the cover housing 12a and 14a removed for ease of illustration and discussion. FIG. 3 shows a right side perspective view of the frame 30. It can be seen that the frame 30 is of a foldable construction where a seat back frame structure includes linkages 32a, 32b and 32c and a seat bottom frame 34 is provided. The seat bottom frame 34 is pivotally connected to members 32a and 32b 32 respectively by pivot members 36a and 36b. If more than two frame members 30 are used, a pivot rod 36 may also be provided, which runs through pivots points 36a of each frame.

A cross member 36 is pivotally connected to the opposing free ends of frame members 32a and 32b by pivot member 36c connected to frame member 32b and pivot member 36d connected to frame member 32a. A result, a multiple linkage frame 30 is provided that is low-profile in configuration yet very strong.

The plate-like frame members 32a and 32b and bottom frame member 34 are oriented on their respective edges, namely, in a vertical orientation to achieve a scissoring type folding action, as will be described below. While two frame members 32a and 32b with cross member 32c for each frame 30, it is possible to employ only one, or more than two, vertically oriented frame member(s) for each of the seat back frame 30 and the seat bottom frame 34, and still be within the scope of the present invention. These plates 32a, 32b, 32c and 34 are preferably made of steel but could be made of other metal and non-metal materials that are suitable as frame members for bearing loads.

There are many ways to lock the frame members relative to one another to secure the seat in a either an open or closed condition. For example, a pin 22 may be routed through an aperture 23 in frame member 32a and aperture 25 in frame member 32b, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. With pin 22 in place, the frame members 32a and 32b will be unable to move relative to one another because they are both secured to bottom frame member 34. Thus, cross member 32c will be is unable to permit movement of the frame members 32a and 32b relative to one another. As a result, the frame 30 is secured into an open condition. A similar pin and aperture arrangement can be used for when the frame members 32a and 32b are reoriented when the seat is in a closed condition. Alternatively, for example, the same pin 22 may be used but different apertures through frames 32a and 32b can be used. Other different types of locking can be used and still be within the scope of the present invention.

In particular, control of the counter-clockwise pivoting or rotation of the seat bottom frame 34 relative to the seat back frame members 32a and 32b is important because of the concern that a folding child car seat 10 may collapse due to the impact of an accident. More specifically, when an accident occurs, such a front impact, there is a tendency for the seat 10 to be thrown forward. This causes the seat back 12 to be urged forward with high force thereby placing downward force on the seat bottom 14. In the environment of a folding seat, forward and downward force into the seat bottom 14 causes significant stress on the pivot point of a folding seat. Therefore, a locking mechanism 22 may be employed to ensure that the folding seat does not collapse, that is the seat bottom 14 rotating in a counter-clockwise direction, in the event of an accident.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a front elevational view of the seat 10 of the present invention is shown. As discussed above, the seat bottom member 34 is preferably a vertically oriented plates. Not only are the vertically oriented plates 32a, 32b and 34 preferred to provide an internal framework for the seat 10, the vertical positioning of the frame members 32a, 32b and 34, particularly those of the bottom frame member 34, can effectively scissor relative to the back frame members 32a and 32b to provide a unique compact folding structure.

As will be described in further detail in connection with FIG. 4, the pivoting the bottom frame member 34 can optionally pass through slots 72 in the housing 12a of the seat back member 12 in a scissor-like fashion whereby the bottom frame member 34 pass through a plane defined by the front surface of the seat back member 12. As will be made clear below, this unique folding mechanism allows the seat bottom 14 to fold up and nest fully within the seat back member 12.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, further details of the construction of the housing 12a of the seat back 12 and the interaction with the side arm rests 16 of the seat bottom 14 are shown in detail. The seat back 12 includes an outer housing 12a that has a pair of recesses 104, which could be full pass-through apertures, that permit the side armrests 16 emanating upwardly from the housing 14a of the seat bottom 14 member to compactly nest therein. The recesses 104 are of a shape and configuration that are complementary to the shape and configuration of the side arm rests 16 so that when the seat bottom 14 is folded up it closely mates with the seat back member 12.

As can be seen in FIGS. 6-13, details of the compact folding of the seat bottom 14 toward the seat back 12 is shown in further detail. In FIG. 8, a left perspective view of the folding seat 10 of the present invention is shown in a fully folded condition. FIG. 9 shows a right side perspective view. Thus, the overall thickness of the seat, as folded, shown as T in FIG. 6, is significantly reduced compared to prior art folding seats. This is due to the aforesaid nesting of the side arm rests 16 within the housing 12a of the seat back member 12.

Preferably, pass-through apertures 106, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, are provided with each recess 104 to further reduced the overall weight of the folding seat 10 of the present invention. Alternatively, it is possible to provide the recesses 104 without corresponding apertures 106 and still be within the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, details of the seat bottom frame 34 folded up to the seat back frame members 32a, 32b and 32c is shown. In FIG. 8, a perspective view of the folding seat 10 of the present invention with the seat back housing 12a and the seat bottom housing 14a removed for illustration purposes and ease of discussion. The seat bottom frame 34 is pivotally mounted about the pivot rod 36 so it can pivot to an upward, closed condition, as seen in FIG. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 8-11, details of the unique folding action of the frame 30 is shown in detail. Linkage member 34 is preferably of an L-shaped configuration with an edge 34a for supporting the bottom housing 14a, as described above. The opposing end of the linkage member 34 is pivotally interconnected to free ends of linkage members 32a and 32b using pivot members 36a-d and cross member 32c. Comparing the multiple linkage frame 30 of FIG. 8 (closed condition) to FIG. 2 (open condition), the unique folding action of the present invention can be readily seen.

More specifically, as in FIG. 2, the bottom member 34 is pivotally connected to members 32a and 32b where frame member 32a is positioned closest to the free end 34b of the bottom frame member 34. Also, in the open condition, the cross member linkage 32c is substantially aligned with linkage members 32a and 32b. When the bottom linkage 34 is pivoted upwardly, pivot connection 36b is moved rearwardly and cross linkage 32c pivots to permit relative movement of the linkages 32a, 32b and 34 relative to one another. In accordance with the present invention, the pivoting of the bottom linkage 34 can be carried out where the depth of linkages 32a-c can be constrained to a thickness of about Y, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 8, in both the open and closed conditions. This is unique and an advance over the prior art. Such controlled pivoting in a short depth Y allows for strong, controlled and lockable pivoting action over prior art simple single pivot point systems in much less space.

FIG. 10 illustrates a left side elevational view of the folded frame 30 while FIG. 11 illustrates a right side elevational view of the folded frame 30. Also, FIG. 12 further illustrates a cross-sectional view through the line 12-12 of FIG. 7 to illustrate the positioning of the seat bottom frame 34 within the seat bottom 14 when it is in a folded condition and fully nested with the seat back housing 12a.

The linkage frame members 32a, 32b, and 34 and linkage 32c of the present invention are the preferred frame construction for the child car seat 10 of the present invention. As described above, the orienting plate-like members on end in a vertical fashion enables a much larger load to be supported with the same or lesser amount of frame material. The use of internal vertically oriented plates 32a, 32b, 34 and linkage 32c are unique in a child vehicle seat 10, whether that seat is of the folding type or of the non-folding type.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is show where notches 14b (other notch 14b not visible in FIG. 13) are provided in the seat housing 14a to receive linkage members 32a and 32b when the seat is folded up to a closed condition. Depending on the configuration of the seat, such notches 14b may be preferred over notches 72 in the seat back 12 to receive the bottom member 14 therein.

Referring to FIG. 14, a view of the a finished folding child vehicle seat 10 of the present invention is shown with full padding and cushioning 20 and appropriate safety belts 140 in place. Such safety belts 140 are known in the art which include a pair of shoulder belts 140a, 140b that terminate to a central connection point 142 between the child's legs (not shown). A buckle 144 is provided for releasable connection thereof. Appropriate flaps 146a, 146b, 146c are provided in the outer padding 20 of the seat 10 to permit access to all of the components discussed in detail above. For example, a flap 146c on the seat bottom 14 permits access to the strap plate 86 shown in FIG. 12. Also, flaps 146a, 146b in the padding 20 in the seat back 12 permit the side arm rests 16 to compactly nest therein, as described above. Thus, the padding 20 provides an additional cushioning between the passenger and the seat bottom 14 and the seat back 12.

In view of the foregoing, a new and novel child car seat 10, 200 is provided that can be either folding or non-folding in configuration. A unique multiple linkage structure with members 32a, 32b, 32c and 34 is provided with members oriented vertically on their respective ends for added strength.

It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A folding seat assembly, comprising:

a first member having a first free end and a second free end;

a second member having a first free end and a second free end; the first free end of the second member being pivotally connected about a first pivot axis to the second free end of the first member;

a third member having a first free end and a second free end; the first free end of the third member being pivotally connected about a second pivot axis to the second free end of the first member;

a cross member having a first free end and a second free end; the first free end of the cross member being pivotally connected to the second free end of the third member; the second free end of the cross member being pivotally connected to the second free end of the second member;

the first member being pivotable, relative to the second member and the third member, between an open condition and a closed condition.

2. The folding seat assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a first seat cover, having a seating surface, positioned over the first member; and

a second seat cover, having a seating surface, positioned over the second member and the third member.

3. The folding seat assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

means for releasably securing the first member relative to the second member and the third member.

4. The folding seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the second seat cover includes at least one slot therein; at least one of the first member, the third member and the cross member being pivotally received in the at least one slot to permit compact folding of the first member and first seat cover toward the second cover.

5. The folding seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first seat cover includes at least one slot therein; at least one of the second member, the third member or cross member being pivotally received in the at least one slot to permit compact folding of the first member and first seat cover toward the second cover.

6. The folding seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member is substantially L-shaped in configuration.

7. The folding seat assembly of claim 2, wherein the first member and the first seat cover are an integrated unitary structure

8. The folding seat assembly of claim 2, wherein the second member and the second seat cover are an integrated unitary structure.

9. The folding seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first seat cover includes a pair of armrests emanating upwardly therefrom.

10. The folding seat assembly of claim 9, wherein the second seat cover defines a pair of recesses therein; the pair of armrests being respectively receivable in the pair of recesses upon pivoting of the first seat cover toward the second seat cover.

11. The folding seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member, the second member, the third member and the cross member are made of steel.

12. The folding seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first seat cover and the second seat cover are made of plastic.

13. The folding seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are not co-axial with one another.

14. The folding seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member passes through the seating surface of the second seat cover.

15. A folding seat assembly, comprising:

a first member having a first free end and a second free end;

a plurality of second members being pivotally linked together and defining a first linkage free end and a second linkage free end which are not pivotally connected to one of the plurality of second members;

the first linkage free end being pivotally connected to the second free end of the first member; the second linkage free end being pivotally connected to the second free end of the first member;

the first member being pivotable, relative to the plurality of second members, between an open condition and a closed condition.

16. The folding seat assembly of claim 15, further comprising:

a first seat cover, having a seating surface, positioned over the first member; and

a second seat cover positioned over the plurality of second members.

17. The folding seat assembly of claim 15, further comprising:

means for releasably securing the first member relative to the plurality of second members.

18. The folding seat assembly of claim 15, wherein the second seat cover includes at least one slot therein; at least one of the members being pivotally received in the at least one slot to permit compact folding of the first member and first seat cover toward the second seat cover.

19. The folding seat assembly of claim 15, wherein the first seat cover includes at least one slot therein; at least one of members being pivotally received in the at least one slot to permit compact folding of the second member and second seat cover toward the first seat cover.

20. The folding seat assembly of claim 15, wherein the first member is substantially L-shaped in configuration.

21. The folding seat assembly of claim 16, wherein the first member and the first seat cover are an integrated unitary structure.

22. The folding seat assembly of claim 16, wherein at least one of the plurality of second members and the second seat cover are an integrated unitary structure.

23. The folding seat assembly of claim 16, wherein the first seat cover includes a pair of armrests emanating upwardly therefrom.

24. The folding seat assembly of claim 23, wherein the second seat cover defines a pair of recesses therein; the pair of armrests being respectively receivable in the pair of recesses upon pivoting of the first seat cover toward the second seat cover.

25. The folding seat assembly of claim 15, wherein the first member and the plurality of second members are made of steel.

26. The folding seat assembly of claim 15, wherein the first seat cover and the second seat cover are made of plastic.

27. The folding seat assembly of claim 15, wherein the pivot axis of the first linkage free end and the pivot axis of the second linkage free end are not co-axial with one another.

28. The folding seat assembly of claim 15, wherein the first member passes through the seating surface of the second seat cover.

29. A folding seat assembly, comprising:

a first member having a first free end and a second free end;

a plurality of second members being displaceably coupled together and defining a first linkage free end and a second linkage free end which are not displaceably coupled to one of the plurality of second members;

the first linkage free end being displaceably coupled to the second free end of the bottom member; the second linkage free end being displaceably coupled to the second free end of the first member;

the first member being positionable, relative to the plurality of second members, between an open condition and a closed condition.

30. The folding seat assembly of claim 29, further comprising:

a first seat cover positioned over the first member; and

a second seat cover positioned over the plurality of second members.

31. The folding seat assembly of claim 29, further comprising:

means for releasably securing the first member relative to the plurality of second members.

32. The folding seat assembly of claim 29, wherein the second seat cover includes at least one slot therein; at least one of the members being received in the at least one slot to permit compact folding of the first seat cover toward the second seat cover.

33. The folding seat assembly of claim 29, wherein the first seat cover includes at least one slot therein; at least one of the members being received in the at least one slot to permit compact folding of the first seat cover toward the second seat cover.

34. The folding seat assembly of claim 29, wherein the first member is substantially L-shaped in configuration.

35. The folding seat assembly of claim 30, wherein the first member and the first seat cover are an integrated unitary structure.

36. The folding seat assembly of claim 30, wherein at least one of the plurality of second members and the second seat cover are an integrated unitary structure

37. The folding seat assembly of claim 29, wherein the first seat cover includes a pair of armrests emanating upwardly therefrom.

38. The folding seat assembly of claim 37, wherein the second seat cover defines a pair of recesses therein; the pair of armrests being respectively receivable in the pair of recesses upon positioning of the first seat cover toward the second seat cover.

39. The folding seat assembly of claim 29, wherein the first member and the plurality of second members are made of steel.

40. The folding seat assembly of claim 29, wherein the first seat cover and the second seat cover are made of plastic.

41. The folding seat assembly of claim 29, wherein the first linkage free end and the second linkage free end are not displaceably coupled at the same point on the second free end of the first member as each other.

42. The folding seat assembly of claim 29, wherein the first member passes through the seating surface of the second seat cover when in a fully closed condition.

43. A folding support frame assembly, comprising:

a first member having a first free end and a second free end;

a second member having a first free end and a second free end; the first free end of the second member being pivotally connected about a first pivot axis to the second free end of the first member;

a third member having a first free end and a second free end; the first free end of the third member being pivotally connected about a second pivot axis to the second free end of the first member;

a cross member having a first free end and a second free end; the first free end of the cross member being pivotally connected to the second free end of the third member; the second free end of the cross member being pivotally connected to the second free end of the second member; and

the first member being pivotable, relative to the second member and the third member, between an open condition and a closed condition.