US20060273644A1 - Vehicle seat assembly having movable bolsters - Google Patents
Vehicle seat assembly having movable bolsters Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060273644A1 US20060273644A1 US11/131,997 US13199705A US2006273644A1 US 20060273644 A1 US20060273644 A1 US 20060273644A1 US 13199705 A US13199705 A US 13199705A US 2006273644 A1 US2006273644 A1 US 2006273644A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- seat assembly
- bolster
- seatback
- lever
- vehicle seat
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/30—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats
- B60N2/3038—Cushion movements
- B60N2/3063—Cushion movements by composed movement
- B60N2/3065—Cushion movements by composed movement in a longitudinal-vertical plane
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/30—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats
- B60N2/3002—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats back-rest movements
- B60N2/3004—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats back-rest movements by rotation only
- B60N2/3009—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats back-rest movements by rotation only about transversal axis
- B60N2/3013—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats back-rest movements by rotation only about transversal axis the back-rest being hinged on the vehicle frame
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/62—Thigh-rests
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/64—Back-rests or cushions
- B60N2/646—Back-rests or cushions shape of the cushion
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/90—Details or parts not otherwise provided for
- B60N2/986—Side-rests
Definitions
- the present invention relates, generally, to a vehicle seat assembly and, in particular, to a vehicle seat assembly having movable bolsters.
- a passenger occupying a seat of a vehicle may move in a lateral direction with respect to the seat during, for example, a collision or sharp turn of the vehicle. As a result of such movement, the passenger may impact another passenger or the interior of a wall of the vehicle, which is undesirable.
- the seatback portion and/or the lower seat assembly of the vehicle seat assembly with one or more bolsters.
- the bolsters are disposed on lateral sides of the seat assembly, and the sitting surface curves upwardly at the bolsters to provide for a curved, or “bucket” type, seat.
- a sitting surface with increased curvature at the bolsters is more likely to reduce lateral movement of the passenger.
- bolsters can increase the size of a stowed seat assembly. For example, if a seatback folds down over the lower seat assembly for storage of the seat, the bolsters of the seatback can abut against the lower seat assembly, and/or the bolsters of the lower seat assembly can abut against the seatback, thereby reducing movement of the seatback toward the lower seat assembly.
- the bolsters extend away from the surrounding seating surface, the less compact the vehicle seat assembly becomes when the seatback is in the folded position.
- the present invention overcomes the disadvantages in the related art in a vehicle seat assembly having a lower seat assembly with a lower sitting surface and a seatback with a seatback sitting surface. At least one of the lower seat assembly and the seatback is adapted for movement.
- the seat assembly also includes at least one bolster adapted for movement to thereby change curvature of at least one of the lower sitting surface and the seatback sitting surface. The bolster automatically moves due to movement of at least one of the lower seat assembly and the seatback.
- the seat assembly can be stowed in a more compact manner due to the movable bolsters. Furthermore, the bolsters move automatically during movement of the seatback and lower seat assembly for the convenience of the passenger and to ensure that the bolsters are in a proper position when a passenger occupies the seat assembly.
- FIG. 1 is a partially cut away, perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seat assembly of the present invention with the seatback shown in an upright position;
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 1 with the seatback shown in a folded position;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the vehicle seat assembly of the present invention with the seatback shown in an upright position;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 3 with the seatback shown in a folded position;
- FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of the vehicle seat assembly of the present invention with the seatback shown in an upright position;
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 5 with the seatback shown in a folded position.
- the seat assembly 10 generally includes a lower seat assembly 12 and a seatback 14 , both of which are supported above the floor 16 of a vehicle. At least one of the lower seat assembly 12 and the seatback 14 is adapted for movement as will be discussed in greater detail below.
- the seatback 14 can move between an upright position ( FIG. 1 ), in which the seatback 14 extends upward perpendicularly from the lower seat assembly 12 , and a folded position ( FIG. 2 ), in which the seatback 14 is substantially parallel and atop the lower seat assembly 12 .
- the lower seat assembly 12 also moves relative to the vehicle floor 16 due to movement of the seatback 14 between the upright and folded positions.
- the seatback 14 and lower seat assembly 12 could move in any suitable manner relative to the vehicle floor 16 without departing from the scope of the invention.
- the seatback 14 could fold down toward the vehicle floor 16 after the lower seat assembly 12 has been rotated perpendicularly from the vehicle floor 16 , or the seatback 14 and lower seat assembly 12 could move in any other suitable fashion.
- the seatback 14 and lower seat assembly 12 could move manually or automatically.
- the lower seat assembly 12 includes a frame 20 a , a cushion 22 a , and a trim cover 24 b .
- the seatback 14 similarly includes a frame 20 b , a cushion 22 b , and a trim cover 24 b .
- the frames 20 a , 20 b (shown partially in phantom in FIG. 1 ) are generally rigid and provide structural strength for the vehicle seat assembly 10 as will be described in greater detail below.
- the cushions 22 a , 22 b (partially shown in FIG. 1 and shown in phantom in FIG. 2 ) each provide cushioned support for passengers (not shown) of the vehicle seat assembly 10 .
- the trim covers 24 a , 24 b (partially shown in FIG.
- Each frame 20 a , 20 b , cushion 22 a , 22 b , and trim cover 24 a , 24 b can be made of any suitable material.
- the trim cover 24 a of the lower seat assembly 12 defines a lower sitting surface 26 which is generally horizontal and that supports the pelvis and thigh area of the passenger.
- the lower sitting surface 26 includes lateral sides 27 a and a middle portion 29 a lying between the lateral sides 27 a .
- the trim cover 24 b of the seatback 14 defines a seatback sitting surface 28 which is generally vertical when the seatback 14 is in the upright position and supports the passenger's back.
- the seatback sitting surface includes lateral sides 27 b and a middle portion 29 b lying between the lateral sides 27 b.
- At least one of the lower seat assembly 12 and the seatback 14 includes at least one bolster 30 a , 30 b .
- the lower seat assembly 12 includes a plurality of bolsters 30 a disposed on opposite lateral sides of the lower seat assembly 12 .
- the seatback 14 includes a plurality of bolsters 30 b are disposed on opposite lateral sides of the seatback 14 .
- the bolsters 30 a , 30 b of the embodiment shown include the lateral sides of the respective trim cover 24 a , 24 b , cushion 22 a , 22 b , and components that will be described in greater detail below that are generally disposed within the respective cushion 22 a , 22 b.
- each bolster 30 a , 30 b are adapted for movement to thereby change the curvature of at least one of the lower sitting surface 26 and the seatback sitting surface 28 . More specifically, each bolster 30 a , 30 b is adapted for movement between an extended position ( FIG. 1 ) and a retracted position ( FIG. 2 ). In the extended position ( FIG. 1 ), the bolsters 30 a of the lower seat assembly 12 increase the curvature of the lower sitting surface 26 such that the lateral sides 27 a of the lower sitting surface 26 curve upward from the middle portion 29 a of the lower sitting surface 26 . In the retracted position ( FIG.
- the bolsters 30 a reduce the curvature of the lower sitting surface 26 such that the lateral sides 27 a of the lower sitting surface 26 are substantially co-planar with the middle portion 29 a of the lower sitting surface 26 .
- the curvature of the seatback sitting surface 28 increases when the bolsters 30 b of the seatback 14 are in the extended position, and the curvature of the seatback sitting surface 28 is reduced when the bolsters 30 b are in the retracted position.
- the bolsters 30 a , 30 b are in the extended position, the bolsters 30 a , 30 b are positioned partially about the passenger of the vehicle seat assembly 10 to thereby reduce lateral movement of the passenger.
- the vehicle seat assembly 10 is more compact for more convenient storage of the vehicle seat assembly 10 .
- the bolsters 30 a , 30 b automatically move due to movement of at least one of the lower seat assembly 12 and seatback 14 .
- the bolsters 30 a , 30 b automatically move away from the extended position and toward the retracted position as the seatback 14 moves away from the upright position and toward the folded position.
- the bolsters 30 a , 30 b automatically move away from the retracted position and toward the extended position as the seatback 14 moves away from the folded position and toward the upright position.
- the bolsters 30 a , 30 b could automatically move due to mechanical or electrical actuation without departing from the scope of the invention.
- the frame 20 b of the seatback 14 includes a plurality of side frame members 32 and crossbar 34 connecting the side frame members 32 at upper ends thereof.
- the frame 20 a of the lower seat assembly 12 includes a front crossbar 36 and a rear crossbar 38 which are substantially parallel and separated at a distance.
- the frame 20 a of the lower seat assembly 12 also includes side frame members 40 disposed and attached at opposite ends of the front and rear crossbars 36 , 38 .
- the side frame members 40 also include ends 42 that extend past the rear crossbar 38 and curve upward so as to be generally co-axial with the side frame members 32 when the seatback 14 is in the upright position. Each end 42 is pivotally attached at attachment points 43 to a respective side frame member 32 of the frame 20 b of the seatback 14 .
- the seat assembly 10 also includes a plurality of rear brackets 46 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the rear brackets 46 are disposed below the side frame members 32 , and each side frame member 32 of the seatback 14 is pivotally attached to a respective rear bracket at pivot point 44 .
- the vehicle seat assembly 10 further includes a plurality of linkages 48 .
- the linkages 48 are each pivotally attached to one of the side frame members 40 at a respective pivot point 50 .
- the seat assembly 10 also includes a plurality of rails 52 , which are operatively supported by the vehicle floor 16 .
- Each of the rear brackets 46 is operatively attached to one of the rails 52 .
- each linkage 48 is pivotally attached to the rail 52 at pivot points 54 .
- the rails 52 can be of any suitable construction and can allow for movement (such as forward/aft and raising/lowering movement) of the vehicle seat assembly 10 relative to the vehicle floor 16 .
- the seatback 14 rotates about pivot points 44 and this movement pushes the lower seat assembly 12 forward due to forces transferred at the attachment points 43 .
- the lower seat assembly 12 also moves downward toward the floor 16 of the vehicle as the linkages 48 rotate.
- each bolster 30 a , 30 b includes at least one flexible member 56 that moves so as to move the bolster 30 a , 30 b between the extended position and the retracted position.
- each flexible member 56 is disposed within the respective cushion 22 a , 22 b and is preferably flexible and of a fixed length.
- the flexible members 56 can be made from spring steel, glass reinforced plastic, carbon fiber or any other suitable material.
- Each flexible member 56 includes a first end 58 and second end 60 .
- the first end 58 of each flexible member 56 is fixed to a respective rear bracket 46
- the second end 60 of each flexible member 56 is fixed to a respective side frame member 40 .
- the first end 58 of each flexible member 56 is fixed to a respective rear bracket 46
- the second end 60 of each flexible member 56 is fixed to a respective side frame member 32 .
- each flexible member 56 changes due to movement of the seatback 14 between the folded and upright positions. More specifically, as the seatback 14 moves from the folded position ( FIG. 2 ) to the upright position ( FIG. 1 ), the second end 60 of each flexible member 56 moves closer to the first end 58 , thereby axially curving the respective flexible member 56 . When the flexible member 56 is axially curved, it pushes the respective cushion 22 a , 22 b and trim cover 24 a , 24 b such that the respective bolster 30 a , 30 b is in the extended position. On the contrary, when the seatback 14 moves from the upright position ( FIG.
- each flexible member 56 moves away from the first end 58 thereby axially straightening the flexible member 56 .
- the respective cushion 22 a , 22 b and trim cover 24 a , 24 b are able to flatten, such that the respective bolster 30 a , 30 b is in the retracted position.
- the flexible members 56 actively pull the cushion 22 a , 22 b and trim cover 24 a , 24 b toward the retracted position.
- the seatback 14 when the seat assembly 10 is to be stowed, the seatback 14 can be folded, and the bolsters 30 a , 30 b move into the retracted position. As such, the lower sitting surface 26 and the seatback sitting surface 28 are significantly flattened, thereby allowing the seatback 14 to move closer to the lower seat assembly 16 for more compact stowage of the seat assembly 10 . Also, when the seatback 14 is unfolded, the bolsters 30 a , 30 b move into the extended position to reduce lateral movement of the passenger.
- the bolsters 30 a , 30 b move automatically during movement of the seatback 14 and lower seat assembly 12 for the convenience of the passenger and to ensure that the bolsters 30 a , 30 b are in a proper position when a passenger occupies the seat assembly 10 .
- the bolster 130 a of the lower seat assembly 112 includes a first wire 162 that is axially straight and is rotatably attached at one end to the front crossbar 136 and is rotatably attached at the opposite end to the rear crossbar 138 .
- the bolster 130 a also includes a second wire 164 that is fixed at both ends to the first wire, and is axially curved such that the second wire 164 extends over the respective side frame member 140 .
- the first wire 162 rotates relative to the frame 120 a , thereby moving the second wire 164 away from the respective side frame member 140 .
- second wire 164 pushes the foam and trim cover (not shown) outward to increase curvature of the lower sitting surface (not shown).
- the first wire 162 rotates in the opposite direction relative to the frame 120 a , thereby moving the second wire 164 toward the respective side frame member 140 .
- the foam and the trim cover are allowed to flatten to reduce curvature of the lower sitting surface 126 .
- the seat assembly 110 also includes a biasing member 166 that biases the bolster 130 a for movement toward either the retracted position or the extended position.
- the biasing member 166 is a torsion spring that is wrapped at least partially around the first and second wires 162 , 164 .
- the biasing member 166 includes a first end 168 mounted to the rear crossbar 138 and a second end 170 that abuts against the second wire 164 so as to bias the bolster 130 a toward the retracted position. It should be appreciated, however, that the biasing member 166 could be of any suitable type and could be disposed in any suitable position.
- the seat assembly 110 also includes a cable 172 and a bell crank 174 that is fixed to the first wire 162 of the bolster 130 a . Actuation of the bell crank 174 preferably rotates the first wire 162 , and thus the bolster 130 a , between the extended and retracted positions.
- the cable 172 is attached at one end to one of the linkages 148 , and the cable 172 is attached at the opposite end to the bell crank 174 . In the embodiment shown, the cable 172 extends through tabs 176 included in the frame 120 a of the lower seat assembly 112 .
- the linkages 148 rotate as described above in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the tension in the cable 172 increases, and the cable 172 pulls and actuates the bell crank 174 to thereby rotate the bolster 130 a toward the extended position against the biasing force supplied by the biasing member 166 .
- the linkages 148 rotate as described above, and tension in the cable 172 reduces. This allows the biasing member 166 to rotate the bolster 130 a from the extended position toward the retracted position.
- the bolster 130 a shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 could be representative of each bolster 130 a of the lower seat assembly 112 . It should also be appreciated that the bolster 130 a shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 could be representative of bolsters of the seatback 114 as well. Furthermore, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the biasing member 166 could bias the bolster 130 a away from the retracted position and toward the extended position and that the cable 172 could automatically rotate the bolster 130 a away from the extended position and toward the retracted position as the seatback 114 moves from the upright position toward the folded position.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 another embodiment of the vehicle seat assembly is generally indicated at 210 , where like numerals increased by 100 are used to designate like structure with respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the seat assembly 210 includes a plurality of bolsters 230 a , 230 b associated with the lower seat assembly 212 and the seatback 214 , respectively.
- the bolsters 230 a , 230 b of only one lateral side of the seat assembly 210 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , it should be appreciated that the bolsters 230 a , 230 b of the opposite lateral side of the seat assembly 210 are substantially similar.
- the bolsters 230 a of the lower seat assembly 212 include a first wire 262 and a second wire 264 similar to the bolster 130 a shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- Each bolster 230 a also includes an elongate paddle 276 that extends substantially parallel to the side frame members 240 and is attached at each end to the respective second wire 264 of the bolster 230 a.
- the lower seat assembly 112 further includes a plurality of lower levers 278 , each associated with a respective bolster 230 a .
- Each lower lever 278 is pivotally attached at a pivot point 280 to one of the side frame members 240 .
- Each lower lever 278 includes a first end 282 with a bolster camming surface 284 .
- the bolster camming surface 284 contacts and abuts against the paddle 276 , to thereby cam the bolster 230 a away from the retracted position and toward the extended position.
- the bolster 230 a can move away from the extended position and toward the retracted position as shown in FIG. 6 .
- Each rear bracket 246 includes a lever camming surface 286 that extends toward the respective lower lever 278 .
- the lower seat assembly 212 moves forward and backward relative to the rear brackets 246 as the seatback 214 moves between the upright and folded positions similar to the embodiments described above in relation to FIGS. 1-4 .
- the lower levers 278 of the lower seat assembly 212 move toward and away from the lever camming surfaces 286 of the rear brackets 246 as the lower seat assembly 212 moves.
- the lower levers 278 move toward and eventually abut against the respective lever camming surfaces 286 of the rear brackets.
- the lever camming surfaces 286 thereby cam and rotate the lower levers 278 about the respective pivot points 280 .
- the bolster camming surfaces 284 eventually abut against the paddles 276 and cam the respective bolsters 230 a away from the retracted position and toward the extended position.
- the lower seat assembly 212 moves away from the rear brackets 246 .
- the bolsters 230 a can move from the extended position toward the retracted position.
- the seatback 214 also includes bolsters 230 b as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- the bolsters 230 b include a first wire 262 , a second wire 264 , and a paddle 276 like the bolsters 230 a of the lower seat assembly 212 .
- the seat assembly 210 also includes a plurality of seatback levers 288 that are each pivotally attached at a pivot point 289 to respective side frame members 232 of the seatback 214 .
- Each seatback lever 288 includes a bolster camming surface 290 .
- the seatback levers 288 each include an interference member 292 included at an end opposite to that of the bolster camming surface 290 .
- the interference member 292 is substantially flat and extends transversely from the axis of the seatback lever 288 .
- the side frame members 232 eventually abuts against the interference members 292 thereby limiting the rotation of the seatback levers 288 , and the bolster camming surfaces 290 of the seatback levers 288 abut against the paddle 276 of the bolsters 230 b , thereby camming the bolsters 230 b away from the retracted position and toward the extended position.
- the side frame members 232 move away from the interference members 292 of the seatback levers 288 thereby allowing the seatback levers 288 to rotate about the pivot points 289 and allowing the bolsters 230 b to move from the extended position toward the retracted position.
- bolsters 230 a , 230 b could be biased toward the retracted position in a manner similar to the bolsters 130 a , 130 b of FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- each embodiment of the seat assembly 10 , 110 , 210 of the present invention can be stowed in a more compact manner due to the movable bolsters 30 a , 30 b , 130 a , 130 b , 230 a , 230 b included therein.
- the bolsters 30 a , 30 b , 130 a , 130 b , 230 a , 230 b move automatically during movement of the seatback 14 , 114 , 214 and lower seat assembly 12 , 112 , 212 for the convenience of the passenger and to ensure that the bolsters 30 a , 30 b , 130 a , 130 b , 230 a , 230 b are in a proper position when a passenger occupies the seat assembly 10 , 110 , 210 .
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Abstract
A vehicle seat assembly having a lower seat assembly with a lower sitting surface and a seatback with a seatback sitting surface. At least one of the lower seat assembly and the seatback is adapted for movement. The seat assembly also includes at least one bolster adapted for movement to thereby change curvature of at least one of the lower sitting surface and the seatback sitting surface. The bolster automatically moves due to movement of at least one of the lower seat assembly and the seatback.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates, generally, to a vehicle seat assembly and, in particular, to a vehicle seat assembly having movable bolsters.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- A passenger occupying a seat of a vehicle may move in a lateral direction with respect to the seat during, for example, a collision or sharp turn of the vehicle. As a result of such movement, the passenger may impact another passenger or the interior of a wall of the vehicle, which is undesirable.
- To reduce lateral movement of the passenger with respect to the vehicle seat, it is known to provide the seatback portion and/or the lower seat assembly of the vehicle seat assembly with one or more bolsters. Typically, the bolsters are disposed on lateral sides of the seat assembly, and the sitting surface curves upwardly at the bolsters to provide for a curved, or “bucket” type, seat. A sitting surface with increased curvature at the bolsters is more likely to reduce lateral movement of the passenger. As such, it is desirable that the bolsters extend sufficiently away from the sitting surface and about the passenger to reduce lateral movement of the passenger while providing for comfort of the passenger as well.
- Although extending the bolsters further from the surround seating surface may be desirable for reducing lateral movement of the passenger and for increasing passenger comfort, such bolsters can increase the size of a stowed seat assembly. For example, if a seatback folds down over the lower seat assembly for storage of the seat, the bolsters of the seatback can abut against the lower seat assembly, and/or the bolsters of the lower seat assembly can abut against the seatback, thereby reducing movement of the seatback toward the lower seat assembly. Thus, the further that the bolsters extend away from the surrounding seating surface, the less compact the vehicle seat assembly becomes when the seatback is in the folded position. Thus, there is a need in the related art for a vehicle seat assembly with bolsters that can move such that the seat assembly can be stowed in a more compact configuration.
- The present invention overcomes the disadvantages in the related art in a vehicle seat assembly having a lower seat assembly with a lower sitting surface and a seatback with a seatback sitting surface. At least one of the lower seat assembly and the seatback is adapted for movement. The seat assembly also includes at least one bolster adapted for movement to thereby change curvature of at least one of the lower sitting surface and the seatback sitting surface. The bolster automatically moves due to movement of at least one of the lower seat assembly and the seatback.
- The seat assembly can be stowed in a more compact manner due to the movable bolsters. Furthermore, the bolsters move automatically during movement of the seatback and lower seat assembly for the convenience of the passenger and to ensure that the bolsters are in a proper position when a passenger occupies the seat assembly.
- Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood while reading the subsequent description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a partially cut away, perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seat assembly of the present invention with the seatback shown in an upright position; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle seat assembly ofFIG. 1 with the seatback shown in a folded position; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the vehicle seat assembly of the present invention with the seatback shown in an upright position; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly ofFIG. 3 with the seatback shown in a folded position; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of the vehicle seat assembly of the present invention with the seatback shown in an upright position; and -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the vehicle seat assembly ofFIG. 5 with the seatback shown in a folded position. - Referring now to the drawings, where like numerals are used to designate like structure throughout the figures, one embodiment of a vehicle seat assembly built according to the present invention is generally indicated at 10 in
FIGS. 1 and 2 . Theseat assembly 10 generally includes alower seat assembly 12 and aseatback 14, both of which are supported above thefloor 16 of a vehicle. At least one of thelower seat assembly 12 and theseatback 14 is adapted for movement as will be discussed in greater detail below. For instance, in the embodiment shown, theseatback 14 can move between an upright position (FIG. 1 ), in which theseatback 14 extends upward perpendicularly from thelower seat assembly 12, and a folded position (FIG. 2 ), in which theseatback 14 is substantially parallel and atop thelower seat assembly 12. As will be described in greater detail below, thelower seat assembly 12 also moves relative to thevehicle floor 16 due to movement of theseatback 14 between the upright and folded positions. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that theseatback 14 andlower seat assembly 12 could move in any suitable manner relative to thevehicle floor 16 without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, theseatback 14 could fold down toward thevehicle floor 16 after thelower seat assembly 12 has been rotated perpendicularly from thevehicle floor 16, or theseatback 14 andlower seat assembly 12 could move in any other suitable fashion. Also, theseatback 14 andlower seat assembly 12 could move manually or automatically. - The
lower seat assembly 12 includes aframe 20 a, acushion 22 a, and atrim cover 24 b. Theseatback 14 similarly includes aframe 20 b, acushion 22 b, and atrim cover 24 b. Theframes FIG. 1 ) are generally rigid and provide structural strength for thevehicle seat assembly 10 as will be described in greater detail below. Thecushions FIG. 1 and shown in phantom inFIG. 2 ) each provide cushioned support for passengers (not shown) of thevehicle seat assembly 10. The trim covers 24 a, 24 b (partially shown inFIG. 1 and shown in phantom inFIG. 2 ) at least partially cover therespective cushions frame cushion trim cover - The
trim cover 24 a of thelower seat assembly 12 defines alower sitting surface 26 which is generally horizontal and that supports the pelvis and thigh area of the passenger. Thelower sitting surface 26 includeslateral sides 27 a and amiddle portion 29 a lying between thelateral sides 27 a. Thetrim cover 24 b of theseatback 14 defines aseatback sitting surface 28 which is generally vertical when theseatback 14 is in the upright position and supports the passenger's back. The seatback sitting surface includeslateral sides 27 b and amiddle portion 29 b lying between thelateral sides 27 b. - At least one of the
lower seat assembly 12 and theseatback 14 includes at least onebolster lower seat assembly 12 includes a plurality ofbolsters 30 a disposed on opposite lateral sides of thelower seat assembly 12. Also, theseatback 14 includes a plurality ofbolsters 30 b are disposed on opposite lateral sides of theseatback 14. It should be appreciated that thebolsters respective trim cover cushion respective cushion - The
bolsters lower sitting surface 26 and theseatback sitting surface 28. More specifically, eachbolster FIG. 1 ) and a retracted position (FIG. 2 ). In the extended position (FIG. 1 ), thebolsters 30 a of thelower seat assembly 12 increase the curvature of thelower sitting surface 26 such that thelateral sides 27 a of thelower sitting surface 26 curve upward from themiddle portion 29 a of thelower sitting surface 26. In the retracted position (FIG. 2 ), thebolsters 30 a reduce the curvature of thelower sitting surface 26 such that thelateral sides 27 a of thelower sitting surface 26 are substantially co-planar with themiddle portion 29 a of thelower sitting surface 26. Likewise, the curvature of theseatback sitting surface 28 increases when thebolsters 30 b of theseatback 14 are in the extended position, and the curvature of theseatback sitting surface 28 is reduced when thebolsters 30 b are in the retracted position. When thebolsters bolsters vehicle seat assembly 10 to thereby reduce lateral movement of the passenger. When thebolsters vehicle seat assembly 10 is more compact for more convenient storage of thevehicle seat assembly 10. - As will be described in greater detail below, the
bolsters lower seat assembly 12 andseatback 14. For instance, in the embodiment shown, thebolsters seatback 14 moves away from the upright position and toward the folded position. Also, thebolsters seatback 14 moves away from the folded position and toward the upright position. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thebolsters - Referring still to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , specific components of the illustrated embodiment of thevehicle seat assembly 10 will now be discussed. As most clearly seen inFIG. 1 , theframe 20 b of theseatback 14 includes a plurality ofside frame members 32 andcrossbar 34 connecting theside frame members 32 at upper ends thereof. Theframe 20 a of thelower seat assembly 12 includes afront crossbar 36 and arear crossbar 38 which are substantially parallel and separated at a distance. Theframe 20 a of thelower seat assembly 12 also includesside frame members 40 disposed and attached at opposite ends of the front andrear crossbars side frame members 40 also include ends 42 that extend past therear crossbar 38 and curve upward so as to be generally co-axial with theside frame members 32 when theseatback 14 is in the upright position. Eachend 42 is pivotally attached at attachment points 43 to a respectiveside frame member 32 of theframe 20 b of theseatback 14. - The
seat assembly 10 also includes a plurality ofrear brackets 46 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . Therear brackets 46 are disposed below theside frame members 32, and eachside frame member 32 of theseatback 14 is pivotally attached to a respective rear bracket atpivot point 44. Thevehicle seat assembly 10 further includes a plurality oflinkages 48. Thelinkages 48 are each pivotally attached to one of theside frame members 40 at arespective pivot point 50. - The
seat assembly 10 also includes a plurality ofrails 52, which are operatively supported by thevehicle floor 16. Each of therear brackets 46 is operatively attached to one of therails 52. Also, eachlinkage 48 is pivotally attached to therail 52 at pivot points 54. Therails 52 can be of any suitable construction and can allow for movement (such as forward/aft and raising/lowering movement) of thevehicle seat assembly 10 relative to thevehicle floor 16. - As such, when the
seatback 14 moves from the upright position (FIG. 1 ) toward the folded position (FIG. 2 ), theseatback 14 rotates about pivot points 44 and this movement pushes thelower seat assembly 12 forward due to forces transferred at the attachment points 43. Thelower seat assembly 12 also moves downward toward thefloor 16 of the vehicle as thelinkages 48 rotate. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , each bolster 30 a, 30 b includes at least oneflexible member 56 that moves so as to move the bolster 30 a, 30 b between the extended position and the retracted position. For instance, in the embodiment shown, eachflexible member 56 is disposed within therespective cushion flexible members 56 can be made from spring steel, glass reinforced plastic, carbon fiber or any other suitable material. - Each
flexible member 56 includes afirst end 58 andsecond end 60. In thelower seat assembly 12, thefirst end 58 of eachflexible member 56 is fixed to a respectiverear bracket 46, and thesecond end 60 of eachflexible member 56 is fixed to a respectiveside frame member 40. In theseatback 14, thefirst end 58 of eachflexible member 56 is fixed to a respectiverear bracket 46, and thesecond end 60 of eachflexible member 56 is fixed to a respectiveside frame member 32. - The relative distance between the
first end 58 and thesecond end 60 of eachflexible member 56 changes due to movement of theseatback 14 between the folded and upright positions. More specifically, as theseatback 14 moves from the folded position (FIG. 2 ) to the upright position (FIG. 1 ), thesecond end 60 of eachflexible member 56 moves closer to thefirst end 58, thereby axially curving the respectiveflexible member 56. When theflexible member 56 is axially curved, it pushes therespective cushion trim cover seatback 14 moves from the upright position (FIG. 1 ) toward the folded position, thesecond end 60 of eachflexible member 56 moves away from thefirst end 58 thereby axially straightening theflexible member 56. As such, therespective cushion trim cover flexible members 56 actively pull thecushion trim cover - Thus, when the
seat assembly 10 is to be stowed, theseatback 14 can be folded, and the bolsters 30 a, 30 b move into the retracted position. As such, the lower sittingsurface 26 and theseatback sitting surface 28 are significantly flattened, thereby allowing theseatback 14 to move closer to thelower seat assembly 16 for more compact stowage of theseat assembly 10. Also, when theseatback 14 is unfolded, the bolsters 30 a, 30 b move into the extended position to reduce lateral movement of the passenger. Furthermore, the bolsters 30 a, 30 b move automatically during movement of theseatback 14 andlower seat assembly 12 for the convenience of the passenger and to ensure that the bolsters 30 a, 30 b are in a proper position when a passenger occupies theseat assembly 10. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , another embodiment of the vehicle seat assembly is generally indicated at 110, where like numerals increased by 100 are used to designate like structure with respect to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 . In this embodiment, the bolster 130 a of thelower seat assembly 112 includes afirst wire 162 that is axially straight and is rotatably attached at one end to thefront crossbar 136 and is rotatably attached at the opposite end to therear crossbar 138. The bolster 130 a also includes asecond wire 164 that is fixed at both ends to the first wire, and is axially curved such that thesecond wire 164 extends over the respectiveside frame member 140. To move the bolster 130 a from the retracted position to the extended position, thefirst wire 162 rotates relative to theframe 120 a, thereby moving thesecond wire 164 away from the respectiveside frame member 140. As such,second wire 164 pushes the foam and trim cover (not shown) outward to increase curvature of the lower sitting surface (not shown). To move the bolster 130 a from the extended position and toward the retracted position, thefirst wire 162 rotates in the opposite direction relative to theframe 120 a, thereby moving thesecond wire 164 toward the respectiveside frame member 140. As such, the foam and the trim cover are allowed to flatten to reduce curvature of the lower sitting surface 126. - The
seat assembly 110 also includes a biasingmember 166 that biases the bolster 130 a for movement toward either the retracted position or the extended position. In the embodiment shown, the biasingmember 166 is a torsion spring that is wrapped at least partially around the first andsecond wires member 166 includes afirst end 168 mounted to therear crossbar 138 and asecond end 170 that abuts against thesecond wire 164 so as to bias the bolster 130 a toward the retracted position. It should be appreciated, however, that the biasingmember 166 could be of any suitable type and could be disposed in any suitable position. - The
seat assembly 110 also includes acable 172 and a bell crank 174 that is fixed to thefirst wire 162 of the bolster 130 a. Actuation of the bell crank 174 preferably rotates thefirst wire 162, and thus the bolster 130 a, between the extended and retracted positions. Thecable 172 is attached at one end to one of thelinkages 148, and thecable 172 is attached at the opposite end to thebell crank 174. In the embodiment shown, thecable 172 extends throughtabs 176 included in theframe 120 a of thelower seat assembly 112. - As the
seatback 114 moves from the folded position to the upright position, thelinkages 148 rotate as described above in reference toFIGS. 1 and 2 . As thelinkages 148 rotate, the tension in thecable 172 increases, and thecable 172 pulls and actuates the bell crank 174 to thereby rotate the bolster 130 a toward the extended position against the biasing force supplied by the biasingmember 166. When theseatback 114 moves from the upright position toward the folded position, thelinkages 148 rotate as described above, and tension in thecable 172 reduces. This allows the biasingmember 166 to rotate the bolster 130 a from the extended position toward the retracted position. - Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the bolster 130 a shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 could be representative of each bolster 130 a of thelower seat assembly 112. It should also be appreciated that the bolster 130 a shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 could be representative of bolsters of theseatback 114 as well. Furthermore, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the biasingmember 166 could bias the bolster 130 a away from the retracted position and toward the extended position and that thecable 172 could automatically rotate the bolster 130 a away from the extended position and toward the retracted position as theseatback 114 moves from the upright position toward the folded position. - Referring now to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , another embodiment of the vehicle seat assembly is generally indicated at 210, where like numerals increased by 100 are used to designate like structure with respect to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4 . Theseat assembly 210 includes a plurality of bolsters 230 a, 230 b associated with thelower seat assembly 212 and theseatback 214, respectively. Although the bolsters 230 a, 230 b of only one lateral side of theseat assembly 210 is shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 , it should be appreciated that the bolsters 230 a, 230 b of the opposite lateral side of theseat assembly 210 are substantially similar. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , the bolsters 230 a of thelower seat assembly 212 include afirst wire 262 and asecond wire 264 similar to the bolster 130 a shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 . Each bolster 230 a also includes anelongate paddle 276 that extends substantially parallel to theside frame members 240 and is attached at each end to the respectivesecond wire 264 of the bolster 230 a. - The
lower seat assembly 112 further includes a plurality oflower levers 278, each associated with a respective bolster 230 a. Eachlower lever 278 is pivotally attached at apivot point 280 to one of theside frame members 240. Eachlower lever 278 includes afirst end 282 with a bolstercamming surface 284. When thefirst end 282 of thelower lever 278 rotates toward the respective bolster 230 a (FIG. 5 ), the bolstercamming surface 284 contacts and abuts against thepaddle 276, to thereby cam the bolster 230 a away from the retracted position and toward the extended position. When thefirst end 282 of thelower lever 278 rotates away from the bolster 230 a, the bolster 230 a can move away from the extended position and toward the retracted position as shown inFIG. 6 . - Each
rear bracket 246 includes alever camming surface 286 that extends toward the respectivelower lever 278. Thelower seat assembly 212 moves forward and backward relative to therear brackets 246 as theseatback 214 moves between the upright and folded positions similar to the embodiments described above in relation toFIGS. 1-4 . As such, thelower levers 278 of thelower seat assembly 212 move toward and away from the lever camming surfaces 286 of therear brackets 246 as thelower seat assembly 212 moves. - Accordingly, as the
seatback 214 moves from the folded position (FIG. 6 ) to the upright position (FIG. 5 ), thelower levers 278 move toward and eventually abut against the respective lever camming surfaces 286 of the rear brackets. The lever camming surfaces 286 thereby cam and rotate thelower levers 278 about the respective pivot points 280. As thelower levers 278 rotate, the bolstercamming surfaces 284 eventually abut against thepaddles 276 and cam the respective bolsters 230 a away from the retracted position and toward the extended position. On the contrary, as theseatback 214 moves from the upright position toward the folded position, thelower seat assembly 212 moves away from therear brackets 246. Once thelower levers 278 are no longer in abutment with the lever camming surfaces 286, the bolsters 230 a can move from the extended position toward the retracted position. - The
seatback 214 also includes bolsters 230 b as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 . The bolsters 230 b include afirst wire 262, asecond wire 264, and apaddle 276 like the bolsters 230 a of thelower seat assembly 212. Theseat assembly 210 also includes a plurality ofseatback levers 288 that are each pivotally attached at apivot point 289 to respectiveside frame members 232 of theseatback 214. Eachseatback lever 288 includes a bolstercamming surface 290. Also, the seatback levers 288 each include aninterference member 292 included at an end opposite to that of the bolstercamming surface 290. Theinterference member 292 is substantially flat and extends transversely from the axis of theseatback lever 288. - As the
seatback 214 moves from the folded position (FIG. 6 ) toward the upright position (FIG. 5 ), theside frame members 232 eventually abuts against theinterference members 292 thereby limiting the rotation of the seatback levers 288, and the bolstercamming surfaces 290 of the seatback levers 288 abut against thepaddle 276 of the bolsters 230 b, thereby camming the bolsters 230 b away from the retracted position and toward the extended position. As theseatback 214 moves away from the upright position and toward the folded position, theside frame members 232 move away from theinterference members 292 of the seatback levers 288 thereby allowing the seatback levers 288 to rotate about the pivot points 289 and allowing the bolsters 230 b to move from the extended position toward the retracted position. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 6 , contact between the bolster 230 a of thelower seat assembly 212 and the bolster 230 b of theseatback 214 moves the bolsters 230 a, 230 b away from the extended position and toward the retracted position. In other words, when theseatback 214 moves from the upright position to the folded position, thetrim cover 224 b at the lateral sides of theseatback 214 contacts thetrim cover 224 a at the lateral sides of thelower seat assembly 212 to push each of the bolsters 230 a, 230 b from the extended position toward the retracted position. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however, that the bolsters 230 a, 230 b could be biased toward the retracted position in a manner similar to the bolsters 130 a, 130 b ofFIGS. 3 and 4 . - In summary, each embodiment of the
seat assembly seatback lower seat assembly seat assembly - The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.
Claims (20)
1. A vehicle seat assembly comprising:
a lower seat assembly with a lower sitting surface;
a seatback with a seatback sitting surface, wherein at least one of said lower seat assembly and said seatback is adapted for movement; and
at least one bolster adapted for movement to thereby change curvature of at least one of said lower sitting surface and said seatback sitting surface; and
wherein said bolster automatically moves due to movement of at least one of said lower seat assembly and said seatback.
2. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said seatback is adapted to move relative to said lower seat assembly between an upright position and a folded position, and wherein said bolster automatically moves between an extended position and a retracted position as said seatback moves between the upright position and the folded position.
3. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bolster includes at least one flexible member with a first end and a second end, and wherein the relative distance between said first end and said second end changes due to movement of at least one of said lower seat assembly and said seatback.
4. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising at least one bolster camming surface that cams said bolster due to movement of at least one of said lower seat assembly and said seatback.
5. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 4 further comprising a lever that includes said bolster camming surface and still further comprising a lever camming surface, wherein said lever moves toward and away from said lever camming surface such that lever camming surface cams said lever and bolster camming surface cams said bolster as said lever moves toward said lever.
6. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 4 further comprising a lever that includes said bolster camming surface and that includes an interference member that limits rotation of said lever such that said bolster camming surface of said lever cams said bolster.
7. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a biasing member that biases said bolster for movement.
8. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said biasing member is a torsion spring.
9. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said lower seat assembly and said seatback include at least one bolster, and wherein said contact between said bolster of said seatback and said bolster of said lower seat assembly causes movement of said bolster of said seatback and said bolster of said lower seat assembly.
10. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a cable operable to pull and rotate said bolster due to movement of at least one of said seatback and said lower seat assembly.
11. A vehicle seat assembly comprising:
a lower seat assembly with a lower sitting surface;
a seatback with a seatback sitting surface, said seatback adapted to move relative to said lower seat assembly between an upright position and a folded position;
wherein at least one of said lower seat assembly and said seatback include at least one bolster adapted for movement between an extended position, wherein curvature of said corresponding one of said lower sitting surface and said seatback sitting surface is increased, and a retracted position, wherein curvature of said corresponding one of said lower sitting surface and said seatback sitting surface is reduced;
wherein said bolster automatically moves away from the extended position and toward the retracted position as said seatback moves away from the upright position and toward the folded position, and wherein said bolster automatically moves away from the retracted position and toward the extended position as said seatback moves away from the folded position and toward the upright position.
12. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said bolster includes at least one flexible member that moves so as to move said bolster between the extended position and the retracted position.
13. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said bolster includes at least one flexible member with a first end and a second end, and wherein the relative distance between said first end and said second end changes as said seatback moves between the upright position and the folded position to thereby move said bolster between the extended position and the retracted position.
14. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 11 further comprising at least one bolster camming surface that cams said bolster as said seatback moves.
15. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 14 further comprising a lever that includes said bolster camming surface and still further comprising a lever camming surface, wherein said lever moves toward said lever camming surface when said seatback moves away from the folded position and toward the upright position, thereby causing the lever camming surface to cam said lever such that said bolster camming surface cams said bolster away from the retracted position and toward the extended position.
16. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 14 further comprising a lever that includes said bolster camming surface and that includes an interference member that limits rotation of said lever as said seatback moves away from the folded position and toward the upright position such that said bolster camming surface of said lever cams said bolster away from the retracted position and toward the extended position.
17. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 11 further including a biasing member that biases said bolster toward one of the retracted position and the extended position.
18. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 17 , wherein said biasing member is a torsion spring.
19. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein contact between said seatback and said lower seat assembly as said seatback moves away from the upright position and toward the folded position causes said bolster to move away from the extended position and toward the retracted position.
20. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 11 further comprising a cable operable to pull and rotate said bolster toward one of the retracted position and the extended position upon actuation by said cable.
Priority Applications (4)
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US11/131,997 US20060273644A1 (en) | 2005-05-18 | 2005-05-18 | Vehicle seat assembly having movable bolsters |
DE102006017266A DE102006017266A1 (en) | 2005-05-18 | 2006-04-12 | Vehicle seat arrangement with movable cushions |
GB0609821A GB2426192B (en) | 2005-05-18 | 2006-05-18 | Vehicle seat assembly having movable bolsters |
GB0715702A GB2447309B8 (en) | 2005-05-18 | 2006-05-18 | Vehicle seat assembly having movable bolsters |
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US11/131,997 US20060273644A1 (en) | 2005-05-18 | 2005-05-18 | Vehicle seat assembly having movable bolsters |
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US11/131,997 Abandoned US20060273644A1 (en) | 2005-05-18 | 2005-05-18 | Vehicle seat assembly having movable bolsters |
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US20090127912A1 (en) * | 2007-11-19 | 2009-05-21 | Lear Corporation | Vehicle seat assembly having a cushion with a colored coating and method of making the same |
US8066325B2 (en) | 2006-09-13 | 2011-11-29 | Intier Automotive Inc. | Deployable bolster for a vehicle seat |
US20120235458A1 (en) * | 2011-03-15 | 2012-09-20 | Lear Corporation | Collapsible Bolster Cushion |
US20140178652A1 (en) * | 2011-04-15 | 2014-06-26 | Bernd Gross | Reinforced structural element made of plastic, in particular in the vehicle interior design field |
US8998309B2 (en) | 2013-01-10 | 2015-04-07 | Lear Corporation | Vehicle seat assembly having a permeable cushion with a colored coating and method of making the same |
US10124699B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2018-11-13 | Lear Corporation | Seat assembly having shell with flexible bolsters |
US11076697B1 (en) | 2020-09-22 | 2021-08-03 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Seating assembly for a vehicle |
US11396253B1 (en) | 2021-03-15 | 2022-07-26 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Adjustment mechanism for seating assembly member |
US11628749B2 (en) | 2020-02-26 | 2023-04-18 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Vehicle seat for a motor vehicle and method of positioning the same |
WO2023205723A3 (en) * | 2022-04-22 | 2023-11-23 | Unw, Inc. | Motorized multimodal simulator system with convertible seat |
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DE102008023888A1 (en) * | 2008-05-16 | 2009-11-19 | GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit | Vehicle seat for use as rear vehicle seat in passenger car, has backrest transferable from use position into load position, where volume of cushion and/or backrest is made smaller during transfer from use position into load position |
DE102008029260A1 (en) * | 2008-06-19 | 2009-12-24 | GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit | Motor vehicle seat has seat part and backrest, where backrest is tiltable forward in load position in seat direction from perpendicular usage position around swivel axis |
DE102014209189B4 (en) * | 2014-05-15 | 2022-10-06 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Bench seat, in particular rear bench seat, in a vehicle |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2426192B (en) | 2008-07-09 |
DE102006017266A1 (en) | 2006-11-23 |
GB0609821D0 (en) | 2006-06-28 |
GB2426192A (en) | 2006-11-22 |
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