U.S. patent application number 10/360682 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-14 for interchangeable seat cushions for automotive bucket seats.
Invention is credited to Glater, Irving W..
Application Number | 20030151294 10/360682 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27669297 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030151294 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Glater, Irving W. |
August 14, 2003 |
Interchangeable seat cushions for automotive bucket seats
Abstract
An automotive bucket seat with a frame, a back cushion mounted
on the frame, a bottom cushion removably mounted on the frame and a
set of interchangeable bottom cushions in a range of sizes,
alternately mountable on the frame. A tool-less releasable
attachment mechanism provides fast but secure interchange of
cushions. This provides a bucket seat that properly fits users of
different sizes.
Inventors: |
Glater, Irving W.; (West
Hartford, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN V STEWART
1308 HENRY BALCH DRIVE
ORLANDO
FL
32810
|
Family ID: |
27669297 |
Appl. No.: |
10/360682 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60356606 |
Feb 13, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/440.22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/005 20130101;
B60N 2/7005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/440.22 |
International
Class: |
B60N 002/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An automotive bucket seat with interchangeable seat cushions,
comprising: a seat frame; a back cushion attached to the frame; a
first bottom cushion releasably mounted on the frame, the first
bottom cushion being one of a set of at least two interchangeable
bottom cushions of different sizes for different sized users, each
bottom cushion interchangeably releasably mountable on the frame;
whereby a seat bottom cushion can be selected from a range of
sizes, and attached to the frame to customize the seat to properly
fit a given user.
2. The bucket seat of claim 1; wherein the frame has a generally
horizontal seat base with at least one left lower mounting member
and at least one right lower mounting member, each of the seat
bottom cushions in the set has a bottom with at least one left
upper mounting member and at least one right upper mounting member,
the upper mounting members on each seat bottom cushion correspond
with, and mate with, the lower mounting members on the frame, the
set of all upper and lower mounting members when mated has at least
two aligned holes therein passing from left to right for pins, and
further comprising at least two retaining pins for insertion
through the aligned holes that releasably fix the upper mounting
members to the lower mounting members.
3. The bucket seat of claim 1; wherein the frame has a generally
horizontal seat base with a left lower elongated U-channel and a
right lower elongated U-channel, each of the seat bottom cushions
in the set has a bottom structure with a left upper elongated
U-channel and a right upper elongated U-channel, the upper
U-channels on each seat bottom cushion mate with the respective
lower U-channels on the seat base, the upper and lower U-channels
when mated have at least two aligned holes therein passing from
left to right for pins, and further comprising at least two
elongated retaining pins for inserting through the aligned holes
that releasably fix the upper U-channels to the lower
U-channels.
4. An automotive bucket seat with interchangeable seat cushions,
comprising: a seat frame; a generally horizontal seat base on the
frame with a front and back end, left and right sides; at least one
left lower coupling mechanism and at least one right lower coupling
mechanism attached to the seat base; a back cushion attached to the
frame; a first bottom cushion releasably mounted on the frame, the
first bottom cushion being one of a set of at least two bottom
cushions of different sizes for different sized users, each bottom
cushion interchangeably releasably mountable on the frame; each
bottom cushion having a rigid bottom structure with a front and
back end, left and right sides, at least one left upper coupling
mechanism and at least one right upper coupling mechanism, the
upper coupling mechanisms on the seat bottom cushion corresponding
with, and mating with, the lower coupling mechanisms on the seat
base; retaining means for releasably fixing at least some of the
upper coupling mechanisms to the corresponding lower coupling
mechanisms; whereby a seat bottom cushion can be selected and
attached to the seat frame to customize the seat for a given
user.
5. The automotive bucket seat of claim 4, wherein each of the
coupling mechanisms is a longitudinally elongated rigid channel,
each pair of an upper and a corresponding lower channel nest
together; and the retaining means comprises elongated retaining
pins that pass transversely through aligned holes in the left and
right nested channels.
6. The automotive bucket seat of claim 4, wherein the upper
coupling mechanisms comprise an upper left front fitting, an upper
left back fitting, an upper right front fitting, and an upper right
back fitting, the lower coupling mechanisms comprise fittings that
correspond with, and mate with, the upper fittings, and the
retaining means comprises elongated retaining pins that pass
transversely through aligned holes in the left and right mated
fittings.
7. The automotive bucket seat of claim 6, wherein the upper front
left and upper front right fittings are male clevis fittings having
a vertically elongated tongue with at least two generally
vertically alternate holes for a retaining pin, and the lower front
left and lower front right fittings are female clevis fittings with
at least one hole for a retaining pin, whereby the front end of the
seat bottom cushion can be attached to the seat base at an
adjustable height relative to the seat base.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application 60/356606, filed Feb. 13, 2002.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to automotive bucket seats with a
bottom cushion that is interchangeable to accommodate different
sized users.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] Current auto industry practice with regard to sizing
automotive bucket seats is that "one size fits all". Accordingly,
bucket seat design is guided by ergonomic data favoring drivers
with average statures, and the seat bottom cushion must be short
enough for most short drivers. This leaves larger statured drivers
and/or front seat passengers, and even some very short people, at a
disadvantage relative to the level of comfort that they experience
on long trips. Short drivers sometimes must place cushions behind
their backs so their knees bend over the front edge of the seat
cushion. In addition, a one-size-fits-all seat cushion is often too
low for optimum vision of short drivers over the dash, reducing
both driving comfort and safety.
[0006] Comfort is proportional to how well the torso/arms/head
weight is reacted through the buttocks and upper legs into the seat
cushions. This can be quantified as pounds of body weight per
square inch (psi) of contact area of the legs and buttocks on the
seat cushion. If three or four inches of a person's upper legs are
unsupported by the seat cushion, the remainder of the upper legs
and buttocks must support the entire torso/arms/head weight. The
unit pressure (psi) on this reduced area is higher than would be
the case if the entire upper legs were supported. The result is an
earlier onset and a higher level of discomfort during a long
trip.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A main object of the invention is to provide an automotive
bucket seat that properly fits the user. Another object is to
provide a mechanism to easily interchange the bottom cushion of an
automotive bucket seat with a selection from a set of
interchangeable bottom cushions in a range of sizes for different
sized users.
[0008] These objects are achieved in an automotive bucket seat with
a frame, a back cushion mounted on the frame, a bottom cushion
removably mounted on the frame, and a set of interchangeable bottom
cushions in a range of sizes, alternately mountable on the
frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 Is a perspective view of mating male and female
U-channels for the preferred embodiment of the invention
[0010] FIG. 2 Is a perspective view of a long pin with a detent and
grip
[0011] FIG. 3 Is a perspective view of the U-channel embodiment
configured as installed, less the seat parts
[0012] FIG. 4 Is a side view of the U-channels of FIG. 1
[0013] FIG. 5 Is a side view of a second male U-channel, longer
than the first one
[0014] FIG. 6 Is a side view of a third male U-channel, longer than
the second one
[0015] FIG. 7 Is a front view of the inboard U-channels of FIG.
3
[0016] FIG. 8 Is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
quick-connect hardware.
[0017] FIG. 9 Is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
quick-connect hardware that provides vertical adjustment.
[0018] FIG. 10 Is a bottom view of an interchangeable seat bottom
cushion.
[0019] FIG. 11 Is a side view of an automotive bucket seat
configured for average leg length.
[0020] FIG. 12 Is a side view of an automotive bucket seat
configured for long leg length after exchange with a seat cushion
for average leg length.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0021] 1. Female U-channel
[0022] 2. Pin hole in female U-channel
[0023] 3. First male U-channel
[0024] 4. Pin hole in male U-channel
[0025] 5. Detent pin for connecting male and female elements
[0026] 6. Detent mechanism, such as spring loaded ball
[0027] 7. Grip on end of connecting pin
[0028] 8. Second male U-channel, longer than the first
[0029] 9. Third male U-channel, longer than the second
[0030] 11. Female clevis fitting
[0031] 12. Pin hole in female clevis fitting
[0032] 13. Male clevis fitting
[0033] 14. Pin hole in male clevis fitting
[0034] 15. Female clevis fitting with pass-through
[0035] 16. Pin hole in female clevis fitting with pass-through
[0036] 17. Pass-through slot in female clevis fitting
[0037] 18. Male clevis fitting with vertical adjustment holes
[0038] 19a. First vertical adjustment hole
[0039] 19b. Second vertical adjustment hole
[0040] 19c. Third vertical adjustment hole
[0041] 21. Seat bottom cushion
[0042] 22. Seat back
[0043] 23. Seat headrest
[0044] 24. Seat tilt adjustment mechanism
[0045] 25. Seat track attached to floor pan of vehicle
[0046] 26. Slidable seat base mounted on seat track for forward and
backward seat adjustment
[0047] 27. Rigid bottom plate of seat cushion
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] To better accommodating ergonomic differences among the
population, a bucket seat design is disclosed that has a
standardized base and seat back that can readily accommodate any of
a series of seat cushions that vary primarily in their fore-aft
length. A "standard" seat cushion, such as is currently
manufactured, can be provided, but shorter and longer seat cushions
can also be offered to custom fit a seat occupant. Easy assembly
and disassembly is incorporated into the present bucket seat
design, so that custom seat cushion fitting can be done as readily
in the dealer's shop as at the factory. Further, when used vehicles
are sold, their bucket seat cushions can be readily changed to fit
their new drivers.
[0049] The present bucket seat design accommodates the fact that
some of the longer seat cushions will overhang the seat base;
hence, portions of such cushions are cantilevered forward from the
base. This must be considered in the design of the interchangeable
seat cushions. For this reason, an elongated U-channel embodiment
as shown in all figures except FIGS. 8 and 9 is the preferred
embodiment, since the male U-channel 3 provides stiffness under the
projecting portion of the seat cushion.
[0050] The marketing value of this invention might be considerable.
In our society custom made/built items (e.g. clothing, homes,
sporting goods) are more desirable than their mass-produced
"one-size-fits-all" counterparts. In the case of automobiles, the
purchaser, who is usually the primary driver, may be strongly
influenced to buy a vehicle that offers potentially more riding
comfort than a competitive product. In any case, "custom fit" is a
powerful marketing tool.
[0051] An inventory of interchangeable seat cushions according to
this invention should be maintained. Nevertheless, the economic
risk of having extra seat cushions in inventory versus the
probability of selling more vehicles because of it, seems
justifiable.
[0052] In order to achieve easy interchangeability of variable
sized automotive bucket seat cushions, the seat cushions should
have quick-disconnect fittings, and should include stiffness
elements that can be cantilevered out from the front edge of the
seat base.
[0053] A rigid, plate-like element can serve as the seat cushion
bottom structure. This can be metallic (e.g. steel), or
non-metallic (e.g. reinforced polymer). The metallic option has the
advantage of allowing fittings to be attached by resistance or
fusion welding. Otherwise, fasteners, such as rivets can be used.
While the simplest approach is to use a flat, solid plate, other
options include deformations (e.g. corrugations) or cutouts for
stiffness, weight, or other considerations. An alternative seat
cushion bottom is a rigid perimeter frame.
[0054] The seat base 26 (FIGS. 11 and 12) of the bucket seat
assembly is modified to include, or accept attachment of,
quick-connect elements such as female U-channels 1. In order to
fully implement the capabilities of this invention, the fore-aft
dimension of the bucket seat base is preferably shortened to
accommodate seat cushions whose fore-aft dimensions are shorter
than standard one-size-fits-all. The locations of the female
elements on the seat base determine where the corresponding mating
male elements are affixed to the cushion bottom.
[0055] A seat cushion with four male clevis fittings 13 near its
bottom corners can be dropped onto mating female clevis fittings 11
on the bucket seat base. Two long pins with ball detents at their
ends are then pushed through the fittings from the outboard side to
rigidly join the cushion to the base.
[0056] Three different mechanisms have been identified for
implementing this invention, though other possibilities may
exist:
[0057] (1) As shown in all figures except FIGS. 8 and 9: Elongated
U-channel sections, such as male U-channel 3 in FIG. 1, can be
attached to each side of the seat cushion bottom, with the opening
pointing downward. This nests into a wider U-channel, such as
female U-channel 3 of FIG. 1, with its opening pointing up,
attached to the seat base 26. The transverse holes in both male and
female elements are located such that when they are nested and
aligned, long detent pins 5 join them. This is the preferred
embodiment.
[0058] (2) As shown in FIG. 8: Four separate, male clevis fittings
13 are attached near the four corners of the seat bottom. Mating
female clevis fittings 11 are appropriately attached to the seat
base, such that when all are mated, two detent pins 5 join
them.
[0059] (3) As shown in FIG. 9: A variation of the second embodiment
above allows for changing the inclination of the seat cushion by
providing a long-tongued male clevis fitting 18 at each front
corner of the seat bottom. The tongue has a series of transverse
holes 19a, 19b, 19c whose centers are located on an arc coinciding
with the radius from the rear attachment hole. A mating female
element 15 includes a slot in the bottom of the "U" to allow the
passage of the male element, up and down.
[0060] With any of the embodiments the vertical positions of the
male and female fittings can be reversed from those shown. Thus,
the male fitting can be either above or below the female fitting.
These fittings can optionally be made integral with the seat base
26 and/or the seat bottom plate or peripheral frame, or the
fittings can be attached with bolts, rivets, welding, or other
attachment means.
[0061] If this invention is applied to bucket seats whose cushions
contain electrical elements (e.g. heating), provision should be
made for an electrical quick-connect, so that rapid, easy
removal/installation of the cushion is not compromised.
[0062] A set of interchangeable seat bottom cushions preferably
includes an average size, plus 1.5 inches shorter than average, and
1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 inches longer than average. Shorter than average
cushions can preferably be made thicker in order to elevate the
line-of-sight of short statured drivers.
[0063] A major feature of this invention is that the bulk of the
bucket seat assembly, including the base, seat back and power
adjusting hardware can be standardized. The only variable is the
seat cushion. The ease of assembly/disassembly is another major
feature. No tools are needed, and it can be done as easily in a
vehicle owner's driveway as in a dealer's service department or in
a factory.
[0064] Optionally (not shown), a single removable seat cushion can
be provided with U-channel quick-connect fittings that have
multiple sets of pin holes in the upper and/or lower U-channels in
a longitudinal sequence. This allows the seat cushion to be
positioned forward or backward relative to the seat back for taller
and shorter drivers respectively. The back end of the seat cushion
slides under the seat back in the backward position, and comes
close to the front side of the seat back in the forward position.
Multiple sets of pin holes can be provided in addition to larger
and smaller seat cushions to provide fine tuning of the leg length
fit, and/or to reduce the number of cushion sizes needed in
inventory.
[0065] In place of U-channels, other types of track-and-slide
fittings may be used, as long as they allow the seat cushion to be
lowered into place. The inboard fitting does not necessarily have
to be the same as the outboard fitting. For example the outboard
fitting may be a male/female U-channel pair as shown, and the
inboard fitting may have an inward-facing U-channel on the bottom
and an outward facing U-channel on top. To install the seat cushion
in this embodiment the upper inboard U-channel is first hooked over
the lower inboard U-channel, then the upper outboard U-channel is
lowered into the lower outboard U-channel. This embodiment allows
shorter pins to be used that extend only through the outboard
fittings.
[0066] Although the present invention has been described herein
with respect to preferred embodiments, it will be understood that
the foregoing description and the attached drawings are intended to
be illustrative, not restrictive. Many modifications of the present
invention will occur to those skilled in the art.
* * * * *