U.S. patent application number 10/794365 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-02 for apparatus and method for varying coeffiecients of friction in a variable apex back support.
Invention is credited to Ligon, James T. JR., Ligon, James T. SR., Porter, Stephen T..
Application Number | 20040169407 10/794365 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23213365 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040169407 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ligon, James T. SR. ; et
al. |
September 2, 2004 |
Apparatus and method for varying coeffiecients of friction in a
variable apex back support
Abstract
A back support for use in seats such as automobile seats or
office chairs, includes a flexible support member mounted to the
seatback. The shape of the flexible support member changes
responsively to a load imposed by a person's back, and may also be
changed by an actuator system. Noise, galling, wear and rough
movement between moving parts of the flexible back support are
reduced by selectively controlling the properties of the surfaces
of the flexible support member, the mounting structures, or both.
In particular, at least a portion of these surfaces are treated to
provide friction surfaces, protection surfaces or both are used.
Any combination of devices can be used to treat the surfaces,
including tapes, lubricants, extrusions, sleeves, coatings, films,
and self-lubricated material sections. These treatment options are
especially useful at interface locations, wear surfaces, and
contact surfaces, and a substantial portion of the flexible support
member or the mounting structures may remain free of these
treatments.
Inventors: |
Ligon, James T. SR.;
(Almont, MI) ; Porter, Stephen T.; (Almont,
MI) ; Ligon, James T. JR.; (Almont, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HUSCH & EPPENBERGER, LLC
190 CARONDELET PLAZA
SUITE 600
ST. LOUIS
MO
63105-3441
US
|
Family ID: |
23213365 |
Appl. No.: |
10/794365 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10794365 |
Mar 5, 2004 |
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10113429 |
Mar 29, 2002 |
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6758522 |
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60279786 |
Mar 29, 2001 |
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60312869 |
Aug 16, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/284.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/6671 20150401;
A47C 7/465 20130101; B60N 2/666 20150401; A47C 7/46 20130101; B60N
2/6673 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/284.4 |
International
Class: |
A47C 001/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A back support for use within a seatback, comprising: a flexible
support member, a means for mounting said flexible support member
in the seatback; and wherein at least one of said flexible support
member and said mounting means further comprises a surface region
and a treated surface region, said treated surface region
comprising a portion of said surface region and wherein a portion
of at least one of said flexible support member and said mounting
means is free from said treated surface region.
2. The back support of claim 1, wherein said treated surface region
is no more than approximately half of said surface region.
3. The back support of claim 1, wherein a substantial portion of at
least one of said flexible support member and said mounting means
is free from wherein said treated surface region.
4. The back support of claim 1, wherein said treated surface region
is selected from the group of treatments consisting of a low
friction surface, an impact resistant surface, an abrasive
resistant surface, a shock-absorbing surface, a protective surface,
a smoothed surface, a self-lubricated surface, and any combination
thereof, wherein said treated surface region has, with respect to
said surface region, at least one of a lower coefficient of
friction, a higher impact resistance, a higher abrasive resistance,
a higher shock-absorbing surface, a more protective surface, a more
smooth surface, and a more lubricated surface.
5. The back support of claim 4, wherein said treatments are
selected from the group of treatment options consisting of a tape,
a lubricant, an extrusion, a sleeve, a coating, a film, and a
self-lubricated material section, and any combination thereof.
6. The back support of claim 5, wherein said coating is comprised
of at least one of a powder coat and a liquid coat.
7. The back support of claim 6, wherein said coating is further
comprised of a baked coating, wherein at least one of said powder
coat and said liquid coat comprise a resin and a solvent.
8. The back support of claim 5, wherein said self-lubricated
material section is further comprised of a material different from
said surface region.
9. The back support of claim 5, wherein said self-lubricated
material section is further comprised of a material equivalent to
said surface region and at least one of a tape, an extrusion, a
sleeve, a coating, and a film.
10. The back support of claim 5, wherein said treated surface
region is no more than approximately 30% of said surface
region.
11. The back support of claim 1, wherein said flexible support
member comprises at least one of a coating, a film, and a tape at
said treated surface region, wherein a substantial portion of said
surface region is free from said coating, said film, and said tape,
and wherein at least one of said coating, said film and said tape
comprises at least one of a protective surface and a low friction
surface in comparison with said surface region.
12. The back support of claim 11, wherein said flexible support
member is comprised substantially of metal.
13. The back support of claim 11, wherein said flexible support
member is comprised of metal and plastic.
14. The back support of claim 11, wherein said flexible support
member is comprised substantially of plastic and at least one of
said coating, said film and said tape further comprises at least
one of an impact resistant surface, an abrasive resistant surface,
a shock-absorbing surface, a protective surface and any combination
thereof.
15. The back support of claim 11, wherein said treated surface
region is no more than approximately 30% of said surface
region.
16. The back support of claim 11, wherein said treated surface
region is no more than approximately 15% of said surface
region.
17. The back support of claim 11, wherein said treated surface
region is no more than approximately 10% of said surface
region.
18. The back support of claim 11, wherein said treated surface is
located at a contact surface location.
19. The back support of claim 18, wherein said contact surface
location is selected from the group of locations consisting of an
interface between said mounting means and said flexible support
member, a contact surface between said mounting means and the
seatback, a wear surface between said flexible support member and
the seatback, and any combination thereof.
20. The back support of claim 11, wherein at least one of said
coating, said film, and said tape has a thickness of less than
approximately 0.1 inch.
21. The back support of claim 11, wherein at least one of said
coating, said film, and said tape has a thickness of less than
approximately 0.05 inch.
22. The back support of claim 11, wherein at least one of said
coating, said film, and said tape has a thickness of less than
approximately 0.01 inch.
23. The back support of claim 11, wherein at least one of said
coating, said film, and said tape has an approximate thickness
between 0.001 inch and 0.01 inch, inclusive.
24. The back support of claim 11, wherein said tape is comprised of
a laminated tape.
25. The back support of claim 1 further comprising a means for
actuating said flexible support member.
26. The back support of claim 25, wherein said mounting means
further comprises at least one of a bar and a guide rod and wherein
said actuating means further comprises a Bowden cable and a Bowden
cable actuator.
27. The back support of claim 25, wherein said flexible support
element further comprises a clamping member.
27. The back support of claim 25, wherein said flexible support
element further comprises at least one of a bar, a web, a
single-piece member and a body portion with an attachment
portion.
28. The back support of claim 25, wherein said flexible support
element further comprises a single-piece member.
29. A back support for use within a seatback, comprising: a
flexible support member, a means for mounting said flexible support
member in the seatback; and wherein at least one of said flexible
support member and said mounting means further comprises a surface
region and a treated surface region, said treated surface region
comprising a portion of said surface region and wherein a
substantial portion of at least one of said flexible support member
and said mounting means is free from said treated surface
region.
30. The back support of claim 29, wherein said treated surface
region is selected from the group of treatments consisting of a low
friction surface, an impact resistant surface, an abrasive
resistant surface, a shock-absorbing surface, a protective surface,
a smoothed surface, a self-lubricated surface, and any combination
thereof, wherein said treated surface region has, with respect to
said surface region, at least one of a lower coefficient of
friction, a higher impact resistance, a higher abrasive resistance,
a higher shock-absorbing surface, a more protective surface, a more
smooth surface, and a more lubricated surface.
31. The back support of claim 30, wherein said treatments are
selected from the group of treatment options consisting of a tape,
a lubricant, an extrusion, a sleeve, a coating, a film, and a
self-lubricated material section, and any combination thereof.
32. The back support of claim 31, wherein said treated surface
region is no more than approximately 30% of said surface region,
and wherein at least one of said coating, said film, and said tape
has an approximate thickness between 0.001 inch and 0.01 inch,
inclusive.
33. The back support of claim 29, wherein said treated surface is
located at a contact surface location selected from the group of
locations consisting of an interface between said mounting means
and said flexible support member, a contact surface between said
mounting means and the seatback, a wear surface between said
flexible support member and the seatback, and any combination
thereof.
34. The back support of claim 29, wherein said flexible support
element further comprises a single-piece member.
35. A back support for use within a seatback, comprising: a
flexible support member, a means for mounting said flexible support
member in the seatback; and wherein said flexible support member
further comprises a surface region and a treated surface region
selected from the group of treatment options consisting of a tape,
a coating, a film, and any combination thereof, and wherein at
least one of said coating, said film, and said tape has an
approximate thickness between 0.001 inch and 0.01 inch,
inclusive.
36. The back support of claim 35, wherein said treated surface
region is selected from the group of treatments consisting of a low
friction surface, an impact resistant surface, an abrasive
resistant surface, a shock-absorbing surface, a protective surface,
a smoothed surface, a self-lubricated surface, and any combination
thereof, wherein said treated surface region has, with respect to
said surface region, at least one of a lower coefficient of
friction, a higher impact resistance, a higher abrasive resistance,
a higher shock-absorbing surface, a more protective surface, a more
smooth surface, and a more lubricated surface.
37. The back support of claim 35, wherein said treated surface
region is no more than approximately half of said surface
region.
38. The back support of claim 35, wherein said treated surface
region is no more than approximately 30% of said surface
region,
39. The back support of claim 35, wherein said treated surface is
located at a contact surface location selected from the group of
locations consisting of an interface between said mounting means
and said flexible support member, a contact surface between said
mounting means and the seatback, a wear surface between said
flexible support member and the seatback, and any combination
thereof.
40. The back support of claim 35, wherein said mounting means
further comprises a guide wire and a plastic coating around said
guide wire.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/113,429, filed on Mar. 29, 2002 which claims priority under
35 U.S.C. Sec. 119(e) to provisional application 60/279,786 filed
Mar. 29, 2001 and to provisional application 60/312,869 filed Aug.
16, 2001.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to back supports and more
particularly to back supports used in seatbacks.
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] A variety of seat back support devices provide added support
and comfort to a person's back. These devices are especially common
in vehicle seats or office chairs as lumbar supports. Such devices
are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,518,294; 6,296,308 B1; 5,397,164;
6,036,265; 6,254,187; 6,227,618; 6,158,300; 6,152,532; 6,050,641;
6,036,265; 6,007,151; 5,816,653; 5,681,005; and 5,609,394, the
teachings of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference
herein. For all such devices, reducing noise, wear and promoting
smooth functional interaction of the moving parts of such back
supports is a continuing need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] This lumbar support invention provides a unitary flexible
support member formed from a sheet of material. The support member
arches outwardly to support a person's back. The support member
preferably has a central body portion with a longitudinal axis and
opposite ends at each end of the axis. Typically, a number of
support fingers extend outwardly from the central body portion in a
generally horizontal direction. A means for arching the support
member is attached to the support member to arch the support member
outwardly to support a person's back.
[0008] The flexible support member must be mounted in the frame of
a seat. One conventional mounting method is with guide wires which
are usually vertical and run through mounting slots in either
longitudinal end of the flexible support member. Another
conventional mounting method is with horizontal bars that are
pivotably, rotatably or slidingly mounted to either longitudinal
end of the flexible support member. According to the present
invention, either the support member, bars, wires or like structure
upon which it is mounted, or both, have their coefficient of
friction reduced to quiet, smooth and reduce wear in their
interaction.
[0009] Reducing the coefficient of friction is achieved by
selectively coating portions of the assembly with a low friction
material, surface smoothing, such as by a vibratory technique, by
interposing friction reducing elements such as plastic members or
tape, or by lubricating, such as with oils.
[0010] The means for arching the support member, for example a
traction cable, may also benefit from reducing the coefficient of
friction between it and the flexible support member.
[0011] The support fingers and front of the flexible support
surface may also be surface smoothed, such as by a vibratory
technique. This reduces wear on the seat cushions. The result is a
relatively low cost improved support member for use in a back
support device.
[0012] Further features and advantages of the present invention, as
well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the
present invention, are described in detail below with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the
inventive back support.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
inventive back support.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of another back support
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of yet another back support
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment showing a
back support attached to a seat base frame.
[0018] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the configuration
illustrated in FIGS. 6b-6c.
[0019] FIGS. 6b-6c are side views showing an alternative approach
for actuating a back support.
[0020] FIGS. 7a-c is a side view showing another alternative
approach to actuation.
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a seat back insert
for facilitating back support actuation.
[0022] FIGS. 9a-c illustrate an embodiment including a translatable
member for providing adjustable support.
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment including plural
tensionable members for local support.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The subject of the invention is an improvement to lumbar
supports, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,518,294; 6,296,308;
5,397,164; 6,036,265; 6,254,187; 6,227,618; 6,158,300; 6,152,532;
6,050,641; 6,036,265; 6,007,151; 5,816,653; 5,681,005; and
5,609,394, which are hereby incorporated by reference for all
purposes.
[0025] Referring to the accompanying drawings in which like
reference numbers indicate like elements,
[0026] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one preferred
embodiment 10 of a back support designed in accordance with this
invention. A support member 12 is mounted in a conventional
seatback upon a first bar 14 (e.g., a wire or like member, which is
generally vertically or horizontally oriented) at a first
longitudinal end 16 of the support member 12. An optional second
bar 18 is positioned near the second longitudinal end 20 of
single-piece support member 12 such that the mounting portion near
the second longitudinal end 20 provides a pivotal and movable mount
upon or about bar 18. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, Bars 14
and 18 are preferably horizontally disposed within a seatback frame
as generally shown in FIG. 2. The details of the mounting and
movement of the single-piece support member 12 upon bars 14 and 18
are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,294.
[0027] Support member 12 includes a central body 22 that may
further include longitudinal strips 24 and 26. Transverse strips 28
may also be provided between longitudinal strips 24 and 26 to
provide greater comfort to a user and to provide more integrity and
stability to support member 12. In one embodiment the support
member is a single piece. In another embodiment, the support member
12 is preferably formed of a single stamping of an alloy metal
known as Martinsite.RTM.. The lightweight and durable nature of
support member 12 may be further enhanced by providing transverse
strips 28 between longitudinal strips 24 and 26 rather than
providing a solid member as central body 22. As discussed in
further detail, rather than powder coating or otherwise coating the
entire support member 12 (which will typically be a stamping),
improved results are possible by selectively treating the stamping
with a coating 30 to impart a protective surface, a low friction
surface or both over only a portion of the member 12.
[0028] Extending outward from central body 22 are support fingers
32. Support fingers 32 may be coplanar with or angled relative to a
plane defined by central body 22. The angle of support fingers 32
may be selected to yield greater lateral support for a user and to
enhance the comfort provided by the inventive back support. The
peripheral edges 34 of support fingers 32 may be flat or bent back
slightly relative to the forward projection of the support fingers
32. Preferably the edges 34 (or optionally other edges of the
member 12) are surface smoothed to avoid sharp edges, burrs or the
like. One preferred approach is to vibratory smooth the edges such
as by vibratory burnishing.
[0029] It is to be understood that the references within this
description to the top or bottom of the support member are relative
to the mounting of the illustrated preferred embodiment. The items
described may be inverted and still fall within the present
invention.
[0030] First plate 36 includes suitable mounting structure (e.g.,
clamping members 38 and 40, other gripping members, or the like)
for mounting the first longitudinal end 16 of support member 12 on
bar 14. When employed, clamping members 38 and 40 provide an easy
installation of the support member 12 because clamping members 38
and 40 effectively "snap on" bar 14 as the support member is moved
generally upward against bar 14. The mounting provided by clamping
members 38 and 40 enables efficient assembly requiring a minimum
amount of tools and a minimum amount of parts.
[0031] The actuation mechanism and other operational features of
the present device can be gleaned from U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,294,
which is hereby incorporated by reference. In one embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 1, the two ends of the lumbar support member are
supported by two bars (or wires) that are part of the seat back.
There is relative motion between the wires and the stamped element,
primarily rotation at one end, and sliding at the other end. In
order to prevent noise and galling of the wires, a lubricating
material or a suitable plastic material sleeve or coating is used
at the interface between the wires and the member 12. For instance,
the material used may be a powder coat, or a liquid coating applied
by a spray process, wherein the coating is baked to dry out the
solvents and cure the resin. The same process may be applied to
either guide wires or mounting bars instead of the flexible support
member or in addition to it.
[0032] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the wire or bar
is treated to have a low friction surface. For example, the wire
may be treated by extruding the wire with a low friction plastic.
For instance, the wire might be treated by cross head extruding it
with a plastic. Alternatively, the wire may be treated by placing
or pressing an extruded plastic tube over said wire.
[0033] By way of illustration of the techniques for treating the
member 12, the following are disclosed. In one example, a suitable
tape is fabricated of a layer of low friction plastic (e.g., ultra
high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), ultrahigh density
polyethylene, or the low friction materials disclosed elsewhere
herein) with a suitable adhesive (e.g., an acrylic pressure
sensitive adhesive). The tape is applied to the member at the areas
that are in contact with the seat back wire or where there is
contemplated to be sliding contact between two parts under pressure
as for example the Bowden traction cable depicted in FIG. 44. As
mentioned a number of materials are suitable for the function
described above. In general, the materials will exhibit a
relatively high sliding abrasion resistance, a relatively high
notched impact resistance, a relatively low coefficient of friction
for on-stick, self lubricated surfaces, relatively good toughness
and ductility from -452.degree. to +194.degree. F., relatively high
noise reduction and shock absorption, and relatively good
dimensional stability. In another embodiment, in lieu of or in
combination with a tape, a lubricant (e.g., a grease or an oil) is
employed over at least a portion of the member. By way of
illustration, one suitable lubricant is or has the characteristics
of Krytox.RTM. oil (available from DuPont). Such characteristics
are summarized in Table A, which are typical properties, not
specifications, based on historical production performance and
viscosity may vary within .+-.10%. For example, P.F.P.E. (k)
(Krytox) oil with a viscosity index of about 124 and a useful
temperature range of about -60.degree. F. to +355.degree. F. would
provide the necessary lubricity to pass our screening.
1TABLE A Typical Properties of Krytox .RTM. General Purpose Oils
and Greases GPL Oil Grades 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 GPL Std
Grease Grades (GG) 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 GPL Extreme
Pressure GG 210 211 212 -- 214 215 216 217 GPL Anti Corrosion
Grease GG 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 ISO Grade of Oil -
Approx. 5 7 15 32 68 150 220 450 Estimated Useful Range - Based on
pour point and where evaporation is approximately 10% .degree. C.
<-70/66 <-70/104 -63/132 -60/154 -51/179 -36/204 -36/260
-30/288 .degree. F. <-94/150 <-94/220 -81/270 -76/310 -60/355
-33/400 -33/500 -22/550 Oil Viscosity, cST/ASTM D445 20.degree. C.
(68.degree. F.) 7 16 36 80 180 550 810 1600 40.degree. C.
(104.degree. F.) 4 8 15 30 60 160 240 440 100.degree. C.
(212.degree. F.) -- 2 3 5 9 18 25 42 204.degree. C. (400.degree.
F.) -- -- -- -- -- 3 3.9 6 260.degree. C. (500.degree. F.) -- -- --
-- -- -- 2.1 3 Oil Viscosity Index/D2270 -- -- 59 121 124 134 134
144 Oil Pour Point/D97 .degree. C. <-70 <-70 -63 -60 -51 -36
-36 -30 .degree. F. <-94 <-94 -81 -76 -60 -33 -33 -22 Oil
Density, g/ml 0.degree. C. (32.degree. F.) 1.87 1.89 1.91 1.92 1.93
1.94 1.95 1.95 100.degree. C. (212.degree. F.) 1.67 1.70 1.72 1.74
1.75 1.76 1.77 1.78 Maximum Oil Volatility % in 22 hrs/D972
(Modified) @66.degree. C. (150.degree. F.) 11 2 2 1 1 1 <1 --
@121.degree. C. (250.degree. F.) 87 35 20 7 3 2 1 -- @204.degree.
C. (400.degree. F.) -- -- -- -- -- 10 <5 <1 Oil Separation
From Grease/FTMS 7918 321.1 Wt. Loss, % 30 hrs @99.degree. C.
(210.degree. F.) 18 9 7 5 4 4 3 3 @204.degree. C. (400.degree. F.)
-- -- -- -- -- -- 11 10 Oil, 4-Ball Wear Test, (20 kg/107.degree.
C.)/ASTM D4172, (225.degree. F.)/1200 rpm/60 min, results provided
with avg. std. deviation West Scar. Mm (.+-.0.01) 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3
0.4 0.3 0.3 0.4 Friction Coefficient, (.+-.0.003) 0.08 0.07 0.07
0.08 0.07 0.07 0.08 0.08 Oil, Falex Pin/V-Block Load Carrying/ASTM
D3233 Ability, Max Load, lbs (gauge) 1375 1400 1250 1555 1450
>4500 >4500 >4500 Torque at Max Load, in-lb 30 31 32 35 32
56 65 65
[0034] In yet another illustrative embodiment, a laminated tape is
employed having performance characteristics of the tapes disclosed
in Table B. For example a plastic/metal foil tape might be
employed, having an adhesive for bonding on one of its surfaces. By
way of illustration, a tape may be used having on the order of
about 0.002 inch thick metal (e.g. aluminum), which has a pressure
sensitive adhesive on one surface, and a plastic (e.g., PTFE or
Teflon.RTM.) layer on the order of about 0.001 inch thick on the
other metal surface. It is believed that this provides sufficient
lubricity and toughness to withstand the sliding contact with the
seat back wire. Of course, as mentioned above, the above techniques
can be used in lieu of or in combination with treating the
bars.
2TABLE B Pressure Sensitive Tapes PRODUCT: TF12-53PS CONSTRUCTION:
Backing: 0.001" FEP Teflon .RTM./ 0.002" Aluminum Foil Adhesive:
0.001" Acrylic Pressure Sensitive Adhesive APPLICATION: High
slip/low coefficient of friction qualities of Teflon .RTM. combined
with excellent formable characteristics of foil and long term
acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive. Protective tape & sheeting
in plating room, chute liners, hoppers, etc. PROPERTY VALUE TEST
METHOD Thickness: 0.004 inch +/- 10% ASTM-D-3652 Peel Strength: 32
oz./inch of width ASTM-D-1000, 15 minute dwell Breaking Strength:
13 lbs./inch of width ASTM-D-1000 Elongation at Break: 5%
ASTM-D-1000 Color: Silver Shelf Life: 1 year when stored under
conditions of 70 degrees F. (21 degrees C.) and 50% R.H.
[0035] Table C illustrates a range of characteristics for suitable
UHMWPE materials.
3TABLE C UHMW Tape PRODUCT: Ultra high molecular weight
polyethylene film with an aggressive pressure sensitive adhesive.
50 DK silicone release liner available. APPLICATIONS: UHMW has a
low coefficient of friction, therefore offers excellent abrasion
resistance. Perfect for sound dampening applications in the
appliance and transportation industries and for conveyance
applications where a slick, wear resistant surface is needed.
Self-wound and linered versions available in both logs and slit
rolls. PROPERTY VALUE TEST METHOD Tape Types 150-3 150-5 150-10
Film Thickness: 0.003" 0.005" 0.010" (+/-10%) ASTM-D-3652 Adhesive
Thickness: 0.0018" 0.0018" 0.0018" (+/-10%) ASTM-D-3652 Total
Thickness: 0.0048" 0.0068" 0.0118" (+/-10%) ASTM-D-3652 Liner
Thickness: 0.0032" 0.0032" 0.0032" (+/-10%) ASTM-D-3652 Adhesion to
Steel: 35 oz./inch 40 oz./inch 28 oz./inch ASTM-D-1000 (15 min.
dwell) Breaking Strength: 18# 30# 60# lbs/in of width ASTM-D-882
Elongation: 270% 300% 450% ASTM-D-882 Taber Abrasion: <2.0 mg
<2.0 mg <2.0 mg mg mass loss SAE-J-1847 Dry Dynamic 0.11-0.25
0.11-0.25 0.11-0.25 ASTM-D-1894 Coefficient of Friction: Shelf
Life: 1 year when stored under conditions of 70 degrees F. (21
degrees C.) and 50% R.H.
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates an alterative support member 42 for
mounting on vertically oriented bars or wires, for which the
present invention may have like utility. In this regard, the
inventive aspects described herein find utility with support
members of the type disclosed in other seat back devices including
but not limited to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,300
(Klingler); U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,164 (Schuster); U.S. Pat. No.
6,296,308 B1 (Costentino); U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,641 (Benson); U.S.
Pat. No. 6,152,532 (Cosentino); U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,265
(Cosentino); U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,151 (Benson); U.S. Pat. No.
5,816,653 (Benson), the teachings of which are hereby expressly
incorporated by reference herein.
[0037] The exact materials of Tables A-C (hereby incorporated by
reference) need not be employed to be within the scope of the
present invention. Other coatings might include powder coatings
(e.g. graphite powder coatings), or the like. Further, some or all
of the coating locations shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted (e.g. over
the strips 26,28 the fingers or elsewhere), or coatings may be
employed elsewhere over the member surface or over all of it.
However, it is preferred that materials employed exhibit relatively
comparable performance in the relevant properties.
[0038] Though it is appreciated that the present invention also
contemplate that an entire part is coated, overall, it is preferred
that a substantial portion of the member 12 be free of a coating
(which encompasses traditional coatings as well as tapes, films or
the like) in accordance with the present invention, and that any
such coatings employed are selectively employed over wear or
contact surfaces. In one preferred embodiment, no more than about
50% of the member surface is coated. In other embodiment, no more
than about 30% of the member surface is coated. In another
embodiment, no more than about 15% of the member surface is coated.
In another embodiment, no more than about 10% of the member surface
is coated. Further, it is preferred that the thickness of any such
coating is less than about 0.1 inch, more preferably less than
about 0.05 inch, and more preferably less than about 0.01 inch, and
more preferably is about 0.005 inch.
[0039] Resulting articles in accordance with the present invention
exhibit excellent, consistent and reproducible performance over a
broad range of temperatures from at least about -40.degree. F. to
180.degree. F.
[0040] Turning now to another aspect of the present invention, as
shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the support member 100 has a
first end portion 102 and a second end portion 104 and includes an
intermediate central body portion 106 that is fabricated from a
first material, which is preferably flexible, or is a rigid
material that is fabricated to be flexible (e.g., with suitable
corrugations or variable section thicknesses at desired hinge
points). The first end portion or both are adapted for coupling the
support member 100 to a seat.
[0041] As will be appreciated, the central body portion 106
preferably includes a plurality of extending fingers, which may be
the same or a different material as the balance of the material of
the central body portion. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the central
body portion 106 might have plastic fingers 108, with metal
elsewhere (e.g., as a metal spine 110), or vice versa. The plastic
fingers might be insert molded onto the metal spine or attached in
a subsequent operation, e.g., by placing over metal fingers (or
protrusions for receiving the plastic fingers), by a coating
process, or the like.
[0042] In a preferred approach, the central body portion is a
metal, such as a sheet spring metal, and the attachment portion is
made of a molded plastic. In this manner, advantageously, the
attachment portion may be provided as a self-lubricating material,
or a material otherwise having a relatively low coefficient of
friction. In turn, this permits for the elimination of the need for
low friction sleeves or applying lubrication to contact surfaces,
such as where the attachment portion is to move along guide wires
in the seat back. Also, it is possible to fabricate intricately
shaped attachment portion structures, e.g., including integrated
sliding surfaces, and structures that permit for the performance of
multiple functions within the seat. For instance, an attachment
portion might have molded cable or wire guides for routing of
cables, wires, conduits or the like within. It might include frames
or supports for actuators, controls, electronics, or other
components packaged within the seat. Likewise, fingers or other
structure in the support member may be adapted for performing
multiple functions, such as affording heating or cooling paths, or
receiving suitable piezoelectric devices or other electromagnetic
devices for providing a vibration source.
[0043] It is contemplated that the support member might have sheet
metal in face to face contact with some or all of at least one
surface of the plastic attachment portions. Alternatively, the
metal portion of the support member might adjoin the plastic
attachment portions at the respective ends thereof. Combinations of
the two might also be employed.
[0044] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a molded plastic,
stamped metal or other suitable fabricated material is configured
for defining a cantilever support member 112 including a central
body portion 114, support fingers 116 or other support structure.
The support member, in turn, is adapted for attachment to a seat,
either to a frame member in the seat back (not shown), or to a base
118 of a seat, e.g., to a member inserted in the base, to a seat
pan, a seat cushion frame, to a seat track attachment, or
otherwise. Optionally, for an embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the
support member is hinged for pivotal rotation along with an
adjustable seat back. The interaction of moving parts in this
embodiment benefits from lower coefficients of friction achieved
according to the method and apparatus of the present invention.
[0045] Using this type of approach, or any of the above approaches
in which a molded plastic component is fabricated as part of the
support member, it again is possible to increase the functionality
of the back support device. For example, one embodiment
contemplates the formation of a suitable molded fixture that is
adapted to receive or house other vehicle components such as a
thermoelectric device for heating or cooling the seat, electronics,
sensors, air bag components, controls, actuators or the like.
[0046] Turning to FIGS. 6a-6c, the present invention also
contemplates the variation of conventional packaging designs for
back rest actuators. Thus, as an alternative to laterally spaced
motors for driving or relieving arching of the central body
portion, a single actuator 120 may be pivotally secured to a seat
or a support arm such as a pivot bar 121 (e.g., shown in FIG. 6a).
The actuator is equipped with an arm or push rod 122, cable or the
like, for driving one end of a support member 124 (shown in FIG. 6a
in phantom) relative to the other, such as for arching or releasing
an arch of the central body portion. In this manner, increased
flexibility is possible from the use of a cantilevered support
member. The interaction of moving parts in this embodiment benefits
from lower coefficients of friction achieved according to the
method and apparatus of the present invention.
[0047] It should be appreciated also that this longitudinally
aligned actuator packaging is not limited to cantilevered
structures, but can be used for support members that are attachable
at both of their respective ends to the vehicle seat assembly. For
example, per FIG. 7, one type of longitudinally aligned actuator
130 might be disposed intermediate of the two end portions 126, 128
of a support member 132. All actuators may be either manual or
motor driven. The actuator preferably has at least two arms 134,
136 that are translatable relative to each other. For instance, in
FIG. 7c the arms 134 and 136 are spaced about a rotatable sprocket
138 for extending or retracting them. Other like configurations are
also possible. The interaction of moving parts in this embodiment
benefits from lower coefficients of friction achieved according to
the method and apparatus of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates another option for facilitating actuation
of a support member. In this option, a seat back insert plate 140
or like structure is provided. The insert 140 has at least one
guide track 142 (elevated or recessed) relative to a surface 144 of
the insert. The track can be self lubricating, e.g., by selection
of the material (e.g., PTFE, polyethylene, or the like) or a
lubricant can be applied to it, such as an oil, graphite, the
lubricants discussed previously, or the like. The interaction of
moving parts in this embodiment benefits from lower coefficients of
friction achieved according to the method and apparatus of the
present invention.
[0049] The concepts of the present invention also contemplate the
relocation of various functions of the assemblies discussed
previously to other places within the seat, in order to help
simplify assembly operations, reduce parts or otherwise improve
assembly manufacture. By way of example, turning to FIG. 9, the
present invention contemplates that the support member need not
include fingers or flex for bowing. A support member 146 (such as a
manually or motor driven translatable bar, web, molded plastic
structure, or the like) is adapted to be translated along a guide
frame 148 or other suitable guide surface. For instance the support
member 146 might be configured with ends 150, 152 for gripping
(e.g., frictionally, clamping, snapping or the like) a nub formed
on the frame, as seen from the sectional view of FIG. 9. Or a
support member 146 might simply have an end (e.g., the above
partially opened end of FIG. 9b or the enclosed end 150 of FIG. 9c)
adapted to run along a guide wire or rod 154 as in FIG. 9c. The
guide surface on the guide frame might have differing profiles or
thicknesses that vary along the length for directing the support
member. To help secure the support member along the guide surface,
the system may include notches or cut outs on the guide surface,
the support member or both, for a ratchet and pawl locking
adjustment. It may likewise have a screw down attachment, such as
for clamping, employ locking pins, or the like. The interaction of
moving parts in this embodiment benefits from lower coefficients of
friction achieved according to the method and apparatus of the
present invention.
[0050] The function of the adjustable support fingers can also be
re-located elsewhere within the seat, such to the upholstery, the
padding, suitable webbing, or the like, either in, on or adjacent
the front of the seat, the back of the seat, or both. In another
embodiment (shown in FIG. 10), a plurality of individually
tensionable webs, straps or wires 156 are disposed across a frame
158. When tension is applied to one of the webs 156, it becomes
tight and applies increased local pressure toward the back of a
user. The interaction of moving parts in this embodiment benefits
from lower coefficients of friction achieved according to the
method and apparatus of the present invention.
[0051] The present invention also may be used in combination with
other comfort and convenience features for a seat, such as side
supports, thigh supports, recliners, pressure equalization
bladders, or the like.
[0052] In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that the several
advantages of the invention are achieved and attained.
[0053] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best
explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0054] As various modifications could be made in the constructions
and method herein described and illustrated without departing from
the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter
contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying
drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.
For example, the apparatus and method of the present invention may
be used on plastic flexible support members, or between the
flexible support members and traction means. Thus, the breadth and
scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the
above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only
in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their
equivalents.
* * * * *