U.S. patent application number 11/419845 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-29 for automotive seat cushion pan.
This patent application is currently assigned to LEAR CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Vincent Adragna, Eric Beaulieu, Gary Greiner.
Application Number | 20070273195 11/419845 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38234744 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070273195 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adragna; Vincent ; et
al. |
November 29, 2007 |
AUTOMOTIVE SEAT CUSHION PAN
Abstract
In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to an
automotive seat cushion pan comprising a cushion pan portion having
a cushion receiving surface and a side shield portion integral with
the cushion pan portion, the cushion pan portion and the integral
side shield portion being made of plastic.
Inventors: |
Adragna; Vincent; (New
Hudson, MI) ; Beaulieu; Eric; (Farmington Hills,
MI) ; Greiner; Gary; (Chesterfield Township,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROOKS KUSHMAN P.C. / LEAR CORPORATION
1000 TOWN CENTER
TWENTY-SECOND FLOOR
SOUTHFIELD
MI
48075-1238
US
|
Assignee: |
LEAR CORPORATION
21557 Telegraph Road
Southfield
MI
|
Family ID: |
38234744 |
Appl. No.: |
11/419845 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/452.55 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/686 20130101;
B60N 2/70 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/452.55 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/02 20060101
A47C007/02 |
Claims
1. An automotive seat cushion pan comprising: a cushion pan portion
having a cushion receiving surface and a plurality of rim portions
at least partially transverse to the cushion receiving surface; and
a side shield portion distinct from the plurality of rim portions
and formed integrally with the cushion pan portion, the side shield
portion being substantially adjacent at least one of the rim
portions, the cushion pan portion and the integral side shield
portion being made of a material comprising plastic.
2. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 1 wherein the plurality
of rim portions comprise a first elongated rim portion integral
with the cushion pan portion and a second elongated rim portion
integral with the cushion pan portion and wherein the first and
second rim portions are positioned on opposite sides of the cushion
receiving surface of the cushion pan portion.
3. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 2 wherein the first rim
portion and the second rim portion have portions that extend
longitudinally beyond the cushion receiving surface.
4. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 3 wherein the portions
of the first and second rim portions that extend beyond the cushion
receiving surface are adapted to be attached to an automotive seat
frame.
5. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 3 wherein the side
shield portion is substantially adjacent to at least one of the rim
portions and wherein the side shield portion extends along the
cushion pan portion for a length that is at least a substantial
portion of the length of the substantially adjacent rim
portion.
6. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 5 wherein the length of
the side shield portion is greater than the length of the
substantially adjacent rim portion.
7. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 5 wherein the side
shield portion extends around a portion of a front edge of the
cushion pan portion.
8. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 1 wherein the plastic
comprises a glass filled polypropylene.
9. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 1 wherein the cushion
pan portion is adapted to receive at least one control
component.
10. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 9 wherein the cushion
pan portion further comprises a bracket to receive the at least one
control component.
11. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 1 wherein the side
shield portion is adapted to receive at least one control
component.
12. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 11 wherein the side
shield portion comprises an opening that permits a control
component to protrude through the side shield.
13. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 1 wherein the cushion
pan portion is adapted to receive at least one control component
and the side shield portion is adapted to receive at least one
control component.
14. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 1 wherein the side
shield portion is adapted to bear a load of at least 200 lbs.
15. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 14 wherein the side
shield portion comprises integrally molded ribs.
16. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 1 wherein the
automotive seat cushion pan is adapted to receive upholstery.
17. An automotive seat cushion pan comprising: a cushion pan
portion having a cushion receiving surface; a side shield portion
integral with the cushion pan portion, the cushion pan portion and
the integral side shield portion being made of a material
comprising plastic; and an elongated bridge for receiving
upholstery, the elongated bridge extending between and connecting
the cushion pan portion and the side shield portion, the bridge
having a key way for receiving and retaining a portion of the
upholstery.
18. The automotive seat cushion of claim 17 wherein the key way is
adapted to receive a wire attached to the upholstery.
19. (canceled)
20. An automotive seat assembly comprising: a seat back frame; a
seat back cushion disposed on the seat back frame; a seat back
cover covering the seat back cushion and the seat back frame; a
seat bottom frame; a seat bottom cushion disposed on the seat
bottom frame; and a seat bottom cover covering the seat bottom
cushion and the seat bottom frame; wherein the seat back frame is
connected to the seat bottom frame; and wherein the seat bottom
frame includes a plastic automotive seat cushion pan comprising a
cushion receiving surface, a plurality of rim portions transverse
to the cushion receiving surface, and a plastic side shield portion
distinct from the plurality of rim portions and formed integrally
with the cushion pan portion, the side shield portion being
disposed substantially adjacent at least one of the rim
portions.
21. The automotive seat cushion pan of claim 17 wherein key way
extends throughout substantially an entire length of the bridge.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to an automotive seat cushion pan
having an integral side shield.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] Examples of seats having cushion pans and/or side shields
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,643,474; 4,993,778; 4,998,772;
and 5,988,757.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present
invention, an automotive seat cushion pan is provided. In at least
one embodiment, the automotive seat pan comprises a cushion pan
portion having a cushion receiving surface and a side shield
portion integral with the cushion pan portion, the cushion pan
portion and the integral side shield portion being made of
plastic.
[0006] In at least another embodiment of the automotive seat
cushion pan of the present invention, the cushion pan portion
comprises a first elongated rim portion integral with the cushion
pan portion and a second elongated rim portion integral with the
cushion pan portion wherein the first and second rim portions are
positioned on opposite sides of the cushion receiving surface of
the cushion pan portion. In at least another embodiment, the first
rim portion and the second rim portion extend longitudinally beyond
the cushion receiving surface. In another embodiment, a portion of
the first rim portion and a portion of the second rim portion that
extend beyond the cushion receiving surface are adapted to be
attached to an automotive seat frame.
[0007] In at least another embodiment of the automotive seat
cushion pan of the present invention, the side shield portion is
substantially adjacent to at least one of the rim portions and
wherein the side shield portion extends along the cushion pan
portion for a length that is at least a substantial portion of the
length of the substantially adjacent rim portion. In at least
another embodiment, the length of the side shield portion is
greater than the length of the rim portion that the side shield
portion is adjacent to. In yet another embodiment, the side shield
portion extends around a portion of a front edge of the cushion pan
portion.
[0008] In another embodiment of the automotive seat cushion pan,
the plastic used to make the automotive seat cushion pan is a glass
filled polypropylene.
[0009] In another embodiment of the automotive seat cushion pan,
the cushion pan portion is adapted to receive at least one control
component. In at least another embodiment, the cushion pan portion
further comprises a bracket to receive at least one control
component.
[0010] In yet another embodiment of the automotive seat cushion
pan, the side shield portion is adapted to receive at least one
control component. In still another embodiment, the side shield
portion comprises an opening that permits a control component to
protrude through the side shield.
[0011] In still another embodiment of the automotive seat cushion
pan, the cushion pan portion is adapted to receive at least one
control component and the side shield portion is adapted to receive
at least one control component.
[0012] In another embodiment of the automotive seat cushion pan,
the side shield portion is adapted to bear a load of at least 200
lbs. In yet another embodiment, the side shield portion comprises
integrally molded ribs.
[0013] In still another embodiment of the automotive seat cushion
pan of the present invention, the automotive seat cushion pan is
adapted to receive upholstery.
[0014] In another embodiment, the automotive seat cushion pan
further comprises an elongated bridge extending between and
connecting the cushion pan portion and the side shield portion, the
bridge having a key way for receiving and retaining a portion of
the upholstery. In yet another embodiment, the key way is adapted
to receive a wire attached to the upholstery.
[0015] In accordance with at least another aspect of the present
invention, an automotive seat frame is provided. In at least one
embodiment, the automotive seat frame comprises a seat back frame
connected to a seat bottom frame, wherein the seat bottom frame
includes an automotive seat cushion pan comprising a plastic
cushion pan portion having a cushion receiving surface and a
plastic side shield portion integral with the cushion pan
portion.
[0016] In accordance with at least one other aspect of the present
invention, an automotive seat assembly is provided. In at least one
embodiment, the automotive seat assembly comprises a seat back
frame, a seat back cushion disposed on the seat back frame, a seat
back cover covering the seat back cushion and the seat back frame,
a seat bottom frame, a seat bottom cushion, a seat bottom cover
covering the seat bottom cushion and the seat bottom frame, wherein
the seat back frame is connected to the seat bottom frame and
wherein the seat bottom frame includes an automotive seat cushion
pan comprising a plastic cushion pan portion having a cushion
receiving surface and a plastic side shield portion integral with
the cushion pan portion.
[0017] While exemplary embodiments in accordance with the invention
are illustrated and disclosed, such disclosures should not be
construed to limit the claims. It is anticipated that various
modifications and alternative designs may be made without departing
from the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an
automotive seat assembly showing an automotive seat frame and a
seat cushion pan made in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an
automotive seat cushion pan made in accordance with the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the automotive seat
cushion pan illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the automotive seat cushion pan
illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a bottom elevational view of the automotive seat
cushion pan illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a fragmented cross-sectional view taken along the
line 6-6 of the automotive seat cushion pan illustrated in FIG. 4;
and
[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of
the automotive seat cushion pan illustrated in FIG. 4 with a seat
bottom cushion and seat bottom upholstery added.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
upholstery of the seat bottom cushion shown in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0026] The following descriptions are merely exemplary in nature
and are in no way intended to limit the invention, its application,
or its uses.
[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred
compositions, embodiments, and methods of the present invention,
which constitute the best modes of practicing the invention
presently known to the inventors. The figures are not necessarily
to scale. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be
embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific
details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but
merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the invention
and/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the
art to variously employ the present invention.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, an automotive seat cushion pan 5 is
illustrated in an anticipated environment, an automotive seat
assembly 1. In at least one embodiment, the automotive seat
assembly 1 includes a seat bottom frame 2, a seat cushion 3
disposed on the seat bottom frame 2, a seat bottom cover 4 covering
the seat bottom cushion 3, a seat back frame 6, a seat back cushion
7 disposed on the seat back frame 6, and a seat back cover 8
covering the seat back cushion 7. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1, the seat bottom frame 2 includes an embodiment of the
automotive seat cushion pan 5 of the present invention.
[0029] The automotive seat cushion pan of the present invention
combines the automotive seat cushion pan and the automotive seat
side shield into a single, unitary structure having a seat cushion
pan portion and a side shield potion. It can be constructed of
plastic and can be manufactured using any conventional method of
manufacturing plastic components including injection molding.
[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, in at least one embodiment, the
automotive seat cushion pan includes a plastic cushion pan portion
10 and a plastic side shield portion 15, integrally constructed to
form the automotive seat cushion pan 5. As best shown in FIGS. 4
and 5, the seat cushion pan portion 10 and the side shield portion
15 have been molded together as a unitary component.
[0031] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cushion
pan portion 10 includes a cushion receiving surface 12, a first
elongated rim portion 13 and a second elongated rim portion 14. The
first elongated rim portion 13 and the second elongated rim 14 can
extend longitudinally beyond the cushion receiving surface 12 and
can have adaptations 17 which permit the automotive seat cushion
pan 5 to be attached to an automotive seat frame assembly 1 and to
automotive seat assemblies.
[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the side shield portion
15 is substantially adjacent to the first rim portion 13. It should
be understood that the side shield portion 15 could alternatively
be positioned substantially adjacent to the second rim portion
14.
[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the side shield portion 15
extends longitudinally for a length greater than the length of
adjacent rim portion 13. It should be understood that the length of
the side shield portion 15 need not be longer than adjacent rim
portion 13. Rather, the side shield portion 15 need only
longitudinally extend for a length that is a substantial portion of
the length of the adjacent rim portion 13. In at least one
embodiment, the term "a substantial portion" means at least
approximately one quarter of the length of the rim portion. In at
least other embodiments, the term "a substantial portion" means at
least approximately one third of the length of the rim portion. In
other embodiments, at least approximately one-half of the length of
the rim portion, and in yet, at least other embodiments, at least
approximately three fourths of the length of the rim portion.
[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the side shield portion 15
can extend around a portion of a front edge of the seat cushion pan
portion 10. As best shown in FIG. 5, the side shield portion 15
comprises a parallel portion 21 which is substantially parallel to
the adjacent rim portion 13, a transverse portion 23 which is
substantially perpendicular to the adjacent rim portion 13 and a
curved portion 22 extending between the parallel portion 21 and the
transverse portion 23. It should be understood that, under the
present invention, the side shield portion 10 need not have a
transverse portion 23 or a curved portion 22 that extends around
the front edge of the seat cushion pan portion 10.
[0035] Under the present invention, the automotive seat side shield
portion 15 and the automotive seat cushion pan 10 are conjoined
along a plane of connection. This construction provides a
sufficiently strong side shield portion 15 that can support a
significant load such as 200 lbs.
[0036] The unitary construction of the seat cushion pan 5 helps
automotive seat assembly manufacturers increase the load bearing
ability of the side shield. The integrated side shield portion's 15
ability to bear a load can be further enhanced by incorporating
ribs 25 into the side shield portion 15 (see FIG. 5). In at least
one embodiment, a seat cushion pan made in accordance with the
present invention can bear a load of 200 pounds, and in other
embodiments, a load of 250 lbs. The unitary construction of the
cushion pan portion 10 and the side shield portion 15 of the
present invention provides an automotive seat side shield having a
substantial load bearing capability.
[0037] The plastic used to manufacture the automotive seat cushion
pan 5 can impact its strength. Though any suitable plastic can be
utilized in the manufacture of the automotive seat cushion pan 5,
applicants have found that the use of a glass filled polypropylene
provides a desirable level of strength for both the cushion pan
portion 10 and side shield portion 15.
[0038] An additional advantage of making the automotive seat
cushion pan 5 out of plastic is the ability to mold structures
directly into the surface of the seat cushion pan 5 which enable it
to receive various control components such as motors, fans,
switches or the like. This eliminates the need for additional
attachment components such as brackets which would increase both
the cost and the complexity of manufacture. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 2, a hole 16 has been molded directly into the side shield
portion 15 of the automotive seat cushion pan 5 to secure a control
component to control seat movement or other seat functions. As
shown in FIG. 1, a switch 9 protrudes through the side shield
portion to allow a seat occupant to control seat movement. It
should be understood that other adaptations can be employed to
attach control components to the side shield portion 15. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, brackets 11 have been molded into
the underside of the cushion pan portion 10 to secure components
such as a motor or a fan which may be used to move or cool the
seat. Again, it should be understood that other adaptations can be
employed to attach control components to the cushion pan portion
10.
[0039] Current automotive seat bottom upholstery, suitable for
upholstering current automotive seat bottoms equipped with separate
seat cushion pan and side shields may not compatible with an
automotive seat assembly equipped with the seat cushion pan 5 of
the present invention. To accommodate the need to upholster an
automotive seat bottom equipped with the seat cushion pan 5, in at
least one embodiment, a keyway 20 is provided in an elongated
bridge 19 extending between and connecting the cushion pan portion
10 and the side shield portion 15. This keyway 20 can receive and
secure the seat bottom upholstery 4. This is illustrated in FIGS. 6
and 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the upholstery terminates on at least
one end in a circular head 28. This head 28 can be inserted and
retained within the keyway 20. As can best be seen in FIG. 6, the
keyway 20 is formed in the bridge 19. The keyway 20 in the
illustrated embodiment includes a cylindrical slot 26 and a
rectangular channel 27 communicating between the upper surface of
bridge 19 and cylindrical slot 26. FIG. 6 represents a fragmented
cross-sectional view of the automotive seat cushion pan 5 taken
along the line 6-6 in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the
cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 6 reveals that the keyway 20 is
a generally cylindrical slot 26 recessed within a top surface of
the elongated bridge 19 connecting the side shield portion 15 to
the cushion pan portion 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7,
keyway 20 receives a wire 30 that has been sewn into the edge of
seat bottom upholstery 4 for the purpose of holding seat bottom
upholstery 4 in position over seat bottom cushion 3 and in close
proximity to the automotive seat cushion pan 5.
[0040] FIG. 8 shows the fabric terminus 28 of the seat bottom
upholstery 4 of FIG. 7. The fabric terminus 28 can be inserted
into, and cooperate with keyway 20 to secure the seat bottom
upholstery 4. As shown in FIG. 8, seat bottom upholstery 4 wraps
around the wire 30 to form the fabric terminus 28. After seat
bottom upholstery 4 is wrapped around wire 30, it can be secured
using any conventional means including gluing or stitching.
[0041] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and
described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and
describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words
used in the specification are words of description rather than
limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *