U.S. patent application number 14/563556 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-09 for seat back frame assembly with interference member.
The applicant listed for this patent is Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Chad Anderson, Patrick J. Edgar, Robert Joseph Hazlewood, Phouvadol Peter Khouphongsy, Jonathan Y. San, Yi-Ru Chen Sosnowski, Leon Toma.
Application Number | 20160159257 14/563556 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56093535 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160159257 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hazlewood; Robert Joseph ;
et al. |
June 9, 2016 |
SEAT BACK FRAME ASSEMBLY WITH INTERFERENCE MEMBER
Abstract
A seat back frame assembly and seat assembly are provided. The
seat back frame assembly includes a pair of side members spaced
apart from each other, a top member spaced apart from a bottom
member, each of the top and bottom members interconnecting each of
the pair of side members so as to define a peripheral edge, the
peripheral edge enclosing a back space. An interference member is
disposed within the back space and spaced apart from an inner
surface of one of the pair of side members. The interference member
disposed above a midpoint of the one of the pair of side members
and includes a sliding surface angled obtusely with respect to the
back space so as to direct an occupant forward of the back space
and away from the side member when experiencing a side load.
Inventors: |
Hazlewood; Robert Joseph;
(Plymouth, MI) ; Edgar; Patrick J.; (Ann Arbor,
MI) ; Sosnowski; Yi-Ru Chen; (Ann Arbor, MI) ;
Toma; Leon; (Commerce Township, MI) ; Khouphongsy;
Phouvadol Peter; (Saline, MI) ; Anderson; Chad;
(Canton, MI) ; San; Jonathan Y.; (Ann Arbor,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America,
Inc. |
Erlanger |
KY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56093535 |
Appl. No.: |
14/563556 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/216.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/4235 20130101;
B60N 2/68 20130101; B60N 2/986 20180201 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/42 20060101
B60N002/42; B60N 2/64 20060101 B60N002/64; B60N 2/68 20060101
B60N002/68 |
Claims
1. A seat back frame assembly comprising: a pair of side members,
each of the pair of side members is spaced apart from the other; a
top member spaced apart from a bottom member, each of the top and
bottom members interconnecting each of the pair of side members so
as to define a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge enclosing a
back space; and an interference member, the interference member is
disposed within the back space and spaced apart from an inner
surface of one of the pair of side members, and the interference
member is further disposed above a midpoint of the one of the pair
of side members, the interference member is a wire, the wire having
a pair of legs fixedly mounted to the inner surface of one of the
pair of side members, a pair of elongated portions extending from a
respective pair of legs, a crossing portion connecting a distal end
of a respective pair of elongated portions so as to form a U-shaped
cross-section, each of the pair of elongated portions having a
pivot point so as to bend an end portion of the respective pair of
elongated portions upon engagement of the side of the occupant so
as to form a sliding surface, the sliding surface positioned
forward of the one of the pair of side members, the sliding surface
being angled obtusely with respect to the back space so as to
direct an occupant forward of the back space and away from the side
member when experiencing a side load.
2. The seat back frame assembly as set forth in claim 1, further
including a back support disposed on the back space, the back
support mounted to the top and bottom members.
3. The seat back frame assembly as set forth in claim 1, each of
the pair of side members has a width as measured along an axis
generally orthogonal to a plane of the back space, and a portion of
the interference member is disposed along a plane generally
parallel to the width of the pair of side members.
4. The seat back frame assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein
the interference member is fixed to one of the pair of side
members.
5. The seat back frame assembly as set forth in claim 4, wherein
the interference member is fixed to a portion of the one of the
pair of side members so as to be vertically aligned with the ribs
of an occupant having a predetermined torso height.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. A seat assembly comprising: a seat cushion; and a seat back
frame assembly pivotably mounted to the seat cushion, the seat back
frame assembly having a pair of side members, each of the pair of
side members spaced apart from the other, a top member spaced apart
from a bottom member, each of the top and bottom members
interconnecting each of the pair of side members so as to define a
peripheral edge of the seat frame assembly, the peripheral edge
defining a back space, and an interference member, the at least one
interference member disposed within the back space and spaced apart
from an inner surface of one of the pair of side members, and
interference member further disposed above a midpoint of the one of
the pair of side members, the interference member is a wire, the
wire having a pair of legs fixedly mounted to the inner surface of
one of the pair of side members, a pair of elongated portions
extending from a respective pair of legs, a crossing portion
connecting a distal end of a respective pair of elongated portions
so as to form a U-shaped cross-section, each of the pair of
elongated portions having a pivot point so as to bend an end
portion of the respective pair of elongated portions upon
engagement of the side of the occupant so as to form a sliding
surface, the sliding surface positioned forward of the one of the
pair of side members, the sliding surface being angled obtusely
with respect to the back space so as to direct an occupant forward
of the back space and away from the side member when experiencing a
side load.
9. The seat frame assembly as set forth in claim 8, further
including a back support disposed on the back space, the back
support mounted to the top and bottom members.
10. The seat frame assembly as set forth in claim 8, each of the
pair of side members has a width as measured along an axis
generally orthogonal to a plane of the back space, and a portion of
the interference member is disposed along a plane generally
parallel to the width of the pair of side members.
11. The seat frame assembly as set forth in claim 8, wherein the
interference member is fixed to one of the pair of side
members.
12. The seat frame assembly as set forth in claim 11, wherein the
interference member is fixed to a portion of the one of the pair of
side members so as to be vertically aligned with the ribs of an
occupant having a predetermined torso height.
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] A seat back frame assembly having an interference member
configured to direct a passenger from a side member of the seat
frame is provided.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Seat back frame assemblies include a pair of side members
spaced apart from each other. A top member extends between the top
ends of a respective side member and a bottom member encloses the
bottom ends of the side members. The seat back frame assembly is
typically covered with a foam cushion, so as to form a seat back.
The foam cushion is generally deformable so as to provide comfort
to the user's back. The seat back frame assembly may be mounted to
a seat frame having a seat cushion. In particular, in automotive
use the seat back frame assembly is typically pivotably mounted to
the seat frame so as to allow the user to adjust the angle of the
seat back for comfort. However, as the seat back frame assembly is
encompassed with foam, a side load may cause the passenger to
compress the foam and further displace the occupant into a side
member. Accordingly, it remains desirable to have a seat back frame
assembly wherein the passenger is directed away from the side
member.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A seat back frame assembly and a seat assembly are provided.
The seat back frame assembly includes a pair of side members. The
side members are formed of a generally durable and rigid material.
The side members are elongated and spaced apart from each other. A
top member is spaced apart from a bottom member. Each of the top
and bottom members interconnect each of the pair of side members
defining the peripheral edge of the seat back frame assembly. The
peripheral edge encloses a space which defines a back space.
[0004] The seat back frame assembly includes an interference
member. The interference member is disposed within the back space
and is spaced apart from an inner surface of one of the pair of
side members. The interference member is disposed above a midpoint
of the side member. The interference member includes a sliding
surface. The sliding surface is angled obtusely with respect to the
back space so as to direct an occupant forward of the back space
and away from the side member when experiencing a side load.
[0005] The seat assembly includes a seat cushion having a seat
frame and a seat back frame assembly pivotably mounted to the seat
frame. The seat back frame assembly includes a pair of side
members. Each of the pair of side members is spaced apart from the
other. A top member is spaced apart from a bottom member. Each of
the top and bottom members interconnect each of the pair of side
members so as to define a peripheral edge of the seat back frame
assembly. An interference member is disposed within the back space
and is spaced apart from an inner surface of one of the pair of
side members. The interference member is disposed above a midpoint
of the side member so as to be positioned to engage the side of an
occupant. The interference member includes a sliding surface. The
sliding surface is angled obtusely with respect to the back space
so as to direct an occupant forward of the back space and away from
the side member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative
and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject
matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of
the illustrative embodiments can be better understood when read in
conjunction with the following drawings where like structure is
indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment
of a seat assembly and seat back frame assembly wherein the
interference member is a wire;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second preferred
embodiment of the seat assembly and seat back frame assembly
wherein the interference member is a solid body;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a view of FIG. 1 showing an occupant seated on the
seat frame assembly;
[0010] FIG. 4 is an isolated view of FIG. 1 showing the
relationship between the interference member and the side of the
occupant;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a top down view of FIG. 1 showing the position of
the interference member with respect to the occupant and side
member;
[0012] FIG. 6 is an isolated view of FIG. 2 showing the
relationship between the interference member and the side of the
occupant; and
[0013] FIG. 7 is a top down view of FIG. 2 showing the position of
the interference member with respect to the occupant and side
member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] The embodiments described herein generally relate to a seat
back frame assembly 10 and a seat assembly 200 for use in an
automotive vehicle (not shown). The seat back frame assembly 10
includes a pair of side members 12a, 12b. Each of the side members
12a, 12b is spaced apart from each other. A top member 14 is spaced
apart from a bottom member 16. Side members 12a, 12b and top and
bottom members 14, 16 are formed of a generally durable and rigid
material such as steel. The top member 14 and bottom member 16
interconnect each of the side members 12a, 12b at a respective
proximal and distal edges of the side members 12a, 12b so as to
define a peripheral edge 18 of the seat back frame assembly 10. The
peripheral edge 18 encloses a back space 20.
[0015] The seat back frame assembly 10 includes an interference
member 22 disposed within the back space 20 and spaced apart from
an inner surface 24 of side member 12b. The interference member 22
is positioned above a midpoint ("M") of side member 12b so as to
engage the side of an occupant's body. The interference member 22
includes a sliding surface 26. The sliding surface 26 is angled
obtusely with respect to the back space 20 so as to direct an
occupant forward of the back space 20 and away from the side member
12b when the occupant experiences a load which displaces the
occupant laterally and into the side of the seat back frame
assembly 10.
[0016] With reference now to FIG. 1, a first preferred embodiment
of the seat back frame assembly 10 is provided. The seat back frame
assembly 10 includes a pair of side members 12a, 12b. Each of the
pair of side members 12a, 12b is spaced apart from the other. The
side members 12a, 12b are interconnected by a top member 14 and a
bottom member 16. The top and bottom members 14, 16 are spaced
apart from each other so as to define a peripheral edge 18 of the
seat back frame assembly 10. The peripheral edge 18 defines a back
space 20. The side members 12a, 12b, top member 14, and bottom
member 16 are formed of a generally durable and rigid material such
as steel. A foam cushion 28, indicated by the dashed lines,
encapsulates the seat back frame assembly 10 so as to define a seat
back 30. It should be appreciated that the foam cushion may be
formed of a deformable material which may compress due to the
weight of the user.
[0017] The seat back frame assembly 10 includes an interference
member 22. The interference member 22 is disposed within the back
space 20 and is fixedly mounted to the side member 12b. The
interference member 22 is above a midpoint M of the side member 12b
so as to engage the side of an occupant preventing the ribs of the
occupant from engaging the side member 12b. Each of the pair of
side members 12a, 12b has a width "W" as measured along an axis
generally orthogonal to a plane of the back space 20, and a portion
of the interference member 22 is disposed along a plane generally
parallel to the width of the pair of side members 12a, 12b. It
should be appreciated that the seat back frame assembly 10 may be
designed to accommodate a certain torso height, and that the
midpoint M as defined herein is generally aligned with the center
of the torso height for which the seat back 30 assembly is
designed.
[0018] With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the interference member
22 includes a sliding surface 26. The sliding surface 26 is angled
obtusely, as indicated by ".alpha." with respect to the back space
20. The interference member 22 is spaced apart from the side member
12b so as to direct an occupant forward of the back space 20 and
away from the side member 12b when the occupant experiences a side
load. As used herein, forward refers to the front surface 32 of the
foam cushion 28 for which the user's back is intended to rest, the
front surface 32 being displaced with respect to the back space 20.
In other words, "forward" as used herein refers to the direction
from the back space 20 to the front surface 32 of the seat back
30.
[0019] The seat back frame assembly 10 may further include a back
support 34. The back support 34 is disposed on the back space 20
and may be mounted to the peripheral edge 18 of the seat back frame
assembly 10. The back support 34 may be formed of a durable and
rigid material such as steel or may be formed of a composite
material such as plastic. The back support 34 is intended to
provide structural support to the back space 20 so as to maintain
the posture of the occupant.
[0020] With reference again to FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5, the
interference member 22 is an elongated wire 36 formed of a durable
and rigid material such as steel. The wire 36 includes a pair of
legs 36a, 36b spaced apart from each other. The legs 36a, 36b
include attachment structure 38 for fixing the interference member
22 to the side member 12b. The wire 36 further includes a pair of
elongated portions 36c, 36d extending outwardly from the respective
pair of legs 36a, 36b and a crossing portion 36e connecting the
distal ends of the respective pair of elongated portions 36c, 36d
together so as to form a U-shaped cross section.
[0021] Each of the pair of elongated portions 36c, 36d includes a
pivot point 40. The pivot point 40 defines a proximate portion 36p
of the elongated portions 36c, 36d and an end portion 36n of the
elongated portions 36c, 36d. Each of the pair of side members 12a,
12b has a width "W" as measured along an axis generally orthogonal
to a plane of the back space 20, and the proximate portion 36p of
the interference member 22 is disposed along a plane generally
parallel to the width of the pair of side members 12a, 12b. The
pivot point 40 is configured to bend the end portions 36n of
respective elongated portions 36c, 36d so as to form the sliding
surface 26. The pivot point 40 may be formed by weakening the
location of the respective elongated portions 36c, 36d so as to
allow the end portions 36n of the respective elongated portions
36c, 36d to bend. Alternatively, the pivot point 40 may be formed
by forming the elongated portions 36c, 36d with a predetermined
length wherein the point of contact with the occupant deforms the
elongated portions along the respective pivot point 40.
[0022] With reference specifically to FIGS. 4 and 5, an operation
of the wire 36 is provided. The elongated portions 36c, 36d include
pivot points 40a, 40b. Upon experiencing a load which moves the
occupant towards the side member 12b, the occupant engages the
interference member 22. As shown in FIG. 4, the occupant engages
the crossing portion 36e and the ends of the elongated portions
36c, 36d bend about the pivot points 40a, 40b, wherein the ends of
the elongated portions 36c, 36d form the sliding surface 26 so as
to direct the occupant forward and away from the side member 12b,
as indicated by the arrows shown in FIG. 4.
[0023] With reference now to FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, a second embodiment
of the interference member 122 is provided, wherein like elements
are indicated with a like reference number increased by 100. The
interference member 122 has a body 42. The body 42 includes a base
44 and a back wall 46. The base 44 abuts against the side member
112b. The back wall 46 is generally orthogonal to the base 44 and
may be fixed to the seat back frame 110. A pair of side walls 48
are disposed on opposite sides of the base 44. The back wall 46
extends between the side walls 48 and the side walls 48 are
generally orthogonal to the base 44. A top surface 50 is angled
obtusely with respect to the back space 20 so as to form and define
the sliding surface 126. The body 42 may be formed of a durable and
rigid material such as steel or a polymer composite such as plastic
or polyurethane. It should be appreciated that the interference
member 122 is also enclosed with the cushion material.
[0024] With reference again to FIGS. 6 and 7, an operation of the
second embodiment of the interference member 122 is provided. With
reference first to FIG. 7, a top down view of the interference
member 122 is provided which shows the sliding surface 126. As is
shown, the sliding surface 126 is angled obtusely with respect to
the back space 120. The sliding surface 126 is spaced apart from
and facing the side of the occupant. Upon experiencing a load
directing the occupant towards the side member 112b, the side of
the occupant engages the sliding surface 126 of the body 42 which
directs the occupant forward and away from side member 112b, as
indicated by the arrow shown in FIG. 6.
[0025] With reference again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a seat assembly 200
is provided. The seat assembly 200 includes a seat cushion 52. The
seat cushion 52 may be mounted to a seat frame 54 (shown in dashed
lines). The seat frame 54 may include attachment structures 56
configured to pivotably attach the seat cushion 52 to seat back
frame assembly 10. The seat frame 54 may include attachment
structures 58 configured to attach the seat assembly 200 to the
floor of an automotive vehicle (not shown). Alternatively, it
should be appreciated that the seat frame 54 may be mounted to
rails so as to enable the seat assembly 200 to slide back and
forth.
[0026] The seat back frame assembly 10 includes a pair of side
members 12a, 12b. Each of the pair of side members 12a, 12b is
spaced apart from the other. The seat back frame assembly 10
further includes a top member 14 spaced apart from a bottom member
16. Each of the top and bottom members 14, 16 interconnect the pair
of side members 12a, 12b so as to define a peripheral edge 18 of
the seat back frame assembly 10. The peripheral edge 18 defines a
back space 20.
[0027] The seat back frame assembly 10 further includes an
interference member 22. The interference member 22 is disposed
within the back space 20 and spaced apart from an inner surface 24
of the side member 12b. The interference member 22 is positioned
above a midpoint M of one of the pair of side members 12a, 12b so
as to be positioned to engage the side of an occupant.
[0028] The interference member 22 includes a sliding surface 26.
The sliding surface 26 is angled obtusely with respect to the back
space 20 so as to direct an occupant forward of the back space 20
and away from the side member 12b when experiencing a side load.
The seat back frame assembly 10 may further include a back support
34 disposed on the back space 20. The back support 34 is fixed to
the peripheral edge 18 of the back space 20. The side members 12a,
12b have a width measured along an axis generally orthogonal to the
plane of the back space 20. A portion of the interference member 22
is disposed along a plane generally parallel to the width of the
pair of side members 12a, 12b. The seat frame assembly may include
a pair of interference members 22 each mounted to a respective one
of the pair of side members 12a, 12b.
[0029] With reference now to FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5, the interference
member 22 may be a wire 36. The wire 36 may be formed of a durable
and rigid material such as steel. The wire 36 includes a pair of
legs 36a, 36b. The pair of legs 36a, 36b are fixedly mounted to the
inner surface 24 of one of the pair of side members 12a, 12b. A
pair of elongated portions 36c, 36d extends outwardly from the
respective pair of legs 36a, 36b and is generally orthogonal to the
pair of legs 36a, 36b. A crossing portion 36e connects a distal end
of the respective pair of elongated portions 36c, 36d so as to form
a U-shaped cross section.
[0030] Each of the pair of elongated portions 36c, 36d includes a
pivot point 40. The pivot point 40 defines a proximate portion 36p
of the elongated portions 36c, 36d and an end portion 36n of the
elongated portions 36c, 36d. Each of the pair of side members 12a,
12b has a width "W" as measure along an axis generally orthogonal
to a plane of the back space, and the proximate portion 36p of the
interference member 22 is disposed along a plane generally parallel
to the width of the pair of side members 12a, 12b. The pivot points
40 are configured to bend the end portions 36n of respective
elongated portions 36c, 36d so as to form the sliding surface 26.
The pivot point 40 may be formed by weakening the location of the
respective elongated portions 36c, 36d so as to allow the end
portions 36n of the respective elongated portions 36c, 36d to bend.
Alternatively, the pivot point 40 may be formed by forming the
elongated portions 36c, 36d with a predetermined length wherein the
point of contact with the occupant deforms the elongated portions
along the respective pivot point 40.
[0031] With reference now to FIGS. 2, 6 and 7 the interference
member 122 is a solid body 42 having a sliding surface 126 disposed
on the solid body 42 opposite a base 44. The base 44 abuts against
the side member 112b. The back wall 46 is generally orthogonal to
the base 44 and may be fixed to the seat back frame 110. A pair of
side walls 48 are disposed on opposite sides of the base 44. The
back wall 46 extends between the side walls 48 and the side walls
48 are generally orthogonal to the base 44. A top surface 50 is
angled obtusely with respect to the back space 20 so as to form and
define the sliding surface 126. The body 42 may be formed of a
durable and rigid material such as steel or a polymer composite
such as plastic or polyurethane. It should be appreciated that the
interference member 122 is also enclosed with the cushion
material.
[0032] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be understood that various other
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For instance, the
drawings show only one interference member, however, the seat back
frame assembly or seat assembly may include two interference
members, each axially aligned with each other and each spaced apart
from respective inner surfaces of side members 12a, 12b. Each
interference member further being disposed a respective midpoint M
of side members 12a, 12b, Moreover, although various aspects of the
claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects
need not be utilized in combination.
* * * * *