U.S. patent application number 15/449316 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-06 for vehicle seats including bladders.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Daniel Ferretti, Michael M. Filipovich, Keith Allen Godin, Michael Kolich, Johnathan Andrew Line, Michael Medoro.
Application Number | 20180251047 15/449316 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63171363 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180251047 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Line; Johnathan Andrew ; et
al. |
September 6, 2018 |
VEHICLE SEATS INCLUDING BLADDERS
Abstract
A vehicle includes a seatback defining a loading surface and
operable between deployed and undeployed positions. A seat base is
positioned proximate the seatback. A bladder is operable between
inflated and deflated states. A valve is fluidly coupled with the
bladder. Foam is positioned within the bladder. The loading surface
is substantially horizontal when the bladder is deflated and the
seatback is in the deployed position.
Inventors: |
Line; Johnathan Andrew;
(Northville, MI) ; Ferretti; Daniel; (Commerce
Township, MI) ; Godin; Keith Allen; (Dearborn,
MI) ; Medoro; Michael; (Livonia, MI) ; Kolich;
Michael; (Windsor, CA) ; Filipovich; Michael M.;
(West Bloomfield, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63171363 |
Appl. No.: |
15/449316 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/914 20180201;
B60N 2/22 20130101; B60N 2/0244 20130101; B60N 2/206 20130101; B60N
2002/0272 20130101; B60N 2/90 20180201; B60N 2/62 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/20 20060101
B60N002/20; B60N 2/44 20060101 B60N002/44; B60N 2/02 20060101
B60N002/02 |
Claims
1. A vehicle, comprising: a seatback defining a loading surface and
operable between deployed and undeployed positions, wherein the
seatback is coupled to a support structure positioned behind the
seatback by a latch; and a seat base is positioned proximate the
seatback, comprising: a bladder operable between inflated and
deflated states; a valve fluidly coupled with the bladder; and a
sensor configured to be triggered by the latch and actuate the
valve.
2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the loading surface is at an
angle relative to a horizontal plane of less than about 10.degree.
when the seatback is in the deployed position.
3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the loading surface is at an
angle relative to a horizontal plane of less than about 5.degree.
when the seatback is in the deployed position.
4. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the loading surface is at an
angle relative to a horizontal plane of less than about 1.degree.
when the seatback is in the deployed position.
5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the bladder is positioned
between a seat pan and a trim component.
6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein a foam is configured to expand
the bladder to the inflated state.
7. (canceled)
8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the bladder is positioned in a
side bolster region of the seat base.
9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the bladder is positioned in a
thigh bolster region of the seat base.
10. A vehicle, comprising: a seatback comprising a latch configured
to operate the seatback between deployed and undeployed positions;
a seat base positioned proximate the seatback, comprising: a
bladder operable between inflated and deflated states; and a valve
fluidly coupled with the bladder; and a sensor configured to be
triggered by the latch and actuate the valve to drive the bladder
between the inflated and deflated states.
11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the valve is configured to
allow air to pass in and out of the bladder.
12. The vehicle of claim 10, further comprising: a foam positioned
within the bladder, wherein the foam is configured to expand the
bladder to the inflated state.
13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the foam is configured to
compress under a weight of the seatback.
14. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the bladder extends around a
portion of a perimeter of the seat base.
15. A method of folding a vehicle seat, comprising the steps of:
actuating a latch to move a seatback from an undeployed position to
a deployed position; triggering a sensor through actuating the
latch to open a valve to deflate a bladder within a seat base
coupled to the seatback; latching the seatback in the undeployed
position; and actuating the valve to seal the bladder.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of:
expanding a foam within the bladder to expand the bladder.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of:
compressing a foam within the bladder under a weight of the
seatback.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of:
positioning a loading surface of the seatback in a substantially
horizontal orientation.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of:
decreasing a height of a thigh bolster region of the seat base.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of:
decreasing a height of a side bolster region of the seat base.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to seats, and more
particularly to vehicle seats.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Seats which fold in a vehicle may offer an increased surface
to store objects and provide access to a trunk space; however,
design characteristics of the seat may prevent the seat from lying
flat. Accordingly, new seat configurations may be advantageous.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to one feature of the present disclosure, a
vehicle includes a seatback defining a loading surface and is
operable between deployed and undeployed positions. A seat base is
positioned proximate the seatback. A bladder is operable between
inflated and deflated states. A valve is fluidly coupled with the
bladder. Foam is positioned within the bladder. The loading surface
is substantially horizontal when the bladder is deflated and the
seatback is in the deployed position.
[0004] According to feature aspect of the present disclosure, a
vehicle includes a seatback operable between deployed and
undeployed positions. A seat base is positioned proximate the
seatback. A bladder is operable between inflated and deflated
states. A valve is fluidly coupled with the bladder. A sensor is
configured to detect motion of the seatback and actuate the valve
to drive the bladder between the inflated and deflated states.
[0005] According to yet another feature of the present disclosure,
a method of folding a vehicle seat including the steps of: moving a
seatback from an undeployed position to a deployed position;
actuating a valve to deflate a bladder within a seat base coupled
to the seatback; and latching the seatback in the undeployed
position and actuating the valve to seal the bladder.
[0006] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The following is a description of the figures in the
accompanying drawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale,
and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown
exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and
conciseness.
[0008] In the drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of a vehicle seating
assembly, according to at least one example;
[0010] FIG. 1B is a side perspective view of the vehicle seating
assembly having a seatback in a deployed positioned, according to
at least one example;
[0011] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a seat base of a seat
assembly, according to at least one example;
[0012] FIG. 2B is a top view of the seat base of FIG. 2A;
[0013] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle seating
assembly, according to at least one example;
[0014] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle seating
assembly, according to at least one example; and
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram, according to at least one
example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the detailed description which follows and will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or
recognized by practicing the invention as described in the
following description, together with the claims and appended
drawings.
[0017] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the
disclosure as oriented in FIGS. 1A and 1B. However, it is to be
understood that the invention may assume various alternative
orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It
is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes
illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the
following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the
inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific
dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the
embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,
unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
[0018] As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of
two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be
employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed
items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described
as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can
contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C
in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in
combination.
[0019] In this document, relational terms, such as first and
second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to
distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action,
without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions.
[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-4, reference numeral 10 generally
designates a vehicle. Positioned within the vehicle 10 is a seat
assembly 14. The seat assembly 14 includes a seatback 18 defining a
loading surface 18A. The seatback 18 is operable between deployed
(FIG. 1B) and undeployed (FIG. 1A) positions. A seat base 22 is
positioned proximate to the seatback 18. The seat base 22 includes
a bladder 26 which is operable between inflated (FIG. 3A) and
deflated (FIG. 3B) states. A valve 30 is fluidly coupled with the
bladder 26. A foam 34 is positioned within the bladder 26. The
loading surface 18A may be substantially horizontal when the
bladder 26 is deflated and the seatback 18 is in the deployed
position. The vehicle 10 may further include one or more sensors 38
positioned proximate the seat assembly 14.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the vehicle 10 includes a
passenger cabin 50 within which the seat assembly 14 is positioned.
The seat assembly 14 may be positioned in a front row or a rear row
of seating. In the depicted example, the seat assembly 14 is shown
as a bench seat, but it will be understood that the seat assembly
14 may take a variety of configurations including bucket seats or
jump seats.
[0022] As explained above, the seat assembly 14 may include the
seatback 18 and the seat base 22. The seat base 22 includes a
center region 60 configured to support a majority of the weight of
an occupant of the seat assembly 14. The center region 60 is
flanked on its inboard and outboard sides by side bolster regions
64. For purposes of this disclosure, inboard may mean a side closer
to or proximate a center of the vehicle 10 while outboard may mean
a side farther from the center the vehicle 10 or closer to an
exterior of the vehicle 10. The side bolster regions 64 may be
elevated relative to the center region 60 to aid in centering of an
occupant within the seat assembly 14. Thigh bolster regions 68 may
be positioned on a vehicle forward side of the seat base 22. The
thigh bolster regions 68 may be configured to elevate or raise an
occupant's legs to increase comfort of the occupant.
[0023] The side and thigh bolster regions 64, 68 are configured to
position the occupant of the seating assembly 14 such that a proper
hip pivot point is established. The hip pivot point, referred to as
h-point, is the location of the occupant's hip, when seated in the
seating assembly 14, relative to a floor pan of the vehicle 10 (or
to the height above the pavement level). The h-point, as generally
defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), is a
mechanically hinged hip point of a three-dimensional manikin (SAE
J2826 manikin), which simulates the actual pivot center of a human
hip. The h-point can be thought of, roughly, as the hip joint of a
50.sup.th percentile male occupant, viewed laterally. Additionally,
the h-point location is unique to each vehicle 10 and many design
criteria related to various vehicle aspects such as safety,
interior packaging, visibility, and seating are based off of the
h-point location.
[0024] In the depicted example, the seat assembly 14 is depicted as
a rear bench seat. In such an example, the seat assembly 14 may
include a plurality of seatbacks 18, while the seat base 22 may
include a plurality of center regions 60, side bolster regions 64
and thigh bolster regions 68. In the rear bench seat examples, the
inboard side bolster regions 64 may cooperate with, or be
integrated into, a middle seat region 72. The middle seat region 72
may be raised relative to the center regions 60 of the seat
assembly 14. It will be understood that the middle seat region 72
may also correspond to a location for arm rests.
[0025] Similarly to the seat base 22, the seatback 18 may define
back bolsters 78 positioned on inboard and outboard sides of the
seatback 18. The back bolsters 78 may aid in the proper positioning
of the occupant within the seating assembly 14. The back bolsters
78 may extend outwardly, and in a vehicle forward direction, when
the seatback 18 is in the undeployed position. The seatback 18 is
operable between undeployed (FIG. 1A) and deployed (FIG. 1B)
positions. A latch 80 is used to keep the seatback 18 in the
undeployed position. The latch 80 may be a mechanical or
electromechanical system configured to engage a portion seatback 18
and retain it in position while an occupant is in the seating
assembly 14 or a user of the vehicle 10 otherwise desires the
seatback 18 to be in an upright position. Although depicted within
the seatback 18, it will be understood that the latch 80 may
additionally or alternatively be positioned within a support
structure 82 behind the seatback 18. The latch 80 may allow a
single seatback 18 of the seat assembly 14 to pivot to the deployed
position, or may allow a plurality of seatbacks 18 to move to the
deployed position. Moving, or pivoting, the seatback 18 from the
undeployed position to the deployed position may allow the user of
the vehicle 10 to access a trunk space 84 positioned vehicle
rearward of the seat assembly 14. Such access to the trunk space 84
may be advantageous in allowing a user to manipulate objects
located in the trunk space 84 from within the passenger compartment
50 of the vehicle 10. Additionally or alternatively, by positioning
the seatback 18 into the deployed position, objects which may
otherwise not fit within the trunk space 84 of the vehicle 10 may
extend onto the loading surface 18A of the seatback 18. Even
further, when in the deployed position, a user may place or
position objects on the loading surface 18A to increase storage
within the vehicle 10.
[0026] The loading surface 18A may be a flat and rigid surface
defined by a vehicle rearward surface of the seatback 18. The
loading surface 18A may be configured to support objects which
extend from the trunk space 84 in the passenger compartment 50.
While in the deployed position, the loading surface 18A of the
seatback 18 may be substantially horizontal. For example,
substantially horizontal for purposes of disclosure may mean that
the loading surface 18A may have an angle a of less than or equal
to about .+-.10.degree., .+-.9.degree., .+-.8.degree.,
.+-.7.degree., .+-.6.degree., .+-.5.degree., .+-.4.degree.,
.+-.3.degree., .+-.2.degree. or less than or equal to about
.+-.1.degree.. The angle a may be measured as the angle of the
loading surface 18A relative to a horizontal, or X- and Y-plane
define by a floor pan of the vehicle 10 or a ground beneath the
vehicle 10. As will be explained in greater detail below, the
loading surface 18A of the seatback 18 may achieve the
substantially horizontal position when the bladder 26 within the
seat base 22 is in the deflated state.
[0027] The vehicle 10, and/or seat assembly 14, may include one or
more sensors 38. The sensor 38 may be configured to detect motion
of the seatback 18 (e.g., relative to the seat base 22 and/or other
fixtures within the passenger compartment 50 of the vehicle 10)
and/or that the seatback 18 is no longer latched to the support
structure 82. The sensor 38 may be positioned within the latch 80,
the support structure 82, a roof, a side pillar, a headliner, or
other locations within the vehicle 10. For example, the sensor 38
may be positioned on a seatback of a front row seat. The sensor 38
may be configured to detect motion of the seatback 18 in a variety
of manners. For example, the sensor 38 may be a proximity,
infrared, capacitive, magnetic, force, pressure and/or mechanical
trigger sensor 38. In examples where the sensor 38 is positioned
within, or coupled to, the latch 80, the sensor 38 may be a force,
pressure and/or mechanical trigger sensor 38. For example, the
sensor 38 may be triggered once the latch 80 has been actuated
which would indicate that the seatback 18 is moving from the
undeployed position to the deployed position. As will be explained
in greater detail below, once the sensor 38 detects motion in the
seatback 18, the sensor 38 may actuate the valve 30 to allow air to
exit and/or enter the bladder 26 (e.g., moving the bladder 26 from
the deflated to inflated states, respectively).
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-3B, the bladder 26 is positioned
between a seat pan 88 and a trim component 92 of the seat base 22.
The seat pan 88 may be a metal or polymeric component of a body of
the vehicle 10 and function to hold the seat base 22 at a
predetermined height and location. The seat pan 88 may be curved to
accommodate the bladder 26 as well as other cushioning associated
with the seat base 22. The seat pan 88 may define a lower bowl
portion 88A and a raised portion 88B. As will be explained in
greater detail below, the bowl portion 88A of the seat pan 88 is
lowered, or depressed, relative to the raised portion 88B to allow
a location for the bladder 26 to retreat to in the deflated state.
The raised portion 88B may function to resist "submarining" of an
occupant of the seat assembly 14. The trim component 92 may be
composed of a polymeric material, a fabric and/or natural material
(e.g., leather). The trim component 92 may be stretched across the
bladder 26 and/or other components of the seat base 22 to provide
an aesthetically pleasing look and feel to the seat base 22.
According to various examples, the trim component 92 may be
compressible. It will be understood that the seat base 22 may
include one or more other components (e.g., ventilation unit,
heating element, springs, comfort carriers, massage units) without
departing from the teachings provided herein.
[0029] The seat base 22 may include one or a plurality of bladders
26 positioned through the seat base 22. In the depicted example,
the bladder 26 extends within the side and thigh bolster regions
64, 68 of the seat base 22 such that the bladder 26 extends around
a portion of a perimeter of the seat base 22. Further, the bladder
26 may extend through the middle seat region 72 where present. In
examples utilizing multiple bladders 26, each of the side and thigh
bolster regions 64, 68 of the seat base 22 may include a separate
bladder 26 (e.g., shown in phantom). In such examples, each of the
bladders 26 may be isolated from one another such that a gas within
one of the bladders 26 may not travel into another bladder 26. In
yet other examples, each of the side and thigh bolster regions 64,
68 may contain separate bladders 26 which are fluidly coupled with
one another. The bladder(s) 26 is positioned between the seat pan
88 and the trim component 92. The bladder 26 extends over the bowl
and raised portions 88A, 88B of the seat pan 88. The bladder 26 may
be thicker, or larger, proximate the bowl portion 88A of the seat
pan 88 relative to the portion of the bladder 26 proximate the
raised portion 88B. As will be explained in greater detail below,
by positioning a majority of the bladder 26 over the bowl portion
88A of the seat pan 88, a height of the seat base 22 may be greatly
decreased when the bladder 26 is in the deflated state thereby
allowing the back bolsters 78 to mate with the seat base 22 and
provide the loading surface 18A with the substantially horizontal
orientation.
[0030] The bladder 26 of the seat base 22 is operable between
inflated (FIG. 3A) and deflated (FIG. 3B) states. The bladder 26
may be composed of a polymeric and/or elastomeric liner 26A. The
liner 26A may be airtight such that gas may not permeate across the
liner 26A of the bladder 26. According to various examples, the
liner 26A may be configured to expand, or stretch, when inflated.
The liner 26A of the bladder 26 defines a bladder cavity 26B within
which air may be stored. Air pressure within the bladder cavity 26B
of the bladder 26 may inflate the bladder 26 (e.g., to the inflated
state of FIG. 3A) to a predetermined size and provide the side
and/or thigh bolster regions 64, 68 a predetermined or designed
resiliency. In the inflated state, the bladder 26 may aid in
providing a desired support or design to the seat base 22. For
example, while inflated the bladders 26 may maintain the side and
thigh bolster regions 64, 68 at a predetermined height and
configuration to maintain the h-point of the occupant of the seat
assembly 14 as well as provide comfort and support. Transition of
the bladders 26 from the inflated state to the deflated state may
cause a decrease in a height of the thigh bolster regions 68 as
well as a decrease in height of the side bolster regions 64. Put
another way, the resiliency of the bladders 26 may be reduced by a
decrease in air within the bladder cavities 26B such that force
applied to the side and thigh bolster regions 64, 68 (e.g., but the
seatback 18 moving to the deployed position) cause the side and
thigh bolster regions 64, 68 to decrease in size or retreat toward
seat pan 88.
[0031] The foam 34 is positioned within the bladder cavity 26B of
the bladder 26. The foam 34 may have a shape substantially similar
to that of the bladder 26 and/or side and thigh bolster regions 64,
68 while in the inflated state. The foam 34 may be configured to be
compressed or crushed to a compacted state, and recover, or expand,
to a size and shape substantially similar to that before the foam
34 was compressed. The foam 34 may be composed of a polyurethane
material that is sensitive to pressure and temperature (e.g., a
memory foam), an elastomeric foam, an expanded polystyrene, an
expanded polypropylene, polymeric materials, composite materials
and/or combinations thereof. The foam 34 may have a closed-cell
and/or open-cell configuration. According to various examples, the
foam 34 may be configured to expand the liner 26A of the bladder 26
to the inflated state. In other words, the foam 34 may recover in
size once compressed such that the foam 34 is the driving force to
transition the bladder 26 from the deflated state to the inflated
state. In use, the foam 34 of the bladder 26 may be compressed
while the seatback 18 is transitioning to the deployed state. For
example, the back bolsters 78 of the seatback 18 may contact the
side and thigh bolster regions 64, 68 of the seat base 22. Such
contact may be configured to compress the foam 34 and allow the
seatback 18 to reach the substantially horizontal orientation as
described above. According to various examples, the foam 34 may be
configured to have a compression strength low enough that the foam
34 is configured to compress under a weight of the seatback 18. Put
another way, the weight of the seatback 18 may be adequate to
compress the foam 34 to reach a sufficient equilibrium which
orientates the loading surface 18A in the substantially horizontal
orientation.
[0032] The valve 30 may be fluidly coupled with the bladder 26 to
allow air to pass into, and out of, the bladder cavity 26B of the
bladder 26. A single valve 30, or a plurality of valves 30, may be
fluidly connected to the bladder 26. One or more valves 30 may be
fluidly coupled to each of the bladders 26 in examples of the seat
base 22 incorporating multiple bladders 26. The valves 30 may be
configured to draw gas for the bladder(s) 26 from ambient
surroundings, or the gas may be supplied from a tank or compressor.
The valves 30 may be actuated between open and closed states based
on a signal from the sensor 38 and/or latch 80 which detects motion
of the seatback 18. For example, as the sensor 38 detects motion of
the seatback 18 between the undeployed and deployed positions, the
sensor 38 may actuate the valve 30 to allow air within the bladder
26 to pass through the valve 30. In other words, when the sensor 38
detects the motion of the seatback 18, the valve 30 may be opened
to allow the bladder 26 to expel and intake gas to allow the
bladder 26 to transition between the deflated and inflated states.
It will be understood that a pump may be coupled to the valve 30 to
draw gas from the bladder 26 and/or to inflate the bladder 26. The
sensor 38 may be configured to actuate the valve 30 to the closed
position once the seatback 18 has returned to the undeployed
position (e.g., by detecting no more motion of the seatback 18,
detecting the position and/or in conjunction with the actuation of
the latch 80). In other words, once the seatback 18 is in the
undeployed position, the valve 30 may seal the bladder 26 such that
the bladder 26 provides resiliency to the seat base 22 and does not
compress. It will be understood that the valve 30 may additionally
or alternatively be actuated based on the actuation of the latch
80.
[0033] In operation, a user of the seat assembly 14 moves the
seatback 18 from the undeployed position to the deployed position
by unlatching the seatback 18 at the latch 80 and pivoting the
seatback 18 toward the seat base 22. The valve 30 may be actuated
to the open position once the sensor 38 detects motion of the
seatback 18 and/or once the latch 80 is released. As the seatback
18 approaches the seat base 22, the back bolsters 78 of the
seatback 18 begin to make contact with raised areas (e.g., the side
and thigh bolster regions 64, 68) of the seat base 22. The weight
of the seatback 18, along with any downward force provided by the
user, begins to force gas from within the cavity 26B of the bladder
26 and through the valve 30 to transition the bladder 26 from the
inflated state to the deflated state. Further, the weight of the
seatback 18, along with any downward force provided by the user,
begins to compress the foam 34 within the cavity 26B. The weight of
the seatback 18 may reach equilibrium with the resiliency of the
foam 34 when the loading surface 18A of the seatback 18 is in the
substantially horizontal position. Once the user is done accessing
the trunk space 84 and/or using the loading surface 18A, the user
may begin moving the seatback 18 toward the undeployed position.
The foam 34 may begin to expand, or recover, to its initial shape
and size as the weight of the seatback 18 is removed from the foam
34. Such recovery of the foam 34 provides a force against the
bladder liner 26A to draw gas into the bladder cavity 26B and
transition the bladder 26 back to the inflated state. Inflation of
the bladder 26 may cause the height of the side and thigh bolster
regions 64, 68 to return to a predetermined or design height. Once
the seatback 18 has returned to the undeployed position (e.g., as
measured by the sensor 38 and/or by actuation of the latch 80) the
valve 30 is closed such that the bladder 26 is sealed. Sealing of
the bladder 26 allows the side and thigh bolster regions 64, 68 to
become resilient and aid in maintaining the h-point of an occupant
of the seat assembly 14.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4, an exemplary method 100 of
operating the seat assembly 14 is provided. The method 100 may
begin with a step 104 of moving the seatback 18 from an undeployed
position to a deployed position. As disclosed above, the undeployed
position may be with the seatback 18 substantially in a
substantially vertical orientation and the loading surface 18A of
the seatback 18 may be substantially horizontal in the deployed
position. Next, a step 108 of actuating the valve 30 to deflate the
bladder 26 within the seat base 22 proximate to the seatback 18 may
be performed. As explained above, when the sensor 38 and/or latch
80 detects movement of the seatback 18 between the deployed and
undeployed positions, the valve 30 may be actuated to allow gas to
be evacuated from the bladder cavity 26B. For example, the gas
within the cavity 26B may be evacuated by pressing the seatback 18
against the seat base 22 such that the gas within the bladder 26 is
forced out through the valve 30. Next, a step 112 of latching the
seatback 18 in the undeployed position may be performed. Next a
step 116 of actuating the valve 30 to seal the bladder 26 is
performed. As explained above, detection (e.g., by the sensor 38
and/or latch 80) of the seatback 18 in the undeployed position may
cause the valve 30 to actuate shut, or closed, to seal the bladder
26. The method 100 may further include the step of compressing the
foam 34 within the bladder 26 under a weight of the seatback 18. As
explained above, the weight of the seatback 18, as it moves to the
deployed position, may be sufficient to compress the foam 34 within
the bladder 26. The method 100 may further include a step of
recovering, or expanding, the foam 34 to inflate the bladder 26. As
explained above, the foam 34 positioned within the bladder cavity
26B is configured to recover after compression to drive the bladder
26 from the deflated state to the inflated state. In the process,
air is drawn through the open valve 30 to allow the bladder 26 to
inflate. The method 100 may further include the step of positioning
the loading surface 18A of the seatback 18 in a substantially
horizontal orientation. As explained above, the transition of the
bladder 26 to the deflated state may decrease a height of the side
and thigh bolster regions 64, 68 of the seat base 22 to allow
sufficient space for the loading surface 18A to be substantially
horizontal.
[0035] Use of the present disclosure may offer a variety of
advantages. First, use of the disclosed seat assembly 14 may allow
the loading surface 18A of the seatback 18 to obtain a
substantially horizontal orientation. Horizontal orientation of the
loading surface 18A may be advantageous in allowing cargo which
extends from the trunk space 84 to the passenger compartment 50 to
lay flat while being transported. Further, the horizontal
orientation of the loading surface 18A may allow cargo and objects
to be stored on top of the loading surface 18A with minimal and/or
no sliding. Second, use of the bladder 26 allows for a seat
assembly 14 which may both deflate to accommodate the seatback 18
and inflate to provide the proper h-point to an occupant of the
seat assembly 14.
[0036] According to various embodiments, a vehicle includes a
seatback defining a loading surface and is operable between
deployed and undeployed positions. A seat base is positioned
proximate the seatback. A bladder is operable between inflated and
deflated states. A valve is fluidly coupled with the bladder. Foam
is positioned within the bladder. The loading surface is
substantially horizontal when the bladder is deflated and the
seatback is in the deployed position. Embodiments of the vehicle
can include any one or a combination of the following features:
[0037] the loading surface is at an angle relative to a horizontal
plane of less than about 10.degree.; [0038] the loading surface is
at an angle relative to a horizontal plane of less than about
5.degree.; [0039] the loading surface is at an angle relative to a
horizontal plane of less than about 1.degree.; [0040] the bladder
is positioned between a seat pan and a trim component; [0041] the
foam is configured to expand the bladder to the inflated state;
[0042] the valve is configured to be actuated by a sensor which
detects motion of the seatback; [0043] the bladder is positioned in
a side bolster region of the seat base; [0044] the bladder is
positioned in a thigh bolster region of the seat base; [0045] the
valve is configured to allow air to pass in and out of the bladder;
[0046] the foam is configured to expand the bladder to the inflated
state; and/or [0047] the foam is configured to compress under a
weight of the seatback.
[0048] Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled
in the art and to those who make or use the disclosure. Therefore,
it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and
described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not
intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by
the following claims, as interpreted according to the principles of
patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.
[0049] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the
art that construction of the described disclosure, and other
components, is not limited to any specific material. Other
exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be
formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise
herein.
[0050] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all
of its forms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the
joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or
indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature
or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two
components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional
intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary
body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may
be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in
nature, unless otherwise stated.
[0051] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes,
formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics
are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger
or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors,
rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors
known to those of skill in the art. When the term "about" is used
in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure
should be understood to include the specific value or end-point
referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a
range in the specification recites "about," the numerical value or
end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one
modified by "about," and one not modified by "about." It will be
further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are
significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and
independently of the other endpoint.
[0052] The terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations
thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described
feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description.
For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to denote
a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover,
"substantially" is intended to denote that two values are equal or
approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may
denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about
5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.
[0053] As used herein the terms "the," "a," or "an," mean "at least
one," and should not be limited to "only one" unless explicitly
indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a
component" includes embodiments having two or more such components
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0054] It will be understood that any described processes, or steps
within described processes, may be combined with other disclosed
processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the
present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes
disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be
construed as limiting.
[0055] It is also to be understood that variations and
modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and
methods without departing from the concepts of the present
disclosure, and, further, it is to be understood that such concepts
are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless these
claims, by their language, expressly state otherwise. Further, the
claims, as set forth below, are incorporated into and constitute
part of this Detailed Description.
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