U.S. patent application number 15/871354 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-18 for rail system for a vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to S.M. Akbar Berry, Alan George Dry, Daniel Ferretti, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Johnathan Andrew Line, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Brian Robert Spahn, Benjamin Yilma.
Application Number | 20190217747 15/871354 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67068904 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-18 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190217747 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dry; Alan George ; et
al. |
July 18, 2019 |
RAIL SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE
Abstract
A vehicle seating arrangement includes a rail system that has a
plurality of lateral and longitudinal rails. The vehicle seating
arrangement also includes at least one seating assembly coupled to
the rail system. The seating assembly includes one or more armrests
coupled to a seat-base. The armrests are configured for
articulation in a vertical direction relative to the seat-base. The
armrests enable the seating assembly to transition between
captains' chair, loveseat, and bed configurations.
Inventors: |
Dry; Alan George; (Grosse
Pointe Woods, MI) ; Line; Johnathan Andrew;
(Northville, MI) ; Spahn; Brian Robert; (Plymouth,
MI) ; Yilma; Benjamin; (Canton, MI) ; Berry;
S.M. Akbar; (Windsor, CA) ; Preuss; Kevin Wayne;
(Berkley, MI) ; Kondrad; Marcos Silva; (Macomb
Township, MI) ; Ferretti; Daniel; (Commerce Township,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
|
Family ID: |
67068904 |
Appl. No.: |
15/871354 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 3/008 20130101;
B60N 2/34 20130101; B60N 2/77 20180201; B60N 2/777 20180201; B60N
2/0244 20130101; B60N 2/773 20180201; B60N 2/0735 20130101; B60N
2/01 20130101; B60N 2002/0204 20130101; B60N 2/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/07 20060101
B60N002/07; B60N 2/34 20060101 B60N002/34; B60N 2/01 20060101
B60N002/01 |
Claims
1. A vehicle seating arrangement, comprising: a rail system having
a plurality of lateral and longitudinal rails; and at least one
seating assembly coupled to the rail system, wherein the seating
assembly comprises one or more armrests coupled to a seat-base,
wherein the armrests are configured for articulation in a vertical
direction relative to the seat-base, wherein the armrests enable
the seating assembly to transition between captains' chair,
loveseat, and bed configurations.
2. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 1, wherein the at least
one seating assembly comprises a first seating assembly and a
second seating assembly.
3. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 2, wherein the
plurality of lateral rails comprises at least five lateral
rails.
4. The seating assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least five
lateral rails provide three or more parallel lateral tracks.
5. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 3, wherein the
plurality of longitudinal rails comprises at least two longitudinal
rails that extend across at least about fifty percent of a length
of an interior of a vehicle to which the longitudinal rails are
coupled.
6. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 5, wherein the at least
two longitudinal rails are positioned on a first side of the
vehicle such that a side entrance on a second side of the vehicle
remains unimpeded.
7. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 5, wherein the at least
two longitudinal rails are positioned along a central longitudinal
axis of the vehicle.
8. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 5, wherein the
plurality of longitudinal rails extend across at least about eighty
percent of the length of the interior of the vehicle.
9. A vehicle seating arrangement, comprising: a rail system having
a plurality of lateral and longitudinal rails positioned in a
vehicle floor; at least one seating assembly coupled to the rail
system, wherein the seating assemblies comprise armrests coupled to
a seat-base, wherein the armrests are configured for articulation
in a vertical direction relative to the seat-base, wherein the
armrests enable the seating assembly to transition between
captains' chair, loveseat, and bed configurations.
10. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 9, wherein the at
least one seating assembly comprises a first seating assembly and a
second seating assembly.
11. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 10, wherein the
plurality of lateral rails comprises at least five lateral
rails.
12. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 11, wherein the at
least five lateral rails provide three or more parallel lateral
tracks.
13. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 11, wherein the
plurality of longitudinal rails comprises at least two longitudinal
rails that extend across at least about fifty percent of a length
of an interior of a vehicle to which the longitudinal rails are
coupled.
14. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the at
least two longitudinal rails are positioned on a first side of the
vehicle such that a side entrance on a second side of the vehicle
remains unimpeded.
15. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the at
least two longitudinal rails are positioned along a central
longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
16. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the
plurality of longitudinal rails extend across at least about eighty
percent of the length of the interior of the vehicle.
17. A vehicle seating arrangement, comprising: a rail system having
at least five lateral and at least two longitudinal rails
positioned in a vehicle floor; at least one seating assembly
coupled to the rail system, wherein the seating assemblies comprise
armrests coupled to a seat-base, wherein the armrests are
configured for articulation in a vertical direction relative to the
seat-base, wherein the armrest enables the seating assembly to
transition between captains' chair, loveseat, and bed
configurations.
18. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 17, wherein the at
least one seating assembly comprises: a first seating assembly; and
a second seating assembly, wherein the loveseat configuration is
accomplished by articulation of the armrests of the first and
second seating assemblies to a lowered position, and wherein the
first and second seating assemblies are adjacent to one another and
positioned such that the seat-bases of the first and second seating
assemblies provide a substantially planar and continuous surface
across a width of the first and second seating assemblies.
19. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 17, wherein the at
least one seating assembly comprises: a first seating assembly; a
second seating assembly; and a third seating assembly, wherein a
bed configuration is accomplished by articulation of the armrests
of the first, second, and third seating assemblies to a lowered
position, wherein the first, second, and third seating assemblies
are adjacent to one another such that a substantially planar and
continuous surface of the seat-base is provided across a width of
the first, second, and third seating assemblies.
20. The vehicle seating arrangement of claim 19, wherein the first,
second, and third seating assemblies in the bed configuration
provide the substantially planar and continuous surface as a
resting surface having a length of at least about 200 cm.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to vehicles. More
specifically, the present disclosure relates to rail systems for
vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Autonomous vehicles create a new expectation of occupant
freedom of movement within a vehicle. This may challenge
conventional wisdom for vehicle design.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a
vehicle seating arrangement includes a rail system that has a
plurality of lateral and longitudinal rails. The vehicle seating
arrangement also includes at least one seating assembly coupled to
the rail system. The seating assembly includes one or more armrests
coupled to a seat-base. The armrests are configured for
articulation in a vertical direction relative to the seat-base. The
armrests enable the seating assembly to transition between
captains' chair, loveseat, and bed configurations.
[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure
can include any one or a combination of the following features:
[0005] the at least one seating assembly includes a first seating
assembly and a second seating assembly; [0006] the plurality of
lateral rails includes at least five lateral rails; [0007] the at
least five lateral rails provide three or more parallel lateral
tracks; [0008] the plurality of longitudinal rails includes at
least two longitudinal rails that extend across at least about
fifty percent of a length of an interior of a vehicle to which the
longitudinal rails are coupled; [0009] the at least two
longitudinal rails are positioned on a first side of the vehicle
such that a side entrance on a second side of the vehicle remains
unimpeded; [0010] the at least two longitudinal rails are
positioned along a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and
[0011] the plurality of longitudinal rails extend across at least
about eighty percent of the length of the interior of the
vehicle.
[0012] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a
vehicle seating arrangement includes a rail system that has a
plurality of lateral and longitudinal rails positioned in a vehicle
floor. The vehicle seating arrangement also includes at least one
seating assembly coupled to the rail system. The seating assemblies
include armrests coupled to a seat-base. The armrests are
configured for articulation in a vertical direction relative to the
seat-base. The armrests enable the seating assembly to transition
between captains' chair, loveseat, and bed configurations.
[0013] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure
can include any one or a combination of the following features:
[0014] the at least one seating assembly includes a first seating
assembly and a second seating assembly; [0015] the plurality of
lateral rails includes at least five lateral rails; [0016] the at
least five lateral rails provide three or more parallel lateral
tracks; [0017] the plurality of longitudinal rails includes at
least two longitudinal rails that extend across at least about
fifty percent of a length of an interior of a vehicle to which the
longitudinal rails are coupled; [0018] the at least two
longitudinal rails are positioned on a first side of the vehicle
such that a side entrance on a second side of the vehicle remains
unimpeded; [0019] the at least two longitudinal rails are
positioned along a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and
[0020] the plurality of longitudinal rails extend across at least
about eighty percent of the length of the interior of the
vehicle.
[0021] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a
vehicle seating arrangement includes a rail system that has at
least five lateral and at least two longitudinal rails positioned
in a vehicle floor. The vehicle seating arrangement also includes
at least one seating assembly coupled to the rail system. The
seating assemblies include armrests coupled to a seat-base. The
armrests are configured for articulation in a vertical direction
relative to the seat-base. The armrest enables the seating assembly
to transition between captains' chair, loveseat, and bed
configurations.
[0022] Embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure
can include any one or a combination of the following features:
[0023] the at least one seating assembly includes a first seating
assembly and a second seating assembly, wherein the loveseat
configuration is accomplished by articulation of the armrests of
the first and second seating assemblies to a lowered position, and
wherein the first and second seating assemblies are adjacent to one
another and positioned such that the seat-bases of the first and
second seating assemblies provide a substantially planar and
continuous surface across a width of the first and second seating
assemblies; [0024] the at least one seating assembly includes a
first seating assembly, a second seating assembly, and a third
seating assembly, wherein a bed configuration is accomplished by
articulation of the armrests of the first, second, and third
seating assemblies to a lowered position, wherein the first,
second, and third seating assemblies are adjacent to one another
such that a substantially planar and continuous surface of the
seat-base is provided across a width of the first, second, and
third seating assemblies; and [0025] the first, second, and third
seating assemblies in the bed configuration provide the
substantially planar and continuous surface as a resting surface
having a length of at least about 200 cm.
[0026] 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
[0027] In the drawings:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior equipped
with a seating assembly having an airbag assembly in a
pre-deployment position, according to one embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the seating assembly
having an armrest, according to one embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of the seating assembly,
illustrating a support member of the armrest in a lowered position,
according to one embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 3B is a front elevational view of the seating assembly,
illustrating the support member of the armrest in a raised
position, according to one embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 4A is a front elevational view of the seating assembly,
illustrating a bolster of the armrest in an outboard position,
according to one embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 4B is a front elevational view of the seating assembly,
illustrating the bolster of the armrest in a position between the
outboard position and an inboard position, according to one
embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 4C is a front elevational view of the seating assembly,
illustrating the bolster of the armrest in the inboard position,
according to one embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 5A is a side elevational view of the seating assembly,
illustrating the bolster of the armrest in a rearward position,
according to one embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 5B is a side elevational view of the seating assembly,
illustrating the bolster of the armrest in a forward position,
according to one embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 6A is a front elevational view of two seating
assemblies, illustrating the seating assemblies in a couch
configuration, according to one embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 6B is a front elevational view of two seating
assemblies, illustrating the seating assemblies in a loveseat
configuration, according to one embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the seating assembly,
illustrating a propulsion feature and a propulsion system coupled
to the seating assembly, according to one embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken through line
VIIA-VIIA of FIG. 7, illustrating the propulsion feature and the
propulsion system coupled to the seating assembly, according to one
embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 8 is a top view of the vehicle interior, illustrating a
vehicle seating arrangement, according to one embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 9 is a top view of the vehicle interior, illustrating
the vehicle seating arrangement, according to another
embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 10 is a top view of the vehicle interior, illustrating
the vehicle seating arrangement, according to a further
embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the seating assembly and rail
system controls, illustrating a controller for controlling the
seating assembly and components of the vehicle; and
[0045] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method of operating the seating
assembly, according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the concepts
as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
concepts 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.
[0047] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in
combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a
vehicle. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps
have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols
in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are
pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present
disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that
will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like
numerals in the description and drawings represent like
elements.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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. The terms
"comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements
does not include only those elements but may include other elements
not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article,
or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises . . . a" does not,
without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional
identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus
that comprises the element.
[0050] 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 end-points of each of the ranges are
significant both in relation to the other end-point, and
independently of the other end-point.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 includes the
seating assembly 14. The seating assembly 14 may include a
seat-base 18, a seatback 22 coupled to the seat-base 18, a lateral
side 24 of the seatback 22, and a headrest 26. The seating assembly
14 may be part of a vehicle seating arrangement. For example, the
vehicle seating arrangement may include first, second, and/or third
seating assemblies, however, the present disclosure is not so
limited. In some embodiments, the seatback 22 may be pivotally
coupled to the seat-base 18. The seat-base 18 may be movably
coupled to the vehicle 10. For example, in some embodiments, the
seat-base 18 may move along a rail system 38 coupled to the vehicle
10 (e.g., coupled to a floor of the vehicle 10). The seating
assembly 14 may move in vehicle forward and rearward directions as
is typical of vehicle seating assemblies. In some embodiments, the
seating assembly 14 may move in various directions within the
vehicle 10 and/or rotate or swivel relative to the vehicle 10 such
that the seating assembly 14 may face various vehicular directions.
It is contemplated that the vehicle 10 may include multiple movable
seating assemblies 14 and that strategic movement of the seating
assemblies 14 may provide occupants with different seating assembly
configurations, such as modular couches and/or loveseats.
[0054] In some embodiments, the headrest 26 may be an extension of
the seatback 22. In other words, at least a portion of the headrest
26 may be integrally coupled with at least a portion of the
seatback 22. In some embodiments, the headrest 26 may be movable
relative to the remainder of the seatback 22. For example, the
headrest 26 may be adjusted to accommodate seating assembly
occupants of differing height. In some embodiments, the lateral
side 24 may generally face a direction that is generally
perpendicular to the seating-assembly-forward and/or
seating-assembly-rearward directions. In other words, the lateral
side 24 may face seating-assembly-left or seating-assembly-right.
It is contemplated that the lateral side 24 may include a plurality
of lateral sides 24. For example, the seatback 22 may include a
right lateral side 24 and a left lateral side 24.
[0055] Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 2, an armrest 30 may be
coupled to the seating assembly 14. The armrest 30 may be coupled
to the seatback 22 and/or seat-base 18. The armrest 30 may be
operable between various positions. For example, in some
embodiments, relative to the seating assembly 14, the armrest 30
may move, pivot, slide, and/or articulate forward, rearward,
upward, downward, inboard, outboard, and/or combinations
thereof.
[0056] In some embodiments, the armrest 30 may include multiple
components. The components may be operable between various
positions. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2-3B, the armrest 30 may
include a support member 32 and a bolster 34. The support member 32
may be coupled to the seat-base 18. In some embodiments, the
support member 32 may be operable to move seating-assembly-upward
and seating-assembly-downward. Accordingly, the support member 32
may be operable between a lowered position and a raised position,
as depicted by FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively. It is contemplated
that, in some embodiments, the support member 32 may additionally
move other seating-assembly-directions relative to the seat-base
18.
[0057] In various embodiments, the bolster 34 may be coupled to the
support member 32. For example, the bolster 34 may be coupled to an
upper end of the support member 32. The bolster 34 may extend
perpendicularly from the support member 32. As shown in FIGS. 3A
and 3B, the bolster 34 may move seating-assembly-upward and
seating-assembly-downward with the support member 32. In some
embodiments, the bolster 34 may protrude beyond the support member
32 in the seating-assembly-forward direction. In some embodiments,
the bolster 34 may be movably coupled to the support member 32. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the bolster 34 may be capable of
articulation relative to the support member 32 such that the
bolster 34 may articulate in the seating-assembly-inboard and
seating-assembly-outboard directions (e.g., by rotational motion).
Thus, the bolster 34 may be operable between an inboard or vertical
position and an outboard or horizontal position, as shown in FIGS.
4C and 4A, respectively. The bolster 34 may further be operable to
a position between the inboard position and the outboard position,
as depicted in FIG. 4B. In some embodiments, the bolster 34 may be
operable to move in the seating-assembly-forward and
seating-assembly-rearward directions. Accordingly, as shown in
FIGS. 5A-5B, the bolster 34 may be operable between a forward
position and a rearward position. It is contemplated that the
seating assembly 14 may have a plurality of armrests 30.
[0058] The mobility of the armrests 30 and/or components of the
armrests 30 may allow for a variety of seating assembly
configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the armrests 30
may be positioned such that the seating assembly 14 resembles a
captain's chair. In some embodiments, the support members 32 of the
armrests 30 are in the raised position and the bolsters 34 are in
the outboard position while the seating assembly 14 is configured
as a captain's chair. As shown in FIG. 6A, the armrests 30 of
multiple side-by-side seating assemblies 14 may be configured such
that the seating assemblies 14 resemble a couch, loveseat, or bed.
For example, in one embodiment, the support members 32 of the
armrests 30 are in the lowered position and the bolsters 34 of the
armrests 30 are in the outboard position while the seating
assemblies are configured as a couch. As shown in FIG. 6B, the
armrests 30 of multiple side-by-side seating assemblies 14 may be
configured such that the seating assemblies 14 resemble a loveseat.
For example, in one embodiment, the support member 32 of an inner
armrest 30A of each of the two side-by-side seating assemblies 14
is in the lowered position, the support member 32 of an outer
armrest 30B of each of the two side-by-side seating assemblies 14
is in the raised position, and the bolsters 34 of the armrests 30
are in the outboard position while the two seating assemblies 14
are configured as a loveseat. When configured as a loveseat, the
side-by-side seating assemblies 14 are adjacent to one another such
that a substantially planar and continuous surface of the
seat-bases 18 is provided across a width of the side-by-side
seating assemblies 14 (e.g., first and second seating
assemblies).
[0059] In reference to FIGS. 7-7A, a propulsion feature 44
configured to move the armrest 30 may be coupled to the seating
assembly 14, the seat-base 18, and/or armrest 30. In some
embodiments, the propulsion feature 44 may include an electric
motor. In some embodiments, the propulsion feature 44 may include a
pyrotechnic mechanism. It is contemplated that the propulsion
feature 44 may be at least one of a variety of other devices
configured to move the armrest 30.
[0060] In further reference to FIGS. 7-7A, a propulsion system 48
configured to engage with the propulsion feature 44 may be coupled
to the armrest 30. In some embodiments, the propulsion system 48
may be coupled to and/or engage with the armrest 30, the support
member 32, and/or the bolster 34 of the armrest 30. It is
contemplated, that in some embodiments, the propulsion system 48
may include at least one of a variety of devices to engage with the
propulsion feature 44 (e.g., solenoid, piston assembly, etc.) In
some embodiments, the propulsion system 48 may include a
recirculating ball race nut 60. The recirculating ball race nut 60
may be coupled to the seating assembly 14, the seat-base 18, and/or
the armrest 30. Further, the recirculating ball race nut 60 may be
operably coupled to the propulsion feature 44. The recirculating
ball race nut 60 may engage with a threaded driver screw 62. The
threaded driver screw 62 may have a mechanically reversible thread.
The threaded driver screw 62 may be coupled to the armrest 30, the
bolster 34, and/or the support member 32.
[0061] In operation, the propulsion feature 44 may be configured to
rotate the recirculating ball race nut 60; the recirculating ball
race nut 60, in turn, drives the threaded driver screw 62, which
subsequently moves the armrest 30, the support member 32 and/or the
bolster 34. In an example in which the threaded driver screw 62 has
a mechanically reversible thread, the armrest 30, the support
member 32, and/or the bolster 34 may be moved back and forth
depending on the direction of the recirculating ball race nut's 60
rotation. For example, the bolster 34 may be moved from the inboard
position to the outboard position as well as from the outboard
position to the inboard position. It is contemplated that the
propulsion system 48 may include a plurality of propulsion systems
48 that correspond to one or a plurality of propulsion features 44.
It is further contemplated that, in some embodiments, the support
member 32 and the bolster 34 may engage with and be moved by a
singular one of the propulsion system 48, or the support member 32
and the bolster 34 may engage with and be moved by separate
propulsion systems 48.
[0062] In some embodiments, the propulsion feature 44 may be
controlled by an occupant. For example, the occupant may operate a
switch that is configured to control the propulsion feature 44. In
such an example, the occupant may engage the switch, which
subsequently prompts the propulsion feature 44 to power move the
armrest 30, the support member 32, and/or the bolster 34. In some
embodiments, the armrest 30, the support member 32, and/or the
bolster 34 may be manually moved by the occupant. In this way, the
armrest 30, the support member 32 and/or the bolster 34 may be
moved by the occupant without engaging the propulsion feature
44.
[0063] Referring further to FIGS. 7-7A, a locking feature 68 may be
coupled to the armrest 30, the support member 32, and/or the
bolster 34. The locking feature 68 may be configured to
substantially prevent movement of the armrest 30, the support
member 32, and/or the bolster 34 relative to the seat-base 18,
seatback 22 and/or the support member 32. The locking feature 68
may include at least one of a host of mechanisms configured to
prevent movement (e.g., pin, stop, dog, detent, abutment, etc.). In
some embodiments, the locking feature 68 may include the propulsion
feature 44 (e.g., electric motor). For example, an electric motor
that is configured to move the armrest 30, the support member 32,
and/or the bolster 34 may also lock the armrest 30, the support
member 32, and/or the bolster 34 in place by continuous activation.
In some embodiments, the locking feature 68 may be manually engaged
and/or disengaged by the occupant. For example, the locking feature
68 may be engaged and/or disengaged by operation of a switch. In
some embodiments, the locking feature 68 is engaged by default, and
the armrest 30, the support member 32, and/or the bolster 34 may be
moved upon disengagement of the locking feature 68. In some
embodiments, the locking feature 68 may be engaged and/or
disengaged by a controller 70, which will be discussed in greater
detail below.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 8, the vehicle 10 may be provided with
one or more doors 74. The doors 74 may be positioned on a side 78
of the vehicle 10 and in between two wheels 82 of the vehicle 10.
In various examples, the doors 74 may be hinged or sliding doors.
When sliding doors are utilized, the individual doors 74 may slide
as independent units in the same direction or in opposite
directions. For example, on one side 78 of the vehicle 10 shown in
FIG. 8 the door or doors 74 may separate toward a front and rear of
the vehicle 10 to admit occupants and/or provide a large opening
for viewing scenery outside of the vehicle 10. Regardless of how
the doors 74 operate, a large window may be provided in at least
one of the sides 78 of the vehicle 10 such that a wide viewing
angle 86 may be available to occupants 90 while the vehicle 10 is
in motion or at rest. For example, the viewing angle 86 may permit
the occupants 90 a continuous viewing area that extends along at
least about thirty (30) percent of the side 78 of the vehicle 10,
at least about forty (40) percent of the side 78 of the vehicle 10,
at least about fifty (50) percent of the side 78 of the vehicle 10,
at least about sixty (60) percent of the side 78 of the vehicle 10,
at least about seventy (70) percent of the side 78 of the vehicle
10, at least about eighty (80) percent of the side 78 of the
vehicle 10, at least about ninety (90) percent of the side 78 of
the vehicle 10, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. The vehicle
interior 12 is equipped with a plurality of seating assemblies 14.
The seating assemblies 14 are slidably coupled to the rail system
38. The seating assemblies 14 may be configured to swivel or rotate
relative to the rail system 38 such that the seating assemblies 14
may be positioned to enable the occupants 90 to look at one another
while conversing, view the scenery outside of the vehicle 10,
and/or generally position the seating assemblies 14 with a high
degree of freedom to fit their needs or desires.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, three of the seating assemblies
14 have been positioned on the rail system 38 such that the seating
assemblies 14 are adjacent to one another along one of the sides 78
of the vehicle 10. The rail system 38 may be provided in various
configurations, including, but not limited to, those depicted in
FIGS. 8-10. For example, the rail system 38 includes a plurality of
lateral rails 94 and a plurality of longitudinal rails 98. In some
examples, the plurality of lateral rails 94 includes at least three
lateral rails, at least five lateral rails, at least seven lateral
rails, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. In some examples, the
plurality of longitudinal rails 98 includes at least two
longitudinal rails, at least four longitudinal rails, at least six
longitudinal rails, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. In
general, the plurality of lateral rails 94 provide two or more
parallel lateral tracks 96, three or more parallel lateral tracks
96, four or more parallel lateral tracks 96, five or more lateral
tracks 96, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. Similarly, the
plurality of longitudinal rails 98 provide one or more longitudinal
tracks 100, two or more longitudinal tracks 100, three or more
longitudinal tracks 100, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. As
used herein, the term "track" as it pertains to the rail system 38
is intended to refer to two or more individual rails upon which the
seating assemblies 14 may travel about the vehicle interior 12.
[0066] Referring again to FIGS. 9 and 10, the longitudinal rails 98
may extend across at least about thirty percent of a length of the
vehicle interior 12, at least about forty percent of a length of
the vehicle interior 12, at least about fifty percent of a length
of the vehicle interior 12, at least about sixty percent of a
length of the vehicle interior 12, at least about seventy percent
of a length of the vehicle interior 12, at least about eighty
percent of a length of the vehicle interior 12, at least about
ninety percent of a length of the vehicle interior 12, and/or
combinations or ranges thereof. In various examples, the
longitudinal rails 98 may be positioned on one of the sides 78
(e.g., a first side) such that the side 78 opposite (e.g., a second
side) provides a side entrance that remains unimpeded for ingress,
egress, loading, and unloading. Additionally or alternatively, the
longitudinal rails 98 may be positioned along a central
longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10. The seating assemblies 14 have
been placed in the bed configuration by positioning first, second,
and third seating assemblies adjacent to one another and
articulating the armrests 30 to the lowered position with the
bolsters 34 in the outboard position. Accordingly, a substantially
planar and continuous surface is provided as a resting surface. The
resting surface may have a length of at least about 100 cm, at
least about 200 cm, at least about 300 cm, at least about 400 cm,
and/or combinations or ranges thereof.
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 11, as referenced above, the seating
assembly 14 may include the controller 70, which may be configured
to receive various inputs 102 and control various outputs 104. The
controller 70 may be a shared or dedicated controller that includes
a microprocessor 106 and memory 108 as illustrated, according to
various embodiments. It should be appreciated that the controller
70 may include control circuitry such as analog and/or digital
control circuitry. Stored within the memory 108 and executed by the
microprocessor 106 is logic 110 for processing the various inputs
102 and controlling various outputs 104 described herein. The
inputs 102 to the controller 70 may include an occupant presence
signal 112, an armrest position signal 114, and/or a seating
assembly position signal 116, which may be made available from one
or more other controller(s) via a vehicle data communication line
or a shared bus, and may indicate the presence or absence of an
occupant in the seating assembly 14, an armrest position 118 (e.g.,
vertical and/or rotational position of the armrest 30), and/or a
track position 120 of the seating assembly 14 along the rail system
38, respectively.
[0068] Referring again to FIG. 11, the presence or absence of an
occupant in the seating assembly 14 may be determined through a
variety of methods and/or by a variety of features (e.g., weight
sensor, proximity sensor, etc.). Determining the presence or
absence of an occupant in the seating assembly 14 can inform a
decision of the controller 70 as to which seating assemblies 14 may
be utilized for a requested reconfiguring of the vehicle interior
12. The position of the armrest 30 may be determined, for example,
by referencing a rotational and/or linear actuation sensor that
provides information about the linear (vertical and/or horizontal)
and/or rotational position of the armrest 30 and/or the components
of the armrest 30. The position of the seating assembly 14 along
the rail system 38, such as the lateral tracks 96 and the
longitudinal tracks 100, may be provided by one or more track
position sensors that may be provided in the rail system 38 and/or
the seating assembly 14. For example, the track position sensors
positioned in the seating assembly 14 may communicate with the
track position sensors in the rail system 38 to determine a
location of the seating assembly 14 within the vehicle interior
12.
[0069] In some embodiments, the inputs 102 to the controller 70 may
include various other signals, such as signals from other
controllers within the vehicle 10 and/or signals sent to the
controller 70 by activation of switches by an occupant. The
controller 70 may also be connected, interact with, and/or control
various other components of the vehicle 10 (e.g., the seating
assembly 14, the armrest 30, the propulsion feature 44, a track
position of the seating assembly 14, etc.), and the functions of
those components (e.g., movement, speed of movement, activation,
engagement, deployment, etc.) directly, and/or through
communication with another controller. For example, the controller
70 may facilitate the movement of the seating assembly 14 between
various positions within the vehicle interior 12 along the rail
system 38 by utilizing the lateral tracks 96 and the longitudinal
tracks 100. In some examples, the controller 70 may facilitate such
action by receiving the input 102 (e.g., seating assembly position
signal 116) and executing the logic 110 stored within the memory
108 with the microprocessor 106.
[0070] In reference to FIG. 12, a method 200 of operating the
seating assembly 14 is disclosed. The method 200 may include the
step 202 of receiving at least one input 102. As discussed above,
the controller 70 may receive inputs 102 from various sources. In
various embodiments, the inputs 102 may include the occupant
presence signal 112, the armrest position signal 114, the seating
assembly position signal 116, and/or various other signals. Next,
the method 200 may include the step 204 of positioning the armrest
30. As discussed above, positioning the armrest 30 may include
linear and/or rotational actuation of the armrest 30 and/or
components of the armrest 30 (e.g., inner armrest 30A, outer
armrest 30B, support member 32, bolster 34, etc.). For example, one
or more of the armrests 30 on one or more seating assemblies 14
(e.g., first, second, and/or third seating assemblies) may be
articulated to a lowered position. Additionally or alternatively,
the bolster 34 on one or more of the armrests 30 of one or more
seating assemblies 14 (e.g., first, second, and/or third seating
assemblies) may be articulated to a horizontal position (e.g., the
outboard position) such that a surface area of the seat-base 18 of
the respective seating assembly 14 is increased. Next, the method
200 may include the step 206 of positioning the seating assembly 14
within the vehicle interior 12. For example, a first seating
assembly and a second seating assembly may be positioned such that
the bolsters 34 of the first and second seating assemblies are in
close proximity to one another, thereby providing a loveseat
configuration. When providing the loveseat configuration of the
first and second seating assemblies, the seat-bases 18 of the first
and second seating assemblies are substantially planar and
continuous with one another. The step 206 of positioning the
seating assembly 14 may further include positioning the bolsters 34
of the first, second, and third seating assemblies in close
proximity to the bolsters 34 of at least one of the other first,
second, and third seating assemblies. When providing the bolsters
34 of the first, second, and third seating assemblies in close
proximity to one another (e.g., by placing the first, second, and
third seating assemblies adjacent to one another), a bed
configuration may be provided. When the bed configuration is
provided, the seat-bases 18 of the first, second, and third seating
assemblies are substantially planar and continuous with one
another. For example, the seat-bases 18 of the first, second, and
third seating assemblies may be substantially planar and continuous
across a width of the first, second, and third seating assemblies.
The method 200 may further include the step 208 of preparing the
seating assembly for translational movement. For example, the step
208 of preparing the seating assembly for translational movement
may include articulating the bolster 34 on one or more of the
armrests 30 of at least one of the first, second, and third seating
assemblies to a vertical position when preparing the seating
assembly 14 for relocation within the vehicle interior 12.
[0071] It is to be understood that unless specifically stated
otherwise in the claims, that the steps of the method of operating
a seating assembly 200 need not be performed in the order that each
step is listed above.
[0072] Use of the present disclosure may provide a variety of
advantages. As the user experience for vehicles continues to
evolve, consumers desire increasing amounts of comfort and
functionality from the vehicles they purchase or utilize.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a vehicle seating
arrangement that has a high degree of freedom in terms of
positioning configuring of the seating assemblies 14 for a variety
of uses. Therefore, the consumer may purchase or utilize a single
vehicle when previously more than one vehicle may have been
required to provide an equivalent level of functionality and/or
comfort. For example, the vehicle seating arrangements disclosed
herein may enable a single vehicle to be utilized as a commuter
vehicle, recreation vehicle, family vehicle, and so on.
[0073] Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled
in the art and to those who make or use the concepts disclosed
herein. 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.
[0074] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the
art that construction of the described concepts, and other
components, is not limited to any specific material. Other
exemplary embodiments of the concepts disclosed herein may be
formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise
herein.
[0075] 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.
[0076] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the
exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few
embodiments of the present innovations have been described in
detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements
shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or
elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the
operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied,
the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector
or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or
numeral of adjustment positions provided between the elements may
be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies
of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of
materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of
a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly,
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications,
changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating
conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary
embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present
innovations.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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.
* * * * *