U.S. patent application number 16/668403 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-06 for articulating flexmat seat suspension.
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, Steven Carnago, Carol Casey, Robert Damerow, Daniel Ferretti, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Johnathan Andrew Line, Andrew Bernard Matusko.
Application Number | 20210129723 16/668403 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004480556 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-06 |
![](/patent/app/20210129723/US20210129723A1-20210506\US20210129723A1-2021050)
United States Patent
Application |
20210129723 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Line; Johnathan Andrew ; et
al. |
May 6, 2021 |
ARTICULATING FLEXMAT SEAT SUSPENSION
Abstract
A vehicle seating assembly includes a frame, a front closeout
panel supported on the frame and an articulating flexmat assembly
operably coupled with at least one of the front closeout panel and
the frame. The articulating flexmat assembly includes an upper
flexmat extending from a first side of the frame to a second side
of the frame. The upper flexmat includes an upper cable coupled
with the upper flexmat and an upper cable regulating motor operably
coupled with the upper cable. The articulating flexmat assembly
also includes a lower flexmat extending from the first side of the
frame to the second side of the frame. The lower flexmat includes a
lower cable coupled with the lower flexmat and a lower cable
regulating motor operably coupled with the lower cable.
Inventors: |
Line; Johnathan Andrew;
(Northville, MI) ; Casey; Carol; (Dearborn,
MI) ; Damerow; Robert; (Garden City, MI) ;
Matusko; Andrew Bernard; (Dexter, MI) ; Hoernke;
Spencer Robert; (Dundas, CA) ; Berry; S.M. Akbar;
(Windsor, CA) ; Ferretti; Daniel; (Commerce
Township, MI) ; Carnago; Steven; (Clinton Township,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
Dearborn
MI
|
Family ID: |
1000004480556 |
Appl. No.: |
16/668403 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/5657 20130101;
B60R 16/03 20130101; B60N 2/6671 20150401 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/66 20060101
B60N002/66; B60N 2/56 20060101 B60N002/56; B60R 16/03 20060101
B60R016/03 |
Claims
1. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a frame; a front closeout
panel supported on the frame; an articulating flexmat assembly
operably coupled with at least one of the front closeout panel and
the frame and comprising: an upper flexmat extending from a first
side of the frame to a second side of the frame and including: an
upper cable coupled with the upper flexmat; and an upper cable
regulating motor operably coupled with the upper cable, wherein the
upper flexmat is adjustable by the upper cable regulating motor
that retracts the upper cable to shift the upper flexmat outward;
and a lower flexmat extending from the first side of the frame to
the second side of the frame and comprising: a lower cable coupled
with the lower flexmat; and a lower cable regulating motor operably
coupled with the lower cable, wherein the upper flexmat and the
lower flexmat are coupled with a living hinge and the lower flexmat
is adjustable by the lower cable regulating motor that retracts the
lower cable to shift the lower flexmat outward.
2. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
blower motor coupled with the articulating flexmat assembly.
3. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the living
hinge enables the upper flexmat and the lower flexmat to be
adjusted in forward and rearward directions independently of one
another.
4. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the
articulating flexmat assembly is coupled to an inner surface of the
front closeout panel.
5. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper
flexmat is disposed proximate a thoracic region and the lower
flexmat is disposed proximate a lumber region.
6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of
the upper flexmat and the lower flexmat includes multiple
undulating flex segments configured to aid in flexure of the at
least one of the upper flexmat and the lower flexmat.
7. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper cable
and the lower cable are disposed horizontally on the frame.
8. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper
flexmat and the lower flexmat are constructed of a polymeric
composite material.
9. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper cable
regulating motor and the lower cable regulating motor are disposed
behind the upper flexmat and the lower flexmat, respectively.
10. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper
cable motor and the lower cable motor operate independently of one
another.
11. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper
flexmat and the lower flexmat are coupled to a cushion
assembly.
12. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the
upper flexmat and the lower flexmat include straps that attach to
one of the front closeout panel and the frame.
13. A seating assembly comprising: a frame; a front closeout panel
supported on the frame; an articulating flexmat assembly operably
coupled with at least one of the front closeout panel and the frame
and comprising: an upper flexmat extending across the frame and
providing suspension firmness for an upper thoracic region; a cable
coupled with the upper flexmat; a lower flexmat extending across
the frame and providing suspension firmness for a lower lumbar
region; and a cable regulating motor operably coupled with the
cable, wherein the upper flexmat is adjustable by the cable
regulating motor that retracts the cable to shift the upper flexmat
outward and extends the cable to draw the upper flexmat inward.
14. The seating assembly of claim 13, wherein one of the upper
flexmat and lower flexmat includes multiple undulating flex
segments configured to aid in flexure of the one of the upper
flexmat and lower flexmat.
15. The seating assembly of claim 13, wherein one of the upper
flexmat and lower flexmat is coupled to a cushion assembly.
16. The seating assembly of claim 15, wherein the one of the upper
flexmat and lower flexmat includes straps that attach to one of the
front closeout panel and the frame.
17. An articulating flexmat assembly for a seatback comprising: an
upper flexmat including: an upper cable; and an upper cable
regulating motor, wherein the upper flexmat is adjustable by the
upper cable regulating motor to shift the upper flexmat outward and
draw the upper flexmat inward; and a lower flexmat including: a
lower cable; and a lower cable regulating motor, wherein the upper
flexmat and the lower flexmat are coupled with a living hinge and
the lower flexmat is adjustable by the lower cable regulating motor
to shift the lower flexmat outward and draw the lower flexmat
inward.
18. The articulating flexmat assembly of claim 17, wherein the
upper cable regulating motor and the lower cable regulating motor
are disposed behind the upper flexmat and the lower flexmat,
respectively.
19. (canceled)
20. The articulating flexmat assembly of claim 17, wherein each of
the upper flexmat and the lower flexmat include straps that attach
to one of the front closeout panel and the frame.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a seat
suspension, and more specifically, to an adjustable articulating
flexmat seat suspension.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] As the need for improved vehicle efficiency continues to
increase, so too does the interest in versatile seat comfort
components that are lightweight and which have a lean profile.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle
seating assembly includes a frame, a front closeout panel supported
on the frame and an articulating flexmat assembly operably coupled
with at least one of the front closeout panel and the frame. The
articulating flexmat assembly includes an upper flexmat extending
from a first side of the frame to a second side of the frame. The
upper flexmat includes an upper cable coupled with the upper
flexmat and an upper cable regulating motor operably coupled with
the upper cable. The upper flexmat is adjustable by the upper cable
regulating motor that retracts the upper cable to shift the upper
flexmat outward. The articulating flexmat assembly also includes a
lower flexmat extending from the first side of the frame to the
second side of the frame. The lower flexmat includes a lower cable
coupled with the lower flexmat and a lower cable regulating motor
operably coupled with the lower cable. The lower flexmat is
adjustable by the lower cable regulating motor that retracts the
lower cable to shift the lower flexmat outward.
[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure can
include any one or a combination of the following features: [0005]
a blower motor coupled with the articulating flexmat assembly;
[0006] wherein the upper flexmat and the lower flexmat are coupled
with a living hinge and the living hinge enables the upper flexmat
and the lower flexmat to be adjusted in forward and rearward
directions independently of one another; [0007] wherein the
articulating flexmat assembly is coupled to an inner surface of the
front closeout panel; [0008] wherein the upper flexmat is disposed
proximate a thoracic region and the lower flexmat is disposed
proximate a lumber region; [0009] wherein at least one of the upper
flexmat and the lower flexmat includes multiple undulating flex
segments configured to aid in flexure of the at least one of the
upper flexmat and the lower flexmat; [0010] wherein the upper cable
and the lower cable are disposed horizontally on the frame; [0011]
wherein the upper flexmat and the lower flexmat are constructed of
a polymeric composite material; [0012] wherein the upper cable
regulating motor and the lower cable regulating motor are disposed
behind the upper flexmat and the lower flexmat, respectively;
[0013] wherein the upper cable motor and the lower cable motor
operate independently of one another; [0014] wherein the upper
flexmat and the lower flexmat are coupled to a cushion assembly;
and [0015] wherein each of the upper flexmat and the lower flexmat
include straps that attach to one of the front closeout panel and
the frame.
[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a
seating assembly includes a frame, a front closeout panel supported
on the frame and an articulating flexmat assembly operably coupled
with at least one of the front closeout panel and the frame. The
articulating flexmat assembly includes a flexmat extending across
the frame and a cable coupled with the flexmat. A cable regulating
motor is operably coupled with the cable and the flexmat is
adjustable by the cable regulating motor. The cable regulating
motor retracts the cable to shift the flexmat outward and extends
the cable to draw the flexmat inward.
[0017] Embodiments of the second aspect of the disclosure can
include any one or a combination of the following features: [0018]
wherein the flexmat includes multiple undulating flex segments
configured to aid in flexure of the flexmat; [0019] wherein the
flexmat is coupled to a cushion assembly; and [0020] wherein the
flexmat includes straps that attach to one of the front closeout
panel and the frame.
[0021] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure,
an articulating flexmat assembly for a seatback includes an upper
flexmat including an upper cable and an upper cable regulating
motor. The upper flexmat is adjustable by the upper cable
regulating motor to shift the upper flexmat outward and draw the
upper flexmat inward. The articulating flexmat assembly also
includes a lower flexmat including a lower cable and a lower cable
regulating motor. The lower flexmat is adjustable by the lower
cable regulating motor to shift the lower flexmat outward and draw
the lower flexmat inward.
[0022] Embodiments of the third aspect of the disclosure can
include any one or a combination of the following features: [0023]
wherein the upper cable regulating motor and the lower cable
regulating motor are disposed behind the upper flexmat and the
lower flexmat, respectively; [0024] wherein the upper flexmat and
the lower flexmat are coupled with a living hinge; and [0025]
wherein each of the upper flexmat and the lower flexmat include
straps that attach to one of the front closeout panel and the
frame.
[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 top perspective view of a seating assembly, of
the present disclosure, positioned inside a vehicle;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the vehicle seating
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an articulating
flexmat assembly according to various aspects described herein;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the articulating
flexmat assembly of FIG. 3;
[0032] FIG. 5A is a side elevational cross-sectional view of
multiple positions of the articulating flexmat assembly of FIG.
3;
[0033] FIG. 5B is a side elevational schematic view of the
articulating flexmat assembly of FIG. 5A;
[0034] FIG. 6A is a side elevational schematic view of an
articulating flexmat assembly according to various aspects
described herein;
[0035] FIG. 6B is a side elevational schematic view of an
articulating flexmat assembly according to various aspects
described herein;
[0036] FIG. 6C is a side elevational schematic view of an
articulating flexmat assembly according to various aspects
described herein;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an articulating
flexmat assembly according to various aspects described herein;
and
[0038] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a
flexmat of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] 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 FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood
that the disclosure 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.
[0040] 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 proceeded 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.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, reference number 10 generally
designates a vehicle seating assembly including a frame 14 and a
front closeout panel 18 supported on the frame 14. An articulating
flexmat assembly 20 may be operably coupled with at least one of
the front closeout panel 18 and the frame 14. The articulating
flexmat assembly 20 may include an upper flexmat 24 extending from
a first side 28 of the frame 14 to a second side 32 of the frame
14. The upper flexmat 24 may include an upper cable 36 coupled with
the upper flexmat 24 and an upper cable regulating motor 40
operably coupled with the upper cable 36. The upper flexmat 24 may
be adjustable by the upper cable regulating motor 40 that retract
the upper cable 36 to shift the upper flexmat 24 outward. The
articulating flexmat assembly 20 may also include a lower flexmat
44 extending from the first side 28 of the frame 14 to the second
side 32 of the frame 14. The lower flexmat 44 may include a lower
cable 48 coupled with the lower flexmat 44 and a lower cable
regulating motor 52 operably coupled with the lower cable 48. The
lower flexmat 44 may be adjustable by the lower cable regulating
motor 52 that retracts the lower cable 48 to shift the lower
flexmat 44 outward.
[0042] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle seating
assembly 10 may be used in any vehicle 60, such as a car, a truck,
a van, etc. It is also contemplated that the concept set forth in
this disclosure may be utilized in a front or forward position of
the vehicle 60 as well as a rear or rearward position of the
vehicle 60. The vehicle seating assembly 10, as illustrated,
includes the frame 14 (FIG. 3) and a seat base 64 that may be
positioned on rail slides 68 that slide on rails 72 to allow fore
and aft movement of the vehicle seating assembly 10 relative to the
vehicle 60. A seat 76 is operably coupled with the seat base 64 and
may be movable relative thereto. The seat 76 includes a cushion
assembly 80 supported thereon, and which defines a seating surface.
In addition, a seatback 84 of the vehicle seating assembly 10
includes an upper thoracic region 88 and a lower lumbar region 92
as well as a head restraint 96. Each of the components of the
seatback 84 may be configured for adjustability to properly support
the weight of various occupants of various sizes inside the vehicle
60.
[0043] The seating assembly 10 as set forth herein utilizes the
articulating flexmat assembly 20 which also acts as a suspension
within the seating assembly 10. Accordingly, traditional foam and
wire suspension components can be removed, thereby reducing weight
and assembly processes during construction of the seating assembly
10. In addition, the seating assembly 10, as set forth herein,
provides improved comfort.
[0044] With reference again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the seatback 84
includes the upper flexmat 24 and the lower flexmat 44. The upper
flexmat 24 is disposed proximate the upper thoracic region 88,
while the lower flexmat 44 is disposed proximate the lower lumbar
region 92. In some examples, the seat 76 may also include a seat
articulating flexmat assembly which is operable between the flexed
and unflexed conditions and may be substantially similar to the
articulating flexmat assembly 20. In further examples, the seat
articulating flexmat assembly may be substantially similar to one
of the upper flexmat 24 and the lower flexmat 44.
[0045] With reference now to FIG. 3, the articulating flexmat
assembly 20 is illustrated as coupled to the front closeout panel
18. The upper flexmat 24 and the lower flexmat 44 may include
straps 100 generally extending from the first side 28 of the frame
14 to the second side 32 of the frame 14. In some examples, the
articulating flexmat assembly 20 includes four straps 100
vertically spaced about the frame 14. The straps 100 may include a
single piece, or multiple pieces. A perimeter band 104 may be
coupled with the straps 100 and may provide additional support and
surface area for the articulating flexmat assembly 20. The
perimeter band 104 may be generally U-shaped and may extend from a
bottom 108 of the frame 14 near the first side 28 around a top 112
of the frame 14 and down to the bottom 108 of the frame 14 near the
second side 32. It is also contemplated that the perimeter band 104
is oval shaped, thereby forming a closed perimeter around the
straps 100. However, the perimeter band 104 can be in any suitable
configuration, which may include multiple more than one piece and
may not extend around the top 112 of the frame 14. Furthermore, the
articulating flexmat assembly 20 may further include a central band
116, which may extend from a top 120 of the perimeter band 104 to
the strap 100 closest to the bottom 108 of the frame 14.
[0046] Additionally, the articulating flexmat assembly 20 may
include an upper ring portion 124 and a lower ring portion 128
configured to couple the upper cable regulating motor 40 and the
lower cable regulating motor 52, respectively. In some examples,
the upper ring portion 124 and the lower ring portion 128 are
integral with, or coupled to, the central band 116. Furthermore,
the upper ring portion 124 and the lower ring portion 128 may
include molded in attachment features to connect the upper cable
regulating motor 40 and the lower cable regulating motor 52,
respectively to the articulating flexmat assembly 20. The upper
cable regulating motor 40 and the lower cable regulating motor 52
may be disposed behind the upper flexmat 24 and the lower flexmat
44, respectively.
[0047] Still referring to FIG. 3, the seating assembly 10 may
include a blower motor 132 coupled with the articulating flexmat
assembly 20 to provide airflow to the seating assembly 10. A
central ring portion 136 of the articulating flexmat assembly 20
may be provided to couple the blower motor 132. The central ring
portion 136 may be disposed along the central band 116 between the
upper ring portion 124 and the lower ring portion 128. In some
examples, the central ring portion 136 is integral with the central
band 116, which may include being integral with the upper ring
portion 124 of the upper flexmat 24. Furthermore, the seating
assembly 10 may include more than one blower motor 132 and
therefore, more than one ring portion 136 to couple the blower
motors 132 to the articulating flexmat assembly 20.
[0048] The articulating flexmat assembly 20 may include living
hinges 140 configured to allow an angle of rotation between the
upper flexmat 24 and the lower flexmat 44. In some examples, the
perimeter band 104 may include first and second hinges 144, 148
disposed adjacent the first side 28 and second side 32 of the frame
14, respectively. Additionally, the central band 116 may include a
central hinge 152 positioned between the upper ring portion 124 and
the lower ring portion 128.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 4, the upper cable 36 and the lower
cable 48 are illustrated more clearly. An upper cable sheath 160
and a lower cable sheath 164 may encase the upper cable 36 and the
lower cable 48 to provide rigidity and support to the upper and
lower cables 36, 48, respectively. The upper and lower cables 36,
48 may be disposed horizontally on the frame 14 such that the upper
and lower cables 36, 48 each generally extend from the first side
28 to the second side 32 of the frame 14. In some examples, one end
of each of the upper and lower cables 36, 48 may attach to the
frame 14 on one side, such as the side 32 in FIG. 4, while the
other end of each of the upper and lower cables 36, 48 may be
disposed within the upper cable regulating motor 40 and the lower
cable regulating motor 52, respectively. In this way, the upper and
lower cable sheaths 160, 164 may attach to the frame on the other
side, such as the side 28 in FIG. 4 in order to position the cables
36, 48 across the frame 14. Furthermore, the upper cable sheath 160
and a lower cable sheath 164 may each include a curved portion 168
to guide the upper and lower cables 36, 48 into the upper cable
regulating motor 40 and the lower cable regulating motor 52,
respectively.
[0050] Still referring to FIG. 4, the straps 100 may couple to an
inner surface 18a of the front closeout panel 18. In some examples,
the inner surface 18a may include molded attachment features to
attach components of the articulating flexmat assembly 20, which
may include ends of the straps 100. However, it is within the scope
of the disclosure to couple the articulating flexmat assembly 20
with any suitable component of the seating assembly 10, which may
include the front closeout panel 18 and/or the frame 14.
Furthermore, any suitable technique may be employed to couple the
articulating flexmat assembly 20 with the seating assembly 10,
which may include fasteners, adhesives and the like.
[0051] FIG. 5A illustrates a centerline cross-sectional view of
multiple positions of the articulating flexmat assembly 20. The
cable regulating motors 40, 52 are operably coupled with the upper
and lower cables 36, 48 to adjust the articulating flexmat assembly
20. The upper cable regulating motor 40 and the lower cable
regulating motor 52 may be in the form of electric motors that
operate independently of one another to retract and extend the
upper and lower cables 36, 48, respectively. In some examples,
retracting the upper and lower cables 36, 48 includes winding the
cables within the cable regulating motors 40, 52. The upper and
lower cables 36, 48 may retract to shift the articulating flexmat
assembly 20 outward and extend to draw the articulating flexmat
assembly 20 inward. Thus, the articulating flexmat assembly 20 may
be adjusted to regulate suspension firmness for upper thoracic
support and lower lumbar support.
[0052] Turning to FIG. 5B, a fully forward position 170 may include
the upper flexmat 24 and the lower flexmat 44 both shifted outward,
while a fully rearward position 174 may include the upper flexmat
24 and the lower flexmat 44 both drawn inward. In this way, both
the upper cable regulating motor 40 and the lower cable regulating
motor 52 retract the cables 36, 48 to shift the articulating
flexmat assembly 20 to the fully forward position 170 and extend
the cables 36, 48 to shift the articulating flexmat assembly 20 to
the fully rearward position 174. While FIG. 5B illustrates the
fully forward position 170 and the fully rearward position 174, it
is possible for the articulating flexmat assembly to be shifted
outward and drawn inward to any position in between the fully
forward position 170 and the fully rearward position 174 by
selectively retracting and extending the upper and lower cables 36,
48, which may include a mid, or design, position. Furthermore, as
the upper cable regulating motor 40 and the lower cable regulating
motor 52 may operate independently of one another, the upper
flexmat 24 and the lower flexmat 44 may be individually adjusted in
forward and rearward directions to provide a wide range of
adjustment positions for the articulating flexmat assembly 20
within the seating assembly 10.
[0053] FIG. 6A illustrates a first position 178 where the upper
flexmat 24 is shifted outwardly and the lower flexmat 44 is
retracted rearward. The central hinge 152 is flexible to
accommodate the first position 178. In some examples, the central
band 116 includes an upper band 116a and a lower band 116b that
join to form the central hinge 152. FIG. 6B illustrates a second,
or mid, position 182 where the upper flexmat 24 and the lower
flexmat 44 are neither shifted outwardly nor retracted rearward,
which may be considered a neutral position. Additionally, FIG. 6C
illustrates a third position 186 where the upper flexmat 24 is
retracted rearward and the lower flexmat 44 is shifted outwardly.
Again, the central hinge 152 is flexible to accommodate the third
position 186. The first, second and third positions 178, 182 and
186 are exemplary positions. It is within the scope of the
disclosure for the articulating flexmat assembly 20 to be arranged
in any combination of positions adjustable by the upper cable
regulating motor 40 and the lower cable regulating motor 52.
[0054] With reference now to FIG. 7, the vehicle seating assembly
10 may include a cushion assembly 190 defining a seatback surface.
The cushion assembly 190 may be coupled to the articulating flexmat
assembly 20 to provide upper thoracic 88 support and lower lumbar
92 support. In this way, the upper flexmat 24 may provide
suspension firmness for the upper thoracic region 88 while the
lower flexmat 44 provides suspension firmness for the lower lumbar
region 92.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 8, the details of each of the first and
second upper and lower flexmats 24, 44 may include semi-circular,
or undulating, members 200 that enable up, down, and cross-car
flexure. In some examples, the members 200 are provided on the
straps 100. However, it is within the scope of the disclosure for
the members 200 to be provided on any suitable location of the
articulating flexmat assembly 20. This construction provides for
increased comfort. In addition, it will be understood that the
first and second upper and lower flexmats 24, 44 may be configured
to protrude outwardly in a flexed state toward the occupant by way
of cable regulation or may be configured to cave inward by way of
cable regulation away from the occupant. The first and second upper
and lower flexmats 24, 44 are generally constructed of a plastic,
or polymeric, composite material that does not take a set when in
the same position for a long period of time. Accordingly, the first
and second upper and lower flexmats 24, 44 may be used repeatedly
with little or no wear.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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, the nature or number
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.
[0059] 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.
* * * * *