U.S. patent application number 16/709315 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-10 for upper thoracic support for vehicle seating assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Christian J. Hosbach, John Wayne Jaranson, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Johnathan Andrew Line, Patrick Maloney, Vishal Vinayak Nageshkar, Sangram Tamhankar.
Application Number | 20210170927 16/709315 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005608791 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210170927 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nageshkar; Vishal Vinayak ;
et al. |
June 10, 2021 |
UPPER THORACIC SUPPORT FOR VEHICLE SEATING ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A vehicle seating assembly including a seat and a seatback
pivotably coupled to the seat. The seatback includes a frame, a
sub-frame member, a carrier, a cushion, and an inflatable member.
The sub-frame member is pivotably coupled to an occupant-facing
surface of the frame by a bracket. The carrier is coupled to the
frame such that the sub-frame member is positioned between the
frame and the carrier. The cushion is coupled to an occupant-facing
surface of the carrier. The inflatable member is positioned between
the occupant-facing surface of the frame and an interior surface of
the sub-frame member. The inflatable member is operable between a
deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable member
initiates pivotable motion of the sub-frame member of an axis
defined by the bracket.
Inventors: |
Nageshkar; Vishal Vinayak;
(Farmington Hills, MI) ; Hosbach; Christian J.;
(Pittsburgh, PA) ; Tamhankar; Sangram; (Canton,
MI) ; Maloney; Patrick; (Livonia, MI) ;
Jaranson; John Wayne; (Dearborn, MI) ; Line;
Johnathan Andrew; (Northville, MI) ; Kondrad; Marcos
Silva; (Macomb Township, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005608791 |
Appl. No.: |
16/709315 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/68 20130101; B60N
2/665 20150401; G01L 17/00 20130101; B60N 2/646 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/66 20060101
B60N002/66; B60N 2/68 20060101 B60N002/68; B60N 2/64 20060101
B60N002/64 |
Claims
1. A vehicle seating assembly, comprising: a seat; and a seatback
pivotably coupled to the seat, the seatback comprising: a frame; a
sub-frame member comprising an arm portion, wherein the sub-frame
member is pivotably coupled to an occupant-facing surface of the
frame by a bracket; a retention member that is coupled to the
bracket and the arm portion of the sub-frame member to retain the
sub-frame member to the frame, wherein the retention member that
couples the bracket and the arm portion of the sub-frame member
defines an aperture that receives a fastener, and wherein the
fastener couples the carrier to the bracket such that the carrier
is pivotable about the axis that is defined by the bracket; a
carrier coupled to the frame such that the sub-frame member is
positioned between the frame and the carrier; a cushion coupled to
an occupant-facing surface of the carrier; and an inflatable member
positioned between the occupant-facing surface of the frame and an
interior surface of the sub-frame member, the inflatable member
being operable between a deflated state and an inflated state, and
the inflatable member initiating pivotable motion of the sub-frame
member about an axis defined by the bracket.
2. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the carrier is
pivotable about the axis defined by the bracket.
3-4. (canceled)
5. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the sub-frame
member directly contacts the occupant-facing surface of the frame
when the inflatable member is in the deflated state.
6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein a position of
the sub-frame member is adjustable independent of a rotational
position of the seatback relative to the seat.
7. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein a surface area
of contact between the inflatable member and the interior surface
of the sub-frame member is greater when the inflatable member is in
the deflated state than the surface area of contact between the
inflatable member and the interior surface of the sub-frame member
when the inflatable member is in the inflated state.
8. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame of
the seatback further comprises: a recess defined by the frame, the
inflatable member being positioned within the recess of the
frame.
9. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 8, wherein the interior
surface of the sub-frame member comprises: a recess defined by the
sub-frame member, the inflatable member being received by the
recess defined by the sub-frame member such that the inflatable
member is received between two recessed surfaces.
10. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the inflatable
member comprises a plurality of inflatable members.
11. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 10, wherein the plurality
of inflatable members are arranged along a vertical axis of the
seatback.
12. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 11, wherein the plurality
of inflatable members are arranged along the vertical axis such
that the individual inflatable members that make up the plurality
of inflatable members abut adjacent others of the individual
inflatable members.
13. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 10, wherein a highest one
of the inflatable members along the vertical axis is inflated to
effect initial actuation of the sub-frame member from the stowed
position.
14. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 13, wherein a lowest one
of the inflatable members along the vertical axis is inflated to
effect actuation of the sub-frame member from an intermediate
position to the deployed position.
15. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
pressure gauge fluidly coupled to the inflatable member and
monitored by a control module.
16. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the axis
defined by the bracket is a fixed rotational axis.
17. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the inflatable
member, the sub-frame member, the carrier, and the cushion are
positioned in an upper thoracic region of the seatback.
18. A vehicle seating assembly, comprising: a seat; and a seatback
pivotably coupled to the seat, the seatback comprising: a frame; a
sub-frame member pivotably coupled to an occupant-facing surface of
the frame by a bracket, the bracket defining an axis about which
the sub-frame member pivots; a retention member that is coupled to
the bracket and the sub-frame member, the retention member
retaining the sub-frame member to the frame, the retention member
defining an aperture; a carrier coupled to the frame such that the
sub-frame member is positioned between the frame and the carrier,
the carrier being pivotable about the axis defined by the bracket;
a fastener received within the aperture defined by the retention
member, the fastener coupling the carrier to the bracket such that
the carrier is pivotable about the axis that is defined by the
bracket; a cushion coupled to an occupant-facing surface of the
carrier; and an inflatable member positioned between the
occupant-facing surface of the frame and an interior surface of the
sub-frame member, the inflatable member being operable between a
deflated state and an inflated state, wherein the sub-frame member
directly contacts the occupant-facing surface of the frame when the
inflatable member is in the deflated state, wherein the inflatable
member initiating pivotable motion of the sub-frame member about
the axis defined by the bracket, wherein a surface area of contact
between the inflatable member and the interior surface of the
sub-frame member is greater when the inflatable member is in the
deflated state than the surface area of contact between the
inflatable member and the interior surface of the sub-frame member
when the inflatable member is in the inflated state, and wherein
the inflatable member, the sub-frame member, the carrier, and the
cushion are positioned in an upper thoracic region of the
seatback.
19. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 18, wherein the frame of
the seatback further comprises: a recess defined by the frame, the
inflatable member being positioned within the recess of the
frame.
20. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 19, wherein the interior
surface of the sub-frame member comprises: a recess defined by the
sub-frame member, the inflatable member being received by the
recess defined by the sub-frame member such that the inflatable
member is received between two recessed surfaces.
21. A vehicle seating assembly, comprising: a seat; and a seatback
pivotably coupled to the seat, the seatback comprising: a frame; a
sub-frame member pivotably coupled to an occupant-facing surface of
the frame by a bracket; a carrier coupled to the frame such that
the sub-frame member is positioned between the frame and the
carrier; a cushion coupled to an occupant-facing surface of the
carrier; an inflatable member positioned between the
occupant-facing surface of the frame and an interior surface of the
sub-frame member, the inflatable member being operable between a
deflated state and an inflated state, and the inflatable member
initiating pivotable motion of the sub-frame member about an axis
defined by the bracket; and a recess defined by the frame, the
inflatable member being positioned within the recess of the
frame.
22. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 21, wherein the interior
surface of the sub-frame member comprises: a recess defined by the
sub-frame member, the inflatable member being received by the
recess defined by the sub-frame member such that the inflatable
member is received between two recessed surfaces.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle
seating assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates
to an upper thoracic support for a vehicle seating assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Vehicles are typically provided with one or more vehicle
seating assemblies. Consumers are increasingly looking for
additional features and additional comfort options when occupying
vehicles. Accordingly, additional solutions are needed that provide
additional features and/or additional comfort options for vehicle
seating assemblies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a
vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a seatback pivotably
coupled to the seat. The seatback includes a frame, a sub-frame
member, a carrier, a cushion, and an inflatable member. The
sub-frame member is pivotably coupled to an occupant-facing surface
of the frame by a bracket. The carrier is coupled to the frame such
that the sub-frame member is positioned between the frame and the
carrier. The cushion is coupled to an occupant-facing surface of
the carrier. The inflatable member is positioned between the
occupant-facing surface of the frame and an interior surface of the
sub-frame member. The inflatable member is operable between a
deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable member
initiates pivotable motion of the sub-frame member about an axis
defined by the bracket.
[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure
can include any one or a combination of the following features:
[0005] the carrier is pivotable about the axis defined by the
bracket;
[0006] a retention member is coupled to the bracket and an arm
portion of the sub-frame member to retain the sub-frame member to
the frame;
[0007] the retention member couples the bracket and the arm portion
of the sub-frame member and defines an aperture that receives a
fastener that couples the carrier to the bracket such that the
carrier is pivotable about the axis that is defined by the
bracket;
[0008] the sub-frame member directly contacts the occupant-facing
surface of the frame when the inflatable member is in the deflated
state;
[0009] a position of the sub-frame member is adjustable independent
of a rotational position of the seatback relative to the seat;
[0010] a surface area of contact between the inflatable member and
the interior surface of the sub-frame member is greater when the
inflatable member is in the deflated state than the surface area of
contact between the inflatable member and the interior surface of
the sub-frame member when the inflatable member is in the inflated
state; [0011] the frame of the seatback further comprises a recess
defined by the frame, the inflatable member being positioned within
the recess of the frame; [0012] the interior surface of the
sub-frame member comprises a recess defined by the sub-frame
member, the inflatable member being received by the recess defined
by the sub-frame member such that the inflatable member is received
between two recessed surfaces; [0013] the inflatable member
comprises a plurality of inflatable members; [0014] the plurality
of inflatable members are arranged along a vertical axis of the
seatback; the plurality of inflatable members are arranged along
the vertical axis such that the individual inflatable members that
make up the plurality of inflatable members abut adjacent others of
the individual inflatable members; [0015] a highest one of the
inflatable members along the vertical axis is inflated to effect
initial actuation of the sub-frame member from the stowed position;
[0016] a lowest one of the inflatable members along the vertical
axis is inflated to effect actuation of the sub-frame member from
an intermediate position to the deployed position; [0017] a
pressure gauge is fluidly coupled to the inflatable member and is
monitored by a control module; [0018] the axis defined by the
bracket is a fixed rotational axis; and the inflatable member, the
sub-frame member, the carrier, and the cushion are positioned in an
upper thoracic region of the seatback.
[0019] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a
vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback pivotably coupled to a
seat. The seatback includes a frame, a sub-frame member, a
retention member, a carrier, a fastener, a cushion, and an
inflatable member. The sub-frame member is pivotably coupled to an
occupant-facing surface of the frame by a bracket. The bracket
defines an axis about which the sub-frame member pivots. The
retention member is coupled to the bracket and the sub-frame
member. The retention member retains the sub-frame member to the
frame. The retention member defines an aperture. The carrier is
coupled to the frame such that the sub-frame member is positioned
between the frame and the carrier. The carrier is pivotable about
the axis defined by the bracket. The fastener is received within
the aperture defined by the retention member. The fastener couples
the carrier to the bracket such that the carrier is pivotable about
the axis that is defined by the bracket. The cushion is coupled to
an occupant-facing surface of the carrier. The inflatable member is
positioned between the occupant-facing surface of the frame and an
interior surface of the sub-frame member. The inflatable member is
operable between a deflated state and an inflated state. The
sub-frame member directly contacts the occupant-facing surface of
the frame when the inflatable member is in the deflated state. The
inflatable member initiates pivotable motion of the sub-frame
member about the axis defined by the bracket. A surface area of
contact between the inflatable member and the interior surface of
the sub-frame member is greater when the inflatable member is in
the deflated state than the surface area of contact between the
inflatable member and the interior surface of the sub-frame member
when the inflatable member is in the inflated state. The inflatable
member, the sub-frame member, the carrier, and the cushion are each
positioned in an upper thoracic region of the seatback.
[0020] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure
can include any one or a combination of the following features:
[0021] the frame of the seatback further includes a recess defined
by the the inflatable member being positioned within the recess of
the frame; and [0022] the interior surface of the sub-frame member
includes a recess defined by the sub-frame member, the inflatable
member being received by the recess defined by the sub-frame member
such that the inflatable member is received between two recessed
surfaces.
[0023] 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
[0024] In the drawings:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle seating
assembly with a cushion of a seatback removed, illustrating a
carrier of the seatback of the vehicle seating assembly, according
to one example;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the seatback with the
carrier removed, illustrating a frame and a sub-frame member,
according to one example;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a front perspective and schematic representation
of the frame, the sub-frame member, and an inflatable member,
according to one example;
[0028] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the seatback, taken
along line IVA-IVA of FIG. 2, illustrating the inflatable member in
a deflated state, according to one example;
[0029] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view, taken along line IVA-IVA
of FIG. 2, illustrating the inflatable member in an inflated state,
according to one example;
[0030] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view, taken along line IVA-IVA
of FIG. 2, illustrating a plurality of the inflatable members each
of which are in a deflated state, according to another example;
[0031] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view, taken along line IVA-IVA
of FIG. 2, illustrating a plurality of the inflatable members, some
of which are in an inflated state, according to another example;
and
[0032] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of components of the seatback of
the vehicle seating assembly, according to one example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] 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.
[0034] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in
combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a
vehicle seating assembly. 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a vehicle seating assembly 10
includes a seat 14 and a seatback 18. The seatback 18 is pivotably
coupled to the seat 14. The seatback 18 can include a frame 22, a
sub-frame member 26, a carrier 30, a cushion 34, and/or an
inflatable member 38. The sub-frame member 26 is pivotably coupled
to an occupant-facing surface 42 of the frame 22 by a bracket 46.
The carrier 30 is coupled to the frame 22 such that the sub-frame
member 26 is positioned between the frame 22 and the carrier 30.
The cushion 34 is coupled to an occupant-facing surface 50 of the
carrier 30. The inflatable member 38 can be positioned between the
occupant-facing surface 42 of the frame 22 and an interior surface
54 of the sub-frame member 26. Alternatively, in examples where the
sub-frame member 26 is omitted, the inflatable member 38 can be
positioned between the occupant-facing surface 42 of the frame 22
and an interior surface 58 of the carrier 30. The inflatable member
38 is operable between a deflated state or stowed state (FIGS. 4A
and 5A) and a deployed or at least partially inflated state (FIGS.
4B and 5B). The inflatable member 38 initiates pivotable motion of
the sub-frame member 26 and/or the carrier 30 about an axis 62
defined by the bracket 46. In various examples, a biasing member
may be provided that is coupled to the frame 22 and the sub-frame
member 26 and provides a biasing force to return the sub-frame
member 26 to a stowed position when the inflatable member 38 is
deflated. The biasing member may be a spring, elastic, or any other
suitable structure or material that provides a returning force to
the sub-frame member 26 upon deflation of the inflatable member
38.
[0041] Referring again to FIG. 1, the frame 22 can be made of a
rigid material that is substantially unyielding to external forces.
The carrier 30 may be made of a semi-rigid material that provides a
degree of compliance in response to external forces. The carrier 30
can include an upper thoracic region 66 and a lower lumbar region
70. The upper thoracic region 66 and the lower lumbar region 70 may
each be provided with bolsters 74 arranged on lateral sides of the
carrier 30. The bolsters 74 can aid in retention of an occupant of
the vehicle seating assembly 10 during vehicle maneuvers. With the
carrier 30 being made of a semi-rigid material, the bolsters 74,
the upper thoracic region 66, and/or the lower lumbar region 70 may
yield to external forces, which may be applied by the occupant of
the vehicle seating assembly 10. For example, as vehicle maneuvers
are performed, the weight of the occupant of the vehicle seating
assembly 10 may be shifted in a lateral direction and thereby cause
an increase in the external force experienced by the bolsters 74 of
the carrier 30. Accordingly, in response to the increased external
force experienced by the carrier 30 due to the shifting of the
weight of the occupant during vehicle maneuvers, the bolsters 74 of
the carrier 30 may give way or otherwise comply or deform
temporarily. In various examples, a space may be provided between
the interior surface 58 of the carrier 30, and the occupant-facing
surface 42 of the frame 22 to allow the carrier 30 to temporarily
deform in response to external forces. The upper thoracic region 66
and the lower lumbar region 70 of the seatback 18 are separately
formed from one another. By separately forming the upper thoracic
region 66 and the lower lumbar region 70 from one another, it is
possible to provide the rotatable or pivotable actuation of the
upper thoracic region 66 while maintaining the lower lumbar region
70 as fixedly coupled to the seatback 18. The upper thoracic region
66 is pivotable or rotatable about the axis 62 that is defined by
the bracket 46, as indicated by arrow 78.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, the sub-frame member 26 may be
generally U-shaped and can include an arm portion 82 that is
interconnected by a connecting member 86. The arm portion 82 extend
downward from the connecting member 86 to engage with the bracket
46 in a manner that permits pivotable or rotatable motion about the
axis 62. The sub-frame member 26 is coupled to the bracket 46 by
way of a retention member 90. The bracket 46 can be positioned on
lateral sides of the frame 22 such that the arm portion 82 of the
sub-frame member 26 each engage with one of the brackets 46. The
retention member 90 is coupled to the bracket 46 and the arm
portion 82 of the sub-frame member 26. Accordingly, the retention
member 90 retains the sub-frame member 26 to the frame 22 by way of
the bracket 46. In various examples, the retention member 90 may
define an aperture 94. The aperture 94 that is defined by the
retention member 90 can receive a fastener that couples the carrier
30 to the bracket 46, such that the carrier 30 is pivotable about
the axis 62 that is defined by the bracket 46. In examples where
the retention member 90 defines the aperture 94, the sub-frame
member 26 may not be fully retained to the bracket 46 until such
time that the fastener that couples the carrier 30 to the bracket
46 is inserted into the aperture 94. The fastener that is received
within the aperture 94 of the retention member 90 may provide a
degree of force that extends radially outward from a centerline of
the aperture 94. Such that the retention member 90 experiences an
expansive force provided by the insertion of the fastener and/or a
compressive force experienced as a result of the retention member
90 being pressed against the bracket 46 due to the insertion of the
fastener.
[0043] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the sub-frame member 26
may directly contact the occupant-facing surface 42 of the frame 22
when the inflatable member 38 is in the deflated state.
Alternatively, in some examples, the sub-frame member 26 may be
prevented from directly contacting the occupant-facing surface 42
of the frame 22 when the inflatable member 38 is in the deflated
state in an effort to reduce noise that may result from the
sub-frame member 26 bouncing or otherwise being jostled away from
contact with the frame 22 as a result of vibrations associated with
the operation of the vehicle. In such an example, the inflatable
member 38 may provide a standoff function to prevent the sub-frame
member 26 and the frame 22 from making direct physical contact in
regions where the inflatable member 38 does not extend. The
standoff function that may be provided by the inflatable member 38
can be provided by either slightly inflating the inflatable member
38, or by way of the thickness of the inflatable member 38 in the
deflated state such that the sub-frame member 26 and the frame 22
are separated by a distance that is provided by a thickness of the
inflatable member 38 when the inflatable member 38 is in the
deflated state. In various examples, a position of the sub-frame
member 26 may be adjusted independent of a rotational position of
the seatback 18 relative to the seat 14. Said another way, in
various examples, the inflatable member 38 may remain deflated
throughout a rotational displacement of the seatback 18 relative to
the seat 14, unless and until the occupant of the vehicle seating
assembly 10 initiates inflation of the inflatable member 38 to
adjust a rotational position of the sub-frame member 26 relative to
the frame 22. It is contemplated that a controller or control
module 108 may be utilized that associates a degree of inflation of
the inflatable member 38 with a particular rotational displacement
of the seatback 18 relative to the seat 14 based upon predetermined
settings and/or assumptions regarding occupant comfort at the
various rotational positions of the seatback 18 relative to the
seat 14. In some examples, the inflatable member 38 positioned
between the sub-frame member 26 and the frame 22 may include a
plurality of the inflatable members 38. The plurality of inflatable
members 38 may be arranged along a vertical axis 98 of the seatback
18, in a manner similar to those depicted in the lower lumbar
region 70 and air bladders 102 of the seatback 18. The vehicle
seating assembly 10 may be provided with a pressure gauge 106 that
fluidly couples with the inflatable member 38. The pressure gauge
106 may be monitored by a control module 108. The control module
108 can be utilized to monitor a current pressure within the
inflatable member 38 and may compare the current pressure with a
list of predetermined pressures that are associated with various
degrees of actuation of the sub-frame member 26 relative to the
frame 22 as the sub-frame member 26 is actuated from a stowed
position to a fully deployed position. The pressure gauge 106 may
be coupled to the control module 108 by a conductive member 110
that extends between the pressure gauge 106 and the control module
108. A conduit 114 extends between the inflatable member 38 and an
air supply 118.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a surface area of contact
between the inflatable member 38 and the interior surface 54 of the
sub-frame member 26 may be greater when the inflatable member 38 is
in the deflated state (FIG. 4A) than the surface area of contact
between the inflatable member 38 and the interior surface 54 of the
sub-frame member 26 when the inflatable member 38 is in the
inflated state (FIG. 4B). The frame 22 of the seatback 18 may
include a recess 122 that is defined by the frame 22. The
inflatable member 38 can be positioned within the recess 122 of the
frame 22. Such an arrangement may facilitate direct contact between
the sub-frame member 26 and the occupant-facing surface 42 of the
frame 22 when the inflatable member 38 is in the deflated state.
For example, when the inflatable member 38 is in the deflated state
and contained within the recess 122 of the frame 22, the interior
surface 54 of the sub-frame member 26 and the occupant-facing
surface 42 of the frame 22 may come into direct physical contact in
regions of the sub-frame member 26 where the inflatable member 38
is not positioned between the sub-frame number 26 and the frame 22
(e.g., along a periphery or perimeter of the sub-frame member 26).
As inflatable member 38 is transitioned from the deflated state
(FIG. 4B) toward a fully-deployed inflated state (shown in phantom
in FIG. 4B) the inflatable member 38 and ultimately the sub-frame
member 26 and/or the carrier 30 move through a number of
intermediate states. As shown in FIG. 4B, the inflatable member 38
is depicted in solid lines in one of these intermediate states.
Additionally, the inflatable member 38 is shown at first phantom
lines 126 in another intermediate state that represents a further
inflated state from that which is depicted in solid lines. Further,
the inflatable member 38 is depicted with second phantom line 130
in the fully-deployed inflated state. As the inflatable member 38
is transitioned from the deflated state toward the fully-deployed
inflated state, the inflatable member 38 acts upon the
occupant-facing surface 42 of the frame 22, which may be within the
recess 122, as well as the interior surface 54 of the sub-frame
member 26 or the interior surface 58 of the carrier 30. As the
inflatable member 38 fills the space between the frame 22 and
either the sub-frame member 26 or the carrier 30, the inflatable
member 38 begins to act upon the sub-frame member 26 or the carrier
30 to affect rotational or pivotable motion about the axis 62,
defined by the bracket 46. As the inflatable member 38 is inflated
beyond the space available between the frame 22 and either the
sub-frame member 26 or the carrier 30, the sub-frame member 26 or
the carrier 30 are actuated to a greater extent about the axis 62
as a result of the further inflation of the inflatable member 38.
In some examples, the interior surface 54 of the sub-frame member
26 may be provided with a recess that is defined by the sub-frame
member 26. In such an example, the inflatable member 38 can be
received by the recess defined by the sub-frame member 26 such that
the inflatable member 38 is received between two recessed
surfaces.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in some examples, rather than
a single one of the inflatable members 38 being employed, a
plurality of the inflatable members 38 may be utilized. The
plurality of inflatable members 38 can be arranged along the
vertical axis 98 of the seatback 18 (see FIG. 2). In such an
example, the plurality of inflatable members 38 can be arranged
along the vertical axis 98 such that the individual inflatable
members 38 abut adjacent others of the individual inflatable
members 38. For example, the plurality of inflatable members 38 can
include a lower inflatable member 134, a middle inflatable member
138, and an upper inflatable member 142. An upper edge of the lower
inflatable member 134 may be adjacent to or abut a lower edge of
the middle inflatable member 138 and an upper edge of the middle
inflatable member 138 may be adjacent to or abut a lower edge of
the upper inflatable member 142. The inflatable member 38 that is
positioned as the highest one of the inflatable members 138 along
the vertical axis 98, such as the upper inflatable member 142, can
be inflated to affect initial actuation of the sub-frame member 26
or the carrier 30 from the stowed position on its way to the fully
deployed position. The lowest one of the inflatable members 38
along the vertical axis 98, such as the lower inflatable member
134, can be inflated to affect actuation of the sub-frame member 26
or the carrier 30 from an intermediate position to the fully
deployed position. In various examples, the middle inflatable
member 138 may be inflated to affect actuation of the sub-frame
member 26 or the carrier 30 through a variety of intermediate
positions between the stowed position and the fully deployed
position. In various examples, the axis 62, defined by the bracket
46 is a fixed rotational axis relative to the seatback 18.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 6, the upper thoracic region 66 of the
seatback 18 is shown in an exploded view, according to one example.
The cushion 34 engages with the occupant-facing surface 50 of the
carrier 30, both of which are positioned forward of the sub-frame
member 26 when the sub-frame member 26 is employed. The inflatable
member 38 is positioned adjacent to the interior surface 54 of the
sub-frame member 26 and adjacent to the occupant-facing surface 42
of the frame 22. In the depicted example, the inflatable member 38
is positioned between the two recessed surfaces of the recess 122
of the frame 22 and a recess 146 that can be defined by the
interior surface 54 of the sub-frame member 26.
[0047] In various examples of the first aspect of the present
disclosure, the carrier 30 may be pivotable about the axis 62 that
is defined by the bracket 46. In some examples, the retention
member 90 may be coupled to the bracket 46 and the arm portion 82
to retain the sub-frame member 26 to the frame 22. The retention
member 90 that couples the bracket 46 and the arm portion 82 of the
sub-frame member 26 can define the aperture 94 that receives a
fastener, where the fastener couples the carrier 30 to the bracket
46 such that the carrier 30 is pivotable about the axis 62 that is
defined by the bracket 46. In various examples, the sub-frame
member 26 can directly contact the occupant-facing surface 42 of
the frame 22 when the inflatable member 38 is in the deflated
state. A position of the sub-frame member 26 can be adjustable
independent of a rotational position of the seatback 18 relative to
the seat 14. In various examples, a surface area of contact between
the inflatable member 38 and the interior surface 54 of the
sub-frame member 26 can be greater when the inflatable member 38 is
in the deflated state than the surface area of contact between the
inflatable member 38 and the interior surface 54 of the sub-frame
member 26 when the inflatable member 38 is in the inflated state.
In some examples, the frame 22 of the seatback 18 can include the
recess 122 that is defined by the frame 22. The inflatable member
38 may be positioned within the recess 122 of the frame 22. In some
examples, the interior surface 54 of the sub-frame member 26 can
include the recess 146, which is defined by the sub-frame member
26. The inflatable member 38 may be received by the recess 146
defined by the sub-frame member 26 such that the inflatable member
38 may be received between two recessed surfaces (e.g., recess 122
and recess 146). In some examples, the inflatable member 38 can
include a plurality of inflatable members 38, such as lower
inflatable member 134, middle inflatable member 138 and/or upper
inflatable member 142. In examples where the inflatable member 38
includes a plurality of inflatable members 38, it is contemplated
that the plurality of inflatable members 38 may be interconnected
by material and/or may be interconnected in a manner that permits
fluid coupling between the plurality of inflatable members 38 such
that air may be redistributed among the plurality of inflatable
members 38. Alternatively, the examples where a plurality of the
inflatable members 38 are employed may provide the inflatable
members 38 as separate or discrete inflatable members 38. In
examples that employ a plurality of the inflatable members 38, the
inflatable members 38 may be arranged along the vertical axis 98 of
the seatback 18. When the plurality of inflatable members 38 are
arranged along the vertical axis 98, the plurality of inflatable
members 38 can be positioned such that the individual inflatable
members 38 that make up the plurality of inflatable members 38 abut
adjacent others of the individual inflatable members 38. In various
examples, a highest one of the inflatable members 38 along the
vertical axis 98, such as upper inflatable member 142, may be
inflated to effect initial actuation of the sub-frame member 26
from the stowed position. Some examples, a lowest one of the
inflatable members 38 along the vertical axis 98, such as lower
inflatable member 134, can be inflated to effect actuation of the
sub-frame member 26 from an intermediate position to a
fully-deployed position. In various examples, the pressure gauge
106 can be fluidly coupled to the inflatable member 38 and
monitored by the control module 108. The axis 62 that is defined by
the bracket 46 may be a fixed rotational axis. The inflatable
member 38, the sub-frame member 26, the carrier 30, and the cushion
34 may each be positioned in the upper thoracic region 66 of the
seatback 18.
[0048] According to examples of the second aspect, the frame 22 of
the seatback 18 may include the recess 122 that is defined by the
frame 22. In such an example, the inflatable member 38 may be
positioned within the recess 122 of the frame 22. In some examples,
the interior surface 54 of the sub-frame member 26 can include the
recess 146 that is defined by the sub-frame member 26. In examples
where the recess 122 and the recess 146 are both employed, the
inflatable member 38 may be received by the recess 146 defined by
the sub-frame member 26 such that the inflatable member 38 is
received between two recessed surfaces (e.g., recess 122 and recess
146).
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
* * * * *