WO2003031223A1 - Systeme de suspension de siege elastomere - Google Patents

Systeme de suspension de siege elastomere Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003031223A1
WO2003031223A1 PCT/CA2002/001510 CA0201510W WO03031223A1 WO 2003031223 A1 WO2003031223 A1 WO 2003031223A1 CA 0201510 W CA0201510 W CA 0201510W WO 03031223 A1 WO03031223 A1 WO 03031223A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
system defined
frame member
composite sheet
elastomer
elastomeric composite
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2002/001510
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mark Weierstall
Original Assignee
Woodbridge Foam Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Woodbridge Foam Corporation filed Critical Woodbridge Foam Corporation
Publication of WO2003031223A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003031223A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/70—Upholstery springs ; Upholstery
    • B60N2/72—Attachment or adjustment thereof
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/02—Seat parts
    • A47C7/22—Straps or the like for direct user support or for carrying upholstery
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/70—Upholstery springs ; Upholstery
    • B60N2/7094—Upholstery springs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an elastomeric seat suspension system. In another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a process for producing an elastomeric composite sheet. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a vehicular seat comprising an elastomeric seat suspension system.
  • Passenger seats in vehicles, such as automobiles, are conventionally fabricated from a foam (usually a polyurethane foam) material which is molded into the desired shape and covered with an appropriate trim cover.
  • the foamed material is selected to provide passenger comfort by providing a resilient seat and the trim cover is selected to provide the desired aesthetic properties.
  • a foam seat in a "pan" which consists of a frame with respect to which the foam material and trim cover are secured.
  • the frame itself is then mounted to the vehicle.
  • Conventional such pans comprise a perimeter frame which includes support rails that stiffen the frame and provide a suitable attachment point for means used to anchor the seat to the vehicle.
  • a similar seat suspension in the art is known as a Sinuous Spring suspension system.
  • This system is similar to the Flex-o-LatorTM system except, instead of straight wires supporting the foam element/trim cover combination, sine or square wave shaped steel springs are attached to support this combination.
  • This system has been popular in the Japanese market. Deflection of this system is varied by controlling one or more of spring gauge, frequency of the wave, shape, amplitude of the wave shape and configuration of the wave shape. While the system is durable, it is relatively expensive to manufacture and use.
  • the prior art has also turned to non-metal support systems in seat pans for vehicular applications.
  • a DymetrolTM material in place of the wires and sine waves of the systems described above.
  • the DymetrolTM material consists of a woven fabric having an elastomeric filament disposed therein.
  • the advantages of this system are that it is lightweight, provides higher damping properties, is durable and has potential for supporting thin seating.
  • it is very expensive, confers a harsh feeling to the occupant thereby comprising seat comfort and is unidirectional.
  • unidirectional it is meant that the material stretches in one direction only thereby limiting occupant comfort.
  • a vehicular seat suspension system which combines at least two or more, preferably substantially all, of the following: (i) it is cost effective, (ii) it provides adequate support for thin foam seating, (iii) it has improved damping properties, (iv) it obviates or mitigates the need for reinforcement/protection on the B-surface of the foam element, (v) it has lower BSR, (vi) it is recyclable, and (vii) it is responsive to a load in a multi-directional manner.
  • the present invention provides a seat suspension system comprising a first frame member, a second frame member and an elastomeric composite sheet secured to the first frame member and the second frame member, the elastomeric composite sheet comprising an elastomer layer and a non-elastomer reinforcing layer arranged coterminously to define a reinforcement area.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a top-plan view of components of a preferred embodiment of the present seat suspension system
  • Figure 2 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 1
  • Figure 3 illustrates a top-plan view of a preferred embodiment of the support system used in the present seat suspension
  • Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged view of Figure 3
  • Figure 5 illustrates a schematic of a production process for component of the preferred embodiment of the present seat suspension system
  • Figures 6-9 illustrate various views of a vehicular seat incorporating a prefe ⁇ ed embodiment of the present seat suspension system.
  • an aspect of the present invention relates to a seat suspension system, particularly one for use in a vehicular of passenger seat.
  • the term "seat” is intended to have its conventional meaning and includes one or both of cushion (i.e., the portion of the seat on which the occupant sits) and a back or backrest (i.e., the portion of the seat which supports the back of the occupant).
  • cushion i.e., the portion of the seat on which the occupant sits
  • a back or backrest i.e., the portion of the seat which supports the back of the occupant.
  • a "seat” unquote a cushion, a back (or backrest) or a unit construction comprising a cushion and back (or backrest).
  • the present inventor has developed a novel seat suspension system which obviates or mitigates at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.
  • the present seat suspension system combines one or more of the following advantages:
  • deflection properties of the suspension system may be readily varied by varying the particular form of reinforcement layer and the chemistry used in the elastomer layer; • the present seat suspension system is cost competitive with or substantially lower in cost than conventional seat suspension systems;
  • the present seat suspension system provides full surface support allowing for the use of relatively thin foam elements in the seat product
  • the present seat suspension system provides for improved and broader range in damping properties (e.g., hysteresis);
  • the present seat suspension system obviates or mitigates the need for reinforcement or protective layers to avoid damage to the B-surface of the foam element in the seat;
  • the present seat suspension system allows for ready variation of the reinforcement properties (both locally and overall) of the suspension system at different locations thereof - e.g., through the use of different reinforcing layers and/or the use of different elastomers and/or the use of varying elastomer thickness.
  • a particular important advantage of the present seat suspension system is that it is "multi-directional" in is reinforcement properties. By this is it meant that the present seat suspension system, unlike various of the known suspension systems described hereinabove, flexes in at least two directions when a load is placed thereon.
  • this may be achieved by orienting elements in the reinforcing layer in a manner such that they are in a non-parallel relationship to the frame elements (or the connectors) to which the elastomeric layer/reinforcing layer combination (also referred to herein as the elastomeric composite sheet) are secured.
  • the present seat suspension system comprises a first frame member, a second frame member and an elastomeric composite sheet secured to the first frame member and the second frame member.
  • the elastomeric composite sheet comprises an elastomer layer and a non-elastomer reinforcing layer.
  • the first frame member and the second frame member are substantially opposed to one another. More preferably, the first frame member and the second frame member are comprised in a so-called perimeter frame or seat pan which received the elastomeric composite sheet.
  • an advantage of the present seat suspension system is that it provided reinforcement in a multi-directional manner. Accordingly, it is possible to utilize the perimeter frame having means to secure the elastomeric composite sheet along substantially the entire perimeter of the sheet.
  • the elastomeric composite sheet comprises an elastomer layer and a non-reinforcing layer.
  • these layers are coterminus by being overlapped or otherwise disposed in relation to one another such that both are present in the area where occupant load is applied to the seat suspension system.
  • the reinforcing of the elastomeric composite sheet i.e., the area of the sheet where occupant load is applied
  • a pair of elsatomer layers may be provided and have interposed therebetween the non-elastomer reinforcing layer.
  • the elastomer layer comprises an isocyanate-based elastomer such as a polyurethane elastomer.
  • polyurethane elastomer systems are commercially available and generally comprises a polyol or resin component and an isocyanate component.
  • One non-limiting example of a useful polyurethane elastomer system is commercially available from Bayer Corporation under the trade names Polyol NB#1308698-B and Isocyanate MondurTM PF.
  • Another non-limiting example of a useful polyurethane elastomer system is commercially available from BASF Corporation under the trade names Polyol NB#19747-3-77 and Isocyanate ElastoskinTM S51140T.
  • elastomers may be used in place of isocyanate- based elastomers.
  • elastomers such as butadiene rubber, nitrite rubber, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, ethylene/propylene rubber, butyl rubber, synthetic polyisoprene, neoprene rubber, polysulfide rubber and the like may be used in the elastomer layer of the present seat suspension system.
  • the reinforcing layer is relatively non-elastomeric - i.e., relative to the elastomeric layer.
  • the reinforcing layer comprises a poor sheet.
  • the reinforcing layer may be woven or non-woven.
  • Preferred embodiments of the reinforcing layer for use herein may be selected form the group comprising polyester, fiberglass, burlap, cotton, hemp, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene and combinations thereof.
  • a preferred polyester porous sheet for use as a reinforcing layer in the present seat suspension system is commercially available from Phifer under the trade name ARLYNTM. This is generally a polyester mesh having a diamond shape porous pattern. The orientation of this pattern will be discussed in more detail herein below.
  • one or more connectors are provided to secure the elastomeric composite sheet to the frame member.
  • the specific design and location of such connectors will be within the purview of a person skilled in the art.
  • the elastomeric composite sheet is generally square- shaped or rectangular-shaped, and has a connector attached at least at opposed sides of the sheet.
  • a connector attached at least at opposed sides of the sheet.
  • the elastomeric composite sheet may be an elongate member such as a metal wire which is embedded in the elastomeric sheet or attached to the elastomeric sheet via a pocket of other suitable means.
  • the connector may be a so-called J-connector or other mechanical connectors conventionally used in the automotive industry to attach trim covers to frame elements.
  • the non-elastomeric reinforcing layer comprises a porous design which is defined by interconnected elongate members of the porous sheet.
  • these elongate members of the porous sheet are in a non- parallel relationship with the connectors used to secure the elastomeric composite sheet to the frame elements of the seat suspension system (or to the frame elements themselves if, for example simple hooks are used to secure the composite to the frame elements). This provides for multi-directional reinforcement of a load placed on the seat suspension system.
  • this feature of the present seat suspension can also be obtained by orienting the porous reinforcing layer such that the members making up the pores are in a general non-parallel relationship with the connectors to affix the elastomeric composite sheet to the frame elements. This is a distinct advantage of the present seat suspension system.
  • Reinforcing layer 10 comprises a porous sheet 15.
  • Porous sheet 15 has a repeating pattern of pores which are generally diamond shaped.
  • sheet 15 the polyester mesh commercially available from Phifer under the trade name ARLYNTM.
  • ARLYNTM the polyester mesh commercially available from Phifer under the trade name ARLYNTM.
  • At the ends of sheet 15 are disposed a pair of metal wires 20. As shown, the marginal edges of sheet 15 are wrapped around wires 20.
  • Figures 3 and 4 co ⁇ espond generally to Figures 1 and 2 respectively.
  • reinforcing layer 10 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 has been embedded in a polyurethane elastomer using a two-part aluminum mold thereby encapsulating reinforcing layer 15 in elastomeric layer 25 to provide an elastomeric composite sheet 30.
  • the elastomeric layer 25 is applied over the entirety of porous sheet 15 and metal wires 20.
  • the portion of reinforcing layer 10 near metal wires 20 or any other area of porous sheet 15 is not covered with elastomeric layer 25.
  • the marginal areas of elastomeric composite sheet 30 are provided with a series of apertures 35.
  • Apertures 35 preferably are created after production of elastomeric composite sheet 30. As will be described below, apertures 35 are used to facilitate securing elastomeric composite sheet 30 in the frame of a vehicular seat.
  • System 100 comprises a rule 105 having wound thereon sheet material useful as the non-elastomeric reinforcing layer in the present suspension system. Downstream from roll 105 are a pair of rolls 100,115 which dispense in a generally parallel relationship, a continuous supply of wires 112,117 to overlie the margin of sheet material being dispensed from roll 105. Next, a pourhead 120 is provided and is capable of traversing from side to side over sheet material being dispensed from roll 105.
  • pourhead 120 dispenses chemicals 125 used to produce the elastomeric layer of the seat suspension system - this system is particularly well suited for urethane elastomer forming chemicals.
  • Downstream of pourhead 120 are a pair of folding stations 130,135 which serve to fold over the marginal edges of the sheet material being dispensed from rool 105 so as to encapsulate metal wires 112,117.
  • the folded sheet emanating from stations 130,135 is passed between a pair of heated rollers 140,145 which serve to control the thickness of the elastomeric layer being produced while facilitating curing of the chemicals to form the elastomeric layer.
  • the partially or fulled cured sheet emanating from rollers 140,145 is then passed to a die cutting station 150 which serves to cut the sheet into separate elastomeric composite sheets 155 for use in the present seat suspension system.
  • This production process is useful, for example, to produce elastomeric composite sheet 30 described hereinabove.
  • vehicular seat system 200 comprises a seat bottom portion 210 and a seat back portion 250.
  • Seat bottom portion 210 comprises a pair of end frame members
  • elastomeric composite sheet 30 Attached to end frame members 215,220 is elastomeric composite sheet 30. Specifically, one edge of elastomeric composite sheet 30 is attached to end frame member 220 via series of metal clips 230 which encompass metal wires 20 embedded in elastomeric composite sheet 30 - see particularly Figure 8. Further, the other edge of elastomeric composite sheet 30 is attached to end frame member 215 via series of metal hooks 235 which at least partially encircle both metal wires 20 embedded in elastomeric composite sheet 30 and end frame member 215 - see particularly Figure 9.
  • Seat back portion 250 comprises a U-shaped frame member 255 which is pivotally connected to seat bottom portion 210. Extending between the two parallel members of U-shaped frame member 255 are a pair cross- members 260.
  • elastomeric composite sheet 30a Attached to cross-members 260 of U-shaped frame member 255 is elastomeric composite sheet 30a.
  • Elastomeric composite sheet 30a similar to elastomeric composite sheet 30 described above with the exception that the combination metal wires 20 and apertures 35 in the marginal regions in the latter have been replaced with a sewn-in J-retainer 22.
  • Each J-retainer 22 of elastomeric composite sheet 30a is then hooked over each cross-member 260 of U-shape frame member 255 to produce seat back portion 250.
  • elastomeric composite sheet 30 and/or 30a are pre- tensioned when mount in seat back portion 250 and/or seat bottom portion 210, respectively.
  • the amount of pre-tensioning is not particularly restricted provided that, on the one hand, it is enough to ensure there is no slack in the elastomeric composite sheet while, on the other hand, it is not excessive so as to defeat or obviate the elastomeric properties of the elastomeric composite sheet. Practically, it has been found useful to stretch the elastomeric composition to in an amount of from about about V% inch to about inch beyond it's resting state.
  • a resilient body e.g., polyurethane foam, fibrous matrix, etc.
  • a suitable trim cover may then be disposed over each of seat bottom portion 210 and seat back portion 250 to complete construction of vehicular seat system 200.
  • elastomeric composite sheet 30 may be incorporated (e.g., molded) into the resilient body and then connected to the free elements of seat bottom portion 210 and/or seat back portion 250.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de suspension de siège comprenant un premier élément de cadre, un second élément de cadre et une feuille composite élastomère fixée aux premier et second éléments de cadre. La feuille composite élastomère comporte une couche élastomère et une couche non élastomère de renforcement disposées contiguës pour définir la zone de renforcement.
PCT/CA2002/001510 2001-10-05 2002-10-04 Systeme de suspension de siege elastomere WO2003031223A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US32701401P 2001-10-05 2001-10-05
US60/327,014 2001-10-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003031223A1 true WO2003031223A1 (fr) 2003-04-17

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ID=23274759

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/CA2002/001510 WO2003031223A1 (fr) 2001-10-05 2002-10-04 Systeme de suspension de siege elastomere

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2003031223A1 (fr)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005079632A1 (fr) * 2004-01-21 2005-09-01 Johnson Controls Technology Company Systeme de fixation de materiau de suspension
US7487575B2 (en) 2005-07-13 2009-02-10 Lyle J Smith System for attaching trim covers to a flexible substrate
FR2958891A1 (fr) * 2010-04-16 2011-10-21 Ct D Etude Et De Rech Automobile Cera Siege de vehicule automobile
US8091184B2 (en) 2007-04-19 2012-01-10 Hope Global, Division Of Nfa Corp. Festooned trim clip system and method for attaching festooned clips to a substrate
US8099837B2 (en) 2007-09-07 2012-01-24 Hope Global, Division Of Nfa Corporation Low-profile upholstery clip for attaching a bead to a foam substrate
CN104859502A (zh) * 2014-02-26 2015-08-26 丰田自动车株式会社 车辆用座椅
US9834431B2 (en) 2015-08-28 2017-12-05 Hope Global, Division Of Nfa Corp. Listing bead for upholstery clips

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3310300A (en) * 1965-02-01 1967-03-21 David E Lawson Load bearing unit
US4583783A (en) * 1984-03-30 1986-04-22 Tachikawa Spring Co., Ltd. Seat support for a vehicle seat
US4842257A (en) * 1987-11-13 1989-06-27 General Motors Corporation Vehicle seat suspension component and its method of manufacture
US5236247A (en) * 1992-02-14 1993-08-17 Hoover Universal, Inc. Insert molded composite plastic seat cushion frame
EP0652131A1 (fr) * 1993-11-08 1995-05-10 Hoover Universal,Inc. Siège de véhicule avec profilés de cadre extrudés

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3310300A (en) * 1965-02-01 1967-03-21 David E Lawson Load bearing unit
US4583783A (en) * 1984-03-30 1986-04-22 Tachikawa Spring Co., Ltd. Seat support for a vehicle seat
US4842257A (en) * 1987-11-13 1989-06-27 General Motors Corporation Vehicle seat suspension component and its method of manufacture
US5236247A (en) * 1992-02-14 1993-08-17 Hoover Universal, Inc. Insert molded composite plastic seat cushion frame
EP0652131A1 (fr) * 1993-11-08 1995-05-10 Hoover Universal,Inc. Siège de véhicule avec profilés de cadre extrudés

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005079632A1 (fr) * 2004-01-21 2005-09-01 Johnson Controls Technology Company Systeme de fixation de materiau de suspension
US7487575B2 (en) 2005-07-13 2009-02-10 Lyle J Smith System for attaching trim covers to a flexible substrate
US7752720B2 (en) 2005-07-13 2010-07-13 Smith Lyle J System for attaching trim covers to a flexible substrate
US8091184B2 (en) 2007-04-19 2012-01-10 Hope Global, Division Of Nfa Corp. Festooned trim clip system and method for attaching festooned clips to a substrate
US8099837B2 (en) 2007-09-07 2012-01-24 Hope Global, Division Of Nfa Corporation Low-profile upholstery clip for attaching a bead to a foam substrate
FR2958891A1 (fr) * 2010-04-16 2011-10-21 Ct D Etude Et De Rech Automobile Cera Siege de vehicule automobile
CN104859502A (zh) * 2014-02-26 2015-08-26 丰田自动车株式会社 车辆用座椅
EP2913225A1 (fr) * 2014-02-26 2015-09-02 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Siège de véhicule
US9873364B2 (en) 2014-02-26 2018-01-23 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat
US9834431B2 (en) 2015-08-28 2017-12-05 Hope Global, Division Of Nfa Corp. Listing bead for upholstery clips
US10508019B2 (en) 2015-08-28 2019-12-17 Hope Global, Division Of Nfa Corp. Listing bead for upholstery clips

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