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
  • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
  • B60N2/42—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats
  • B60N2/4249—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats fixed structures, i.e. where neither the seat nor a part thereof are displaced during a crash
  • B60N2/4256—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats fixed structures, i.e. where neither the seat nor a part thereof are displaced during a crash the shape of the seat being specially adapted for a particular purpose or for particular vehicles
  • B60N2/4263—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats fixed structures, i.e. where neither the seat nor a part thereof are displaced during a crash the shape of the seat being specially adapted for a particular purpose or for particular vehicles with anti-submarining systems
• • 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
  • B60N2/005—Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles, e.g. dismountable auxiliary seats
  • B60N2/01—Arrangement of seats relative to one another
  • B60N2/012—The seat support being a part of the vehicle body or chassis
• • 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
  • B60N2/005—Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles, e.g. dismountable auxiliary seats
  • B60N2/015—Attaching seats directly to vehicle chassis
• • 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
  • B60N2/005—Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles, e.g. dismountable auxiliary seats
  • B60N2/015—Attaching seats directly to vehicle chassis
  • B60N2/01508—Attaching seats directly to vehicle chassis using quick release attachments
• • 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
  • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
  • B60N2/42—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats
  • B60N2/4207—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats characterised by the direction of the g-forces
  • B60N2/4214—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats characterised by the direction of the g-forces longitudinal
  • B60N2/4221—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats characterised by the direction of the g-forces longitudinal due to impact coming from the front
• • 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
  • B60N2/68—Seat frames
• • 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
  • B60N2/68—Seat frames
  • B60N2/686—Panel like structures
• • 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
  • B60N2/7017—Upholstery springs ; Upholstery characterised by the manufacturing process; manufacturing upholstery or upholstery springs not otherwise provided for

Definitions

• the present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle seat assembly, and more particularly relates to a seat cushion having a rigid member anchored to a vehicle body.
• Vehicle seat assemblies typically include a seat cushion fixed to a vehicle body and a seat back extending upwardly from a rearward portion of the seat cushion.
• a forward edge of the seat cushion is raised relative to the rearward edge.
• a cross member can be provided under the forward edge to elevate it relative to a vehicle floor and the rearward edge of the seat cushion can be mounted directly to the vehicle floor.
• the cross member which can be formed of sheet metal, can absorb submarine loads imparted to the seat cushion during a vehicle collision event.
• the seat cushion can comprise a wire frame and a foam member molded over the wire frame. It can be the wire frame of the seat cushion that is connected to the forward cross member. A rear portion of the wire frame of the seat cushion can be bolted or otherwise secured to the vehicle's floor panel or brackets mounted to the floor panel.
• EPP expanded polypropylene
• a vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back and a seat base extending forward from a lower end of the seat back.
• the seat base is formed of a first foam member extending laterally across the seat base to absorb loads and a second foam member formed over the first member to form a seating surface of the seat base.
• At least one wire frame section is secured to the first foam member and extends rearwardly therefrom toward a rear of the seat base for mounting the seat base to an associated vehicle body.
• a vehicle seat assembly includes a seat base having a seat back extending upwardly therefrom.
• the seat base includes a first foam portion extending laterally across the seat base with a wire frame section connected to the first foam portion and extending longitudinally therefrom toward a rear of the seat base where the wire frame section is secured to a vehicle body component.
• the seat base further includes a second foam portion molded over the first foam portion and extending longitudinally therefrom toward the rear of the seat base to form a seating surface thereof.
• a method for constructing a vehicle seat assembly is provided.
• at least one wire frame section is provided for extending from a forward portion of the seat base longitudinally toward a rearward portion of the seat base.
• a laterally extending first foam member is overmolded on the at least one wire frame section adjacent a forward end of the at least one wire frame section.
• a second foam member is overmolded on the first foam member and the at least one wire frame section to form a seating portion of the seat base.
• a vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back and a seat base extending forward from the lower end of the seat back.
• the seat base is formed of a first foam member extending laterally across the seat base to absorb loads and a second foam member formed over the first member to form a seating surface of the seat base.
• At least one plate member has one end overmolded by the first foam member and a second, opposite end secured to an associated vehicle body.
• a vehicle seat assembly includes a seat base having a seat back extending upwardly therefrom.
• the seat base includes a first foam portion extending laterally across the seat base with a plate member connected to the first foam portion and extending therefrom toward a vehicle body component where the plate member is secured to the vehicle body component.
• the seat base further includes a second foam portion molded over the first foam portion and extending longitudinally therefrom toward the rear of the seat base to form a seating surface thereof.
• a method for constructing a vehicle seat assembly is provided.
• at least one plate member is provided for securing a laterally extending first foam member of a seat cushion to a vehicle body component.
• the laterally extending first foam member is over molded on a forward end of the at least one plate member.
• a second foam member is over molded on the first foam member to form a seating portion of the seat base.
• a seat assembly includes a seatback and a seat base extending forward from a lower end of the seatback.
• the seat base is formed of a first foam member extending laterally across the seat base to absorb loads and a second foam member formed over the first member and extending rearwardly therefrom to form a seating surface of the seat base.
• the first foam member is formed of complementary portions that mate together to form the first foam member.
• a seat cushion for a seat assembly in a vehicle includes a first foam member having a longitudinal length extending laterally across the seat assembly and a second foam member molded over the first foam member and extending longitudinally rearward therefrom to form a seating surface.
• the first foam member is formed of first and second complementary molded halves that meet together along a parting line.
• a method of constructing a seat cushion for a vehicle seat assembly is provided.
• a first foam member having complementary portions is molded of a first relatively rigid foam material.
• the complementary portions are secured together along a parting line.
• the first foam member is overmolded with a second foam member.
• the second foam member forms a seating surface extending approximately orthogonally from the first foam member relative to a longitudinal length of the first foam member.
• a vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back and a seat base extending forward from a lower end of the seat back.
• the seat base is formed of a first foam member extending laterally across the seat base to absorb loads and a second foam member formed over the first member to form a seating surface of the seat base.
• the first foam member includes at least one channel for interlocking the first foam member and the second foam member.
• a seat cushion for a seat assembly in a vehicle includes a first foam member extending laterally across the seat assembly and a second foam member molded over the first foam member and extending longitudinally rearward therefrom to form a seating surface. At least one channel is formed in the first foam member for receiving the second foam member to interlock the first and second foam members together.
• a method of constructing a seat cushion for a vehicle seat assembly is provided.
• a first foam member is molded, the first foam member having a longitudinal length and laterally spaced apart channels disposed along the longitudinal length.
• the first foam member is overmolded with a second foam member.
• the second foam member fills the laterally spaced apart channels during overmolding to interlock the second foam member to the first foam member.
• the second foam member forms a seating surface extending approximately orthogonally from the first foam member relative to the longitudinal length of the first foam member.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective cross sectional view of a vehicle seat assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is a front elevational view, partially in cross section, of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the vehicle seat assembly taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first foam member and wire frame sections secured thereto shown in isolation from the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 5 is a perspective cross sectional view of a vehicle seat assembly according to a second exemplary embodiment.
• FIG. 6 is a front elevational view, partially in cross section, of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG 5.
• FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the vehicle seat assembly taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first foam member and plate members having ends overmolded by the first foam member, both shown in isolation from the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 5.
• FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a vehicle seat assembly according to a third exemplary embodiment.
• FIG. 10 is a front elevational view, partially in cross-section, of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 9.
• FIG. 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle seat assembly taken along the line 1 1 -1 1 of FIG. 10.
• FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a seat base of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 9 shown with second foam member removed.
• FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view showing complementary portions of a first foam member of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 9 being closed about a longitudinally extending wireframe section and another wireframe.
• FIG. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a vehicle seat assembly according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.
• FIG. 15 is a front elevational view, partially in cross section, of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 14.
• FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle seat assembly taken along the line 16-16 of FIG. 15.
• FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the vehicle seat assembly taken along the line 17-17 of FIG. 15.
• FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of a seat base of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 14 shown with the second foam member removed.
• FIG. 1 shows a vehicle seat assembly 10 including a seat back 12 and a seat base 14 extending from a lower end of the seat back 12.
• the seat base 14 which can also be referred to as a seat cushion, includes and is formed of a first portion or member 16 extending laterally across the seat base 14 to absorb loads (e.g., submarine loads) and a second portion or member 18 formed over the first member 16 to form a seating surface 20 of the seat base 14.
• loads e.g., submarine loads
• the second member 18 extends longitudinally from the first member 16 toward a rear or rear edge 22 of the seat base 14 to form the seating surface 20.
• a trim cover 42 can be received over the first and second members 16, 18, particularly over the second member 18 which is itself received over the first member 16.
• the first member 16 is formed of a relatively rigid material, such as a rigid foam
• the second member 18 is formed of a relatively less rigid material, such as a soft or less rigid foam.
• the relatively rigid material of the first member 16 can be expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam and the relatively less rigid material of the second member 18 can be urethane foam.
• EPP expanded polypropylene
• Providing the first member 16, which is formed of a more rigid material (e.g., EPP foam) along a forward portion 24 of the seat base 14 allows the first member 16 to absorb submarine loads and/or child restraint fixture loads, such as might be generated during a vehicle crash event.
• Providing the first member 16 only locally adjacent to the forward portion 24 allows comfort of the seat base 14 to be maintained through use of the second member 18 being formed of a less rigid material (e.g., urethane foam), while managing loads developed during a crash event.
• the first foam member 16 can be an elongated member having a longitudinal length extending laterally across the seat base 14.
• the longitudinal length of the first member 16 can correspond closely to a lateral width of the seat base 14, though the first member 16 is slightly shorter.
• a width of the first member 16, by contrast, can be significantly smaller.
• the width can be less than fifty percent of the front-to-back dimension of the seat base 14, preferably less than thirty-three percent of the front-to-back dimension, and more preferably approximately twenty-five percent of the front-to-back dimension.
• a height of the first member 16 can be such that it is nominally shorter than the seat base 14 adjacent the forward portion 24 but higher than the seat base 14 adjacent the rear 22.
• the vehicle seat assembly 10 further includes at least one wire frame section (e.g., wire frame sections 26 and 28) secured to the first member 16 and extending rearwardly therefrom toward the rear 22 of the seat base 14 for mounting the seat base to an associated vehicle body (e.g., floor panel 30).
• the at least one wire frame section can be laterally disposed at a B-location, which is located centrally along a hip point axis of the seat base 14. This can assist in transferring submarine loads or other loads (e.g., those of a child restraint fixture) from the first member 16 to the associated vehicle body at a location adjacent the rear 22 of the seat cushion or base 14.
• the at least one wire frame section of the vehicle seat assembly 10 includes a first wire section 26 and a second wire section 28. Accordingly, a pair of laterally spaced apart wire frame sections 26, 28 are provided, wherein the wire frame sections 26, 28 are connected to the first member 16 and extend longitudinally therefrom toward the rear 22 of the seat base 14 where the wire frame sections 26, 28 can be secured to the vehicle body component (e.g., floor panel 30).
• the wire frame sections 26, 28 are each disposed centrally (i.e., at a B-location) along a respective hip point axis of the seat base 14.
• first wire section 26 is laterally disposed at a B- location B1 of a first hip point axis A1 of the seat base 14 and the second wire frame section 28 is laterally disposed at a B-location B2 of a second hip point axis A2 of the seat base 14.
• each hip point axis of the seat base 14 is located at a vertical location where an expected seat occupant's hip would be located (i.e., the pivot point between the torso and upper leg portions of a seat occupant's body).
• hip point axis is an axis extending in a direction laterally across the vehicle and each hip point axis has a first lateral end and a second lateral end, the distance between the first and second lateral ends being an approximate width of the expected seat occupant.
• B-location is a location disposed centrally along each hip point axis (i.e., located centrally between the first and second lateral ends of each hip point axis).
• the seat base 14 could include only a single wire frame section or could include more than two wire frame sections.
• the seat base would have only a single hip point axis with a single B-location or center location defined therealong. Accordingly, only a single wire frame section could be used.
• the seat base could have a hip point axis located where each occupant is expected to be seated and each hip point axis could have its own B-location or center location. In this arrangement, a wire frame section could be provided at each B-location.
• the vehicle body or vehicle body component is illustrated as the floor panel 30, however, it is to be appreciated that the wire frame sections 26, 28 could be secured to some other vehicle body component or to some intermediate component or bracket that is itself secured to the vehicle floor panel 30 or some other vehicle body component.
• first ends 26a, 28a of the wire frame sections 26, 28 can be secured to the vehicle floor panel 30 adjacent the forward edge 24 of the seat base 14 and second ends 26b, 28b can be secured to the vehicle floor panel 30 adjacent the rearward edge 22 of the seat base 14.
• Respective portions 26c, 28c can be secured via overmolding to the first member 16 for transferring submarine loads (or other loads, e.g., child restraint device loads) absorbed thereby to the vehicle floor panel 30.
• the portions 26c, 28c can be formed with an inverted U or V-shape that provides for better interlocking by the overmolded first member 16. As best shown in FIG.
• the rear ends 26b, 28b of the wire frame sections 26, 28 are secured to the vehicle body component or floor panel 30 adjacent the rear end 22 of the seat base 14 and forward ends 26a, 28a are secured to the vehicle body component (e.g., floor panel 30) or another vehicle body component (e.g., a bracket mounted to the floor panel 30) adjacent the forward end 24 of the seat base 14 below the first member 16 in the illustrated embodiment.
• vehicle body component e.g., floor panel 30
• another vehicle body component e.g., a bracket mounted to the floor panel 30
• the floor panel 30 defines receiving apertures 34 in which the forward ends 26a, 28a are received for connecting to the floor panel 30, though this could be another vehicle body component.
• grommets 36 can facilitate connection of the forward ends 26a, 28a to the floor panel 30.
• the forward ends 26a, 28a can include hooked portions as shown in the illustrated embodiment.
• the rearward ends 26b, 28b of the wire frame sections 26, 28 can be formed as looped portions for receipt of bolts 38.
• bolts 38 can be received through looped end portions 26b, 28b of the wire frame sections 26, 28 for securing the same to the floor panel 30 (or to another vehicle body component) as best shown in FIG. 3.
• a threaded member such as nut 39, can be threadedly secured to the bolt 38 thereby connecting the wire frame section 26 or 28 to the floor panel 30.
• other connection means and devices can be used to secure the rearward ends 26b, 28b to the vehicle body component.
• the first member 16 can be overmolded onto the wire frame sections 26, 28.
• the first member 16 can be overmolded onto the inverted U-shaped portions 26c, 28c of the wire frame sections 26, 28. These portions 26c, 28c can be shaped (as shown in the illustrated embodiment) to facilitate a secure attachment between the overmolded first member 16 and the wire frame sections 26, 28.
• the second member 18 can then be overmolded onto at least one of the first member 16 and the wire frame sections 26, 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the second member 18 is overmolded onto both the first member 16 and the wire frame sections 26, 28.
• the vehicle seat assembly 10, and particularly the seat base 14 thereof can include another wire frame section 40 which is overmolded by the second member 18.
• the wire frame section 40 can be provided about a perimeter of the seat cushion or base 14 and provide a structure on which to overmold the second member 18. Additionally, as best shown in FIG. 3, the longitudinally extending wire frame sections 26, 28 can pass through and interengage the wire frame 40 adjacent the rear end 22 of the seat base 14.
• a plate member 44 can be provided in association with each wire frame section 26, 28.
• each plate member 44 is disposed along a rearward section of the portions 26c, 28c of the wire frame sections 26, 28.
• the plate 44 functions to prevent the wire frame section 26 or 28 from tearing or ripping through the first member 16 during a collision event.
• Each plate 44 can be welded onto the corresponding wire frame section 26, 28 or otherwise secured in position.
• the plate 44 has a first end portion secured to the extending portion of the at least one wire section, a second end portion secured to a base of the inverted U-shaped portion 26c or 28c, and a middle portion secured to leg or rearward section of the inverted U-shaped portion 26c or 28c.
• the plate 44 can be overmolded in position by the first member 16 or could be secured to the frame 40.
• a method for constructing a vehicle seat assembly will now be described, such as the vehicle seat assembly 10 of the illustrated embodiment.
• the wire frame sections 26, 28 are provided and both extend from the forward portion 24 of the seat base 14 longitudinally toward the rearward portion 22 of the seat base 14.
• a laterally extending first member such as first foam member 16 is overmolded on the wire frame sections 26, 28, particularly overmolded adjacent forward end 24 of the wire frame sections 26, 28. Plates 44 can be secured to the wire frame sections 26, 28 or otherwise positioned to prevent tearing of the first member 16 during a collision event (i.e. a loading event).
• the second member 18 is overmolded on the first member 16 and the wire frame sections 26, 28 to form a seating portion of the seat base 14.
• a trim cover 42 can be installed over the first and second members 16, 18.
• the first member 16 can be an EPP foam and the second member 18 can be a urethane foam.
• overmolding of the first member 16 can include positioning the wire frame sections 26, 28 at hip point locations of the seat base 14 (i.e., where an occupant's hip points are expected to be on the seat base 14).
• FIG. 5 shows a vehicle seat assembly 100 according to a second exemplary embodiment.
• the seat assembly 100 includes a seat back 1 12 and a seat base 1 14 extending from a lower end of the seat back 1 12.
• the seat base 1 14, which can also be referred to as a seat cushion, includes and is formed of a first portion or member 1 16 extending laterally across the seat base 1 14 to absorb loads (e.g., submarine loads) and a second portion or member 1 18 formed over the first member 1 16 to form a seating surface 120 of the seat base 1 14.
• the second member 1 18 extends longitudinally from the first member 1 16 toward a rear 122 of the seat base 1 14 to form the seating surface 120.
• a trim cover 142 can be received over the first and second members 1 16, 1 18, particularly over the second member 1 18 which is itself received over the first member 1 16.
• the first member 1 16 is formed of a relatively rigid material, such as a rigid foam
• the second member 1 18 is formed of a relatively less rigid material, such as a soft or less rigid foam.
• the relatively rigid material of the first member 1 16 can be expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam and the relatively less rigid material of the second member 1 18 can be urethane foam.
• EPP expanded polypropylene
• Providing the first member 1 16, which is formed of a more rigid material (e.g., EPP foam) along a forward portion 124 of the seat base 1 14 allows the first member 1 16 to absorb submarine loads and/or child restraint fixture loads, such as might be generated during a vehicle crash event.
• the first member 1 16 only locally adjacent to the forward portion 124 allows comfort of the seat base 1 14 to be maintained through use of the second member 1 18 being formed of a less rigid material (e.g., urethane foam), while managing loads developed during a crash event.
• a less rigid material e.g., urethane foam
• the first foam member 1 16 can be an elongated member having a longitudinal length extending laterally across the seat base 1 14.
• the longitudinal length of the first member 1 16 can correspond closely to a lateral width of the seat base 1 14, though the first member 1 16 is slightly shorter.
• a width of the first member 1 16, by contrast, can be significantly smaller.
• the width can be less than fifty percent of the front-to-back dimension of the seat base 1 14, preferably less than thirty-three percent of the front-to-back dimension, and more preferably approximately twenty-five percent of the front-to-back dimension.
• a height of the first member 1 16 can be such that it is nominally shorter than the seat base 1 14 adjacent the forward portion 124 but higher than the seat base 1 14 adjacent a rear 122 of the seat base 1 14.
• At least one wire frame section can be secured to the first foam member 1 16 and can extend rearwardly therefrom toward the rear 122 of the seat base 1 14 for mounting the seat base to an associated vehicle body (e.g., floor panel 130).
• each one of the at least one wire frame section can be laterally disposed at a B-location, which is located centrally along a hip point axis of the seat base 1 14 for assisting in transferring of submarine loads or other loads (e.g., those of a child restraint fixture) from the first member 1 16 to the associated vehicle body at a location adjacent the rear 122 of the seat cushion or base 1 14.
• the at least one wire frame section can be bolted to the vehicle floor 130 adjacent the rear 122 of the seat cushion 1 14.
• a metal plate can be used on top of the at least one wire section to prevent the wire frame section from slicing through the first foam member 16 during a loading condition.
• first foam member 1 16 can undesirably shrink during the cooling process, particularly when the first foam member 1 16 is formed of EPP.
• the shrinkage can cause the wire frame sections to distort (e.g., ends of the wire frame sections distal relative to the first foam member can converge toward one another) resulting in mounting locations for the seat cushion 1 14 being outside an acceptable range or tolerance and thus making cushion installation difficult.
• Shrinkage of the first foam member 1 16 can also cause the first foam member 1 16 itself to deform (e.g., it can bow) and thus it does not conform to its intended shape when installed in a vehicle.
• the vehicle seat assembly 100 of the second exemplary embodiment further includes at least one plate member (e.g., plate members 126 and 128) secured to the first member 1 16.
• the at least one plate member has one end overmolded by the first foam member 1 16 and a second, opposite end secured to the associated vehicle body (e.g., the floor panel 130).
• each of the plate members can be laterally disposed at the B-location, which is located centrally along a hip point axis of the seat base 1 14.
• this positioning of the one or more plate members can assist in transferring submarine loads or other loads (e.g., those of a child restraint fixture) from the first member 1 16 to the associated vehicle body.
• the one or more plate members of the vehicle seat assembly 100 includes first plate member 126 and second plate member 128. Accordingly, a pair of laterally spaced apart plate members 126, 128 are provided, wherein the plate members 126, 128 have their respective first ends 126a, 128a connected to the first member 1 16. In particular, the first ends 126a, 128a are overmolded by the first foam member 1 16 for securing the plate members 126, 128 and the first member 1 16 together. Second, opposite ends 126b, 128b of the plate members 126, 128 can be secured to the vehicle body component (e.g., floor panel 130).
• the vehicle body component e.g., floor panel 130
• the plate members, 126, 128 are each disposed centrally (i.e., at a B-location) along a respective hip point axis of the seat base 1 14.
• first plate member 126 is laterally disposed at a B- location B1 of a first hip point access A1 of the seat base 1 14 and the second plate member 128 is laterally disposed at a B-location B2 of a second hip point axis A2 of the seat base 1 14.
• each hip point axis of the seat base 1 14 is located at a vertical location where an expected seat occupant's hip would be located (i.e., the pivot point between the torso and upper leg portions of a seat occupant's body).
• hip point axis is an axis extending in a direction laterally across the vehicle and each hip point axis has a first lateral end and a second lateral end, the distance between the first and second lateral ends being an approximate width of the expected seat occupant.
• B-location is a location disposed centrally along each hip point axis (i.e., located centrally between the first and second lateral ends of each hip point axis).
• the seat base 1 14 could include only a single plate member or could include more than two plate members.
• the seat base would have only a single hip point axis with a single B-location or center location defined therealong. Accordingly, only a single plate member could be used.
• the seat base could have a hip point axis located where each occupant is expected to be seated and each hip point axis could have its own B-location or center location. In this arrangement, a plate member could be provided at each B- location.
• the vehicle body or vehicle body component is illustrated as the floor panel 130; however, it is to be appreciated that the plate members 126, 128 could be secured to some other vehicle body component or to some intermediate component or bracket that is itself secured to the vehicle floor panel 130 or some other vehicle component.
• first ends 126a, 128a of the plate members 126, 128 are overmolded by the first foam member 1 16 and second or rear ends 126b, 128b are secured to the vehicle body component or floor panel 130 below the seat base 1 14.
• connecting portions 126c, 128c which extend between respective first portions 126a, 128a and second portions 126b, 128b, can also be overmolded by the first foam member 1 16.
• first portions 126a, 128a are oriented approximately parallel to a horizontal plane, which in the illustrated embodiment is shown parallel to floor panel 130, and the second portions 126b, 128b are oriented approximately parallel to at least a portion of the associated vehicle component (floor panel 130) to which the ends 126b, 128b are secured.
• the connecting portions 126c, 128c extend at an angle between the first and second portions 126a, 128a and 126b, 128b. More specifically, as best shown in FIG.
• connection portions 126c, 128c extend at obtuse angles relative to the first and second portions 126a, 128a and 126b, 128b (i.e., the connecting portion is not orthogonally or acutely oriented relative to the first and second portions). Additionally, a section of each of the second portions 126b, 128b adjacent the connecting portions 126c, 128c can also be overmolded by the first foam member 1 16. By the plate members 126, 128 being overmolded by the first foam member 1 16, these components are connected to one another for transferring submarine loads (or other loads, e.g., child restraint device loads) absorbed by the first foam member 1 16 to the vehicle floor panel 130.
• submarine loads or other loads, e.g., child restraint device loads
• the second ends 126b, 128b of the plate members 126, 128 are secured to the vehicle body component, such as the floor panel 130, rearwardly adjacent the first foam portion 1 16. That is, the second ends 126b, 128b are secured to the associated vehicle body rearward of and adjacent to the first foam member 1 16. Specifically, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the second ends 126b, 128b can be secured to the associated vehicle body immediately rearwardly of the first foam member 1 16. As shown, the second ends 126b, 128b define respective apertures 126d, 128d through which bolts 134 can be received. The apertures 126d, 128d can be in registry with apertures 136 defined in the vehicle body component or floor panel 130 (only one shown in FIG.
• the first member 1 16 can be overmolded onto the plate members 126, 128, particularly the first ends 126a, 128a, the connecting portions 126c, 128c and portions of the second ends 126b, 128b.
• the Z-shape of the plate members 126, 128 can facilitate secure attachment between the overmolded first member 1 16 and the plate members 126, 128.
• the second member 1 18 can be overmolded onto the first member 1 16.
• the vehicle seat assembly 100 can include wire frame section 140, which is overmolded by the second member 1 18.
• the wire frame section 140 can be provided about a perimeter of the seat cushion or base 1 14 and provide a structure on which to overmold the second member 1 18, though this is not required.
• a method for constructing a vehicle seat assembly will now be described, such as the vehicle seat assembly 100 of the illustrated embodiment.
• at least one plate member is provided for securing a laterally extending first foam member of a seat cushion to a vehicle body component.
• plate members 126, 128 are provided for securing the laterally extending first foam member 1 16 of the seat cushion 1 14 to the floor panel 130.
• the laterally extending first foam member 1 16 is overmolded on a forward end of the at least one plate member.
• the laterally extending first foam member 1 16 is overmolded on respective forward ends 126a, 128a of the plate members 126, 128.
• a second foam member can be overmolded on the first foam member to form a seating portion of the seat base.
• the second foam member 1 18 is overmolded on the first foam member 1 16 to form seating portion or surface 120 of the seat base 1 14.
• the first foam member, such as first foam member 1 16 can be an expanded polypropylene foam and a second foam member, such as second foam member 1 18, can be a urethane foam.
• Overmolding of the first foam member 1 16 onto the plate members 126, 128 can include positioning the plate members 126, 128 in a lateral center of at least one hip point axis of the seat base 1 14.
• the trim cover 142 can then be installed over the first and second members 1 16, 1 18.
• the seat cushion 1 14 can then be installed in a vehicle, optionally in conjunction with the seat back 1 12. More specifically, the second ends 126b, 128b of the plate members 126, 128 can be secured to floor panel 130 via bolts 134 and nuts 138 or some other securing means or device.
• FIG. 9 shows a vehicle seat assembly 200 according to a third exemplary embodiment.
• the seat assembly 200 includes a seatback 212 and a seat base 214 extended from a lower end of the seatback 212.
• the seat base 214 which can also be referred to as a seat cushion, includes and is formed of a first portion or member 216 extending laterally across the seat base 214 to absorb loads (e.g., submarine loads) and a second portion or member 218 formed over the first member 216 to form a seating surface 220 of the seat base 214.
• loads e.g., submarine loads
• the second member 218 extends longitudinally rearward from the first member 216 to form the seating surface 220.
• a trim cover 250 can be received over the first and second members 216, 218, particularly over the second member 218, which is itself received over the first member 216.
• the first member 216 is formed of a relatively rigid material, such as rigid foam, and the second member 218 if formed of a relatively less rigid material, such as a soft or less rigid foam.
• the relatively rigid material of the first member 216 can be expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam and the relatively less rigid material of the second member 218 can be urethane foam.
• EPP expanded polypropylene
• Providing the first member 216, which is formed of a more rigid material (e.g., EPP foam) along a forward portion 224 of the seat base 214 allows the first member 216 to absorb submarine loads and/or child restraint fixture loads, such as might be generated during a vehicle crash event.
• the first member 216 only locally adjacent to the forward portion 224 allows comfort of the seat base 214 to be maintained through use of the second member 218 being formed of a less rigid material (e.g., urethane foam), while managing loads developed during a crash event.
• a less rigid material e.g., urethane foam
• the first foam member 216 can be an elongated member having a longitudinal length extending laterally across the seat base 214.
• the longitudinal length of the first member 216 can correspond closely to a lateral width of the seat base 214, though the first member 216 is slightly shorter.
• a width of the first member 216 can be significantly smaller.
• the width can be less than fifty percent of the front-to-back dimension of the seat base 214, preferably less than thirty percent of the front-to-back dimension, and more preferably approximately twenty-five percent of the front-to-back dimension.
• a height of the first member 216 can be such that it is nominally shorter than the seat base 214 adjacent the forward portion 224 but higher than the seat base 214 adjacent a rear 222 of the seat base 214.
• the vehicle seat assembly 200 further includes at least one wireframe section (e.g., wireframe sections 226 and 228) secured to the first member 216 and extending rearwardly therefrom toward the rear 222 of the seat base 214 for mounting the seat base 214 to an associated vehicle body (e.g., floor panel 230).
• the at least one wireframe section can be laterally disposed at a B-location, which is located centrally along a hip point axis of the seat base 214. This can assist in transferring submarine loads or other loads (e.g., those of a child restraint fixture) from the first member 216 to the associated vehicle body at a location adjacent the rear 222 of the seat base 214.
• the at least one wireframe section of the vehicle seat assembly 200 includes a first wireframe section 226 and a second wireframe section 228. Accordingly, a pair of laterally spaced apart wireframe sections 226, 228 are provided in the illustrated embodiment, wherein the wireframe sections 226, 228 are connected to the first member 216 and extend longitudinally therefrom toward the rear 222 of the seat base 214 where the wireframe sections 226, 228 can be secured to the vehicle body component (e.g., floor a panel 230).
• the wireframe sections 226, 228 are each disposed centrally (i.e., at a B-location) along a respective hip point axis of the seat base 214.
• first wireframe section 226 can be laterally disposed at a B-location B1 of a first hip point axis A1 of the seat base 214 and the second wireframe section 228 can be laterally disposed at a B-location B2 of a second hip point axis A2 of the seat base 214.
• each hip point axis of the seat base 214 is located at a vertical location where an expected seat occupants hip would be located (i.e., the pivot point between the torso and upper leg portions of a seat occupants body).
• hip point axis is an axis extending in a direction laterally across the vehicle and each hip point axis has a first lateral end and a second lateral end, the distance between the first and second lateral ends being an approximate width of the expected seat occupant.
• B-location is a location disposed centrally along each hip point axis (i.e., located centrally between the first and second lateral ends of each hip point axis).
• the seat base 214 could include only a single wireframe section or could include more than two wireframe sections.
• the seat base would have only a single hip point axis with a single B-location or center location defined therealong. Accordingly, only a single wireframe section could be used.
• the seat base could have a hip point axis located where each occupant is expected to be seated and each hip point axis could have its own B-location or center location. In this arrangement, a wireframe section could be provided at each B-location.
• the vehicle body or vehicle body component is illustrated as the floor panel 230; however, it is to be appreciated that the wireframe sections 226, 228 could be secured to some other vehicle body component or to some intermediate component or bracket that is itself secured to the vehicle floor panel 230 or some other vehicle body component.
• first ends 226a, 228a of the wireframe sections 226, 228 can be secured to the vehicle floor panel 230 adjacent the forward edge 224 of the seat base 214 and second ends 226b, 228b can be secured to the vehicle floor panel 230 adjacent the rearward edge 222 of the seat base 214.
• Respective portions 226c, 228c can be secured to the first member 216 as will be described in more detail herein below for transferring submarine loads (or other loads, e.g., child restraint device loads) absorbed thereby to the vehicle floor panel 230.
• portions 226c, 228c can be formed with an inverted U or V- shape that provides for better interlocking by the first member 216.
• Extending portions 226d, 228d of the wireframe sections 226, 228 extend from the inverted U- shaped sections 226c, 228c to the rear end 222 of the seat base 214.
• the rear ends 226b, 228b of the wireframe sections 226, 228 can be secured to the vehicle body component or floor panel 230 adjacent the rear end 222 of the seat base 214.
• Forward ends 226a, 228a can be secured to the vehicle body component (e.g., floor panel 230) or another vehicle body component (e.g., a bracket mounted to the floor panel 230) adjacent the forward end 224 of the seat base 214 below the first member 216 in the illustrated embodiment.
• the floor panel 230 defines receiving apertures 234 in which the forward ends 226a, 228a are received for connecting to the floor panel 230, though this could be another vehicle body component.
• grommets 236 can facilitate connection of the forward ends 226a, 228a to the floor panel 230.
• the forward ends 226a, 228a can include hooked portions as shown in the illustrated embodiment.
• the rearward ends 226b, 228b of the wireframe sections 226, 228 can be formed as looped portions for receipt of bolts 238.
• bolts 238 can be received through looped ends portions 226b, 228b of the wireframe sections 226, 228 and then into apertures 240 defined in the floor panel 230 for securing the wire frame sections 226, 228 to the floor panel 230 (or to another vehicle body component) as best shown with respect to rearward end 228b in FIG. 1 1 .
• a threaded member, such as nut 239 can be threadedly secured to each of the bolts 238 thereby securing the connection of the wireframe sections 226, 228 to the floor panel 230.
• other connection means and devices can be used to secure the rearward ends 226b, 228b to the vehicle body component.
• the first member 216 can be secured onto the wireframe sections 226, 228, particularly onto the inverted U- shaped portions 226c, 228c of the wireframe sections 226, 228.
• the second member 218 can then be overmolded onto at least one of the first member 216 and the wireframe sections 226, 228.
• the second member 218 is over-molded onto both the first member 216 and the wireframe sections 226, 228 as will be described in further detail below.
• the vehicle seat assembly 200 can include another wireframe section 242, which is also overmolded by the second member 218.
• the wireframe section 242 can be provided about a perimeter of the seat cushion or base 214 and provide a structure on which to overmold the second member 218.
• the longitudinally extending wireframe sections 226, 228 can pass through and inter- engage the wireframe 242 adjacent the rear end 222 of the seat base 214.
• a plate member 244 can be provided in association with each wireframe section 226, 228.
• each plate member 244 is disposed along a rearward section of the portions 226c, 228c of the wireframe sections 226, 228.
• the plates 244 function to prevent the wireframe sections 226, 228 from tearing or ripping through the first member 216 during a collision event.
• each plate 244 is secured to the frame 242, such as by welding, though other arrangements are possible. For example, each plate 244 could be welded onto the corresponding wireframe section 226, 228 or otherwise secured in position.
• the first member 216 is overmolded onto the wireframe sections 226, 228 for connecting the first member 216 and the wireframe sections 226, 228 together. While this creates a secure connection between the wireframe sections 226, 228 and the first member 216, overmolding the first member 216 onto the wireframe sections 226, 228 can cause deformation of the wireframe sections 226, 228. In particular, as the first member 216 shrinks after such overmolding, particularly when the first member 216 is formed from EPP, the wireframe sections 226, 228 deform from the force of contraction of the first member 216.
• the forward ends 226a, 228a of the wireframe sections 226, 228 end up being spaced closer together and the rear ends 226b, 228b of the wireframe sections 226, 228 end up being spaced further apart.
• This can make installation of the seat base 214 in a vehicle difficult as the forward ends 226a, 228a of the wireframe sections 226, 228 may not line up with the apertures 234 in the floor panel 230 and/or the rear ends 226b, 228b may not line up with the apertures 240 in the floor panel 230.
• predicting the exact amount of shrinkage in the first member 216 and the corresponding amount of deformation at the forward ends 226a, 228a and/or the rear ends 226b, 228b is difficult.
• the first foam member 216 of the illustrated embodiment is formed of complementary molded portions or halves that mate together along a parting line to form the first foam member 216.
• the first foam member 216 of the illustrated embodiment is formed of first and second complementary molded portions or halves 260, 262 that are connected to one another by an integrally molded or formed hinge 264 and mate together along a parting line 266. Being connected to one another by the integrally molded hinge 264, which can be a living hinge, allows the portions 260, 262 to be molded together as a single molded piece.
• the first member 216 can be formed of a relatively rigid material and thus the complementary portions 260, 262 can likewise be formed of a relatively rigid material (e.g., EPP).
• each of the wireframe sections 226, 228 includes a non-linear section (e.g., portions 226c and 228c) about which the complementary portions 260, 262 are received.
• these non-linear sections are the inverted U-shaped sections 226c, 228c adjacent the forward ends 226a, 228a of the wireframe sections 226, 228.
• Each of the complementary portions 260, 262 can have a mating surface 260a, 262a that, respectively, conforms to the non-linear sections 226c, 228c of the wireframe sections 226, 228 and to the other of the complementary portions or halves 260, 262 (i.e., mating surface 260a of the lower portion 260 conforms to the non-linear sections 226c, 228c and to the upper portion 262; likewise, the mating surface 262a conforms to the non-linear sections 226c, 228c and to the lower portion 260).
• This arrangement results in the parting line 266 being non-linear.
• the lower portion 260 can have a ridge 268 extending upward from mating surface 260a thereof.
• the upper portion 262 can have a recess 270 defined in mating surface 262a of the upper portion 262 for receiving the ridge 268 when the lower and upper portions are assembled together as shown in FIG. 12.
• the ridge 268 can be received in the inverted U-shaped sections 226c, 228c, and in the recess 270 of the upper portion 262, and recess 270 of the upper portion 262 can receive an apex or apex portion of the inverted U-shaped sections 226c, 228c and the ridge 268 of the lower portion 260.
• the lower portion 60 can also include apertures 282 that allow respective wireframe sections 226, 228 to pass through the lower portion 260 to the floor panel 230.
• the complementary portions 260, 262 can include at least one integrally molded connector for locking the molded portions 260, 262 together.
• each of the complementary portions 260, 262 have at least one integrally molded connector 274 for locking the complementary portions 260, 262 together when folded together about the hinge 264.
• at least one of the complementary portions 260, 262 can include a recess 276 formed therein for receiving the at least one integrally molded connector 274.
• each of the molded portions, 260, 262 includes an integrally molded connector 274 and each includes a recess 276 for accommodating the integrally molded connector of the other of the molded portions 260 or 262.
• the integrally molded connector 274 specifically connects to the plates 244 of each of the wireframe sections 226, 228. Accordingly, the plates 244 are fixed to the respective wireframe sections 226, 228 along respective lengths or portions thereof that have the complementary portions 260, 262 mated therearound.
• the complementary portion 260, 262 have the integrally molded connector 274 locking the complementary portions 260, 262 to the plates 244. More specifically, each of the plates 244 defines apertures 278 therein and each of the complementary portions 260, 262 has its integrally molded connector 274 received through a corresponding one of the apertures 278 to lock the complementary portions 260, 262 to the plate 244.
• a lower portion 280 of the plate 244 can have two spaced apart apertures 278, one for receiving connector 274 of the lower portion 260 and one for receiving the connector 274 of the upper portion 262.
• a first foam member having complementary portions is molded of a first relatively rigid foam material.
• the first foam member 216 has the complementary portions 260, 262 and can be molded of a relatively rigid material, such as EPP foam.
• the complementary portions are secured together along a parting line.
• the complementary portion 260, 262 are secured to one another along the parting line 266, which can be a non-linear parting line.
• the first foam member is overmolded with a second foam member.
• the first foam member 216 is overmolded with the second foam member 218.
• the second foam member 218 forms the seating surface 220 extending approximately orthogonally from the first foam member 216 relative to a longitudinal length of the first foam member 216.
• Securing the complementary portions together can include securing the complementary portions to at least one wireframe section extending approximately normal relative to the longitudinal length of the first foam member for transferring loads from the first foam member to a rear of the seat cushion.
• the complementary portion 260, 262 can be secured to the wireframe sections 226, 228 that extend approximately normal relative to the longitudinal length of the first member 216 for transferring loads from the first member 216 to a rear 222 of the seat cushion 214.
• one or both of the complementary portions 260, 262 can be molded with integral connectors, such as connector 274, for interlocking the complementary portions 260, 262 together.
• FIG. 14 shows a vehicle seat assembly 300 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.
• the seat assembly 300 includes a seat back 312 and a seat base 314 extending from a lower end of the seat back 312.
• the seat base 314 which can also be referred to as a seat cushion, includes and is formed of a first portion or member 316 extending laterally across the seat base 314 to absorb loads (e.g., submarine loads) and a second portion or member 318 formed over the first member 316 to form a seating surface 320 of the seat base 314.
• the second member 318 extends longitudinally from the first member 314 toward a rear or rear edge 322 of the seat base 314 form the seating surface 320.
• a trim cover 342 can be received over the first and second members 316, 318, particularly over the second member 318 which is itself received over the first member 316.
• the first member 316 is formed of a relatively rigid material, such as rigid foam
• the second member 318 is formed of a relatively less rigid material, such as a soft or less rigid foam.
• the relatively rigid material of the first member 316 can be expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam and the relatively less rigid material of the second member 318 can be urethane foam.
• EPP expanded polypropylene
• Providing the first member 316, which is formed of a more rigid material (e.g., EPP foam) along a forward portion 324 of the seat base 314 allows the first member 316 to absorb submarine loads and/or child restraint fixture loads, such as might be generated during a vehicle crash event.
• the first member 316 only locally adjacent to the forward portion 324 allows comfort of the seat base 314 to be maintained through use of the second member 318 being formed of a less rigid material (e.g., urethane foam), while managing loads developed during a crash event.
• a less rigid material e.g., urethane foam
• the first foam member 316 can be an elongated member having a longitudinal length extending laterally across the seat base 314.
• the longitudinal length of the first member 316 can correspond closely to a lateral width of the seat base 314, though the first member 316 is slightly shorter.
• a width of the first member 316 can be significantly smaller.
• the width can be less than fifty percent of the front-to-back dimension of the seat base 314, preferably less than thirty-three percent of the front-to-back dimension, and more preferably approximately twenty-five percent of the front-to-back dimension.
• a height of the first member 316 can be such that it is nominally shorter than the seat base 314 adjacent the forward portion 324 but higher than the seat base 314 adjacent a rear 322 of the seat base 314.
• the vehicle seat assembly 300 further includes at least one wire frame section (e.g., wire frame sections 326 and 328) secured to the first member 316 and extending rearwardly therefrom toward the rear 322 of the seat base 314 for mounting the seat base to an associated vehicle body (e.g., floor panel 330).
• at least one wire frame section can be laterally disposed at a B-location, which is located centrally along a hip point axis of the seat base 314. This can assist in transferring submarine loads or other loads (e.g., those of a child restraint fixture) from the first member 316 to the associated vehicle body at a location adjacent the rear 322 of the seat base 314.
• the at least one wire frame section of the vehicle seat assembly 300 includes a first wire section 326 and a second wire section 328. Accordingly, a pair of laterally spaced apart wire frame sections 326, 328 are provided in the illustrated embodiment, wherein the wire frame sections 326, 328 are connected to the first member 316 and extend longitudinally therefrom toward the rear 322 of the seat base 314 where the wire frame sections 326, 328 can be secured to the vehicle body component (e.g., floor panel 330).
• the wire frame sections 326, 328 are each disposed centrally (i.e., at a B-location) along a respective hip point axis of the seat base 314.
• first wire section 326 can be laterally disposed at a B-location B1 of a first hip point axis A1 of the seat base 314 and the second wire frame section 328 can be laterally disposed at a B-location B2 of a second hip point axis A2 of the seat base 314.
• each hip point axis of the seat base 314 is located at a vertical location where an expected seat occupant's hip would be located (i.e., the pivot point between the torso and upper leg portions of a seat occupant's body).
• hip point axis is an axis extending in a direction laterally across the vehicle and each hip point axis has a first lateral end and a second lateral end, the distance between the first and second lateral ends being an approximate width of the expected seat occupant.
• B-location is a location disposed centrally along each hip point axis (i.e., located centrally between the first and second lateral ends of each hip point axis).
• the seat base 314 could include only a single wire frame section or could include more than two wire frame sections.
• the seat base would have only a single hip point axis with a single B-location or center location defined therealong. Accordingly, only a single wire frame section could be used.
• the seat base could have a hip point axis located where each occupant is expected to be seated and each hip point axis could have its own B-location or center location. In this arrangement, a wire frame section could be provided at each B-location.
• the vehicle body or vehicle body component is illustrated as the floor panel 330; however, it is to be appreciated that the wire frame sections 326, 328 could be secured to some other vehicle body component or to some intermediate component or bracket that is itself secured to the vehicle floor panel 330 or some other vehicle body component.
• first ends 326a, 328a of the wire frame sections 326, 328 can be secured to the vehicle floor panel 330 adjacent the forward edge 324 of the seat base 314 and second ends 326b, 328b can be secured to the vehicle floor panel 330 adjacent the rearward edge 322 of the seat base 314.
• Respective portions 326c, 328c can be secured via overmolding to the first member 316 for transferring submarine loads (or other loads, e.g., child restraint device loads) absorbed thereby to the vehicle floor panel 330.
• portions 326c, 328c can be formed with an inverted U or V-shape that provides for better interlocking by the overmolded first member 316. As best shown in FIG.
• the rear ends 326b, 328b of the wire frame sections 326, 328 can be secured to the vehicle body component or floor panel 330 adjacent the rear end 322 of the seat base 314.
• Forward ends 326a, 328a can be secured to the vehicle body component (e.g., floor panel 330) or another vehicle body component (e.g., a bracket mounted to the floor panel 330) adjacent the forward end 324 of the seat base 314 below the first member 316 in the illustrated embodiment.
• the floor panel 330 defines receiving apertures 334 in which the forward ends 326a, 328a are received for connecting to the floor panel 330, though this could be another vehicle body component.
• grommets 336 can facilitate connection of the forward ends 326a, 328a to the floor panel 330.
• the forward ends 326a, 328a can include hooked portions as shown in the illustrated embodiment.
• the rearward ends 326b, 328b of the wire frame sections 326, 328 can be formed as looped portions for receipt of bolts 338.
• bolts 338 can be received through looped end portions 326b, 328b of the wire frame sections 326, 328 for securing the same to the floor panel 330 (or to another vehicle body component) as best shown with respect to rearward end 328b in FIG. 16.
• a threaded member, such as nut 339, can be threaded onto the bolt 338 thereby connecting the wire frame section 326 or 328 to the floor panel 330.
• other connection means and devices can be used to secure the rearward ends 326b, 328b to the vehicle body component.
• the first member 316 can be overmolded onto the wire frame sections 326, 328.
• the first member 316 can be overmolded onto the inverted U-shaped portions 326c, 328c of the wire frame sections 326, 328. These portions 326c, 328c can be shaped (as shown in the illustrated embodiment) to facilitate a secure attachment between the overmolded first member 316 and the wire frame sections 326, 328.
• the second member 318 can then be overmolded onto at least one of the first member 316 and the wire frame sections 326, 328. In the illustrated embodiment, the second member 318 is overmolded onto both the first member 316 and the wire frame sections 326, 328 as will be described in further detail below.
• the vehicle seat assembly 300 can include another wire frame section 340 which is overmolded by the second member 318.
• the wire frame section 340 can be provided about a perimeter of the seat cushion or base 314 and provide a structure on which to overmold the second member 318.
• the longitudinally extending wire frame sections 326, 328 can pass through and inter- engage the wire frame 340 adjacent the rear end 322 of the seat base 314.
• a plate member 344 can be provided in association with each wire frame section 326, 328.
• each plate member 344 is disposed along a rearward section of the portions 326c, 328c of the wire frame sections 326, 328.
• the plates 344 function to prevent the wire frame sections 326, 328 from tearing or ripping through the first member 316 during a collision event.
• each plate 344 is secured to the frame 340, such as by welding, though other arrangements are possible.
• each plate 344 could be welded onto the corresponding wire frame section 326, 328 or otherwise secured in position. Another example would include simply overmolding the plates 344 in their respective positions by the first member 316.
• bonding of the second member 318 to the first member 316 occurs through overmolding of the second member 318 to the first member 316.
• the second member 318 is molded around front, top and rear sides of the first member in this known design. While this creates a physical bond between the second member 318 and the first member 316, particularly when the second member 318 is formed of urethane and the first member 316 is formed of EPP foam, the physical bond is not very strong and thus it is relatively easy to separate the two members 316, 318. Of course, such separation between the second member 318 and the first member 316 is not desired in the assembled vehicle seat assembly 300.
• the first foam member 316 of the illustrated embodiment includes at least one channel (e.g., channels 350) for interlocking the first member 316 and the second member 318.
• the second member 318 is overmolded onto the first member 316.
• the channel or channels of the first member 316 receive the second member 318 to interlock the first member 316 and the second member 318 together.
• the channel or channels formed in the first member 316 are specifically provided for receiving the second member 318 to interlock the first and second members 316, 318 together.
• a plurality of laterally spaced apart channels 350 is disposed along the longitudinal length of the first member 316.
• the channels 350 can include partial channels 350a laterally disposed at each longitudinal end of the first member 316.
• the plurality of laterally spaced apart channels 350 is disposed on an underside 352 of the first member 316.
• Each channel 350 of the illustrated embodiment allows the second member 318 to surround the first member 316. That is, the second member 318 surrounds the first member 316 at each of the channels 350. Accordingly, a lateral profile of the second member 318, as illustrated in FIG. 16, fully encapsulates a lateral profile of the first member 316 at each channel 350.
• An advantage of this arrangement is that the second member 318 is allowed to flow and fully envelope around the first member 316 locally at each of the channels 350.
• portions 356 of the second member 318 are received in the channels 350 along the underside 352 of the first member 316.
• the first member 316, and particularly portions 358 thereof contacts the vehicle body component (e.g., floor panel 330) at locations between the channels 350 and the second foam member 318, and particularly portions 356 thereof received in the channels 350, contacts the vehicle body component at locations in registry with the channels 350.
• reduced contact by the first member 316 and/or increased contact by the second member 318 has the effect of improving noise performance.
• undesirable noises, such as squeaks, between the second base 314 and the floor panel 330 are reduced when less of the first member 316 contacts the floor panel 330.
• a first foam member is molded having a longitudinal length and laterally spaced apart channels disposed along the longitudinal length.
• the first foam member 316 is molded having its longitudinal length and the laterally spaced apart channels 350 disposed along the longitudinal length.
• the first foam member is overmolded with a second foam member.
• the first foam member 316 is overmolded with second foam member 318.
• the second foam member 318 can fill the laterally spaced apart channels 350 during overmolding to interlock the second member 318 to the first member 316.
• the second member 318 forms the seating surface 320 extending approximately orthogonally from the first member 316 relative to the longitudinal length of the first member 316.
• Molding of the first member 316 can include overmolding at least one wire frame section, such as wire frame sections 326 and 328 in the illustrated embodiment, which extend approximately normal relative to the longitudinal length of the first member 316 for transferring loads from the first member to the rear 322 of the seat cushion 314.
• a trim cover 342 can be installed over the first and second member 316, 318.
• the first member 316 can be an EPP foam and the second member 318 can be a urethane foam.
• molding of the first member 316 with the laterally spaced apart channels 350 can include forming the laterally spaced apart channels 350 on the underside 352 of the first member 316 such that the second member 318 fully encases the first members 316 at lateral locations corresponding to the laterally spaced apart channels 350.

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

Priority Applications (4)

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Publications (1)

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ID=44563791

Family Applications (1)

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Cited By (11)

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• 2011
  • 2011-03-04 WO PCT/US2011/027245 patent/WO2011112462A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2011-03-04 CA CA2792596A patent/CA2792596A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2011-03-04 MX MX2012010426A patent/MX2012010426A/es not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2011-03-04 CN CN201180013148.3A patent/CN102791521B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2011-03-04 DE DE112011100872T patent/DE112011100872T5/de not_active Withdrawn

Patent Citations (5)

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