Multiple part resin seat back with integrated adjustable headrest support

Abstract

A seat back support for seat cushioning to be attached thereto and provide a seat component is disclosed. In addition, a process for making the seat back support is also disclosed. The seat back support can have first panel and a second panel. The first panel can have a base portion and a raised portion extending outwardly from the base portion, and the second panel can have a corrugated structure with a channel portion extending from a joining surface. The second panel is fixedly attached to the first panel by having at least part of the raised portion melt and re-solidified while in contact with the joining surface of the second panel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention is related to a seat back support. In particular, the present invention is related to a seat back support made from multiple parts and having an integral adjustable headrest support.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Seats for individuals to sit in come in a wide variety of shapes and materials. Typically, a seat will have a seat bottom and a seat back, the seat bottom being the component upon which a person will sit and the seat back providing support for the person's back.[0003]Motor vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, tractors and the like typically have seats with seat bottoms and seat backs with some of the seats operable for the seat back to tilt in a forward and rearward direction. In addition, some seats for motor vehicles are known as 60 / 40 seats, such a seat typically made from two major sections. One of the sections includes a seating structure for an individual to sit on, along with an adjoining side section that can be u...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a seat back support that can be attached to a seat cushion and provide a seat component. The seat back support has a first panel with a base portion and a raised portion extending outwardly from the base portion. The raised portion has been melted and re-solidified to bond the first panel to a second panel. The second panel has a corrugated structure with alternating joining surfaces and channel portions that fit an individual's back. The seat back support can also have an integral attachment structure for attaching additional components. The process for making the seat back support involves melting the raised portion of the first panel and joining it to the second panel. The first panel and second panel can be made by thin wall molding or injection molding. The technical effects of the patent are a seat back support that provides support and comfort while also being adjustable for different individuals and a process for making the seat back support that ensures safety and efficiency.

Problems solved by technology

Although lightweight and sufficiently strong seat structures have been provided using blow molding, this method has its limitations.

For example, a blow molded component must have a generally uniform thickness throughout the part, the control of the thickness can be less than desirable and the complexity of the component can be limited.

As such, seat back supports have been limited to relatively simple shapes that have excess material, excess weight and limited integral attachment features.

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