Vehicle seat arrangement with stowage solution

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "vehicle seating arrangement with stowage solution". A vehicle seating arrangement includes a first seat assembly and a second seat assembly, each equipped with a seat and a seat back. A surface of the seat of the first seat assembly is vertically above a surface of the seat of the second seat assembly. A forward extremity of the first seat assembly is rearwardly displaced relative to a forward extremity of the second seat assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to vehicle seating arrangements. More specifically, this disclosure relates to vehicle seating arrangements having a storage solution. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle seating systems typically comprise multiple seat assemblies. These systems sometimes incorporate comfort or convenience features such as storage solutions, armrests, and cushioning. However, consumer demand necessitates new solutions that offer a more complete and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle seating arrangement includes a first seat assembly and a second seat assembly, each equipped with a seat and a seat back. The surface of the seat of the first seat assembly is perpendicularly positioned above the surface of the seat of the second seat assembly. The forward extreme of the first seat assembly is rearwardly offset relative to the forward extreme of the second seat assembly.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of this disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0005] The first seat assembly and the second seat assembly are adjacent to each other;

[0006] • The vehicle seating assembly is continuous, allowing the entire vehicle seating assembly to move as a single unit in the fore-and-aft direction;

[0007] • The headrest of the first seat assembly can extend and retract vertically;

[0008] • The first seat assembly is equipped with a five-point seat belt;

[0009] • The first seat assembly is equipped with a retractable element that extends from the front end of the first seat assembly;

[0010] • The vehicle seat assembly is equipped with an HVAC duct that guides HVAC air from the upper rear side of the vehicle seat assembly to the rear of the vehicle seat assembly.

[0011] • The seat of the first seat assembly can extend away from the seat back of the first seat assembly to expose the storage compartment;

[0012] The seat backs of the first and second seat assemblies are fixed relative to the seat, so that the pitch angle of the seat back relative to the seat remains constant; and

[0013] • The first seat assembly includes at least three independently accessible storage compartments.

[0014] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the vehicle seat assembly includes a seat, a seat back, and at least three independently accessible storage areas. The seat is pivotally connected to a support structure at its front end. A cup holder is operatively connected to the underside of the seat and provides support for the seat when it is in at least one of an extended or retracted position.

[0015] Embodiments of the second aspect of this disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0016] • When the seat is in both the extended and retracted positions, the cup holders operably attached to the underside of the seat provide support for the seat;

[0017] • At least three independently accessible storage areas, including five storage areas;

[0018] • At least two of the storage areas are accessible to a user located behind the vehicle seat assembly; and

[0019] • At least three storage areas include a storage compartment located directly beneath the seat when the seat is in the retracted position, and the storage compartment is accessible when the seat is in the extended position and the seat back is reclined forward.

[0020] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly includes a seat, a seat back, and one or more pads, the one or more pads being removable from the components of the vehicle seat assembly and having a padded first side and a second side with at least one storage area. The pad is transferred from the first side to the second side by completely removing the pad from the cavity, rotating the pad 180 degrees, and placing the pad back into the cavity.

[0021] The third aspect of this disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0022] • Regardless of whether the first or second side is presented to the user, the style of the vehicle seat assembly remains the same;

[0023] • The part from which the padding can be removed is at least one of the seat and the seat back;

[0024] • The cushion is located between the seat and the seat back; and

[0025] • At least one storage area includes at least one cup holder.

[0026] Upon studying the following specification, claims and drawings, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate these and other aspects, objectives and features of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0027] In the attached diagram:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a side perspective view of a vehicle according to one embodiment, showing the vehicle seating arrangement;

[0029] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly according to one embodiment, showing the seat of the central seat assembly in the folded position;

[0030] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly according to one embodiment, showing the deployable armrests and storage area;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a side perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly, showing the transition of the central seat assembly from the stowed position to the used position;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a front view of a vehicle seat assembly according to another embodiment;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a side view of a vehicle seat assembly according to one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a side perspective view of the vehicle's seating arrangement, showing the armrests in the extended position;

[0035] Figure 8 is a side perspective view of the outer seat assembly and the center console according to one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 9 is a front view of the outer seat assembly and the center console, showing the armrests in a vertical position;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a side perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly, showing the retractable element;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a rear perspective view of the first row of seats, showing the control panel on the rear side of the first row of seats;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a front perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly in a usage position according to one embodiment;

[0040] Figure 13 This is a front perspective view of the vehicle's seating assembly, showing the central seat assembly in a forward-leaning position;

[0041] Figure 14 This is a side view of a central seat assembly according to one embodiment, showing the storage area;

[0042] Figure 15 This is a front view of a vehicle seat assembly according to another embodiment, showing the seat in a longitudinally retracted position;

[0043] Figure 16 This is a front view of the vehicle seating system, showing the seat in a longitudinally extended position;

[0044] Figure 17 This is a front view of the vehicle seating arrangement, showing the goods stored in the storage compartment when the seat is in the longitudinally extended position;

[0045] Figure 18 This is a side perspective view of a vehicle seating arrangement according to another embodiment, showing the central seat assembly in a forward-leaning position;

[0046] Figure 19A is a side perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly according to one embodiment, showing the headrest in a lowered position;

[0047] Figure 19B is a side perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly, showing the headrest in the raised position;

[0048] Figure 20 This is a front view of a vehicle seat assembly according to one embodiment, showing the safety restraint device;

[0049] Figure 21 This is a side perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly, showing the sliding portion;

[0050] Figure 22 This is a rear perspective view of the outer seat assembly, showing the storage sleeve;

[0051] Figure 23 This is a rear perspective view of the outer seat assembly, showing the recessed area;

[0052] Figure 24 This is a top view of the vehicle's seat assembly and dashboard assembly, showing their respective styles; and

[0053] Figure 25 This is a front perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly according to one embodiment, showing a removable pad. Detailed Implementation

[0054] For the purposes of this description, the terms “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “back,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and their derivatives should be used interchangeably with those used in this document. Figure 1 The concept of orientation is relevant. However, it should be understood that the concept may present various alternative orientations unless explicitly stated otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific apparatus and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly stated in the claims, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0055] The embodiments shown here primarily concern combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to vehicle seating arrangements. Therefore, where appropriate, apparatus components and method steps have been indicated by conventional symbols in the accompanying drawings, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding embodiments of this disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure by details that will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the description herein. Furthermore, the same reference numerals in the specification and drawings denote the same elements.

[0056] As used herein, the term “and / or” when used in a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items may be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B and / or C, the composition may contain A alone; B alone; C alone; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B and C.

[0057] In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprising…one” does not, without further constraints, exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0058] As used herein, the term "about" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not precise, nor need to be precise, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as required, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe an endpoint of a value or range, this disclosure should be understood to include specific values ​​or the endpoints involved. Whether or not the endpoints of numerical values ​​or ranges in this specification are expressed as "about," the endpoints of such values ​​or ranges are intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about." It should also be understood that each endpoint of a range is significant relative to and independent of the other endpoint.

[0059] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “basically,” and their variations are intended to indicate that the described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to mean a planar or approximately planar surface. Furthermore, “substantially” is intended to indicate that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may mean values ​​within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other or within about 2% of each other.

[0060] Unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the terms “the,” “an,” or “a” as used herein mean “at least one” and should not be limited to “only one.” Thus, for example, unless the context otherwise explicitly indicates, references to “component” may include embodiments having two or more such components.

[0061] refer to Figure 1 Vehicle 40 includes first-row seats 44 and second-row seats 48. An instrument panel assembly 52 is located in front of the first-row seats 44. The instrument panel assembly 52 includes an instrument panel 56, a steering wheel 60, and an entertainment interface 64. The first-row seats 44 and second-row seats 48 include vehicle seating assemblies 68. Vehicle seating assemblies 68 include a first vehicle seat assembly, a second vehicle seat assembly, and a third vehicle seat assembly. The first vehicle seat assembly may be referred to as a center seat assembly 72. The second and third vehicle seat assemblies may be referred to as outer seat assemblies 76. The center seat assembly 72 and the outer seat assembly 76 each include a seat 80 and a seat back 84. In various embodiments, the center seat assembly 72 and / or the outer seat assembly 76 include headrests 88. In the depicted embodiment, the seat 80 of the center seat assembly 72 of the first-row seats 44 and the second-row seats 48 is in a stowed position. When the seat 80 of the center seat assembly 72 is in the stowed position, one or more storage areas 92 may be accessible. For example, when seat 80 is in the use position ( Figure 5 Storage compartment 96 may be located directly beneath seat 80 of the central seat assembly 72. Storage compartment 96 may be housed within the support structure 100 of the vehicle seat assembly 68. One or more storage areas 92 may also include floor-level storage compartments 104. Floor-level storage compartments 104 may be located below and / or in front of storage compartment 96. Support structure 100 may include a crossbeam 108 that supports loads on seat 80 when seat 80 is in use. Crossbeam 108 may additionally serve as the front wall of storage compartment 96 and / or the rear wall of floor-level storage compartments 104. Floor-level storage compartments 104 may be located beneath one or more of the central seat assembly 72 and the outer seat assemblies 76. The central seat assembly 72 may include at least three independently accessible storage compartments or storage areas 92.

[0062] Referring now to Figure 2, the vehicle seating assembly 68 is shown having a central seat assembly 72 (first seat assembly) and outer seat assemblies 76 (second and third seat assemblies). The outer seat assemblies 76 are located on either side of the central seat assembly 72. The seat 80 of the central seat assembly 72 is shown in a stowed position, which is achieved by retracting the seat 80 around an axis located on the rearward portion of the seat 80 near the seat back 84 from its operating position (…). Figure 5 This is achieved by pivoting upwards. With the seat 80 of the central seat assembly 72 in the stowed position, a user seated in either of the outer seat assemblies 76 can easily access the storage compartment 96. The floor-level storage compartment 104 is also accessible regardless of whether the seat 80 of either of the seat assemblies 72 or 76 is in the active or stowed position. In some embodiments, such as the one depicted herein, the storage compartment 96 and the floor-level storage compartment 104 may be identical, resulting in a single compartment rather than two separate compartments. The storage compartment 96 may include a front lip 110 that helps retain items stored in the storage compartment 96. A safety restraint device 112 may be retractably coupled to a headrest support column 116 that extends between the seat back 84 and the headrest 88. The outer seat assemblies 76 are equipped with seat cushions 120 and seat back cushions 124 located on the sides of the seat 80 and seat back 84, respectively. The central seat assembly 72 may have seat cushions 120 and 124 separate from the seat cushions and backrest cushions provided on the outer seat assemblies 76. Alternatively, the central seat assembly 72 may utilize the seat cushions 120 and 124 provided on the outer seat assemblies 76.

[0063] Referring to Figure 3, the headrest 88 on the center seat assembly 72 of the first-row seats 44 can be retractably connected to the seat back 84, so that the headrest 88 appears to be part of the seat back 84 and the seat back 84 is not equipped with the headrest 88. By connecting the headrest 88 to the center seat assembly 72 in this way, a continuous and aesthetically pleasing surface between the outer seat assemblies 76 can be presented to the user. In addition, by connecting the headrest 88 to the seat back 84 in this way, the driver's view is not obstructed or the overall blind spot is not increased, until the center seat assembly 72 is occupied, at which point the headrest 88 can be deployed for safety and comfort reasons. The center seat assembly 72 in the second-row seats 48 can be configured similarly. The rear side 128 of the center seat assembly 72 in the first-row seats 44 can be equipped with a control panel 132. The control panel 132 can provide rear passengers with the ability to control various functions, including but not limited to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control, audio control, mobile device connection, entertainment functions, and / or comfort settings of seat assemblies 72, 76. Alternatively, the air vents may be located in the upper region of the rear side 128 of the first row of seats 44, so that rear passengers are provided with heated or cooled air at face level rather than at floor level. Therefore, the overall comfort of rear passengers can be improved.

[0064] Referring again to Figure 3, the center seat assembly 72 in the second row of seats 48 is shown, with seat 80 in the stowed position. One of the storage areas 92 is shown in the extended position, where one or more cup holders 136 are already accessible due to the storage area 92 being in the extended position. One or more cup holders 136 may be accessible when seat 80 is in the extended position. Additionally, storage compartments 96 are fully accessible by placing seat 80 in the stowed position and storage area 92 in the extended position. The underside of seat 80 may also include a folding element 140 configured to fold down independently from seat 80 when seat 80 is in the stowed position to provide additional functionality for occupants seated in one or both of the outer seat assemblies 76. The additional functionality provided by the folding element 140 may include, but is not limited to, media storage, media connection, work surface, additional beverage holder, separate storage compartments, and / or combinations thereof. Seat cushions 120 and / or seat back cushions 124 can be unfolded to serve as armrests 144. For example, when the seat 80 of the central seat assembly 72 is in the stowed position, the seat cushion 120 can be deployable, as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, the central seat assembly 72 can be equipped with a seat cushion 120 independent of the seat cushion 120 of the outer seat assembly 76. Alternatively, when the seat 80 is in the stowed position, the seat cushion 120 of the outer seat assembly 76 can travel together with the seat 80 of the central seat assembly 72. Therefore, it is conceivable that when the central seat assembly 72 is in the stowed position, the reduced seat cushion can remain together with the seat 80 of the outer seat assembly 76. Alternatively, the entire seat cushion 120 for the outer seat assembly 76 can travel together with the seat 80 of the central seat assembly 72, such that when the armrest 144 is in the deployed position, lateral support on the inner side of the outer seat assembly 76 can be provided solely by the armrest 144. In various examples, the unfolding action (i.e., unfolding) and / or the unfolded position of the armrest 144 can be configured such that the vehicle 40 ( Figure 1 The number of passengers will not decrease.

[0065] Now for reference Figure 4The vehicle seating assembly 68 is shown with the seat 80 of the central seat assembly 72 in a stowed position and one of the storage areas 92 in an extended position. The storage area 92 is equipped with one or more cup holders 136 and a generally horizontal surface that can be used, for example, as a media storage area 148. In some examples, the media storage area 148 is a recessed storage compartment rather than a generally horizontal surface. When the central seat assembly 72 is positioned as shown, the storage compartment 96 is fully accessible to the occupant of either of the outer seat assemblies 76. In the depicted embodiment, the inner and / or outer seat cushions 120 and / or seat back cushions 124 can be extended to serve as armrests 144 (FIG. 3). For example, the inner and outer seat back cushions 124 on the outer seat assemblies 76 can be extended from a generally vertical position (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown) Extend to a generally horizontal position to serve as armrest 144. Return the center seat assembly 72 to the usable position. Figure 5 This can be achieved by a first movement 152 of the storage area 92 about a rotation axis that is located in a rearward direction toward the seat back 84 near the front end 156 of the central seat assembly 72. A second movement 160 causes the seat 80 of the central seat assembly 72 to pivot downward about a pivot axis near the seat back 84, such that the seat 80 of the central seat assembly 72 is at least partially supported by the storage area 92. The seat 80 can be pivotally coupled to the support structure 100 behind the front end 156. When the storage area 92 is in the retracted position, the storage area 92 can provide an upper end for the storage compartment 96. Alternatively or additionally, when the storage area 92 is in the retracted position and the seat 80 of the central seat assembly 72 is in the retracted position, various storage solutions can be presented to the occupants of the outer seat assembly 76, said storage solutions being molded into or substantially disposed in the upper surface 164 of the storage area 92 when the storage area 92 is in the retracted position.

[0066] refer to Figure 5 The central seat assembly 72 is shown in a use position. An alternative embodiment of the headrest 88 of the central seat assembly 72 is also shown. This alternative headrest 88 can be extended and attached to the seat back 84, or can be rotatably attached to the seat back 84 along the upper edge of the seat back 84. A floor-level storage compartment 104 is visible below the outer seat assembly 76. Typically, the floor-level storage compartment 104 and storage box 96 ( Figure 4Storage compartments 96 and 104 can be formed in a support structure 100 located below seat 80 of the vehicle seating assembly 68. Seat 80 on the outer seat assembly 76 can also take the retracted position of the central seat assembly 72, wherein seat 80 pivots about a pivot axis near seat back 84, making storage compartment 96 and floor-level storage compartment 104 accessible to the user. In other words, the vehicle seating assembly 68 can be a stadium-style seating assembly, wherein the retracted position of seat 80 presents the user with various storage solutions formed in the support structure 100, rather than presenting the user with the flat, continuous floor of the vehicle 40. Figure 1 In the depicted embodiment, the seat cushion 120 and / or the seat back cushion 124 can be unfolded into an armrest 144 (Figure 3).

[0067] Now for reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The style or outline of the vehicle seat assembly 68 may generally conform to the floor 168 of the vehicle 40. The central seat assembly 72 allows the seat 80 to be vertically displaced upward relative to the seat 80 of the outer seat assembly 76. The seat back 84 of the central seat assembly 72 may be longitudinally displaced rearward relative to the seat back 84 of the outer seat assembly 76. In other words, the H-point of the central seat assembly 72 may be vertically upward and longitudinally rearward relative to the H-point of the outer seat assembly 76. The H-point is the position of the occupant's buttocks relative to the vehicle floor 168 (or above the road level) when seated in a vehicle seat assembly (e.g., the central seat assembly 72). The H-point (as generally defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)) is the mechanically articulated hip point of a three-dimensional human body model (SAE J2826 human body model), which simulates the actual pivot center of the human hip. Viewed from the side, the H-point can be roughly considered as the hip joint of the 50th percentile male occupant. Furthermore, the H-point position is unique for each vehicle, and multiple design criteria related to various vehicle aspects such as safety, interior cladding, visibility, and seating are based on the H-point position. With the center seat assembly 72 higher vertically and further rearward longitudinally than the outer seat assemblies 76, the driver of vehicle 40 can more easily observe the outside of the vehicle's side windows when the center seat assembly 72 is occupied. Typically, the outline of the vehicle seat assembly 68 can generally conform to the dashboard 56 of the instrument panel assembly 52. ​​Additionally, by positioning the center seat assembly 72 in this way, the occupant of the center seat assembly 72 can be provided with greater legroom compared to the case where the vehicle seat assembly 68 is configured as a conventional bench seat (where the various seating positions form a generally continuous L-shape). The seat cushion 120 may include cushion holes 172. The cushion holes 172 can serve as HVAC outlets to provide heated and / or cooled air to the occupants of the outer seat assemblies 76. Alternatively or additionally, the cushion holes 172 may allow access to the latching system of a child car seat.

[0068] Refer again Figure 6 and Figure 7 Although Figure 6 The image depicts the first row of seats 44, but it is conceivable that the vehicle seating arrangement 68 could be similarly applied to the second row of seats 48, see [reference]. Figure 7 .exist Figure 7 In the diagram, the seat back cushion 124 on the inner side of the outer seat assembly 76 is shown in an extended position to serve as an armrest 144. The extension of the armrest 144 is achieved by pivoting the seat back cushion 124 from a generally vertical retracted position to the generally horizontal use position depicted here. In some examples, the armrest 144 can be extended by pivoting and vertically moving the seat back cushion 124. The pivoting and vertical movements can occur simultaneously or sequentially. For example, in… Figure 7 In the depicted embodiment, rotating the seat back cushion 124 from its stowed position simultaneously activates the vertical movement of the seat back cushion 124. Alternatively, the seat back cushion 124 can be actuated in a pivoting direction as an armrest 144, and then vertically actuated by the user to a preferred height.

[0069] Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, in some examples, the vehicle seating assembly 68 may include two outer seat assemblies 76 separated by a center console 176. The center console 176 may include one or more storage compartments 180. The outer seat assemblies 76 may include armrests 144 located on the inside of the seat back 84. The armrests 144 may be rotatably coupled to the seat back 84, allowing the armrests 144 to travel within a rotation angle of up to about 180 degrees. Thus, the armrests 144 may be used by the occupants of the outer seat assemblies 76 when the armrests 144 are rotated forward about 90 degrees for use by the occupants of the outer seat assemblies 76. In some examples, the armrests 144 may be rotated rearward about 90 degrees, allowing rear passengers to use the armrests 144 as a storage surface to place objects on it. The armrests 144 may include one or more storage solutions, such as cup holders, storage boxes, mobile device storage compartments, and / or combinations thereof. It is conceivable that one or more storage solutions may be provided on the top and / or bottom surfaces of the armrest 144 such that the storage solutions can be used when the armrest 144 is rotated forward and / or backward by approximately 90 degrees.

[0070] refer to Figure 10The vehicle seating unit 68 is depicted as a first-row seat 44 and has an additional function attached to the underside of a seat 80 connected to a central seat assembly 72. This additional function may be referred to as a retractable element 184. The retractable element 184 extends from the front end 156 of the central seat assembly 72. The retractable element 184 may be equipped with a deployable cup holder, device retainer, work surface, thigh support extension, universal storage solution, and / or combinations thereof. The retractable element 184 may be a substantially continuous surface, comprising one or more of the cup holder, device retainer, work surface, thigh support extension, and universal storage solution.

[0071] refer to Figure 11 The first-row seats 44 can be supported on a central platform 188 located below the central seat assembly 72. The central platform 188 allows items to be stored longitudinally along the floor 168 of the vehicle 40. The central platform 188 can be fully positioned below the central seat assembly 72. Alternatively, the central platform 188 can extend at least partially into the area below the outer seat assemblies 76. The first-row seats 44 (which are one of the vehicle seating assemblies 68) can move as a single unit and can be slidably coupled to the central platform 188, allowing the entire first-row seats 44 to move longitudinally in the fore-and-aft direction. In some examples, the seat backs 84 of the vehicle seating assembly 68 can move as a single unit, such that tilting and / or reclining of one of the central seat assemblies 72 or the outer seat assemblies 76 can cause tilting and / or reclining of the remaining seat assemblies. In alternative examples, the seat backs 84 of the vehicle seating assembly 68 can be fixed relative to the seats 80, such that the pitch angle of the seat backs 84 relative to the seats 80 remains constant. A control panel 132 may be provided on the rear side 128 of the first-row seats 44, located on the rear side of the center seat assembly 72 in the upper part 192 of the center seat assembly 72. The vehicle seat assembly 68 may be provided with HVAC ducts that guide conditioned air (e.g., heated or cooled air) from the upper part 192 of the rear side 128 of the vehicle seat assembly 68 to the rear of the vehicle seat assembly 68. The control panel 132 allows passengers seated in the second-row seats 48 to control various functions related to their user experience. For example, the control panel 132 can be used to adjust comfort settings, HVAC settings, media connectivity, audio output, general comfort settings, general entertainment settings, and / or combinations thereof.

[0072] Now for reference Figure 12 and Figure 13An alternative embodiment of the vehicle seat assembly 68 depicts a central seat assembly 72 having a seat 80 and a seat back 84 that are vertically and longitudinally aligned with the seat 80 and seat back 84 of the outer seat assemblies 76. A headrest 88 on the central seat assembly 72 is attached to the upper portion of the seat back 84. When the seat back 84 of the central seat assembly 72 is in a forward-tilted position ( Figure 13 One or more cup holders 136 may be made accessible to the occupants of the outer seat assembly 76. The cup holders 136 are located behind the headrest 88. The seat back storage area 196 is located on the rear side of the seat back 84 and is accessible by actuating the seat back storage cover 200.

[0073] refer to Figure 14 The central seat assembly 72 is shown in a stowed position, with the seat back 84 pivoting toward the seat 80 to a forward-tilted position, while the seat 80 (which houses one of the storage areas 92) is in an extended position. In the depicted configuration, the central seat assembly 72 is equipped with multiple storage solutions. In some examples, the central seat assembly 72 may include at least three independently accessible storage areas 92. For example, the central seat assembly 72 may be equipped with five independently accessible storage areas 92. In various examples, the central seat assembly 72 may be provided with at least two storage areas 92 that are accessible to a user located behind the central seat assembly 72. The depicted storage solutions include, but are not limited to, a storage box 96, a cup holder 136, a media storage area 148, a seat back storage area 196, and a rear compartment 204. The storage box 96 may be accessible when the seat 80 is in the extended position and the seat back is in the forward-tilted position. The storage box 96 can be used to store large items such as jumper cables 208. A cup holder 136 may be positioned in a storage area 92 located under the seat 80. Alternatively, the cup holder 136 may be positioned along the bottom edge 212 of the seat back 84, such that a rear passenger can use the cup holder 136 when the seat back 84 is in a reclined position. The cup holder 136 located on the bottom edge 212 of the seat back 84 may be deployably attached to the bottom edge 212 in a manner that does not interfere with the rotation of the seat back 84 when the central seat assembly 72 is in the use position. In an alternative example, the cup holder 136 positioned along the bottom edge 212 of the seat back 84 may be fixedly attached to the seat back 84 and configured to allow rotational movement of the seat back 84 relative to the seat 80. In other words, the cup holder 136 attached to the bottom edge 212 may be rigidly integrally formed to the seat back 84 in a manner that does not interfere with the normal operation of the central seat assembly 72.

[0074] Refer again Figure 14The media storage area 148 may be located under the seat 80 and near a similarly positioned cup holder 136. The media storage area 148 may be used, for example, to store a user's mobility device 216. When the seat 80 is in at least one of an extended or retracted position, the structure defining the cup holder 136 on the underside of the seat 80 may provide support for the seat 80. For example, when the seat 80 is in the retracted position, the support surface 220 of the cup holder 136 located on the underside of the seat 80 may directly abut the front wall 224 of the storage compartment 96, such that the support surface 220 may transfer at least some of the load of an occupant seated in the central seat assembly 72 to the support structure 100 defining the storage compartment 96. When an occupant is seated in the seat 80, the seat 80 may additionally or alternatively be supported by a support lip 228 disposed in at least a portion of the support structure 100. When the seat 80 is in the depicted extended position, the support surface 220 of the cup holder 136 may abut against the outer wall 232 of the support structure 100, such that items stored in the cup holder 136 and / or the media storage area 148 may be supported at least partially by transferring the load from the seat 80 to the support structure 100.

[0075] Further reference Figure 14 In some examples, when seat 80 is in the extended position, the front end 156 of seat 80 may directly abut the outer wall 232, such that support is provided and load is substantially transferred from seat 80 to support structure 100. Seat back storage area 196 may be covered by seat back storage cover 200. Seat back storage area 196 can be used to store, for example, readily accessible items such as personal safety devices 236. Rear compartment 204 may be accessible only to rear seat passengers and can be used to store any number of items. For example, electronic entertainment devices 240 may be stored in rear compartment 204. Rear compartment 204 may be pivotally coupled to support structure 100. The upper wall 244 of rear compartment 204 may be defined by at least a portion of seat 80. For example, seat panel 248 may be disposed between seat back 84 and support structure 100. Seat panel 248 may have a support lip 228 integrally formed therewith. Alternatively or alternatively, the seat panel 248 may be at least partially padded on its upper surface, so that the occupant of the central seat assembly 72 is provided with a substantially continuous padded surface to sit on when the central seat assembly 72 is in the use position.

[0076] Now for reference Figures 15 to 17 The seat 80 of the central seat assembly 72 can extend longitudinally relative to the seat back 84 in the forward direction of the vehicle. Therefore, the seat 80 can be in a longitudinally retracted position ( Figure 15 ) and longitudinal extension position ( Figure 16Operation between the two. When seat 80 is in the longitudinally retracted position, the occupant can utilize the central seat assembly 72 in a conventional manner. Alternatively, when seat 80 of the central seat assembly 72 is in the longitudinally extended position, then the user (such as the occupant of the outer seat assembly 76) can utilize the storage compartment 96 located below seat 80. Although some examples may utilize the support structure 100 depicted and described in the preceding figures ( Figure 14 However, alternative examples (such as...) can be envisioned. Figures 15 to 17 The examples shown) can expose from seat 80 to vehicle 40 ( Figure 1 The seat 80 has a straight passageway in the base plate 168. In other words, when the user actuates the seat 80 from the longitudinally retracted position to the longitudinally extended position, the user can be exposed to the carpeted surface of the base plate 168, on which items can be stored. In such an example, the seat cushion 120 of the outer seat assembly 76 can act as a side wall of the storage compartment 96. When the seat 80 is placed in the longitudinally extended position to expose the storage compartment 96, the user can place one or more items (such as a backpack 252 or tool bag) in the exposed storage compartment 96. In various examples, at least one of the center seat assembly 72 and the outer seat assembly 76 may have a pocket 256 on the vehicle-facing surface of the seat back 84. The pocket 256 can be used to store various items, such as one or more documents 260 that the user may want to have readily available. For example, documents 260 may be vehicle registration documents, maps, shopping lists, insurance certificates, etc.

[0077] refer to Figure 18 According to one example, the central seat assembly 72 is shown in a forward-tilted position. The rear surface of the seat back 84 is equipped with one or more cup holders 136 and a media storage area 148. The rear surface of the seat back 84 is also equipped with a pivotable panel 264 that can pivot between a rearward pivoting position and a forward pivoting position. Figure 18 As shown, the pivotable panel 264 is in a rearward pivoted position. In some examples, the pivotable panel 264 may be padded on one or more sides, allowing it to function as a padded armrest regardless of its position. Alternatively, the pivotable panel 264 may be slidably attached to the seat back 84, allowing it to be slidably actuated between a rearward pivoted position and a forward pivoted position.

[0078] Referring to Figures 19A and 19B, the first-row seats 44 are depicted with the steering wheel 60 positioned in front of one of the outer seat assemblies 76. The headrest 88 on the center seat assembly 72 is actuated between a lowered position (Figure 19A) and a raised position (Figure 19B). Therefore, the headrest 88 can be adjusted for occupants of various heights, or, when the center seat assembly 72 is not occupied, the headrest 88 can be actuated to a lowered position so that the driver's view is unobstructed when operating the vehicle 40.

[0079] Now for reference Figure 20 The vehicle seating assembly 68 includes a central seat assembly 72 and outer seat assemblies 76. A headrest 88 is actuable between a lowered position and a raised position. As the headrest 88 actuates between the lowered and raised positions, a safety restraint device 112 can travel with the headrest 88 to accommodate occupants of various body types. The depicted safety restraint device 112 may be referred to as a five-point harness, which can be used to securely fasten a child, for example, to the central seat assembly 72. In various examples, the five-point harness may be at least partially removed to better accommodate passengers larger than children. For example, the five-point harness may include a first shoulder portion 268 and a second shoulder portion 268, a first hip portion 272 and a second hip portion 272, and a central lumbar portion 276. To adapt the five-point harness from a configuration designed for child occupants to one more suitable for passengers larger than children, the first shoulder portion 268, the second shoulder portion 268, and the central lumbar portion 276 can be retracted into the seat back 84 and the seat 80, respectively, so that the first hip portion 272 and the second hip portion 272 remain as lumbar safety restraints. In another example, one of the first shoulder portion 268 and the second shoulder portion 268, and one of the first hip portion 272 and the second hip portion 272, can be retracted into the seat back 84 and the seat 80, respectively. Next, the central lumbar portion 276 can be retracted into the seat 80, thus maintaining a diagonal safety restraint for the occupant. It is conceivable that, alternatively, components of the five-point harness could be completely removed to obtain various configurations of the safety restraint device 112, rather than retracting into the seat 80 or the seat back 84.

[0080] Now for reference Figure 21 In another example, the outer seat assembly 76 is depicted as having a center console 176. In the depicted example, the center console 176 may be substantially flat with the top surface of the seat 80 of the outer seat assembly 76. The center console 176 is equipped with one or more cup holders 136 and a sliding portion 280. The top surface of the sliding portion 280 may be padded to increase the potential comfort of the occupants of the vehicle seating arrangement 68. The sliding portion 280 can be in a rearward direction from a closed position ( Figure 21The sliding portion 280 is actuated to the open position. When in the open position, the sliding portion 280 may expose one or more storage areas 92, or provide a surface or footrest for passengers seated behind the first row of seats 44 to store items.

[0081] Now for reference Figure 22 and Figure 23 The rear side 128 of the first-row seat 44 may include additional functionality. For example, the rear side 128 of the seat back 84 may include a large storage sleeve 284 with openings at the top and bottom, allowing large items to be stored between the storage sleeve 284 and the rear side 128 of the seat back 84. Large items may include, for example, a skateboard 288 or other large items that the user wishes to keep. The storage sleeve 284 is operatively coupled to the seat back 84. The seat back 84 may include a recessed area 292 located in the rear side 128 of the seat back 84 to accommodate the storage of large items in the storage sleeve 284. When the item is not stored in the storage sleeve 284, the recessed area 292 can be used as a footrest by a rear passenger. In some examples, the storage sleeve 284 may be closed at the bottom, allowing the recessed area 292 to remain accessible to a rear passenger as a footrest, regardless of whether the item is stored in the storage sleeve 284.

[0082] refer to Figure 24 The vehicle seating arrangement 68 generally follows the style of the instrument panel assembly 52, dashboard 56, and / or entertainment interface 64 of the vehicle 40. For example, the front end 156 of the center seat assembly 72 (first seat assembly) may be rearwardly displaced relative to the front end 156 of at least one of the outer seat assemblies 76 (second and third seat assemblies). Therefore, occupants seated in the center seat assembly 72 receive greater legroom compared to situations where the seat arrangement 68 provides a linear front end 156. Additionally, by positioning the center seat assembly 72 at a higher and more rearward H-point than the outer seat assemblies 76, additional lateral space is provided for the occupants of the vehicle seating arrangement 68. For example, occupants of the outer seat assemblies 76 can avoid placing their shoulders on the shoulders of passengers in the center seat assembly 72, as the occupants of the center seat assembly 72 are seated more longitudinally rearward in the vehicle 40 than the occupants of the outer seat assemblies 76.

[0083] Now for reference Figure 25The vehicle seat assembly (such as the center seat assembly 72 and / or the outer seat assembly 76) may include one or more pads 296 that are removable from components of the vehicle seat assembly (e.g., seat 80, seat frame, seat bracket, seat back 84, seat back frame, seat back bracket, and / or combinations thereof). The pad 296 includes a first side 300 and a second side 304. The first side 300 may be padded, while the second side 304 is provided with at least one of storage areas 92. The first side 300 and the second side 304 may be opposite each other. In other words, the conversion of the pad 296 from the first side 300 to the second side 304 may be achieved, for example, by at least partially removing the pad 296 from a cavity 308 in which the pad 296 is fitted. In some examples, the pad 296 is transferred from the first side 300 to the second side 304 by completely removing the pad 296 from the cavity 308, rotating the pad 296 180 degrees, and placing the pad 296 back into the cavity 308. After the pad 296 is transferred from the first side 300 to the second side 304, at least one storage area 92 is presented to the user. In some examples, the style of the vehicle seat assembly can remain the same when the pad 296 is oriented such that the second side 304 is presented to the user as when the pad 296 is oriented such that the first side 300 is presented to the user. Therefore, the style of the vehicle seat assembly can remain the same regardless of whether the first side 300 or the second side 304 is presented to the user. In various examples, the pad 296 can be located in at least one of the seat 80 and the seat back 84. In some examples, the pad 296 is located in both the seat 80 and the seat back 84. One or more storage areas 92 may include, but are not limited to, a storage box 96, at least one cup holder 136, a media storage area 148, a pocket 256, and / or combinations thereof. It is conceivable that the pad 296 may be completely removed from the associated cavity 308, making the cavity 308 available for storing items (similar to the storage box 96). In some examples, items may be stored in the cavity 308, and the pad 296 may then be placed within the cavity 308 to provide safe, secure, and concealed storage of the items. In various examples, the pad 296 may be equipped with a working surface 312. The storage area 92 may also include a retractable storage area 316 located in a structure adjacent to the rear side of the seat back 84 adjacent to the seat 80. The storage box 96 and / or cavity 308 may be illuminated by a light source 320.

[0084] Modifications to this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, as well as to those who make or use the concepts disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described above are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, which is defined by the claims as interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law (including the doctrine of equivalents).

[0085] Those skilled in the art will understand that the described concepts and other components are not limited to any particular material. Unless otherwise stated herein, other exemplary embodiments of the concepts disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials.

[0086] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connection" (in all its forms, link, linked, connected, etc.) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are directly or indirectly connected to each other. Such a connection may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such a connection may be achieved using two components (electrical or mechanical), and any additional intermediate component may form a single whole with or with the two components. Unless otherwise stated, such a connection may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or detachable in nature.

[0087] It is equally important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of this disclosure as illustrated in the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. While only a few embodiments of the invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions, parameter values, mounting arrangements, materials used, orientations, etc.) of the various elements without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter. For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed; the operation of the interface may be reversed or otherwise varied; the length or width of the structure and / or components, or connectors or other elements of the system, may be altered; and the nature or number of adjustable positions provided between the elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or components of the system may be constructed from any of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in terms of the design, operation, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of this invention.

[0088] It should be understood that any described process or step within a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form a structure within the scope of this disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as restrictive.

[0089] It should also be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the foregoing structures and methods without departing from the concepts of this disclosure, and that such concepts are intended to be covered by the appended claims unless those claims expressly state otherwise in their language.

[0090] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly is provided, comprising: a first seat assembly and a second seat assembly, each having a seat and a seat back; the surface of the seat of the first seat assembly is perpendicularly positioned above the surface of the seat of the second seat assembly; and the front end of the first seat assembly is rearwardly displaced relative to the front end of the second seat assembly.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly are adjacent to each other.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly is continuous, such that the entire vehicle seat assembly moves as a single unit in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the headrest of the first seat assembly can extend and retract in the vertical direction.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the first seat assembly is equipped with a five-point seat belt.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the first seat assembly is equipped with a retractable element that extends from the front end of the first seat assembly.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly is provided with an HVAC duct that guides HVAC air from the upper rear side of the vehicle seat assembly to the rear of the vehicle seat assembly.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the seat of the first seat assembly can extend away from the seat back of the first seat assembly to expose the storage compartment.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the seat backs of the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly are fixed relative to the seat, such that the pitch angle of the seat back relative to the seat remains constant.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the first seat assembly includes at least three independently accessible storage compartments.

[0100] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly is provided, the vehicle seat assembly having:

[0101] A seat; a seat back; at least three independently accessible storage areas, wherein the seat is pivotally connected to a support structure at the rear of its front end, and wherein a cup holder operably connected to the underside of the seat provides support for the seat when the seat is in at least one of an extended or retracted position.

[0102] According to one embodiment, when the seat is in both the extended and retracted positions, a cup holder operatively attached to the underside of the seat provides support for the seat.

[0103] According to one embodiment, at least three independently accessible storage areas comprise five storage areas.

[0104] According to one embodiment, at least two of the storage areas are accessible to a user located behind the vehicle seat assembly.

[0105] According to one embodiment, at least three storage areas include a storage compartment located directly beneath the seat when the seat is in the retracted position, and wherein the storage compartment is accessible when the seat is in the extended position and the seat back is in the forward-tilted position.

[0106] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly is provided having: a seat; a seat back; and one or more pads removable from the components of the vehicle seat assembly and having a padded first side and a second side with at least one storage area, wherein the pads are switched from the first side to the second side by completely removing the pads from the cavity, rotating the pads 180 degrees and placing the pads back into the cavity.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the style of the vehicle seat assembly remains the same regardless of whether the first side or the second side is presented to the user.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the component from which the padding can be removed is at least one of the seat and the seat back.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the padding is located in both the seat and the seat back.

[0110] According to one embodiment, at least one storage area includes at least one cup holder.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising: A first seat assembly and a second seat assembly, the first seat assembly being referred to as a central seat assembly and the second seat assembly being referred to as an outer seat assembly, the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly having a seat and a seat back; The surface of the seat in the first seat assembly is perpendicularly positioned above the surface of the seat in the second seat assembly; and The front end of the first seat assembly is moved rearward relative to the front end of the second seat assembly.

2. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly are adjacent to each other.

3. The vehicle seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle seat assembly is continuous, such that the entire vehicle seat assembly moves as a single unit in the fore-and-aft direction.

4. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the headrest of the first seat assembly is extendable and retractable in a vertical direction.

5. The vehicle seat assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first seat assembly is equipped with a five-point seat belt.

6. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first seat assembly is equipped with a retractable element extending from the front end of the first seat assembly.

7. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the vehicle seat assembly is provided with an HVAC duct that guides HVAC air from the upper rear side of the vehicle seat assembly toward the rear of the vehicle seat assembly.

8. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat of the first seat assembly is extendable away from the seat back of the first seat assembly to expose the storage compartment.

9. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat backrests of the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly are fixed relative to the seat such that the pitch angle of the seat backrest relative to the seat remains constant.

10. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first seat assembly includes at least three independently accessible storage compartments.

11. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising: cavity; One or more pads are fitted into the cavity, the one or more pads being removable and having a first padded side and a second side with at least one storage area, wherein the pad is switched from the first side to the second side by completely removing the pad from the cavity, rotating the pad 180 degrees, and placing the pad back into the cavity.

12. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 11, wherein the style of the vehicle seat assembly remains the same regardless of whether the first side or the second side is presented to the user.

13. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 11, wherein the cushion is located in at least one of the seat and the seat back.

14. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 13, wherein the cushion is located in both the seat and the seat back.

15. A vehicle having a vehicle seat assembly according to any one of claims 1-10.

16. A vehicle having a vehicle seat assembly according to any one of claims 11-14.

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