Seat back and adjustable platform assembly

Abstract

According to example aspects of the present disclosure, a method and an apparatus generally include a seat back movable between an upright position and a folded position, and a platform coupled to the seat back by a support mechanism such that the platform is movable between a plurality of use positions when the seat back is in the folded position. The support mechanism includes at least one member selectively detached from the platform to provide at least one of the plurality of use positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a vehicle seat including an adjustable platform assembly. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a platform connected to a seat back via a support mechanism. When the seat back is in a folded position, the platform can move between multiple usage positions. Background Technology

[0002] Passengers require greater flexibility in terms of usable space within the vehicle. Providing additional storage or workspace in the passenger compartment can be challenging. Depending on the different vehicle seating configurations, the available space for providing useful work surfaces may be limited. Solutions to improve and increase this space are constantly being sought. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a seat back that is movable between an upright position and a folded position, and a platform coupled to the seat back via a support mechanism such that the platform is movable between a plurality of use positions when the seat back is in the folded position. The support mechanism includes at least one component selectively detachable from the platform to provide at least one of the plurality of use positions.

[0004] In another non-limiting embodiment of the aforementioned device, the multiple usage positions include at least a stowed position, a (work) table position, and an upright position.

[0005] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices, when in an upright position, at least one component is detached from the platform.

[0006] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices, the seat back provides a seat back surface that, when in a folded position, is generally parallel to the ground plane; and wherein, when in a stowed position, the platform is generally parallel to and abuts against the seat back surface; when in a platform position, the platform is generally parallel to and spaced apart from the seat back surface; and when in an upright position, the platform is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the seat back surface.

[0007] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned devices, the platform includes at least a base portion and a foldable portion that pivots relative to the base portion, and said plurality of use positions further include at least an upward-flipped position, wherein the foldable portion pivots upright relative to the base portion to provide a support bracket.

[0008] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned devices, at least when the seat is in the stowed position or the table position (workbench position), the flip-up portion can be selectively moved to the flip-up position.

[0009] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned devices, the plurality of use positions further include at least an extended storage position, wherein at least one component is detached from the platform and the platform pivots beyond the upright position to the extended storage position.

[0010] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned devices, the platform includes a first surface facing the seat back surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and includes at least one latching member on the first surface that selectively engages at least one member to the platform.

[0011] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices, at least one latching member is configured to also provide a retaining feature that can hold the bag or secure a movable object when the platform is in an upright position.

[0012] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned devices, the support mechanism includes a first linkage mechanism and a second linkage mechanism separate from the first linkage mechanism. One end of the first linkage mechanism is pivotally connected to a seat back, and its opposite end is pivotally connected to a platform. One end of the second linkage mechanism is pivotally connected to the seat back, and its other end is pivotally and detachably connected to the platform to include at least one component detachable from the platform.

[0013] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices, the second linkage mechanism includes a single rod having a U-shaped or C-shaped form.

[0014] Another exemplary aspect of the method according to this disclosure mainly includes: providing a seat back that is movable between an upright position and a folded position; attaching a platform to the seat back via a support mechanism such that the platform is movable between a plurality of use positions when the seat back is in the folded position; and selectively detaching at least one component of the support mechanism from the platform to provide at least one of the plurality of use positions.

[0015] In another non-limiting embodiment of the aforementioned method, the support mechanism includes a first linkage mechanism and a second linkage mechanism separate from the first linkage mechanism, and the method further includes pivotally connecting one end of the first linkage mechanism to a seat back and pivotally connecting the opposite end of the first linkage mechanism to a platform, and pivotally connecting one end of the second linkage mechanism to the seat back and pivotally and detachably connecting the opposite end of the second linkage mechanism to the platform, thereby including at least one component detachable from the platform.

[0016] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the seat back provides a seat back surface that, when in a folded position, is generally parallel to the ground plane, and the plurality of use positions include at least a stowed position, a table position (workbench position), and an upright position. The method further includes, when in the stowed position, engaging a platform against the seat back surface such that the platform is generally parallel to the seat back surface; when in the folded position, lifting the platform away from the seat back surface such that, when in the table position, the platform is generally parallel to and spaced apart from the seat back surface; and pivoting the platform relative to the seat back surface and removing at least one component from the platform such that, when in the upright position, the platform is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the seat back surface.

[0017] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the platform includes at least a base portion and a foldable portion pivoting relative to the base portion, and wherein multiple use positions further include at least an upward-flipped position and / or an extended storage position, and the method further includes pivoting the foldable portion upright relative to the base portion to provide a support bracket, and realizing the upward-flipped position when in a stowed position or a platform position, and / or removing at least one component from the platform and pivoting the platform beyond the upright position to the extended storage position.

[0018] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives described in the foregoing paragraphs, claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their aspects or corresponding individual features, may be employed independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment may be applied to all embodiments unless these features are incompatible. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Through detailed implementation, those skilled in the art will clearly understand the various features and advantages of the disclosed examples. The accompanying drawings accompanying the detailed implementation section can be briefly described as follows:

[0020] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of an example vehicle with a seating configuration;

[0021] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A diagram showing the vehicle seats in an upright position;

[0022] Figure 2A It is a perspective view of the vehicle seats in the folded position, including the adjustable platform in the stowed position;

[0023] Figure 2B This shows the vehicle in its flip-up position when the seats are folded down and the adjustable platform is stowed. Figure 2A The seats shown;

[0024] Figure 2C It shows the position of the platform. Figure 2A The seat shown provides a working surface;

[0025] Figure 2D The image shows seat 2A in the upward-flipped position when the vehicle seat is folded down and the platform is in the platform position;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A The diagram shows a side view of the seat, with the platform shown in several different usage positions;

[0027] Figure 4A A support mechanism is shown. Figure 2A The seat shown has a support mechanism that includes at least one component that can be selectively detached from the platform to provide an upright use position;

[0028] Figure 4B This illustrates the situation when the vehicle seat is folded down and the removable components of the support mechanism are stowed away. Figure 4A The seat shown has the platform in an upright position; and

[0029] Figure 4C It is similar to Figure 4B The view shows the platform in the extended storage position, where the platform has pivoted beyond the upright position to the extended storage position. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This disclosure details an exemplary vehicle seat including an adjustable platform assembly. In one example, the disclosure details a platform coupled to a seat back via a support mechanism such that the platform is movable between multiple usage positions when the seat back is in a folded position, and wherein the support mechanism includes at least one component selectively detachable from the platform to provide at least one of the multiple usage positions.

[0031] Figure 1A A vehicle 10 with multiple seats 12 in an example seating configuration is shown. A dashboard 14 supports a steering wheel 16 on the driver's side. A center console 18 separates the driver's seat 12a from the front passenger seat 12b. The vehicle 10 also includes rear passenger seats 12c located behind the driver's seat 12a and the passenger seats 12b, respectively. In the example shown, the rear passenger seats 12c are long seats; however, two separate rear seats may also be provided. Depending on the vehicle configuration, additional rows of rear seats may also be provided behind the rear passenger seats 12c.

[0032] Each vehicle seat 12 can be in an upright position ( Figure 1B ) and folding position ( Figure 2A Move between ). Figure 1B The front passenger seat 12b and the rear passenger seat 12c, both in an upright position, are shown. Each seat 12 has a seat back 20 and a seat cushion 22, which is mounted to the vehicle floor 24 via a seat rail 28.

[0033] Figure 2A An example of a front passenger seat 12b is shown, wherein the seat back 20 is folded down over the seat cushion 22 to provide a folded position. A platform 30 is coupled to the seat back 20 by means of a support mechanism 32, such that the platform 30 is movable between multiple usage positions when the seat back 20 is in the folded position. The support mechanism 32 includes at least one component selectively detachable from the platform 30 to provide at least one of the multiple usage positions.

[0034] In one example, multiple usage locations of platform 30 include at least a collapsed location ( Figure 2A ), Platform position ( Figure 2C ) and upright position ( Figure 4B Additional usage positions include the upward flip position (). Figure 2B and 2D ) and extended storage locations ( Figure 4C Each of these positions is only available when the seat back 20 is folded onto the seat cushion 22. By placing the seat 12 in the folded position, the amount of available workspace and / or storage space is significantly increased.

[0035] like Figure 2C As shown in one example, the seat back 20 includes a recessed area 34 that, when folded up, receives the platform 30 and the support mechanism 32. The outermost surface portion 36 of the seat back 20 transitions into the recessed area via a wall 38. When the platform 30 is positioned in the recessed area 34, the seat back 20 and the platform 30 provide a generally flat surface.

[0036] When seat 12 is in the folded position, seat back 20 provides a position approximately parallel to the ground plane G. Figure 1B The seat back surface 40 includes a recessed area 34 on the seat surface. When in a position such as... Figure 2A In the folded position shown, platform 30 is generally parallel to and abuts against the seat back surface 40 within the recessed area 34. Therefore, when platform 30 is in the folded position, platform 30 is generally flush with the outermost surface portion 36 of seat back 20. This prevents platform 30 from protruding into the rear passenger area when seat 12 is in the upright position.

[0037] When in such a situation Figure 2CIn the table position (workbench position) shown, platform 30 is generally parallel to and spaced apart from the seat back surface 40. When platform 30 is pivoted to the table position, platform 30 extends slightly rearward from the end of the folded seat back 20. This provides a working surface for rear passengers. When in the position as shown... Figure 4B In the upright position shown, the platform 30 is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the seat back surface 40. When in the upright position, the platform 30 can be oriented perpendicular to the folded seat back 20 or tilted towards the folded seat back 20.

[0038] Figure 4B The stop or locking adjustment feature 26a, schematically shown, can be used to hold the platform relative to the seat back 20 at a desired angle. It may also include... Figure 2C The stop or locking adjustment feature 26b, schematically shown, positions the platform 30 at different heights because the platform always remains level due to the nature of the linkage of the support mechanism 32. For example, the stop or locking adjustment features 26, 26b can be friction-type or mechanical, with disengagement.

[0039] In one example, platform 30 includes at least a base portion 42 and a reversible portion 44 pivotable relative to the base portion 42. The reversible portion 44 includes a pivoting connector 46 at one edge, and the opposing edge 48 is selectively oriented in a stowed position. Figure 2A and Figure 2C ) and flip up position ( Figure 2B and 2D The platform 30 moves between the base portion 42 and the flip-up portion 44 when in the retracted position, providing a flat workspace area when in the platform position. Figure 2C When in the upward-flipped position, the flip-up portion 44 is perpendicular to the base portion 42 or forms a non-zero angle with the base portion 42. The platform 30 includes a locking element or latch 50 that secures the flip-up portion 44 to the base portion 42. Any type of locking or latching mechanism can be used for securing it, such as a (press-down) button, a rotating mechanism, or a sliding mechanism. To provide the upward-flipped position, the flip-up portion 44 is pivoted upright relative to the base portion 42 via a pivoting connector 46 to provide a support for books, magazines, or electronic devices such as tablets, mobile phones, tablets, etc. At least when the seat 12 is in the folded position ( Figure 2B ) or platform position ( Figure 2D When the pivoting member 46 is in the upward flip position, the flip-up portion 44 can be selectively moved to the upward flip position. The pivoting member 46 is configured such that the flip-up portion 44 can be held in a fixed position when it is in the upward flip position.

[0040] The support mechanism 32 of platform 30 is in Figure 3The diagram is shown in more detail below. Platform 30 is shown at 52 in a retracted position, at 54 in a table position, at 56 (table position) and 58 (retracted position) in an upward-flipped position, at 60 in an upright position, and at 62 in an extended storage position. As described above, the support mechanism 32 includes at least one detachable component of platform 30 to provide at least one of a plurality of usage positions. In one example, at least one component is detached from platform 30 to provide an upright position 60.

[0041] In one example, the support mechanism 32 includes a first link assembly 64 having a first end 66 pivotally connected to a seat back 20 and an opposing second end 68 pivotally connected to a platform 30. The first end 66 has a pivotal connection 70 to the seat back 20, and the second end 68 has a pivotal connection 72 to the platform 30. The pivot connections 70 and 72 may include hinges or any other type of pivoting mechanism, and these connections are non-removable. In one example, the first link assembly 64 has a first arm 64a and a second arm 64b. Figure 4A Each of these components is attached to the platform 30 via a pivot connector 72 and to the seat back 20 via a pivot connector 72. Alternatively, a single U-shaped bar or C-shaped bar can be used.

[0042] The support mechanism 32 also includes a second linkage assembly 74 separate from the first linkage assembly 64. The second linkage assembly 74 has a first end 76 pivotally connected to the seat back 20 and an opposing second end 78 pivotally and detachably connected to the platform 30, to include at least one component detachable from the platform 30. The first end 76 has a pivoting connection 80 to the seat back 20, while the second end 78 has a pivoting connection 82 to the platform 30. The pivoting connections 80 and 82 may include hinges or any other type of pivoting mechanism. The pivoting connection 80 is a non-detachable connection, while the pivoting connection 82 is a selectively detachable connection.

[0043] In one example, platform 30 includes a first surface 84 facing seat back surface 40 and a second surface 86 opposite to the first surface 84. When platform 30 is in the stowed position 52 or the table position 54, the second surface 86 includes a working surface area and surrounds the base portion 42 and the flip-up portion 44. When platform 30 is in the upright position 60 or the extended storage position 62, the first surface 84 includes a working surface or a support surface. One or more locking or latching members 88 are provided on the first surface 84, which selectively engage the second link assembly 74 to platform 30. Any type of locking or latching member 88 can be used to selectively engage the second link assembly 74 to platform 30. For example, the locking or latching member 88 may be a resilient clamp in which the rod of the second link assembly 74 is pressed into and pulled out of the clamp. In one example, the gripper includes at least one arm 90 that flexes outward from an initial position when the rod is pressed into the opening between the arm 90 and the platform 30, and then returns to the initial position to securely hold the rod to the platform 30 once the rod is fully received within the opening. The reverse process occurs when the rod is pulled out of the opening to detach the second link assembly 74 from the platform 30.

[0044] In one example, the second link assembly 74 includes a single link having a U-shaped or C-shaped shape. Figures 4A-4C Alternatively, the two individual rods can be attached to the platform separately; however, the single-rod configuration can be disassembled by a single operation, rather than by two separate operations for the two rods.

[0045] In one example, at least one locking or latching member 88 is configured to additionally provide a retaining feature when the platform 30 is in a position such as Figure 4B In the upright position shown, the retaining feature can hold a bag or secure a movable object (schematically shown at 92). For example, the handle of a bag or other type of item can be held within or suspended from the gripper. The upright position 60 can also provide additional storage space for items such as suitcases, boxes, sports equipment, etc. In this position, the second linkage assembly 74 is folded into a stowed position within the seat back 20. A channel or recess 94 can be provided within the seat back 20. Figure 2D The second link assembly 74 is received in the retracted position, such that the second link assembly 74 is approximately flush with the seat back surface 40.

[0046] like Figure 4CAs shown, the multiple usage positions also include an extended storage position, in which the second linkage assembly 74 is detached (disengaged) from the platform 30, and the platform 30 pivots beyond the upright position 60 to the extended storage position 62. In this position, the platform 30 is approximately parallel to the ground plane G. The extended storage position provides at least two additional beneficial features. First, a flat surface extends in front of the seat 12 to provide a longer support surface than when the platform 30 is in the retracted position. This allows for the placement of longer items, such as skis, golf clubs, building materials, etc., within the vehicle 10. Second, a concealed storage area 96 is provided beneath the extended platform 30 between the vehicle floor 24 and the platform 30, and in the area where passengers rest their feet. This allows items to be placed within the concealed storage area 96, making them invisible from the outside of the vehicle 10.

[0047] A method for moving platform 30 between multiple different usage positions is also disclosed. Vehicle seat 20 is configured to be in an upright position ( Figure 1B ) and folding position ( Figure 2A The method also includes connecting the platform 30 to the seat back 20 via a support mechanism 32, such that the platform 30 can move between multiple use positions when the seat back 20 is in a folded position; and selectively removing at least one component of the support mechanism 32 from the platform 30 to provide at least one of the multiple use positions. The support mechanism 32 includes a first linkage mechanism 64 and a second linkage mechanism 74 separate from the first linkage mechanism 64, i.e., the linkages are not attached to or connected to each other.

[0048] The additional steps include: pivotally connecting one end of the first linkage 64 to the seat back 20 and pivotally connecting the opposite end of the first linkage 64 to the platform 30, and pivotally connecting one end of the second linkage 74 to the seat back 20 and pivotally and detachably connecting the opposite end of the second linkage 74 to the platform 30, to include at least one component detachable from the platform 30.

[0049] Moving the platform between multiple usage positions includes the following steps: when in the stowed position, engaging the platform 30 against the seat back surface 40 such that the platform 30 is substantially parallel to the seat back surface 40; when in the folded position, lifting the platform 30 away from the seat back surface 40 such that when in the table position, the platform 30 is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the seat back surface 40; pivoting the platform 30 relative to the seat back surface 40 and disassembling the second rod 74 from the platform 30 such that when in the upright position, the platform 30 is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the seat back surface 40; pivoting the flip-up portion 44 upright relative to the base portion 42 to provide a support bracket and achieve an upward flip-up position when in the stowed or table position; and / or disassembling the second rod 74 from the platform 30 and pivoting the platform 30 beyond the upright position to an extended storage position.

[0050] This disclosure provides a multi-purpose tray or platform coupled to a seat back and adjustable between usage positions when the seat back is in a folded position. The platform is movable between multiple different usage positions in at least two different directions. The platform is coupled to the seat back by a simple and effective support mechanism including at least one detachable member to provide at least one usage position. The platform and support mechanism are arranged compactly such that they are flush with the seat back when the seat back is in an upright position.

[0051] Although specific component relationships are illustrated in the accompanying drawings of this disclosure, these illustrations are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In other words, the placement and orientation of the various components shown may vary within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the various drawings accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show certain details of a particular component.

[0052] The foregoing description is exemplary in nature and not restrictive. Variations and modifications of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of legal protection afforded to this disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable platform component, comprising: A seat back that is movable between an upright position and a folded position, wherein the seat back has an outermost surface; as well as A platform, connected to the seat back via a support mechanism, such that when the seat back is in the folded position, the platform is movable between a plurality of use positions, and wherein when the seat back is in the upright position, the platform is substantially flush with the outermost surface of the seat back, and wherein the support mechanism includes at least one component selectively detachable from the platform to provide at least one of the plurality of use positions.

2. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple usage positions include at least a stowed position, a table position, and an upright position.

3. The component according to claim 2, characterized in that, When in the upright position, the at least one component is detached from the platform.

4. The component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The seat back provides a seat back surface that, when in the folded position, is substantially parallel to the ground plane, and wherein: When in the retracted position, the platform is approximately parallel to the surface of the seat back and abuts against the surface of the seat back. When in the platform position, the platform is generally parallel to and spaced apart from the surface of the seat back; When in the upright position, the platform is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the surface of the seat back.

5. The component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The platform includes at least a base portion and a reversible portion that pivots relative to the base portion, and the plurality of use positions further include at least an upwardly flipped position, wherein the reversible portion pivots upright relative to the base portion to provide a support bracket.

6. The component according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least when the seat is in the folded position or the table position, the flip-up portion can be selectively moved to the upward flip-up position.

7. The component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plurality of use positions further include at least an extended storage position, wherein at least one component is detached from the platform, and the platform pivots beyond the upright position to the extended storage position.

8. The component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The platform includes a first surface facing the seat back surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and includes at least one latching member on the first surface, the latching member selectively engaging at least one member to the platform.

9. The component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The at least one latching member is configured to additionally provide a retaining feature that, when the platform is in the upright position, can hold the bag or secure a movable object.

10. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support mechanism includes: A first linkage mechanism, one end of which is pivotally connected to the seat back, and the opposite end of which is pivotally connected to the platform; and A second linkage mechanism, separate from the first linkage mechanism, has one end pivotally connected to the seat back and the opposite end pivotally and detachably connected to the platform, to include at least one component detachable from the platform.

11. The component according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second linkage mechanism includes a single link having a U-shaped or C-shaped form.

12. A method for regulating a component as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: A seat back is provided, the seat back being movable between an upright position and a folded position, wherein the seat back has an outermost surface; The platform is connected to the seat back using a support mechanism, such that when the seat back is in the folded position, the platform is movable between multiple use positions, and when the seat back is in the upright position, the platform is substantially flush with the outermost surface of the seat back. as well as At least one component of the support mechanism is selectively detached from the platform to provide at least one of the plurality of use positions.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The support mechanism includes a first linkage mechanism and a second linkage mechanism separate from the first linkage mechanism, and the method includes: One end of the first linkage is pivotally connected to the seat back, and the opposite end is pivotally connected to the platform; and One end of the second linkage is pivotally connected to the seat back, and the opposite end is pivotally and detachably connected to the platform, to include at least one component detachable from the platform.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The seat back has a seat back surface, which is substantially parallel to the ground plane when in the folded position, and the plurality of use positions include at least a folded position, a table position, and an upright position, and the method includes: When in the retracted position, the platform is pressed against the surface of the seat back, so that the platform is approximately parallel to the surface of the seat back. When in the folded position, the platform is lifted away from the seat back surface, such that when in the platform position, the platform is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the seat back surface; and The platform is pivoted relative to the seat back surface and the at least one component is removed from the platform such that, when in the upright position, the platform is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the seat back surface.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The platform includes at least a base portion and a rotatable portion pivoting relative to the base portion, and wherein the plurality of use positions further includes at least an upwardly folded position and / or an extended storage position, and the method includes: When in the retracted or platform position, the flip-up portion is pivoted upright relative to the base portion to provide a support bracket and achieve the upward flip-up position; and / or The at least one component is removed from the platform, and the platform is pivoted beyond the upright position to the extended storage position.

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