Interconnected tethers located behind seat back foam for passenger chest protection

Abstract

A vehicle seat interconnection tether assembly includes a first tether, a second tether, and a third tether vertically disposed between the first and second tethers, the third tether fixedly coupled to the second tether and connecting the first tether to the second tether. Connectors at distal ends of the first and second tethers are configured to couple the first and second tethers to opposing seat frame members of a vehicle seat frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicle seat restraint systems and components. Background Technology

[0002] In known vehicle seat structures, a restraint pack is typically provided to pretension the passenger's seatbelt in the event of a collision. The restraint pack is usually located behind the passenger and in front of the seat headrest bar or other pack. The seat cushion upon which the passenger sits helps to limit this rearward movement.

[0003] While current vehicle restraint and seating systems have achieved their intended purpose, a new and improved vehicle restraint and seating system is still needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to several aspects, a vehicle seat interconnection tether assembly includes: a first tether; a second tether; and a third tether vertically disposed between the first and second tethers, the third tether being fixedly coupled to the second tether and connecting the first tether to the second tether. Connectors located at the distal ends of the first and second tethers are configured to couple the first and second tethers to opposing seat frame members of a vehicle seat frame.

[0005] In another aspect of this disclosure, the third tether includes securing the first tether to a first connecting end of the third tether and securing the third tether to a second connecting end of the second tether, the third tether being substantially vertically oriented.

[0006] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first connecting end and the second connecting end separately define the stitched joint.

[0007] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first connection end and the second connection end define a mechanical connector.

[0008] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first tether and the second tether are oriented parallel to each other.

[0009] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first tether and the second tether are configured horizontally.

[0010] In another aspect of this disclosure, polymer seat belt material is used to construct the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether.

[0011] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first, second, and third tethers have a width of approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm).

[0012] In another aspect of this disclosure, a first tether first connector is secured to a first end of the first tether, and a first tether second connector is secured to a second end of the first tether. The first tether first connector and the first tether second connector individually define a looped end of a single seat frame member in an opposing seat frame member of the vehicle seat frame. A second tether first connector is secured to a first end of the second tether, and a second tether second connector is secured to a second end of the second tether. The second tether first connector and the second tether second connector individually define a looped end of a single seat frame member in an opposing seat frame member of the vehicle seat frame.

[0013] In another aspect of this disclosure, the tether reel tightens the first and second tethers.

[0014] According to several aspects, a vehicle seat assembly includes a vehicle seat comprising a seat frame supporting a seat back. A tether assembly includes: a first tether having a first tether connector and a second tether connector; a second tether having a second tether connector and a second tether connector; and a third tether vertically disposed between the first and second tethers, the third tether being fixedly coupled to the second tether and connecting the first tether to the second tether. The seat back includes a first seat frame member and a second seat frame member in opposing seat frame members. The first tether connector and the second tether connector are together fixed to the first seat frame member in the opposing seat frame member of the seat back, and the first tether connector and the second tether connector are together fixed to the second seat frame member in the opposing seat frame member of the seat back.

[0015] In another aspect of this disclosure, the headrest connected to the seat back has a first headrest post and a second headrest post, thereby allowing the headrest to move upward and downward. The headrest, the first headrest post, and the second headrest post are located at the rear of the tether assembly.

[0016] In another aspect of this disclosure, the seat belt includes a seat belt retractor for providing tension adjustment of the seat belt, wherein the seat belt retractor is located at the rear of the tether assembly.

[0017] In another aspect of this disclosure, a tether reel tightens the first and second tethers. The tether reel is located at the rear of the tether assembly.

[0018] In another aspect of this disclosure, a seat back foam component is provided, which, together with the lanyard assembly, is located between the passenger's chest area of ​​the vehicle seat and the seat belt retractor, a first headrest column, a second headrest column, and the lanyard retractor.

[0019] In another aspect of this disclosure, a first tether first connector is fixed to a first end of the first tether, and a first tether second connector is fixed to a second end of the first tether. A second tether first connector is fixed to a first end of the second tether, and a second tether second connector is fixed to a second end of the second tether.

[0020] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first tether first connector and the second tether first connector each define a stitched loop end, which is fixed by annularly surrounding the first seat frame member of the opposing seat frame member of the seat back. The first tether second connector and the second tether second connector each define a stitched loop end, which is fixed by annularly surrounding the second seat frame member of the opposing seat frame member of the seat back.

[0021] According to several aspects, a method of providing chest area support for a passenger in a vehicle seat includes: manufacturing a tether assembly having a first tether oriented substantially parallel to a second tether and a third tether vertically positioned between the first and second tethers, the third tether fixingly coupling the first tether to the second tether; fixingly coupling a first connector of the first tether and a second connector of the second tether to a first seat frame member in an opposing seat frame member of a vehicle seat back; and fixingly coupling a second connector of the first tether and a second connector of the second tether to a second seat frame member in an opposing seat frame member of a vehicle seat back; and positioning a seat back foam member together with the tether assembly between the chest area of ​​the passenger in the vehicle seat and a seat belt retractor and a tether retractor.

[0022] In another aspect of this disclosure, the method further includes: connecting a headrest to a seat back having a first headrest post and a second headrest post, thereby allowing the headrest to move upward and downward; and positioning the headrest, the first headrest post, and the second headrest post at the rear of the tether assembly.

[0023] In another aspect of this disclosure, the method further includes: securing the first tether to the third tether using a first connecting end of the third tether; and coupling the second tether to the third tether using a second connecting end of the third tether.

[0024] Further areas of application will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the descriptions and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0026] Figure 1Based on a left front perspective view of a passenger seated in a vehicle seat, as exemplarily described, a system and method are provided for interconnected tethers located at the rear of the seat back foam for passenger chest protection.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The rear-facing view of the vehicle seats, with seat foam and cushions removed for clarity; and

[0028] Figure 3 From Figure 2 A modified rearward-view front view is provided to further indicate the spatial location range of the interconnecting tether assembly of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, application, or purpose.

[0030] refer to Figure 1 The passenger chest protection system 10 includes a vehicle seat 12 connected to a vehicle 14, such as an automobile, SUV, pickup truck, or van, shown only partially for clarity. A seat frame 16 supports a seat base 18 and a seat back 20. A height-adjustable headrest 22 is connected to the seat back 20, which has a first headrest pillar 24 and a second headrest pillar 26, allowing the headrest 22 to move upwards and downwards. A passenger 28 seated in the vehicle seat 12 is restrained in a vehicle collision event by a seatbelt 30, such as a three-point seatbelt, which includes a seatbelt retractor 32 that provides tension adjustment for the seatbelt 30 in a collision event. The headrest 22 restrains the passenger 28's head 34 from acceleration and displacement in a rearward direction 36. In a rear-end collision, the vehicle 14 accelerates together with the vehicle seat 12 in a forward direction 38. The passenger 28 is also pushed forward by the movement of the vehicle seat 12. The relative motion of passenger 28 also occurs in the rear-end collision event, wherein passenger 28 moves into vehicle seat 12 in a rearward direction 36 as vehicle seat 12 initially moves forward.

[0031] According to several aspects, the passenger chest protection system 10 also includes an interconnecting tether assembly 40 located at the rear of the seat back foam member 42 of the seat back 20, see reference. Figure 2 A more detailed illustration and description follows. The tether retractor 44 is also located at the rear of the seat back foam member 42 of the seat back 20, which is connected to the first tether 48 and the second tether 50. It provides anti-collision and collision event tensioning of the tethers of the interconnected tether assemblies 40, and is also referenced. Figure 2 A more detailed illustration and description follows. In the normal seating position of passenger 28, the chest area 45 of passenger 28 is in contact with the seat back 20.

[0032] refer to Figure 2And refer again Figure 1 The interconnecting tether assembly 40 includes a tether assembly 46 having a horizontally configured first tether 48, a horizontally configured second tether 50, and a third tether 52 located between the first tether 48 and the second tether 50, the third tether being vertically configured in a vertical direction and fixedly coupled to the first tether 48 and the second tether 50. Depending on several aspects, the first tether 48 and the second tether 50 may be oriented parallel to each other, or otherwise may be oriented at an angle to each other. The third tether 52 includes: a first connecting end 54, such as a stitched seam or a mechanical connector, which secures the first tether 48 to the third tether 52; and a second connecting end 56, such as a stitched seam or a mechanical connector, which secures the third tether 52 to the second tether 50. The first tether 48 and the second tether 50 also include connectors at the distal ends of the tethers, as described below, to fixedly couple the first tether 48 and the second tether 50 to opposing seat frame members of the seat frame 16.

[0033] According to several aspects, the first tether first connector 58, fixed to the first end of the first tether 48, defines a stitched loop end of the first tether 48 that is horizontally arranged annularly around the first member 60 of the seat back frame, or defines packaging, mechanical connection, etc., for fixing to the first member 60 of the seat back frame. The second tether second connector 62, fixed to the second end of the first tether 48, defines a stitched loop end of the first tether 48 that is horizontally arranged annularly around the second member 64 of the seat back frame, or defines packaging, mechanical connection, etc., for fixing to the second member 64 of the seat back frame. Similarly, the second tether first connector 66, fixed to the first end of the second tether 50, defines a stitched loop end of the second tether 50 that is horizontally arranged annularly around the first member 60 of the seat back frame, or defines packaging, mechanical connection, etc., for fixing to the first member 60 of the seat back frame. The second tether second connector 68, fixed to the second end of the second tether 50, defines a stitched loop end of the second tether 50 that is horizontally arranged annularly around the second member 64 of the seat back frame, or defines packaging, mechanical connection, etc., for fixing to the second member 64 of the seat back frame.

[0034] The interconnecting tether assembly 40 is located in front of the seatbelt retractor 32, in front of the first headrest pillar 24 and the second headrest pillar 26, and in front of the tether retractor 44. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 1 The seat back foam component 42, together with the interconnecting lanyard assembly 40, is thus positioned between the passenger 28's chest region 45 and the objects including the seatbelt retractor 32, the first headrest column 24, the second headrest column 26, and the lanyard retractor 44. Therefore, when the passenger moves backward in the rearward direction 36, the interconnecting lanyard assembly 40 provides additional support to the chest region 45.

[0035] The tethers of the interconnected tether assembly 40 are interconnected and connected to the first seat back frame member 60 and the second seat back frame member 64 of the seat frame 16, for uniformly distributing the load to the rear chest area 45 defining the chest region 45 of the seat occupant 28 in a rear-end collision. In a rear-end collision, the tethers of the interconnected tether assembly 40 can be compressed uniformly or non-uniformly, thus straightening the tethers and distributing the load from one side of the seat frame 16 to the opposite side, thereby uniformly distributing the impact force. As described herein, the tethers of the interconnected tether assembly 40 can also be pre-tensioned prior to an impending impact to provide additional support if needed. Fabric or polymer seatbelt materials can be selected to construct the tethers of the interconnected tether assembly 40. Other materials can also be used, including knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, elastomer bands, etc.

[0036] refer to Figure 3 For reference again Figure 1 and Figure 2 The height position 70 of the interconnecting tether assembly 40 located on the seat frame 16 can vary depending on the position of the seat belt hardware, seat belt retractor 32, tether retractor 44, and headrest components on the seat back 20. The interconnecting tether assembly 40 does not compress the seat back foam component 42 under normal driving conditions, thus not reducing the comfort provided by the seat back foam component 42 to the passenger 28, while increasing safety protection in a rear-end collision.

[0037] The interconnected tether assembly 40 of this disclosure increases the clearance between the passenger and the seatbelt retractor 32 and tether retractor 44, and is typically used to pretension the tether of the passenger seatbelt and the interconnected tether assembly 40 in the event of an impact. The interconnected tether assembly is typically located behind the passenger 28 and in front of the seat headrest bar or other bag, where it may be impacted by the rearward movement of the passenger 28. Therefore, the interconnected tether assembly 40 is located in front of the seatbelt retractor 32 and tether retractor 44.

[0038] The interconnected tether assembly 40 disclosed herein has several advantages. These advantages include that the interconnected tether assembly 40 absorbs a portion of the force caused by passenger movement, reduces the rearward movement of passenger 28 to mitigate the impact of passenger chest region 45 on seat belt retractor 32 or tether retractor 44, and distributes passenger movement force from one seat back side frame member to the opposite seat back side frame member.

[0039] The description in this disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and changes that do not depart from the spirit of this disclosure are intended to fall within its scope. Such changes should not be considered as departing from the scheme and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A chest support device for a passenger in a vehicle seat, comprising: A tether assembly having a first tether, a second tether, and a third tether, wherein the first tether and the second tether are oriented parallel to each other, and the third tether is vertically positioned between the first tether and the second tether and fixably couples the first tether to the second tether. A first tether first connector, a second tether first connector, a first tether second connector, and a second tether second connector, wherein the first tether first connector and the second tether first connector are both coupled to a first seat frame member in an opposing seat frame member of the vehicle seat back, and the first tether second connector and the second tether second connector are both coupled to a second seat frame member in an opposing seat frame member of the vehicle seat back. A seat back foam component, which, together with the cord assembly, is positioned between the passenger's chest area of ​​the vehicle seat and a corresponding one of the seat belt retractor and cord retractor. A headrest connected to the vehicle seat backrest, the headrest having a first headrest post and a second headrest post that allow the headrest to move up and down, wherein the headrest, the first headrest post and the second headrest post are disposed behind the tether assembly; The third tether includes a first connecting end for fixing the first tether to the third tether and a second connecting end for fixing the third tether to the second tether, and the third tether is substantially vertically oriented.

2. The chest support device for a vehicle seat passenger according to claim 1, wherein, The first connecting end and the second connecting end each define a separate seam.

3. The chest support device for a vehicle seat passenger according to claim 1, wherein, The first connection end and the second connection end define a mechanical connector.

4. The chest support device for a vehicle seat passenger according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second tethers are arranged horizontally.

5. The chest support device for a vehicle seat passenger according to claim 1, It also includes polymer seat belt material for constructing the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether.

6. The chest support device for a vehicle seat passenger according to claim 1, wherein, The first, second, and third tethers are approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm) wide.

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