Seat back with integrated neck support

Abstract

The invention relates to a seatback with an integrated neck support. Methods and apparatus include a neck support formed as part of a trim cover, and at least one fluid bladder located below the neck support. The at least one fluid bladder is movable between a charged neck support position and a discharged position in which the neck support is flush with the seat back.

Description

[0001] background

[0002] For comfort purposes, the chair may be adjusted in different areas. It can be challenging to incorporate adjustable chair elements in a way that the adjustable elements function as desired while also maintaining a desired aesthetic appearance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 is a front view of an example seat incorporating cervical support according to the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a fluid supply and control system for selectively filling and draining a fluid bladder beneath a neck support.

[0006] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a neck support in a deflated position.

[0007] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a neck support in an inflated position.

[0008] Figure 5 is a view showing an insertion mode for a neck support.

[0009] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a gusset used to attach a neck support to a seat back.

[0010] Figure 7 An attachment for one side of the neck support is shown.

[0011] Figure 8 Examples of tie-downs for gussets and patterns are shown.

[0012] Fig. 9A The position of the vertical groove relative to the neck support in the filled position is shown.

[0013] Fig. 9B The position of the vertical groove relative to the neck support in the discharge position is shown.

[0014] Fig. 10A is a schematic diagram of an example of a tie-down device.

[0015] Fig. 10B is a schematic diagram of another example of a tie down device.

[0016] Detailed Description

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description that follows, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments described. However, it is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various embodiments described may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0018] “One or more” includes a function performed by one element, a function performed by more than one element (eg, in a distributed manner), several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0019] It should also be understood that, although in some cases, the terms first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first contact may be referred to as a second contact, and similarly, a second contact may be referred to as a first contact without departing from the scope of the various embodiments described. Both the first contact and the second contact are contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0020] The terms used in the description of the various embodiments described herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "includes", "including", "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0021] As used herein, the term "if" is optionally interpreted to mean "when..." or "upon..." or "in response to determining..." or "in response to detecting...", as the context requires. Similarly, the phrases "if it is determined" or "if [the condition or event] is detected" are optionally interpreted to mean "upon determining..." or "in response to determining..." or "upon detecting [the condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [the condition or event]", as the context requires.

[0022] It should be understood that terms such as "about," "substantially," and "approximately" are not intended to be open-ended terms, and should be interpreted in the same manner as those skilled in the art interpret these terms.

[0023] The present disclosure relates to a neck support that forms a part of a trim cover of a seat back and that can be selectively inflated and deflated.

[0024] Figure 1 A seat assembly 10 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The seat assembly 10 may be used as a vehicle seat assembly 10 for seating in a vehicle, such as an automobile, an airplane, a boat, or any other seating environment. The seat assembly 10 includes a seat bottom 12 that may be adapted to be mounted within a passenger area of ​​a vehicle. The seat assembly 10 includes a seat back 14 that may be pivotally connected to the seat bottom 12 to extend generally vertically relative to the seat bottom 12 for pivotal adjustment relative to the seat bottom 12. The seat 10 also includes a headrest portion 16 that is also formed as part of the seat back 14.

[0025] The seat bottom 12 includes a central seating surface 18 and a seating surface along a pair of side bolster regions 20 that are laterally spaced about the central seating surface 18. The seat back 14 includes a pelvic / lumbar seating area 22 having a pair of laterally spaced side bolster regions 24. A cervical seating area 26 is disposed above the pelvic / lumbar seating area 22 and between the side bolster regions 24. It should be understood that this is merely one example of a seating configuration and that other configurations may be utilized.

[0026] The seat back includes a trim cover 28 that includes a single layer of material or multiple layers of material that covers a seat base structure 30 ( Figure 2), such as foam. In one example, the decorative material for the decorative cover 28 may include leather, PVC, PU, ​​textiles, or other materials suitable for forming the outer surface of the seat 10. The seat base material may include PU foam, 3D spacers, Mueller, Hacoflex, reticulated foam, or other materials suitable for forming the base of the seat 10.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the seat back 14 includes one or more fluid bladders 32 located below the neck seating area 26. In one example, the fluid bladders 32 are partially embedded within the seat base structure 30. In one example, the fluid bladders 32 are at least partially received within a recess 34 formed in the seat base material, or at least partially surrounded by the seat base material of the seat back 14. The fluid bladders 32 may also be supported below the neck seating area 26 by other seat structures, such as a seat frame.

[0028] The seat assembly 10 also includes an actuator assembly 36 for controlling the filling of the fluid bladder 32. In one example, the fluid includes air. The actuator assembly 36 may include a compressor or pneumatic pump 38 connected to one or more valves 40 to provide an air source S to the bladder assembly 32. A seat control module 42 includes one or more controllers C to regulate the flow of compressed air into and out of the bladder 32 via the valve 40. The control module 42 and the actuator assembly 36 may be mounted in the seat back 14, under the seat 10, or anywhere suitable in the vehicle.

[0029] Controller C may include a processing unit and non-transitory memory for executing various control strategies. The processing unit may be a customized or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), or any device typically used to execute software instructions. The memory may include any one or combination of volatile memory elements and / or non-volatile memory elements. The processing unit may be programmed to execute one or more programs stored in the memory. For example, the program may be stored in the memory as a software code. The program stored in the memory may include one or more additional or separate programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions associated with the control valve group. When displayed as a single controller, controller C may include one or more controllers. Controller C may also communicate with another controller and respond to instructions from another controller.

[0030] In one example, valve 40 comprises a permanent deflate valve that completely fills bladder 32 via supply source S or completely deflates bladder 32 to exhaust 44. Other suitable valves may also be used. In one example, fluid bladder 32 comprises a pneumatic unit or pouch connected to a filling system including control module 42 and actuator assembly 36. Those skilled in the art with the benefit of this description will be able to determine how to configure actuator assembly 36 and control module 42 to fill / deflate bladder 32 as desired.

[0031] The present disclosure provides a portion of a trim cover 28 for a seat back 14 that can be selectively inflated to provide, for example, a neck support 46 ( Figure 4 When no longer needed, the neck support 46 is laid flat to lie flush with the seat back 14 when the neck support is not in use. Figure 3 ).like Figure 3-Figure 4 As shown, the neck support 46 includes an area that is integral or formed as one piece with the trim cover 28. Alternatively, the neck support 46 may include one or more pieces to form a separate insert that is connected to the trim cover 28. The neck support 46 is positioned on the trim cover 28 at the neck area on the seat back 14. At least one fluid bladder 32 is located below the neck support 46 at a location between the neck support 46 and the base material of the seat back. The bladder 32 can be filled in the inflated neck support position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 The neck support 46 moves between an expanded position (shown as supporting the neck of the seat occupant) and a discharged position (in which the fluid is discharged from the bladder 32). When discharged, the neck support 46 is flush with the seat back 14 (as shown). Figure 3 When in the flush position, the neck support 46 lies flat against the remaining trim cover 28 on the seat back 14 to provide a consistent and pleasing aesthetic appearance.

[0032] Figure 3-Figure 4 An example is shown in which the trim cover 28 and the neck support 46 are integrally formed as one piece of material. In another example, the neck support 46 is an insert 46a ( Figure 5 For example, the neck support 46 may include one or more material inserts that are attached / sewn to the trim cover 28 to form a combined trim cover 28 and neck support 46 .

[0033] In one example, the trim cover 28 and one or more material inserts 46a are made of the same material. As discussed above, this material can be any single type of material suitable for use as a trim cover.

[0034] In one example, the neck support 46 has a desired neck support shape and is located at a desired neck support location 26 on the seat back 14. Therefore, the trim cover 28 is configured to at least partially cover the seat back 14, and the neck support 46 is formed in a pattern that is compatible with the trim cover 28. The pattern is a decorative design with a desired aesthetic appearance and a desired shape / size that is positioned as part of the trim cover to align with the desired neck support area 26 on the seat back 14.

[0035] In one example, a gusset 50 is used to attach the neck support 46 to the seat back 14. The gusset 50 is a small piece of material with a specific shape to provide expansion during the inflation process. Figure 6 As shown, the gusset 50 extends between the neck support 46 and the seat back 14. In one example, the gusset 50 includes one edge 52 associated with an upper edge 54 of the neck support and an opposing edge 56 associated with an attachment area 58 on the seat back 14.

[0036] In one example, the gusset 50 and the neck support material of the trim cover 28 are made of different materials. In one example, the neck support 46 includes a first material, such as a first type of material having desired properties, and the gusset 50 includes a second material, such as a second type of material different from the first material having desired properties. Therefore, the materials have at least one material property that is different from each other. In one example, the material used to form the gusset 50 is a more stretchable material than the material used to form the trim cover 28. In one example, the gusset material is an elastic-based material that can expand from an initial shape and contract / return to the initial shape.

[0037] In one example, the lining material has a thickness, such as a dimension extending from the top surface of the material to the lower surface of the material, that is 1.0 mm or less. The material used to form the trim cover 28 will have a thickness greater than 1.0 mm. This is an example configuration, and other combinations of thickness configurations may also be used.

[0038] In one example, one side or edge 52 of the gusset 50 is sewn along an upper edge 54 of a neck support pattern (indicated as 60). An opposite side or edge 56 of the gusset 50 is secured by at least one fastening device 62 (indicated as Figure 8 ) is attached to an attachment area 58 of the seat back 14. In one example, the attachment area 58 is just below or at the transition of the neck support area 26 of the seat back 14 to the headrest portion 16 of the seat back 14.

[0039] Any type of tie-down device 62 may be used to secure the edge 56 of the gusset 50 to the seat back 14. In one example, the tie-down device includes a retaining structure having one portion 64 (e.g., a material portion such as fleece) secured to the gusset 50, and another, more rigid portion 66 (e.g., an elongated body or cap extension) secured to the material portion and to an anchor 68 (e.g., a cap extension) embedded in the seat base material 70. Fig. 10A ). In one example, the tie down 62 is positioned within a groove 86 formed in the seat base material 70, and the anchor 68 can be secured to the portion 66 of the tie down 62 with one or more attachment structures 84 (such as loops, clips, nails, etc.). Examples of tie downs include: hog ring / PWP (OKE); listed lines / pockets; hook and loop, such as Velcro; plastic spacers / paddles; plastic clips, etc. In a preferred configuration, the tie downs for the neck support include sewing together with any type of quilting line / design, or using any type of invisible tie down, such as hook and loop (Velcro). In one example, two quilted or invisible tie downs 74 are added along the quilted edge ( Figure 8 ) to maintain the size / shape of the neck support and also reduce floating.

[0040] In one example, the lower edge 72 ( Figure 7 ) by one or more additional tie-down devices 74 ( Figure 8 ) is attached to the seat back 14. Any type of tie down device may be used. In a preferred example, the tie down device 74 comprises a hook and loop (Velcro) attachment, wherein one hook and loop material piece 76 is supported by the seat back 14 and another hook and loop material piece 78 is located on the inner facing surface of the trim cover 28 / neck support 46 ( Fig. 10B ).

[0041] In one example, at least one fluid bladder 32 is located below the neck support 46 and is held in place by the seat frame structure or the seat back base material 70. In one example, the bladder 32 is located directly below the trim cover 28 at the neck support 46 and is at least partially embedded in the seat back base material 70, such as Figure 2 The bladder 32 is selectively inflated and deflated to provide a neck support 46 .

[0042] When the bladder 32 is inflated, the gusset 50 stretches / expands to form a Figure 6When the bladder 32 deflates, the gusset 50 contracts so that the neck support material lies flush with the seat back 14, presenting the appearance of a consistent seat trim cover.

[0043] exist Figure 9A-9B In one example shown, the seat back 14 includes vertical foam channels 80 in the seat base material that may be used, for example, for tie-downs. The neck support material includes a styling line 82 that includes an outer contour of the neck support pattern. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B The schematic diagram shows an example location of the vertical foam groove 80. In one example, the vertical foam groove 80 is located on the inner side of the style line, such as Fig. 9B This provides the desired aesthetic appearance when moving between the use (filling) position and the non-use (discharging) position.

[0044] An example method for selectively inflating and defusing the neck support 46 of the seat back trim cover 28 to provide a neck / neck support includes: forming a neck support portion as part of the trim cover 28; selectively inflating at least one fluid bladder 32 below the neck support portion to provide the neck support 46 ( Figure 4 ); and selectively discharging at least one fluid bag 32 to return the neck support portion to a position flush with the seat back 14 ( Figure 3 ).

[0045] Additional steps of the method may include any of the following steps in any combination.

[0046] In one example, the neck support 46 has a desired neck support shape and is positioned at a desired neck support location on the seat back 14. The method also includes at least partially covering the seat back 14 with the trim cover 28, forming the neck support 46 into a pattern including the desired neck support shape, and positioning the pattern at the desired neck support location on the seat back 14.

[0047] In one example, the gusset 50 is used to attach the neck support 46 to the seat back 14 . The method also includes attaching a first edge 52 of the gusset 50 to the neck support 46 and attaching a second edge 56 of the gusset 50 to the seat back 14 .

[0048] In one example, the gusset 50 and the neck support 46 are made of different materials.The method also includes forming the neck support 46 from a first material and forming the gusset 50 from a second material that is more stretchable than the first material.

[0049] In one example, the neck support 46 is a pattern having a desired shape, and one side edge 52 of the gusset 50 is sewn to one edge 54 of the pattern, and the other side edge 56 of the gusset 50 is attached to the seat back 14 by a tie device 62. The method also includes attaching the second edge 56 of the gusset 50 to the seat back 14 with at least one tie device 62.

[0050] In one example, the lower edge 72 of the pattern is attached to the seat back 14 by at least one additional tie 74. The method also includes attaching the lower edge 72 of the pattern to the seat back 14 with one or more additional tie 74 including, for example, a hook and loop configuration.

[0051] In one example, the method further includes positioning at least one fluid bladder 32 directly beneath the trim cover 28 at the neck support 46; at least partially embedding the at least one fluid bladder 32 within the seat back base material of the seat back 14; and selectively inflating and deflating the at least one fluid bladder 32 to provide support as needed.

[0052] The present disclosure provides a seat back and a neck support (e.g., a neckrest) as one part. The neck support includes materials that are integral with the seat back trim cover to provide comfort to the passenger while ensuring good craftsmanship and desired aesthetics of the seat in both use and non-use conditions of the neck support. When the neck support is not in use, the trim cover can be functionally expanded and returned to the design tension path.

[0053] Although different examples have specific components shown in the drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those specific combinations. Some components or features in one of the examples may be used in combination with features or components in another example. In addition, the various drawings accompanying the present disclosure are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be enlarged or minimized to show certain details of a particular component or arrangement.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above embodiments are exemplary and non-limiting. That is, modifications to the present disclosure will be within the scope of the claims. Therefore, the attached claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a neck support formed as part of the trim cover; as well as At least one fluid bladder is positioned beneath the neck support, the at least one fluid bladder being movable between a position to inflate the neck support and a deflated position in which the neck support is flush with the seat back.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The trim cover and the neck support are integrally formed as one piece.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The neck support includes one or more material inserts attached to the trim cover.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The trim cover and the one or more material inserts are made of the same material.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The trim cover at least partially covers a seat back, and wherein the neck support is formed into a pattern that includes a desired neck support shape at a desired neck support location on the seat back.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The trim cover at least partially covers a seat back and includes lining extending between the neck support and the seat back.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The neck support comprises a first material, and wherein the gusset comprises a second material different from the first material.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The second material includes a stretchable material.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The second material has a thickness of 1.0 mm or less.

10. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The neck support includes a pattern having a desired neck support shape, and wherein one side of the gusset is stitched along an upper edge of the pattern and another side of the gusset is attached to the seat back by at least one tie device.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein: A lower edge of the pattern is attached to the seat back by one or more additional tie downs.

12. The device of claim 6, comprising an inflation control system for selectively inflating and deflation of the at least one fluid bladder.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one fluid bladder is located directly beneath the trim cover at the neck support and is at least partially embedded within a seat back base material of the seat back.

14. A method comprising: a neck support portion formed as part of a trim cover for a seat back; selectively inflating at least one fluid bladder beneath the neck support portion to provide a neck support; as well as The at least one fluid bladder is selectively deflated to return the neck support portion to a flush position with the seat back.

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising: at least partially covering the seat back with the trim cover; forming the neck support into a pattern including a desired neck support shape; as well as The pattern is positioned at a desired neck support location on the seat back.

16. The method according to claim 15, comprising: A first edge of a gusset is attached to the neck support, and a second edge of the gusset is attached to the seat back.

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising: forming the neck support from a first material; as well as The gusset is formed from a second material that is more stretchable than the first material.

18. The method according to claim 16, comprising: The second edge of the gusset is attached to the seat back by at least one tie device.

19. The method according to claim 18, comprising: A lower edge of the pattern is attached to the seat back by one or more additional tie downs.

20. The method according to claim 16, comprising: positioning the at least one fluid bladder directly beneath the trim cover at the neck support; embedding the at least one fluid bladder at least partially within a seat back base material of the seat back; as well as The at least one fluid bladder is selectively inflated and deflated to provide support as needed.

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