Vehicle seat assembly having a seat back with attachable modular accessory

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a vehicle seating assembly having a seatback with an attachable modular accessory. A vehicle seating assembly includes: a seat base; a seat back; a hinge mechanism coupled to the seat base and the seat back to allow the seat back to move between an upright seating position and a folded position; a back panel, which is provided on the seat back; an accessory attachment system located on the back panel and having one or more alignment connector structures and one or more latches; and an accessory configured to be connected to the back panel and to engage the one or more alignment connectors and the one or more latches.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle seating and, more particularly, to a modular seat back configured to retain one or more accessories on a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Motor vehicles are often equipped with a vehicle seat assembly that typically has a seat base and a seat back. Some seat assemblies may allow accessories to be attached to the back of the seat back. It is desirable to provide a vehicle seat assembly having a seat back that has a modular connector assembly for use with various accessories on a motor vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly includes: a seat base; a seat back; a hinge mechanism connected to the seat base and the seat back to allow the seat back to move between an upright seating position and a folded position; a back panel provided on the seat back; an accessory attachment system located on the back panel and having one or more alignment connector structures and one or more latch retainers; and an accessory configured to be connected to the back panel and engage the one or more alignment connectors and the one or more latch retainers.

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

[0005] - the one or more latch keepers include one or more latches;

[0006] - the one or more latches include a first latch and a second latch;

[0007] - the accessory comprises one or more strikers configured to engage the one or more latches;

[0008] - the alignment connector comprises a first toe-in alignment arm and a second toe-in alignment arm, the first toe-in alignment arm and the second toe-in alignment arm being configured to engage a first slot and a second slot;

[0009] - the seat assembly is a passenger seat assembly;

[0010] - the accessories include a deployable crate;

[0011] - the accessories include a changing table;

[0012] - the accessories include a deployable table assembly;

[0013] - the attachments include media attachments;

[0014] - the accessory comprises one of cargo and a play area accessory; and

[0015] - The accessories include a pet divider.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly includes: a seat base; a seat back; a hinge mechanism connected to the seat base and the seat back to allow the seat back to move between an upright seating position and a folded position; a back panel provided on the seat back; an accessory attachment system located on the back panel and having one or more alignment connector structures and one or more latches; and an accessory configured to be connected to the back panel and engage the one or more alignment connectors and the one or more latches, wherein one of the accessory attachment system and the accessory has a first latch and a second latch, and the other of the accessory attachment system and the accessory has a first striker and a second striker.

[0017] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0018] - the accessory attachment system has the first latch and the second latch, and the back panel has the first striker and the second striker;

[0019] - the accessories include a deployable crate;

[0020] - the accessories include a changing table;

[0021] - the accessories include a deployable table assembly;

[0022] - the attachments include media attachments;

[0023] - the accessory comprises one of cargo and a play area accessory; and

[0024] - The accessories include a pet divider.

[0025] These and other features, advantages and objectives of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the attached picture:

[0027] Figure 1 is a front rear perspective view of an interior of a vehicle cabin of a motor vehicle having a seat assembly according to one embodiment, wherein each seat back has an attachment thereon;

[0028] Figure 2is an exploded view of one of the seat assemblies according to the first embodiment, showing a connector assembly for connecting an accessory to a seat back;

[0029] Figure 3A is a rear perspective view of the seat assembly in a folded forward position with a crate attachment connected to the seat back shown in a stowed position;

[0030] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A a rear perspective view of the seat assembly shown in , wherein the crate accessory is shown in a deployed position;

[0031] Figure 4A is a rear perspective view of the seat assembly in a folded position with a tray attachment connected to the seat back shown in a stowed position;

[0032] Figure 4B is a rear perspective view of the seat assembly, wherein the tray accessory is shown in a deployed position;

[0033] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the seat assembly in a folded position with a changing table attachment connected to the seat back;

[0034] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the seat assembly in a seated position with a media accessory coupled to the seat back;

[0035] Fig. 7A is a rear perspective view of the seat assembly in a folded position with a deployable table assembly connected to the seat back in a stowed position;

[0036] Figure 7B It passes through Fig. 7A A cross-sectional side view taken along line VIIB-VIIB shows Fig. 7A The expandable table attachment is in a stowed position;

[0037] Figure 7C yes Fig. 7A a rear perspective view of the seat assembly shown in , wherein the deployable table accessory is shown in a deployed position;

[0038] Fig.7D It passes through Figure 7C A cross-sectional view taken along line VIID-VIID in FIG. 1 showing the deployable table accessory in the deployed position;

[0039] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of an interior of a vehicle cabin showing a pet divider attachment coupled to a seat back of each of two front seat assemblies according to another example;

[0040] Fig.9A is a rear perspective view of the interior of a cabin of a vehicle further illustrating a folding table attachment coupled to a back side of certain seat assemblies;

[0041] Fig. 9B yes Fig.9A A rear perspective view of the interior of the cabin of the vehicle shown in , with the folding table accessory in the deployed position;

[0042] Fig. 10A is a rear perspective view of a seat assembly according to a second embodiment in a seated position with the accessory positioned to attach to the rear portion of the seat back according to a toe-in and slide-lock connection;

[0043] Fig. 10B yes Fig. 10A a rear perspective view of the seat assembly shown in , wherein the accessory is connected to the seat back;

[0044] Fig.11A is a rear perspective view of a seat assembly according to a third embodiment in a seated position with an accessory positioned to be connected to the seat back;

[0045] Fig. 11B yes Fig.11A a rear perspective view of the seat assembly shown in , wherein the accessory is connected to the seat back;

[0046] Fig. 12A is a rear perspective view of a seat assembly according to a fourth embodiment in a folded position with an accessory connected to the seat back via a slide-in and lock connection; and

[0047] Fig. 12B yes Fig. 12A A rear perspective view of a seat assembly is shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the accessory is connected to the seat back. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In the drawings, the depicted structural elements are not drawn to scale, and certain parts are enlarged relative to other parts for the purpose of emphasis and understanding.

[0049] As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily detailed designs; some schematic diagrams may be enlarged or minimized to show functional overviews. Therefore, the specific structural details and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the present disclosure in different ways.

[0050] For the purpose of description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall refer to the following: Figure 1 The concepts of orientation in the drawings are presented in detail. However, it should be understood that the concepts can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly indicated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless the claims expressly state otherwise, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0051] The presently illustrated embodiments reside primarily in a combination of method steps and apparatus components associated with a vehicle seat assembly having a modular accessory connected to a seat back. Accordingly, apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, with only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure being shown so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Additionally, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings represent like elements.

[0052] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used with a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items may be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain: A only; B only; C only; 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.

[0053] In this document, relative terms such as "first" and "second", "top" and "bottom", etc. are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises..." does not, in the absence of more constraints, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0054] As used herein, the term "about" means that the amount, size, formula, parameter and other quantity and characteristics are not exact, nor need to be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as needed to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, etc. and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe the endpoints of a value or range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint mentioned. Whether or not the endpoints of a numerical value or range in this specification are described as "about", the endpoints of the numerical value or range are intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about". It should also be understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0055] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "substantially," and variations thereof are intended to indicate that the feature being described is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to indicate a planar or approximately planar surface. Additionally, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may indicate that values ​​are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0056] Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, as used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one." Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0057] refer to Figure 1, generally showing a wheeled automobile or motor vehicle 10, which is configured with passenger seats for transporting one or more passengers including the driver and passengers of the vehicle 10 and for further transporting one or more items on the vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 has a body 12 that generally defines a cabin interior 14. The cabin interior 14 may include various features and decorative components. The cabin interior 14 is shown as having a certain arrangement of front passenger seats, the front passenger seats including a first seat assembly 20A configured to seat the driver and a second seat assembly 20B configured to seat the passenger. The first seat assembly 20A and the second seat assembly 20B may be configured, for example, as independent seats that are laterally spaced apart and separated by a space, the space including a front center console 24 that may be configured in various shapes and sizes. The motor vehicle 10 shown in one example also has additional seats, such as a second row of seats including a third seat assembly 20C, a fourth seat assembly 20D, and a fifth seat assembly 20E, which may be configured with modular accessories according to various embodiments shown and described herein, as well as additional rows of seats. The motor vehicle 10 may include additional seats, which are common for large trucks or buses. It should be appreciated that the vehicle 10 may be, for example, a motor vehicle such as a car, truck, SUV, van or bus, or an airplane, train, boat or other vehicle capable of transporting one or more passengers and items.

[0058] The motor vehicle 10 is shown with a front row of seats having a first seat assembly 20A located on one lateral side (e.g., left side) of the first row and behind the vehicle of the dashboard 22 and the steering wheel 18 and configured to seat the driver of the vehicle 10. The first seat assembly 20A includes a seat base 30 and a seat back 32. The second seat assembly 20B is shown positioned behind the vehicle of the dashboard 22 on the opposite lateral side (e.g., right side) of the front row of seats and has a seat base 30 and a seat back 32 configured to seat a passenger. The vehicle body 12 has a plurality of side doors 16 that allow the driver and passengers to enter and exit the vehicle interior 14 to access the seat assemblies 20A to 20E. In the example shown, the first seat assembly 20A is positioned adjacent to the lateral left driver door, and the passenger second seat assembly 20B is positioned adjacent to the opposite lateral right passenger door. Passengers may enter or exit the second and third row seat assemblies 20C to 20E via the rear side doors 16 .

[0059] The vehicle interior 14 is shown equipped with a front center console 24 located in the space between the first seat assembly 20A and the second seat assembly 20B in the first front seat. It should be appreciated that the center console 24 and other consoles can be located at various locations within the vehicle 10, such as between other adjacent seat assemblies.

[0060] The interior 14 of the vehicle cabin also includes a second row of seats behind the first row of seats. The second row of seats includes a third seat assembly 20C, which is usually located behind the first seat assembly 20A, a fourth seat assembly 20D, which is usually located behind the center console 24, and a fifth seat assembly 20E, which is usually located behind the second seat assembly 20B. For this reason, the fourth seat assembly 20D is located between the third seat assembly 20C and the fifth seat assembly 20E in the second row of seats. It should also be understood that the motor vehicle 10 can include additional seats, such as additional rows of seats that are particularly common in large SUVs, buses and other large passenger car cabins.

[0061] Each of the seat assemblies 20A to 20E includes a seat base 30 pivotally connected to a seat back 32 via a pivot or hinge mechanism 34. The hinge mechanism 34 allows the seat back 32 to pivot between an upright, generally vertical "seating position" and a generally horizontal position folded forward and downward, referred to as a "folded position". The hinge mechanism 34 can allow the seat to be moved to any intermediate seat position and further tilted to a rearward tilted position. The seat assembly also includes a seat folding lever 36 that allows a user to unlock and reposition the orientation of the seat back 32. It should also be understood that the seat back 32 can be pivoted relative to the seat base 30 via an actuator (such as an electric motor that can be actuated in response to user input). The seat base 30 is shown as being located on top of the track assembly 28, which allows the seat assembly to move between a forward-most position and a rearward-most position along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10. For example, the track assembly 28 can include a track and a guide rail assembly having a pair of parallel tracks.

[0062] Each of the seat assemblies 20A to 20E is shown configured with a modular seat back arrangement that includes a seat back attachment 40 that can be attached to the rear side of the seat back 32, such as Figure 1 . The modular seat back attachment 40 can be selected from a plurality of available seat attachments and can be removed and replaced with another seat back attachment. For example, a first seat back attachment 40 can be connected to the rear side of the seat back 32 and can be disconnected therefrom and replaced with a new seat back attachment that can be connected as described herein.

[0063] refer to Figure 2, shows one of the seat assemblies 20B according to the first embodiment, wherein the accessory 40 is connected to the seat assembly 20B via a connection assembly. The seat assembly 20B includes a seat frame 42 as part of the seat base 30 and a seat back frame 35 as part of the seat back 32. The seat frame 42 and the seat back frame 35 can be made of, for example, metal. The seat assembly 20B also includes a back panel 50, which is assembled to the rear side of the seat back frame 35. The back panel 50 can be a molded assembly, such as a polymer molded panel. The back panel 50 includes a pair of molded position retention features 54 on the side facing forward, which are configured to be inserted into a pair of slots 64 in the seat back frame 35 to properly position the back panel 50 on the seat back frame 35 during assembly. In addition, a pair of fasteners 56 (e.g., screws or bolts) are located on the bottom end of the back panel 50 and are oriented to engage the threaded holes 66 in the lower portion of the seat back frame 35. Thus, the back panel 50 may be aligned and mounted to the rear portion of the seat back frame 35 and fastened via the fasteners 56 to maintain the back panel 50 in place on the seat back frame 35 .

[0064] The back panel 50 has a pair of rectangular slots 58 formed in an upper portion of the back panel 50, and first and second strikers 60 provided on a lower portion thereof. The first and second strikers 60 are provided in an area that substantially overlaps a lower portion of an opening 52 provided in the back panel 50. To this end, the first and second strikers 60 are exposed to the opening 52 and can be received and engaged by corresponding first and second latches 76 on the accessory 40. Each latch 76 may include a stop arm that is angled and spring-biased to receive the corresponding striker 60. The first and second strikers 60 may be configured as bent rods, each having a rod-shaped engagement portion that is configured to be cooperatively connected with a corresponding latch to retain the accessory 40 on the back panel 50.

[0065] The accessory 40 is shown as having a forward-facing inner wall 70 and a side wall 72. The accessory 40 also includes a first molded locator retention feature and a second molded locator retention feature 74 provided in an upper portion of the inner wall 70. For example, the first molded locator retention feature and the second molded locator retention feature 74 are shaped to engage the first and second slots 58 in the back panel 50 when tilted and inserted at an angle of inclination such as 10 to 45 degrees. The molded locator retention features can be configured as toe-in alignment arms. First and second latches 76 are provided at the lower end of the accessory 40. The first and second latches 76 are configured to receive first and second strikers 60 provided in the back panel 50 to lock and retain the accessory 40 on the back panel 50. Thus, a user can attach the accessory 40 to the back panel 50 by inserting the first and second molded locator retention features 74 into the corresponding first and second slots 58 at a certain angle and rotating the bottom end of the accessory 40 downward so that the first and second latches 76 engage the first and second strikers 60 to lock the accessory 40 in place on the back panel 50. It should be understood that the first and second latches 76 can be unlocked by applying a rearward force to the bottom end of the accessory 40 to unlock and remove the accessory 40 from the back panel 50.

[0066] The seat assembly 20B is advantageously modular in that the accessory 40 connected to the rear side of the seat back 32 can be installed and removed and replaced with another accessory. Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the first accessory 40A is shown connected to the back side of the seat back 32, and when the seat back 32 is in the folded position that orients the seat back 32 in a generally horizontal arrangement, the first accessory is shown oriented on the top side of the seat back 32. The first accessory 40A shown in this example is an expandable crate accessory that forms a container and includes a plurality of folding panels 80 that can be compactly folded when not in use. When it is desired to use the expandable crate, the folding panels 80 can be expanded to a configuration position to provide a Figure 3B For this purpose, an expandable crate forming a storage container may be provided on the seat back 32.

[0067] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , shows an example of a second accessory in the form of a deployable tray accessory 40B. When the seat back 32 is in the folded position, the deployable tray accessory 40B is in the Figure 4A32 in a stowed position on the back side of the seat back 32. The deployable tray accessory 40B generally includes a foldable tray body 84 and a wall 86 that folds flat in a compact stowed position. The foldable tray body 84 has a console opening 90 and a plurality of cup holder openings 92 that are located at Figure 4A 8. When deployed, the expandable tray accessory 40B is raised so that the folded wall 86 moves to an upright position providing an upright wall 88. In the deployed position, the opening 90 expands into a storage compartment for receiving items such as books, as shown. In addition, the cup holder 92 moves during deployment to an open position having a depth for receiving a beverage container, as shown.

[0068] refer to Figure 5 , a third accessory in the form of a changing table accessory 40C is shown according to another example. The changing table accessory 40C generally includes side walls and a bottom surface that are configured to support a changing garment, such as a diaper on an infant. In addition, a retainer strip 94 extends across an upper portion of the side walls of the changing table accessory 40C to help position and retain one or more items on the table. The changing table accessory 40C is usable when the seat back 32 is in the forward folded position, such as when the seat back 32 is in the forward folded position. Figure 5 as shown in .

[0069] refer to Figure 6 , a fourth accessory in the form of a media accessory 40D according to another example is shown. The media accessory 40D is configured to include a touch screen display 100 and a plurality of electronic ports, including a power port 106 and a data communication port 108. For example, the data port 108 and the power port 106 can be integrated to supply data and power via a combination port (such as a USB port). In addition, another communication port 102 is shown as being provided in the seat base 30 to provide power and data from the motor vehicle 10 to the media accessory 40D. To this end, a user can utilize the media accessory 40D, particularly when the seat back 32 is in an upright position, for viewing by a passenger in a seating area located behind the seat assembly 20B.

[0070] refer to FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D , a fifth accessory in the form of an expandable table accessory 40E according to another example is shown. The expandable table accessory 40E is shown to be expandable for use when the seat back 32 is in the forward folded position. Fig. 7A and Figure 7BAs shown in the figure, the deployable table accessory 40E has a top table 110 shown in a folded or stowed position, which fits tightly within a recessed area 124 in the rear surface of the seat back 32. In this position, the deployable table accessory 40E can be used in a stowed position at a lower height. The deployable table accessory 40E can be deployed to a position such as Figure 7C and Fig.7D , and the like. In doing so, the table 110 of the deployable table accessory 40E is extended upwardly and rearwardly from the stowed position to the raised use position. To support this movement, the table 110 is connected on opposite lateral sides to a first arm 112 and a second arm 114 on each of the left and right sides of the table 110. The first arm 112 is connected to the table 110 via a first pivot pin 116 and to a support on the bottom side via a second pivot pin 118. Similarly, the second arm 114 is connected to the table 110 via a third pivot pin 120 on the top side and via a fourth pivot pin 122 on the bottom side. The table 110 can be extended as shown in the figure. Fig.7D 124, or stowed within the recessed area 124 when the extended position is not required.

[0071] refer to Figure 8 , a sixth accessory in the form of a pet divider accessory 40F is shown as being mounted on each of the first front seat assembly 20A and the second front seat assembly 20B. The pet divider accessory 40F generally includes a divider 130 that is connected between the pet divider accessories 40F on each of the first seat assembly 20A and the second seat assembly 20B. In the example shown, the divider 130 can be a net. It should be understood that other divider materials, such as panels, can be provided. It should also be understood that the divider 130 can be initially attached to one of the pet divider accessories 40F, and can then be attachably connected to the other of the pet divider accessories 40F to form an extended divider wall.

[0072] refer to Fig.9A and Fig. 9B, a seventh accessory in the form of a foldable and extendable flat surface accessory 40G is shown as being provided on each of the plurality of seat assemblies 20A to 20E. The foldable and extendable flat surface accessory 40G is shown as being mounted on the second seat assembly 20B having a pair of folding panels 140. Similarly, a folding flat surface accessory 40G is provided that extends across the seat backs 32 of all rear seat assemblies 20C to 20E and includes a pair of folding panels 140. The first seat assembly 20A is also shown as having a foldable and extendable flat surface accessory 40G; however, it may only be used when the motor vehicle 10 is not being driven by the driver. When one or more of the panels 140 are unfolded, the panels 140 may form an extended bed or table surface. By folding the panels 140 to the extended position, a sturdy surface will be provided within the vehicle cabin. It should be appreciated that the panels 140 may include interconnecting hinges to allow the panels 140 to be folded and unfolded.

[0073] refer to Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B According to a second embodiment, a vehicle seating assembly 20B is shown having a second connector assembly. In this embodiment, an accessory 40 is configured to connect to the rear side of a seat back 32 via first and second toe-in connectors 152 configured with tenon teeth of tenon geometry to insert into corresponding first and second slots 154 having mortise-and-tenon mating features in a lower portion of the seat back. The top end of the accessory 40 has an angled surface configured with an engagement element 150, such as a slot to be received and engaged by a latch 156 in an upper portion of the seat back 32. To do this, the first and second toe-in members 152 can be inserted into the first and second slots 154, and the upper end of the accessory 40 is rotated toward the seat back 32 and pushed into position so that the engagement element 150 cooperatively engages with the latch 156 to lock it in position. To remove the accessory 40 from the seat back 32 , the latch 156 may be raised to disengage from the engagement element 150 , and the accessory 40 may be pivoted outwardly from the latch 156 and raised and removed from the seat back 32 .

[0074] refer to Fig.11A and Fig. 11BAccording to a third embodiment, a seat assembly 20B is shown having an accessory 40 connected to a seat back 32 via a toe and latch connection assembly. In this embodiment, the accessory 40 includes first and second toe members 162 having tenon teeth extending downwardly from a bottom end and configured to engage a pair of slots 164 with mortise mating features in the lower end of the seat back 32. The upper end of the accessory 40 has an angled surface that engages a latch 166 so as to clip to lock the accessory 40 in place on the seat back 32. The accessory 40 can be removed from the seat back 32 by pulling the latch 166 to release the upper end of the accessory 40, and the accessory 40 can be raised and removed from the seat back 32.

[0075] refer to Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B , shows a vehicle seating assembly 20B having an accessory 40 connected to the back side of a seat back 32 according to a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, a slide-in and lock connector arrangement is employed. The accessory 40 is shown as having a mating dovetail surface 170 extending around an edge on the periphery of the accessory 40. The mating dovetail surface 170 is configured to engage a dovetail geometric lock channel 172 provided in the rear surface of the seat back 32. The accessory 40 slides within the lock channel 172 to a fully engaged position, where a latching latch 174 can lock the accessory 40 in place. To remove the accessory 40 from the seat back 32, the latching latch 174 can be raised to release the end of the accessory 40 and allow the accessory 40 to slide out and be removed from the seat back 32.

[0076] Thus, the vehicle seating assembly 20B is provided with a modular seat back 32 that allows for the use of a plurality of accessories 40 on the rear side of the seat back 32. The accessories 40 can be easily installed on the seat back 32 and removed and replaced with other accessories.

[0077] It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the aforementioned structures without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it will be further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the appended claims unless the claims expressly state otherwise by their language.

[0078] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly is provided, which has: a seat base; a seat back; a hinge mechanism, which is connected to the seat base and the seat back to allow the seat back to move between an upright seating position and a folded position; a back panel, which is provided on the seat back; an accessory attachment system, which is located on the back panel and has one or more alignment connector structures and one or more latch retainers; and an accessory, which is configured to be connected to the back panel and engage the one or more alignment connectors and the one or more latch retainers.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the one or more latch keepers comprise one or more latches.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the one or more latches include a first latch and a second latch.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the attachment comprises one or more strikers configured to engage the one or more latches.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the alignment connector includes a first toe alignment arm and a second toe alignment arm configured to engage a first slot and a second slot.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the seat assembly is a passenger seat assembly.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the accessory comprises a deployable crate.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the accessory comprises a changing table.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the accessory comprises a deployable table assembly.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the attachment comprises a media attachment.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the accessory comprises one of cargo and a play area accessory.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the accessory comprises a pet divider.

[0090] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly is provided, which has: a seat base; a seat back; a hinge mechanism, which is connected to the seat base and the seat back to allow the seat back to move between an upright seating position and a folded position; a back panel, which is provided on the seat back; an accessory attachment system, which is located on the back panel and has one or more alignment connector structures and one or more latches; and an accessory, which is configured to be connected to the back panel and engage the one or more alignment connectors and the one or more latches, wherein one of the accessory attachment system and the accessory has a first latch and a second latch, and the other of the accessory attachment system and the accessory has a first pin and a second pin.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the accessory attachment system has the first latch and the second latch, and the back panel has the first striker and the second striker.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the accessory comprises a deployable crate.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the accessory comprises a changing table.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the accessory comprises a deployable table assembly.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the attachment comprises a media attachment.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the accessory comprises one of cargo and a play area accessory.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the accessory comprises a pet divider.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising: Seat base; Seat backs; an articulation mechanism coupled to the seat base and the seat back to allow the seat back to move between an upright seating position and a folded position; a back panel provided on the seat back; an accessory attachment system located on the back panel and having one or more alignment connector structures and one or more latch retainers; as well as An accessory is configured to connect to the back panel and engage the one or more alignment connectors and the one or more latch keepers. 2 . The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1 , wherein the one or more latch keepers include one or more latches. 3 . The vehicle seating assembly of claim 2 , wherein the one or more latches include a first latch and a second latch. 4 . The vehicle seating assembly of claim 3 , wherein the accessory includes one or more strikers configured to engage the one or more latches. 5 . The vehicle seating assembly of claim 4 , wherein the alignment connector includes a first toe alignment arm and a second toe alignment arm, the first toe alignment arm and the second toe alignment arm being configured to engage the first slot and the second slot.

6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the seating assembly is a passenger seating assembly.

7. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises a deployable crate.

8. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises a changing table.

9. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1 wherein the accessory comprises a deployable table assembly.

10. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises a media accessory.

11. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1 , wherein the accessory comprises one of cargo and a play area accessory.

12. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises a pet divider.

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