Vehicle seat

Abstract

A seat frame includes: a cushion support; a seat back frame fixed in position at a first angle relative to the seat cushion support by a fastener; and a deformable element having an upper portion and a lower portion and a bore through which the fastener passes, where: the deformable element further has a gap having an initial width, the gap being formed between the upper portion and the lower portion; when the seat back frame rotates about the fastener relative to the cushion support, the deformable element is permanently deformable such that the upper portion and the lower portion of the deformable element rotate about the fastener relative to each other and the width of the gap decreases such that the upper portion and the lower portion of the deformable element rotate about the fastener relative to each other. The seat back frame is at a second angle relative to the seat cushion support.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle seats. The present invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to seats for use in buses, coaches and other passenger vehicles.

[0002] Vehicle seats typically include a strong frame made of metal, which is at least partially surrounded by a padding material such as polyurethane (PE) foam and then upholstered with an outer layer of fabric, plastic or any other suitable material.

[0003] The frame of the seat serves to provide the necessary strength and rigidity to support the seat occupant and also helps to protect the seat occupant in the event of a collision.

[0004] Current designs of seat frames can be difficult and time consuming to construct.

[0005] In the event of a frontal collision, conventional seat frames also transfer most of the generated forces to the seat occupants.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved seat frame for a vehicle seat.

[0007] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention provides a seat frame, which includes: a seat cushion support; a seat back frame, which is fixed in an appropriate position at a first angle relative to the seat cushion support by a fastener; and a deformable element, which has an upper part and a lower part and a hole through which the fastener passes, wherein: the deformable element also has a gap, which has an initial width, and the gap is formed between the upper part and the lower part; when the seat back frame rotates around the fastener relative to the seat cushion support, the deformable element is able to be permanently deformed so that the upper part and the lower part of the deformable element rotate around the fastener relative to each other, and the width of the gap is reduced, so that the seat back frame is at a second angle relative to the seat cushion support.

[0008] Advantageously, an upper portion of the deformable element engages with a portion of the seat back frame.

[0009] Preferably, an upper portion of the deformable element is housed within a tubular member forming part of the seat back frame.

[0010] Conveniently, a lower portion of the deformable element engages a portion of the seat cushion support.

[0011] Advantageously, a lower portion of the deformable element abuts or is adjacent a portion of the seat cushion support.

[0012] Preferably, the portion of the seat cushion support is a load-bearing surface of the seat cushion support.

[0013] Conveniently, the gap has opposing edges which are spaced apart from each other when the gap has an initial width, and wherein the edges move towards each other upon deformation of the deformable element.

[0014] Advantageously, after a certain amount of deformation of the deformable element, the edges of the gap meet and abut against each other, thereby providing increased resistance to further deformation of the deformable element.

[0015] Preferably, the fastener passes through a hole in the deformable element and the gap communicates with the hole.

[0016] Conveniently, one or more deformable elements are provided on each side of the seat frame.

[0017] Advantageously, two deformable elements are provided on each side of the seat frame.

[0018] Preferably, the seat frame includes a first transverse support connected at a first end to an upper region of the seat back frame and connected at a second end to the seat cushion support.

[0019] Conveniently, the first transverse support extends diagonally between the first end and the second end.

[0020] Advantageously, the seat frame further comprises a second transverse support member connected at a first end to the first transverse support member and connected at a second end to the seat cushion support member.

[0021] Preferably, the second transverse support extends diagonally between the first end and the second end.

[0022] Conveniently, the first lateral support is connected at a second end thereof to a first side of the seat cushion support and the second lateral support is connected at a second end thereof to an opposing second side of the seat cushion support.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention includes a seat frame including: a seat cushion support; a seat back frame fixed in position relative to the seat cushion support; a first lateral support extending diagonally across the seat back frame; and a second lateral support extending diagonally across the seat back frame and terminating at one end at a connection with the first lateral support.

[0024] Advantageously, the seat back frame includes a peripheral support; the first lateral support is connected to the peripheral support at an upper end thereof; and the first lateral support is connected to the seat cushion support at a lower end thereof.

[0025] Preferably, the second lateral support member is connected to the first lateral support member at its upper end; and the second lateral support member is connected to the seat cushion support member at its lower end.

[0026] Conveniently, a majority of the components defining the perimeter support of the seat back frame have a cross-sectional shape having a width that is substantially greater than its depth.

[0027] Advantageously, all or substantially all of the components defining the perimeter support of the seat back frame have a cross-sectional shape having a width that is substantially greater than its depth.

[0028] Preferably, the first lateral support is formed from a member having a cross-sectional shape having a width substantially greater than a depth.

[0029] Conveniently, the second transverse support is formed from a member having a cross-sectional shape having a width substantially greater than a depth.

[0030] In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 Features of a chair cushion support suitable for use with the present invention are shown in exploded view;

[0032] Figure 2 The seat cushion support is shown in an assembled configuration;

[0033] Figure 3 showing components of a seat cushion support and a seat back frame in exploded view;

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A close up view of one of the extruded plates shown in ;

[0035] Figure 5 Shown in assembled configuration Figure 3 Features;

[0036] Figure 6 showing a close up view of the connection between the seat cushion support and the seat back frame;

[0037] Figure 7 The first lateral support is shown prior to connection to the seat cushion support and the seat back frame;

[0038] Figure 8 Shown in assembled configuration Figure 7 Features;

[0039] Fig. 9 showing a close up view of the connection between the first lateral support and the seat cushion support;

[0040] Fig.10 shows an assembled seat frame embodying the present invention; and

[0041] Fig.11 shows the following frontal collision involving the seat frame Figure 3 of extruded plate.

[0042] First refer to Figure 1 , showing components of a seat cushion support for a seat frame embodying the present invention.

[0043] These components include a seat cushion left side piece 1 and a seat cushion right side piece 2. For the sake of clarity, the seat cushion right side piece 2 is shown with a dotted line.

[0044] Each of the seat cushion side members 1, 2 has an elongated bottom plate 3 which in the embodiment shown is planar or substantially planar and has a generally rectangular shape. In use, the two bottom plates 3 will be arranged generally horizontally, or parallel to the floor of the vehicle in which the seat is installed. Once the seat is assembled, the two bottom plates 3 are preferably in the same plane as each other.

[0045] Each seat cushion side piece 1, 2 also has a connection plate 4. In the example shown, each connection plate 4 is at a right angle or substantially at a right angle relative to the base plate 3. When the seat is assembled, each connection plate 4 is preferably oriented in a vertical or substantially vertical plane.

[0046] The connecting plate 4 is preferably formed integrally with the base plate 3, but in other embodiments these components may be formed separately and then joined together.

[0047] Each cushion side piece 1, 2 has a front end 5, when the seat is assembled, the front end will point to the general forward direction. Each cushion side piece 1, 2 also has a rear end 6, when the seat is assembled, the rear end will point to the general rearward direction.

[0048] In the example shown, the connecting plate 4 has a substantially uniform width towards the front ends of the seat cushion side members 1 , 2 . This width may be approximately equal to the width of the bottom plate 3 .

[0049] At its rear end 6, each of the connection plates 4 has a connection projection 7 extending away from the base plate 3. This gives each connection plate 4 a generally L-shaped configuration.

[0050] The majority of each connecting plate 4 is generally planar. However, in the embodiment shown, there is an offset region 8 at the top end of each connecting protrusion 7 (i.e., the portion of the connecting protrusion 7 farthest from the bottom plate 3) that is generally parallel to, but offset from, the remainder of the connecting plate 4. In a preferred embodiment, the offset portion 8 is offset from the remainder of the connecting plate 4 in the same direction as the direction in which the bottom plate 3 extends from the connecting plate 4.

[0051] An upwardly facing shoulder 44 is formed between the offset portion 8 and the remainder of the web 4 .

[0052] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the offset portions 8 of the left and right connecting plates 4 are closer to each other than the rest of the connecting plates 4 when the seat is in its assembled form.

[0053] Each of the connecting plates 4 has a pair of receiving holes 9 formed therethrough. In the embodiment shown, each receiving hole 9 has a generally rectangular form. The receiving hole 9 is preferably formed so that one edge thereof is located on or near the joint between the bottom plate 3 and the connecting plate 4. The receiving hole 9 extends from the joint toward the top edge 10 of the connecting plate 4.

[0054] One of the receiving holes 9 is located toward the front end 5 of the seat cushion side members 1 , 2 , and the other receiving hole 9 is located toward the rear end 6 of the seat cushion side members.

[0055] There is provided a pair of seat cushion connection stays 11. Each seat cushion connection stay 11 is intended to be fixed in position between the seat cushion side members 1, 2, thereby fixing the seat cushion side members 1, 2 in position relative to each other.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, the seat cushion connection braces 11 take the form of tubular beams having a generally square or rectangular cross section. One end of each beam is aligned with a corresponding receiving hole 9 formed in each seat cushion side member 1, 2. These receiving holes 8 are optional and are provided in the example shown so that in the event that any of these connection braces is too long, the excess length can extend into one or both of the receiving holes 8.

[0057] Throughout the specification, reference is made to components connected together using bolts or similar fasteners. Where two components are connected by bolts, a connecting hole will be formed through the two components. The bolt will pass through the holes in the two components, and a nut or the like will be connected to one end of the bolt.

[0058] Where two components are described as being held together by bolts, for the sake of brevity, the connecting holes formed through the components will not be described separately or in detail.

[0059] However, it will be appreciated that suitable connection holes are formed in the components to allow the components to be fastened together using bolts or similar connectors.

[0060] It is well within the knowledge and ability of those skilled in the art to form connection holes of appropriate sizes and locations to allow the components to be rigidly and securely held together using bolts.

[0061] The cushion connection stays 11 are connected to the cushion side pieces 1, 2 by bolts. Preferably, these bolts pass through the cushion connection stays 11 and through the bottom plate 3. In the embodiment shown, a pair of bolts are used at each end of each cushion connection stay 11. In the embodiment shown, anti-extrusion inserts 12 are provided in each end of each cushion connection stay 11. The bolts connecting the cushion connection stays 11 to the cushion side pieces 1, 2 can also pass through these anti-extrusion inserts 12.

[0062] The anti-extrusion insert 12 takes the form of a block of solid material which preferably fits tightly within each end of the connecting stay 11 and prevents the connecting stay 11 from being squeezed out of shape when the bolts are tightened.

[0063] Figure 2 The seat cushion side members 1 , 2 and the seat cushion support stay 11 are shown which when connected together form the seat cushion support 13 .

[0064] Steering Figure 3 , showing other components of the seat frame.

[0065] The seat back frame 14 has a left side element 15 and a right side element 16, which will be connected to the seat cushion support 13 in use. In the embodiment shown, the side elements 15, 16 are generally parallel to each other and take the form of elongated stays. The upper ends 17 of the side elements 15, 16 are connected by an arched portion 18, which extends horizontally to connect the side supports 15, 16 to each other. In the example shown, the arched portion 18 includes a left inclined portion 19 and a right inclined portion 20, which are connected to the upper ends 17 of the side elements 15, 16 and are angled relative to them so that the upper ends 22 of the left and right inclined portions are closer together than the side elements 15, 16. The upper ends 22 of the inclined portions 19, 20 are connected by a crossbar 23, which, in the example shown, is at right angles or substantially right angles to the side elements 15, 16.

[0066] The arched portion 18 need not take this exact configuration and may have any suitable shape so long as it firmly connects the side members 15, 16 to one another while providing a frame of suitable shape to support the backrest of the vehicle seat.

[0067] In an embodiment, the seat back frame may have a generally rectangular overall shape with parallel side elements connected at their top ends by a crossbar perpendicular to the side elements. The seat back frame need not taper at its top end or have a conventional arched shape at its top end.

[0068] The side elements 15, 16, angled portions 19, 20 and crossbar 23 may be integrally formed, but in other examples, the seat back frame 14 may be formed of two or more components that are formed separately and fixed together. In the illustrated embodiment, these components are formed from a single length of tubular material that is bent or angled at appropriate locations. In this example, the tubular material has a rectangular cross-section that is wider than it is deep. Each bend may be formed around an axis that is parallel or substantially parallel to the width of the tubular material at that point. The side elements 15, 16, angled portions 19, 20 and crossbar 23 together constitute the perimeter support of the seat frame 14.

[0069] In the example shown, the lower ends 24 of the left and right elements 15, 16 are attached to the connection protrusions 7 of the seat cushion side members 1, 2, and these connections include a series of energy absorbing extruded plates 25. One of the extruded plates 25 is Figure 4 is shown in more detail in .

[0070] like Figure 4 As can be seen, each extruded plate 25 takes the form of a strip of a solid material such as steel. The strip is preferably generally planar and preferably has a uniform thickness over its area, and in a preferred embodiment, each extruded plate 25 may be cut or stamped from a continuous sheet of material.

[0071] In the example shown in the drawings, the extruded plate 25 has a left side edge 35 and a right side edge 36, which are preferably parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The extruded plate 25 also has a bottom edge 37 and a top edge 38. In the example shown, the bottom edge 37 is substantially straight, and additionally or alternatively, the top edge 38 has a curved shape, which is preferred but not required. The curved or arcuate shape of the top edge 38 helps prevent the side elements 15, 16 from being damaged (e.g., cracked or broken) during a collision, for reasons that will be understood from the following description.

[0072] The extruded plate 25 has a connection hole 39 formed therethrough. In the example shown, the connection hole 39 is formed close to the bottom edge 37. The connection hole 39 preferably extends all the way through the depth of the extruded plate 25.

[0073] A notch 40 is formed between the connection hole 39 and one side edge (right side edge 36 in the example shown) of the extrusion plate 25. The notch 40 takes the form of a cutout portion of the extrusion plate 25. The connection hole 39 is therefore not completely closed, but communicates with one side edge 36. The notch 40 preferably widens as it goes from the connection hole 39 to the side edge 36, and is therefore generally V-shaped. The notch 40 has a first edge 41 and a second edge 42 that generally face each other.

[0074] like Figure 3It can be seen that two extruded plates 25 are provided on the left side and two other extruded plates 25 are provided on the right side. When assembling the seat, the extruded plate 25 on the right side is inserted into the hollow interior of the right element 16 so that its connecting hole 39 is aligned with the through hole formed through the lower part of the right element 16.

[0075] The right side member 16 is then positioned so that the through hole is aligned with the connection hole formed through the offset area 8 of the connection protrusion 7 of the connection plate 4 of the right side member 2 of the seat cushion. The bolt 43 passes through the through hole of the right side member 16 and through the connection holes 39 of the two extrusion plates 25 located in the right side member 16. The bolt passes through the connection hole formed in the offset area 8.

[0076] In this example, two squeeze plates 25 are provided on each side. This is not essential, and only one squeeze plate 25 may be provided on each side, or three or more squeeze plates may be provided on each side. It is not essential to provide the same number of squeeze plates on each side, but this is preferred to avoid asymmetric movement of the sides of the seat and / or twisting of the seat. In some examples, there may be one or more squeeze plates on one side and no squeeze plates on the other side.

[0077] In this example, two extruded plates are provided on each side, as this is convenient given the internal diameter of the tubes forming the side elements 15 , 16 and the thickness of the sheets of material forming the extruded plates 25 .

[0078] Figure 5 The seat back frame 14 is shown when fully connected to the seat cushion support 13. Together these components form the seat frame 21.

[0079] Figure 6 The connection between the right seat cushion side member 2 and the right element 16 is shown (as shown by Figure 4 A close-up view of the ).

[0080] As can be seen in this figure, at least a portion of the bottom edge 37 of each extruded plate 25 projects downwardly below the bottom of the right element 16. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom edge 37 is located on or near an upwardly facing shoulder 44 formed in the right connecting plate 4.

[0081] As is common with vehicle seats, the seat back frame 14 is tilted rearwardly so that the plane of the seat back frame 14 is tilted relative to the plane of the seat cushion support 13 (i.e., the plane of the cushion in which the seat cushion 3 will be retained and which supports the cushion on which the seat occupant will sit). In an embodiment of the present invention, the tilt angle of the seat back frame 14 relative to the seat cushion support 13 can be controlled by the angles at which these components are set relative to each other before being bolted together. In one example, the tilt angle of the seat back frame 14 relative to the seat cushion support is 96°, but any other suitable angle may be used.

[0082] Steering Figure 7 , shows another view of the seat frame 21 , also showing the first transverse support 26 .

[0083] exist Figure 7 , the first transverse support 26 is shown disengaged from the remaining components of the seat frame 21 .

[0084] In the example shown, the first lateral support 26 comprises an elongated straight or substantially straight brace portion 27. The first lateral support 26 has a first angled connection portion 29 at its lower end 28. The first lateral support 26 has a second angled connection portion 31 at its upper end 30.

[0085] Figure 8 The first transverse support 26 is shown when connected to the remaining components of the seat frame 21. At its lower end 28, the first transverse support 26 is connected to the seat cushion right side piece 2 by means of its first angled connection portion 29. In the example shown, the first angled connection portion 29 is attached to the connection protrusion 7 of the seat cushion right side piece 2 by means of a bolt that passes through a hole formed below the area where the right side element 16 of the seat frame 14 is attached to the support protrusion 7. Fig. 9 This connection is shown in more detail in FIG. Figure 8 The area indicated by the circle in .

[0086] At its upper end 30, the first transverse support 26 is attached to the upper region of the opposite side of the arched portion 18. In the example shown, the upper end 30 of the first transverse support 16 is attached in the junction area between the crossbar 23 and the left inclined portion 19. Generally speaking, at its upper end, the first transverse support 26 is attached at or in the region of the upper corner of the seat back frame 14.

[0087] Steering Fig.10 , there is shown a second transverse support 32. The second transverse support 32 is also preferably in the form of an elongate brace having respective angled connecting portions 33, 34 at its upper and lower ends.

[0088] The upper connecting portion 33 is attached to the first lateral support member 26 at a midway position along the length of the first lateral support member 26. The lower connecting portion 34 is connected to the connecting protrusion 7 of the left side member 1 of the seat cushion.

[0089] The second lateral support 32 thus provides a further support function to the seat frame 21, thereby stabilizing the first lateral support 26, and providing additional support and rigidity to the seat back.

[0090] Fig.10 The seat frame 21 is shown in substantially finished form.

[0091] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in use, the seat frame 21 will be attached to the floor of the vehicle, and this may be accomplished in any suitable manner. One or more legs or alternative support arrangements may be connected to the seat frame and the vehicle floor. It is envisaged that the seat cushion support 13 will be raised to an appropriate height above the level of the vehicle floor to allow the occupant to sit comfortably in the seat, as is conventional.

[0092] If the seat frame 21 is installed in a vehicle as part of a seat and the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision while an occupant is seated in the seat, the occupant will be thrown forward relative to the seat. If (as expected) the occupant is wearing a seat belt, the seat belt will (after locking the inertia reel (where applicable)) restrain the forward movement of the occupant's torso.

[0093] Therefore, a portion of the occupant's forward momentum will be transferred to the seat back frame 14 , causing a force to act on the seat back frame which will tend to cause the seat back frame 14 to rotate forwardly relative to the seat cushion support 13 .

[0094] If the forces involved are great enough, the seat back frame 14 will begin to rotate forward about the bolts 43 connecting the seat cushion support 13 to the seat back frame 14. When this happens, the bottom edge 37 of each squeeze plate 25 will abut against the upward facing shoulder 44 and will thus be prevented from further rotation of the bottom edge 37 of each squeeze plate 25. The shoulder 44 thus acts as a load bearing surface.

[0095] When the seat back frame continues to rotate forward, the compression plate 25 will deform, wherein the edges 41, 42 of the notch 40 are closer together and the width of the slot is reduced. Each compression plate 25 will pivot around the bolt 43 passing through its connecting hole 39.

[0096] When this occurs, the top portion of each pressing plate 25 defined above the connection hole 39 will rotate relative to the bottom portion of the pressing plate 25 defined below the connection hole 39 .

[0097] The amount of deformation of the compression plate 25 will depend on the force generated, but the deformation may continue until the edges 41, 42 of the recess 40 meet each other, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 In this state, the recess 40 has been effectively closed.

[0098] When the crush plate 25 deforms, energy is absorbed, which helps to protect the occupant of the seat. Another advantage is that a portion of the load that would normally be transmitted to the vehicle floor through the legs of the seat is instead absorbed by the deformation of the crush plate 25.

[0099] The reader will understand that after the extruded plate 25 has been deformed to Fig.11 , the angle of the seat back frame 14 relative to the seat cushion support 13 will have changed. The seat back frame 14 will have rotated forward relative to the seat cushion support 13. In some embodiments, after the extrusion plate 25 is deformed in this manner, the seat back frame 14 will be at a right angle or substantially at a right angle relative to the seat cushion support 13.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the extrusion plate 25 can be deformed to Fig.11 The state shown, in which the recess 40 has been completely or substantially completely closed, without causing any significant damage or deformation to any other component of the seat frame 21. The remaining components are strong enough that they will not be deformed or damaged under the action of a force sufficient to deform the squeeze plate 25 in this manner.

[0101] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that references to deformation of the extruded plate 25 in this document refer to permanent deformation. References to deformation should not be interpreted as including elastic deformation.

[0102] After a certain amount of deformation has occurred, the edges 41, 42 of the notch 40 meet each other, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the edges 41, 42 contact each other, this helps prevent further significant deformation of the extruded plate 25. Before the edges 41, 42 meet each other, the extruded plate 25 can be deformed relatively easily, but once the edges 41, 42 have contacted each other, further deformation can only occur under very large forces.

[0103] Thus, the width of the notch 40 may be selected to control the range of movement that the seat back frame 14 will undergo during a crash situation where a certain level of force acts on the seat frame 21. The seat back frame 14 may rotate relative to the seat cushion support 3 to a certain extent to absorb energy and protect the occupant, but the seat back frame 14 is prevented from significantly further rotating which could be harmful to the occupant.

[0104] like Figure 4As can be seen in the preferred embodiment, the bottom edge 37 of each extruded plate 25 is not perpendicular to the length of the extruded plate 25, but is set at a certain angle relative to the length of the extruded plate 25. This allows the bottom edge 37 to engage or generally align with the upward facing shoulder 44 at an appropriate point during the forward rotation of the seat back frame 14. In a preferred embodiment, when the seat frame 21 is first assembled, that is, before a collision occurs, the bottom edge 37 is close to or abuts the upward facing shoulder 44. Those skilled in the art will understand how this angle can be selected based on the configuration of other components and the desired angle of the seat back frame 14 relative to the seat cushion support 13.

[0105] For example, as mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment, the initial angle between the seat back frame 41 and the seat cushion support 3 can be 96°. Therefore, in this example, the bottom edge 37 of the extruded plate can be set at 96° to the right edge 36 and 84° to the left edge 35.

[0106] Another preferred feature of the seat frame 21, and other examples of seat frames embodying the present invention, is that there are no welded connections between any of the components of the seat frame 21. In the example shown, all connections between the components are made with bolts, but those skilled in the art will recognize other mechanical connections that do not involve welding that can be used to connect some or all of the components of the seat components together. Examples of alternative connectors include rivets and hank bushings.

[0107] There may be several features of the seat frame 21 that allow it to be efficiently constructed without the use of any welded joints.

[0108] First, many of these components are formed of braces having a planar form (i.e., being significantly wider in a first direction than in a second, perpendicular direction). In the example shown in the drawings, this applies to the base plates 3 and connecting plates 4 of the seat cushion side members 1, 2, the components of the seat back frame 14, and the first and second transverse supports 26 and 32. Braces having such a configuration exhibit high strength and resistance to bending in the plane of the material. These braces may have a tubular cross section, or may be solid without an internal space.

[0109] Although a stay having this shape exhibits little resistance to bending about an axis parallel to the plane of the stay, the fact that the seat includes stays arranged at various angles means that, in the event of forces acting on the seat, at least some of these stays are positioned to exhibit strong resistance to bending caused by these forces.

[0110] Forming the seat in this manner therefore allows it to have the necessary strength, rigidity and resistance to bending without the need to gain additional strength through the use of welded joints.

[0111] Second, the first lateral support 26 may be positioned so that its top end is positioned at or near where the seat belt connector is attached to the backrest of the finished seat. The seat may have a seat belt spool and retractor mechanism attached to its top corners, or alternatively have a loop or guide through which the seat belt passes, with the spool and / or retractor mechanism positioned elsewhere (e.g., attached to the sidewall or ceiling of the vehicle in which the seat is mounted). In either case, in a crash situation, significant forces may be exerted on the top corners of the seat as the seat occupant is thrown forward relative to the seat and restrained by the seat belt in that motion.

[0112] The presence of the first transverse support will greatly assist in providing a high level of rigidity to the seat frame to prevent excessive movement or deformation if this were to occur.

[0113] A seat belt disposed on the seat will also typically be threaded diagonally from one top corner of the seat back to an opposite lower corner of the seat back (e.g., in a conventional "lap and shoulder" seat belt). The first cross support 26 connects the two corners of the seat back, thereby providing rigidity specifically between the two connection points of the diagonal portion of the seat belt where the occupant will exert the greatest forces on the seat frame during a frontal collision.

[0114] Therefore, again, the strength of the seat frame can be very high without the need to use welded joints.

[0115] The second lateral support 32 also provides important rigidity to the seat frame 21 and helps maintain the first lateral support 26 in its proper position and configuration during a crash situation or other event where significant forces act on the seat frame 21 .

[0116] Furthermore, the connection between the seat back frame 14 and the seat cushion support 3 described above, including the deformable compression plate 25, allows the seat to protect the occupant in a manner that would not be possible with conventional welded connections between these components.

[0117] Avoiding welded joints offers several advantages.

[0118] Welding is a skilled and time-consuming process, and in some manufacturing plants, welding operations can often be the step that slows down overall production as finished parts wait for welders to join them together.

[0119] Welds can also be unreliable. Sometimes, a joint is not completely welded and is therefore unreliable and prone to failure under high forces. Such incomplete welds are difficult or impossible to detect by inspection.

[0120] In contrast, where the connection is made by bolts or similar fasteners, the robustness of the connection can be easily verified by inspection, and if the bolts are not fully tightened, they can be easily and quickly tightened using appropriate tools.

[0121] In the example shown in the drawings, the first lateral support 26 extends from the right side of the seat cushion to the upper left corner of the seat back frame 14. This will be suitable for a seat positioned on the left side of the vehicle because it will extend between the points on the seat frame where the diagonal portions of the seat belt are attached. Those skilled in the art will understand that for a seat that will be positioned on the right side of the vehicle, the first lateral support can be installed in the opposite configuration, i.e., extending from the left side of the seat cushion to the upper right corner of the seat back frame. The position of the second lateral support can be similarly changed to extend from the right side of the seat cushion to the center area of ​​the first lateral support.

[0122] While it is preferred that a seat embodying the invention have no welded connections, it should be understood that this benefit can be obtained separately from the benefits of the extruded panels described above. If desired, a seat frame embodying the invention may include an extruded panel but also have one or more welded connections. A seat frame embodying the invention may also have no welded connections but need not necessarily include an extruded panel.

[0123] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the seat frame described above will be relatively simple to construct and will perform robustly and reliably to protect occupants in the event of a crash.

[0124] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. These terms should not be interpreted as excluding the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0125] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the appended claims, or in the drawings, expressed in their specific form or in terms of means for performing the disclosed functions, or methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, may, where appropriate, be used alone or in any combination of such features to realize the invention in its various forms.

Claims

1. A seat frame, comprising: Seat cushion supports; a seat back frame secured in position at a first angle relative to the seat cushion support by fasteners; and a deformable element having an upper portion and a lower portion and a hole through which the fastener passes, wherein: The deformable element further has a gap having an initial width, the gap being formed between the upper portion and the lower portion; The deformable element is capable of permanently deforming when the seat back frame is rotated relative to the seat cushion support about the fastener so that the upper portion and the lower portion of the deformable element rotate relative to each other about the fastener and the width of the gap decreases so that the seat back frame is at a second angle relative to the seat cushion support.

2. The seat frame of claim 1 wherein the upper portion of the deformable element engages a portion of the seat back frame.

3. A seat frame as claimed in claim 2, wherein the upper portion of the deformable element is housed within a tubular member forming part of the seat back frame.

4. A chair frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the lower portion of the deformable element engages a portion of the seat cushion support.

5. The seat frame of claim 4, wherein the lower portion of the deformable element abuts or is adjacent to a portion of the seat cushion support.

6. The seat frame of claim 5, wherein the portion of the seat cushion support is a load-bearing surface of the seat cushion support.

7. A seat frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the gap has opposing edges which are spaced apart from each other when the gap has the initial width, and wherein the edges move towards each other when the deformable element is deformed.

8. The seat frame according to claim 7, wherein: After a certain amount of deformation of the deformable element, the edges of the gap meet and abut against each other, providing increased resistance to further deformation of the deformable element.

9. A seat frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener passes through a hole in the deformable element and the gap communicates with the hole.

10. A seat frame according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more deformable elements are provided on each side of the seat frame.

11. A seat frame according to claim 10, wherein two deformable elements are provided on each side of the seat frame.

12. A seat frame as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a first transverse support connected at a first end to an upper region of the seat back frame and at a second end to the seat cushion support.

13. The chair frame of claim 12, wherein the first lateral support extends diagonally between the first end and the second end.

14. A seat frame according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a second lateral support member connected at a first end to the first lateral support member and connected at a second end to the seat cushion support member.

15. The chair frame of claim 14, wherein the second lateral support extends diagonally between the first end and the second end.

16. A seat frame according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the first lateral support is connected at its second end to a first side of the seat cushion support and the second lateral support is connected at its second end to an opposite second side of the seat cushion support.

17. A seat frame, comprising: Seat cushion supports; a seat back frame fixed in position relative to the seat cushion support; a first lateral support extending diagonally across the seat back frame; and A second lateral support extends diagonally across the seat back frame and terminates at one end at a connection with the first lateral support.

18. The seat frame of claim 7, wherein: The seat back frame includes a perimeter support member; The first lateral support is connected at an upper end thereof to the perimeter support; and the first lateral support is connected at a lower end thereof to the seat cushion support.

19. A seat frame according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: the second lateral support being connected at an upper end thereof to the first lateral support; and The second lateral support is connected at a lower end thereof to the seat cushion support.

20. A seat frame as claimed in any preceding claim having no welded connections connecting the seat cushion support to the seat back frame and preferably no welded connections between any of the components of the seat frame.

21. A chair comprising a chair frame according to any preceding claim.

22. A seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the seat further comprises a support arrangement to secure the seat to a vehicle floor.

23. A vehicle comprising a seat according to claim 21 or 22.

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