Seat assembly

Abstract

A seat assembly includes a seat base, a reclining mechanism, a first support, and a second support. The seat base may be pivotally coupled with the seat back; and / or the reclining mechanism is operable to actuate the seat back relative to the seat base. In addition, the first support may include a protrusion disposed between the first wing and the second wing; and / or the second support member can be connected with the seat base. Contact between the first support and the second support may limit rotation of the seat back relative to the seat base about the reclining mechanism. The first wing may be connected to a front side of the seatback; and / or the second wing may be connected to a rear side of the seatback.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to seat assemblies, including seat recline assemblies that can include one or more reinforcement members that can be used to absorb external forces, for example. BACKGROUND

[0002] Seat assemblies can include a recline mechanism that is operable to actuate a seatback relative to a seat base. Such seat assemblies present some problems. For example, during a vehicle and / or cruise ship impact, unsecured items can move from the rear to the front of the vehicle. When the unsecured items contact the seatback, the seatback can be forced to rotate, which can create excess torque about the recline mechanism, causing the recline mechanism and / or various rotating components to bend / break and potentially fail. SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following embodiments:

[0004] 1. A seat assembly comprising: a seat base pivotally coupled with a seatback; a recline mechanism operable to actuate the seatback relative to the seat base; a first support comprising a protrusion disposed between a first wing and a second wing; and a second support coupled with the seat base; wherein contact between the first support and the second support limits rotation of the seatback about the recline mechanism relative to the seat base.

[0005] 2. The seat assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the first wing is coupled to an anterior side of the seatback; the second wing is coupled to a posterior side of the seatback; and the anterior side is opposite the posterior side.

[0006] 3. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first support comprises a body portion; and the protrusion extends perpendicularly from the body portion.

[0007] 4. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a width of the body portion is substantially the same as a width of the protrusion.

[0008] 5. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first wing extends from a first side of the body portion; the second wing extends from a second side of the body portion; and the first side is opposite the second side.

[0009] 6. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the protrusion is at least partially curved.

[0010] 7. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first wing and the second wing are planar; and the first wing and the second wing are planarly aligned.

[0011] 8. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the body portion of the first support is planar; and the body portion is offset relative to the first wing and the second wing.

[0012] 9. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a first connection portion connects the first wing with the body portion; a second connection portion connects the second wing with the body portion; and the first connection portion and the second connection portion are curved.

[0013] 10. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first wing includes a first aperture that is at least partially receptive of a fastener to selectively connect the first support with the seat back.

[0014] 11. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first wing and the second wing are welded to the seat back.

[0015] 12. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the protrusion includes a first edge proximate the first wing; the protrusion includes a second edge proximate the second wing; and contact between the first edge and the second support limits rotation of the seat back in a first rotational direction.

[0016] 13. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second edge contacts the second support to limit rotation of the seat back in a second rotational direction; and the first rotational direction is opposite the second rotational direction.

[0017] 14. A seat assembly comprising: a seat base pivotally coupled with a seat back; a recline mechanism operable to rotate the seat back relative to the seat base; a first support member connected with the seat back, the first support member having a first wing portion, a second wing portion, and a protrusion extending from a body portion; and a second support member connected with the seat base, the second support member having a first edge and a second edge; wherein contact between the protrusion and at least one of the first edge and the second edge limits rotation of the seat back relative to the seat base about the recline mechanism; and wherein a width of at least one of the first wing portion and the second wing portion is greater than a width of the body portion.

[0018] 15. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the body portion is disposed in an offset manner relative to the first wing portion and the second wing portion; and the first wing portion is co-planarly aligned with the second wing portion.

[0019] 16. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the body portion, the first wing portion, and the second wing portion are planar.

[0020] 17. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, the protrusion comprising a first edge disposed proximate the first wing portion; the protrusion comprising a second edge disposed proximate the second wing portion; and the first contact portion and the second contact portion of the second support member are disposed perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge of the protrusion.

[0021] 18. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second support member is planar; and the first edge and the second edge are disposed about a perimeter of the second support member.

[0022] 19. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first support member is welded to the seat back.

[0023] 20. The seat assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first support member is in contact with the seat back at an area proximate the first wing portion, the second wing portion, and the body portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] While the claims are not limited to a specific illustrated embodiment, an understanding of various aspects of the disclosure can be obtained by consideration of the illustrative embodiments described herein in connection with the drawings. The drawings are not to scale and certain features can be exaggerated or hidden in the interest of clarity and conciseness. Additionally, the illustrative examples described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limited to the precise form and configuration disclosed in the drawings and the following detailed description. The illustrative examples are described in detail through reference to the drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat recline assembly including a seat back and a recline mechanism in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 is a top view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat recline assembly having a protrusion in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat recline assembly in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4 is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat recline assembly in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat recline assembly in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the drawings and described herein. While the disclosure will be described in conjunction with embodiments and / or examples, these embodiments and / or examples are not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments and / or examples. On the contrary, the disclosure covers alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0031] In examples, it can be desirable for one or more portions of the seat assembly 100 to absorb an external force in one or more of a plurality of directions. The seat assembly 100 can include a seat base 102 connected (e.g., pivotally) with a seat back 104. The seat base 102 can be rotatable relative to the seat back 104 via a recline mechanism 106. The seat assembly 100 can be used in passenger vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, buses, trains, boats, ships, airplanes, which are not shown). Additionally, the seat assembly 100 can be used in any other suitable situation or device, such as homes, office buildings, theaters, stadiums, recreational vehicles, commercial vehicles, and / or agricultural equipment, etc.

[0032] In embodiments, such as in Figure 1 ,Figure 2 and Figure 3 As generally illustrated, the seat back 104 may be configured to be actuated (e.g., adjusted, tilted, rotated, folded, collapsed) and / or laterally moved along a track assembly that can be connected to the seat base 102. The seat base 102 may include one or more elements, parts and / or components (such as pad or liner assemblies and / or decorative assemblies) and / or be connected to one or more elements, parts and / or components (such as pad or liner assemblies and / or decorative assemblies).

[0033] According to the example, the seat assembly 100 may include a first support 110 and / or a second support 120. The first support 110 may (e.g., selectively and / or fixedly) be connected to the seat back 104, such as... Figure 1 As shown. For example, but not limited to, the first support 110 can move and / or rotate with the seat back 104. Furthermore, the second support 120 can (e.g., selectively and / or fixedly) be connected to the seat base 102, which can be achieved via one or more various holes extending through the second support 120. The second support 120 may not be configured to move relative to the seat base 102, and / or in some cases, may be configured for minimal movement.

[0034] As shown in the embodiments, the tilting mechanism 106 may be at least partially disposed within the second support 120 (e.g., partially concentrically). Furthermore, the tilting mechanism 106 may be a connector (e.g., a rotary connector) linking the seat base 102 to the seat back 104, such that rotation can be restricted in one or more of a variety of ways. For example, but not limited to, the tilting mechanism 106 may include locking and / or unlocking functions and / or components to selectively control the position of the seat back 104 relative to the seat base 102. The tilting mechanism 106 may restrict movement of the seat back 104 under normal operating conditions, e.g., where no excessive load is applied to the seat back 104.

[0035] According to embodiments, the seat assembly 100 can be subjected to external forces generated by unsecured paraphernalia (e.g., luggage, boxes, any kind of item capable of being transported) that can be transferred to the seat base 102 and / or the seat back 104. The seat assembly 100 can be disposed within a passenger cabin capable of traveling at rapid speeds (e.g., vehicle speeds up to about 100 miles per hour), which can result in greater forces being transferred to the seat assembly from loose luggage and / or items disposed therein. For example, during a vehicle and / or passenger ship collision, unsecured items can be transferred from the rear to the front of the vehicle in a first direction (e.g., in the X-direction). When the unsecured items contact the seat back 104, the seat back 104 can be forced to rotate, which can generate excess torque about the recline mechanism 106, causing the recline mechanism 106 and / or various rotating components to bend / break and potentially fail.

[0036] In examples, such as shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the first support 110 can interact (e.g., contact) with the second support 120 to at least partially absorb forces applied to the seat back 104. The first support 110 can be selectively secured with the seat back 104 to reinforce the pivotal connection between the seat back 104 and the seat base 102 when the seat back 104 absorbs external forces. The first support 110 can include a body 130, a first wing 132, and / or a second wing 134. The first wing 132 can extend from the body 130 via a first connecting portion 136; and / or the second wing 134 can extend from the body 130 via a second connecting portion 138. The first support 110 can be formed as a single unitary component.

[0037] With embodiments, such as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the body 130 can be generally or substantially planar, and / or can at least partially complement the outer surface of the seat back 104. The sides of the seat back 104 can include a generally U-shaped outer surface (e.g., the front portion 104A and the rear portion 104B of the seat back 104 can extend further outward from the center of the seat back 104 than the middle portion 104C). The body 130, the first wing 132, and / or the second wing 134 can be partially curved to match the curved shape of the second support 120.

[0038] In an example, the first wing 132 can extend from the main body 130 via a first connection portion 136. The first connection portion 136 can be a curved connection between the first wing 132 and the main body 130. The curved shape of the first connection portion 136 can enable the main body 130 to be aligned with the first wing 132 in an offset configuration. The second wing 134 can extend from the main body 130 via a second connection portion 138. The second connection portion 138 can be a curved connection between the second wing 134 and the main body 130. The curved shape of the second connection portion 138 can enable the main body 130 to be aligned with the second wing 134 in an offset configuration.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the first support 110 can include a protrusion 140 extending (e.g., in a substantially perpendicular direction) from the main body 130. The protrusion 140 can be disposed substantially in the middle / center of the first support 110. Further, due to the U-shaped nature of the first support 110, the protrusion 140 can extend outward from the main body 130 to fill at least a portion of the space between the first wing 132 and / or the second wing 134 (e.g., can extend further beyond the first wing 132 and / or the second wing 134). The substantially U-shape of the first support 110 and / or the positioning of the protrusion 140 in the rotational path of the second support 120 can provide a structural foundation to absorb excess forces exerted on the seat back 104 (which can limit damage to the seat back 104 and / or the reclining mechanism 106, among other things).

[0040] In examples, the protrusion 140 can be generally planar and / or include a curved profile to complement a shape of the second support 120. The first support 110 can be selectively secured with the seat back 104 in one or more of a variety of ways (e.g., via welding and / or via one or more fasteners). Additionally, the first wing 132 can include a first hole 142 (e.g., or more), and / or the second wing 134 can include a second hole 144 (e.g., or more). The first hole 142 can be disposed in a generally central region of the first wing 132, and / or the second hole 144 can be disposed in a generally central region of the second wing 134. The front portion 104A of the seat back 104 can include a first hole 146 that can be coaxially aligned with the first hole 142 of the first wing 132. Similarly, the rear portion 104B of the seat back 104 can include a second hole 148 that can be coaxially aligned with the second hole 144 of the second wing 134. The first hole 142, 146 can be operable to at least partially receive a first fastener, and / or the second hole 144, 148 can be operable to at least partially receive a second fastener. The first hole 142 and / or the second hole 144 can be used as a positioning hole for precise connection. Generally, the first support 110 can be secured with the seat back 104 and can absorb forces that might otherwise cause the reclining mechanism 106 and / or other components of the seat assembly 100 to flex / break.

[0041] According to embodiments, the protrusion 140 can include a first edge 160 and / or a second edge 162. As shown, for example, in Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the first edge 160 can be proximate to the first wing 132, and / or the second edge 162 can be proximate to the second wing 134. Further, the first edge 160 can be configured to contact the second support 120 to at least partially limit movement (e.g., rotation) of the seat back 104. In examples, the second edge 162 can be configured to contact the second support 120 to at least partially limit movement (e.g., rotation) of the seat back 104.

[0042] According to embodiments, the second support 120 can include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and / or configurations. For example, and without limitation, the second support 120 can be substantially planar, circular, and / or can be at least partially elliptical. The second support 120 can include a body 170 having a hole 172 configured to at least partially receive the recline mechanism 106. Further, the second support 120 can include an outer contact edge 174, which can include a first contact portion 176 and / or a second contact portion 178. The outer contact edge 174 can be disposed substantially proximate to the protrusion 140 such that contact can occur between the protrusion 140 and the outer contact edge 174 (e.g., the first contact portion 176 and / or the second contact portion 178). In an example, the second support 120 can include a rim portion 180 extending (e.g., outwardly and / or perpendicularly) from a perimeter of the body 130 (in addition to an area where the outer contact edge 174 can be disposed).

[0043] According to embodiments, such as in Figure 4 and Figure 5 generally illustrated, the first edge 160 of the protrusion 140 can be operable (e.g., rotatable) to contact the first contact portion 176 of the second support 120 to at least partially limit movement of the seat back 104 in a counterclockwise direction (e.g., a first direction). Additionally or alternatively, the second edge 162 of the protrusion 140 can be operable (e.g., rotatable) to contact the second contact portion 178 of the second support 120 to at least partially limit movement of the seat back 104 in a clockwise direction (e.g., a second direction opposite the first direction).

[0044] When the protrusion 140 contacts the first contact portion 176 and / or the second contact portion 178 of the second support 120, force is absorbed and / or dispersed to the seat back via the body 130, the first wing 132, the second wing 134, the first connection portion 136, and / or the second connection portion 138. The first wing 132 and the second wing 134 can provide structural support for absorbing force without compromising the structural integrity of the seat back 104.

[0045] In an example, the first support 110 and / or the second support 120 can include one or more of a variety of materials and / or sizes. For example, and without limitation, the first support 110 and / or the second support 120 can include a metallic material (e.g., such as steel and / or aluminum). The first support 110 and / or the second support 120 can be formed as a single unitary component.

[0046] Various examples / embodiments for various apparatuses, systems, and / or methods are described herein. Numerous specific details are set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, functioning, manufacture, and use of the examples / embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the various drawings. It is understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the examples / embodiments can be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples / embodiments described in the specification. Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples / embodiments described herein are non-limiting examples and thus can recognize that the specific structural and functional details set forth herein are representative and as such are not limiting the scope of the embodiments.

[0047] Reference throughout this specification to “example,” “in an example,” “in accordance with an example,” “various embodiments,” “in accordance with an embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example / embodiment is included in at least one example / embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases “example,” “in an example,” “in accordance with an example,” “in various embodiments,” “in accordance with an embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples / embodiments. Therefore, the particular feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with one example / embodiment can be combined with features, structures, functionality, and / or characteristics of one or more other examples / embodiments, in whole or in part, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0048] It should be understood that a reference to a single element does not necessarily mean a restriction on the number of elements, but instead can include one or more such elements. Any directional references, e.g., normal, inferior, superior, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise, are merely used for identification purposes to aid the reader and are not intended to be limiting, particularly in view of the examples / embodiments.

[0049] References to engagement (e.g., attachment, coupling, connection, etc.) should be construed broadly and can include intermediate members between the connections of the elements, relative movement between elements, direct connection, indirect connection, fixed connection, movable connection, operative connection, indirect contact, and / or direct contact. Thus, references to engagement do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected / coupled in fixed relation to one another. Connections of electrical components, if any, can include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and / or wireless connections, etc. The use of “for example,” “for instance,” and “such as” in this specification are used broadly and are considered non-limiting. The use of “and,” “or,” and “any of” should be construed to be inclusive, e.g., “any of A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B. The use of “including,” “containing,” or “comprising” should be construed to be open-ended and not limiting. The use of “and / or” should be construed to be inclusive and not exclusive, e.g., “A and / or B” means A or B or both. Additionally, use of “and / or” indicates that the listed items are alternatives and that at least one of the items is required. The use of “and”, “or”, and “and / or” should be understood to encompass all possible combinations, e.g., items listed with “or” are the inclusive OR. The use of “any of” should be construed to mean any one or more, i.e., the phrase “any of A, B, and C” means A and / or B and / or C. The use of “and / or” should be construed to encompass all possible combinations, e.g., items listed with “or” are the inclusive OR. The use of “any of” should be construed to mean any one or more, i.e., the phrase “any of A, B, and C” means A and / or B and / or C. The use of “and”, “or”, and “and / or” should be understood to encompass all possible combinations, e.g., items listed with “or” are the inclusive OR.

[0050] While processes, systems, and methods can be described herein in terms of one or more steps occurring in a particular order, it should be understood that the methodologies can be practiced with different orders of steps, with some steps being performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and / or with some steps being omitted.

[0051] All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure can be made without departing from the disclosure.

Claims

1. A seat assembly, characterized in that, The seat assembly includes: A seat base, which is pivotally connected to the seat back; A tilting mechanism, operable to actuate the seat back relative to the seat base; A first support member, the first support member including a protrusion disposed between a first wing and a second wing; and The second support member is connected to the seat base; The contact between the first support member and the second support member restricts the rotation of the seat back relative to the seat base about the tilting mechanism.

2. The seat assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first wing is connected to the front side of the seat back; the second wing is connected to the rear side of the seat back; and the front side is opposite to the rear side.

3. The seat assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support member includes a main body portion disposed between the first wing and the second wing; and the protrusion extends vertically from the main body portion.

4. The seat assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The width of the main body is approximately the same as the width of the protrusion.

5. The seat assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first wing extends from a first side of the main body portion; the second wing extends from a second side of the main body portion; and the first side is opposite to the second side.

6. The seat assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion is at least partially bent.

7. The seat assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first wing and the second wing are planar; and the first wing and the second wing face each other.

8. The seat assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The main body portion of the first support member is planar; and the main body portion is offset relative to the first wing and the second wing.

9. The seat assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, A first connecting portion connects the first wing to the main body portion; a second connecting portion connects the second wing to the main body portion; and both the first and second connecting portions are curved.

10. The seat assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first wing includes a first hole that can at least partially receive a fastener to selectively connect the first support to the seat back.

11. The seat assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first wing and the second wing are welded to the seat back.

12. The seat assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion includes a first edge near the first wing; the protrusion includes a second edge near the second wing; the contact between the first edge and the second support restricts the rotation of the seat back in the first rotation direction.

13. The seat assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second edge contacts the second support to limit the rotation of the seat back in the second rotation direction; and the first rotation direction is opposite to the second rotation direction.

14. A seat assembly, characterized in that, The seat assembly includes: A seat base, which is pivotally connected to the seat back; A tilting mechanism, operable to rotate the seat back relative to the seat base; A first support member, connected to the seat backrest, the first support member having a first wing, a second wing, and a protrusion extending from the main body portion; and A second support member is connected to the seat base, and the second support member has a first contact portion and a second contact portion; The contact between the protrusion and at least one of the first and second contact portions restricts the rotation of the seat back relative to the seat base about the tilting mechanism; and The width of at least one of the first wing and the second wing is greater than the width of the main body portion.

15. The seat assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The main body is offset relative to the first wing and the second wing; and the first wing and the second wing face each other.

16. The seat assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The main body, the first wing, and the second wing are planar.

17. The seat assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The protrusion includes a first edge disposed near the first wing; the protrusion includes a second edge disposed near the second wing; and the first contact portion and the second contact portion of the second support are disposed perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge of the protrusion.

18. The seat assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that, The second support member is planar; and the first edge and the second edge are arranged around the periphery of the second support member.

19. The seat assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first support member is welded to the seat back.

20. The seat assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first support member contacts the seat back in the area near the first wing, the second wing, and the main body portion.

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