DESIGNS AND FUNCTIONS OF A CROSS-TUBE MOUNTING CLIP FOR MODULAR ASSEMBLIES

Abstract

Vehicle seat assembly comprising: a seat (12), comprising: a front assembly bracket (14) coupled to an underside of the seat (12) and comprising: a rear retention element (18) defining a receiving opening (20) for receiving a front cross tube (22); a polymer sleeve (24) positioned above the rear retention element (18); and a front retention element (26) actuated between an open and closed position and positioned near the rear retention element (18); and a rear assembly bracket (28) comprising: a tab end (30) operatively connected to the seat (12); a rounded body (32) configured to engage in a rear cross tube (34); and a fastening end (36) configured to secure the rear assembly bracket (28) to the cross tube (34).

Description

AREA OF REVELATION The present disclosure relates generally to a seat assembly and in particular to designs and functions of a cross tube mounting tab of modular assemblies for a seat assembly. BACKGROUND OF THE REVELATION Seat assemblies typically include a backrest to support an occupant's back in an upright sitting position and various reclined positions. Similar to other sections of a seat assembly, backrests are often designed to support an occupant in the upright sitting position during vehicle acceleration, changes of direction, and collisions. Accordingly, backrests are essentially rigid and extensive in construction. Conventional vehicle seat assemblies often include a seat frame supporting a spring matrix, which in turn supports a thick cushion. Newer designs incorporate climate control features, adding mass. These assemblies are generally very thick and heavy, resulting in reduced interior space within a vehicle and a loss of fuel efficiency due to the added weight of the seat system. The prior art is known in DE 10 2007 058 331 A1. This describes a vehicle seat assembly with a seat comprising a front assembly bracket coupled to an underside of the seat and a retaining element that defines a receiving opening for receiving a front cross tube. DE 10 2015 104 002 A1 describes a vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat with a front assembly bracket coupled to an underside of the seat, a rear restraint element defining a receiving opening to accommodate a front cross tube, and a front restraint element located near the rear restraint element. In DE 100 37 327 A1, a vehicle seat assembly is described comprising a seat, a rear restraint element that defines a receiving opening to receive a front cross tube, and a rear assembly holder comprising a rounded body configured to engage in a rear cross tube. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION A vehicle seat assembly and a seat assembly with the features of the independent claims are provided. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly includes a seat. A front assembly bracket is coupled to an underside of the seat. A rear retention element defines a receiving opening to accommodate a front cross tube. A polymer sleeve is positioned above the rear retention element. A front retention element is actuated between an open and closed position and is located near the rear retention element. A rear assembly bracket includes a tab end that is operatively connected to the seat. A rounded body is configured to engage a rear cross tube. A fastening end is configured to secure the rear assembly bracket to the cross tube. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a seat assembly includes a seat. A front assembly bracket is coupled to an underside of the seat. A rear retention element defines a receiving opening that accommodates a front cross tube. A polymer sleeve is arranged over the rear retention element. A front retention element is actuated between an open and closed position and is located near the rear retention element. A rear assembly bracket attaches the seat to a rear cross tube. According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat assembly may involve constructing a seat. A rear restraint element may be operatively connected to a front cross tube. A front restraint element may be attached to a rear restraint element. A front restraint element may be positioned close to the rear restraint element. Each rear restraint element may engage with a front cross tube of a seat frame. The rear restraint element and the seat may be rotated so that rear hooks of the seat engage with a rear cross tube of the seat frame. These and other aspects, tasks and features of the present disclosure are understandable and comprehensible to the person skilled in the art after reading the following description, the patent claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective front view of a seat assembly of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective front view of the seat assembly from Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective bottom view of an embodiment of a seat frame of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of a seat of the present disclosure, wherein a cushion assembly has been removed; Fig. 5 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of a support and suspension assembly of the present disclosure; Fig. 6 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of a front assembly bracket of the present disclosure; Fig. 7 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of a front assembly bracket; Fig. 8 is an enlarged side elevation view of the front assembly bracket from Fig. 7; Fig.Fig. 9 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of a connecting feature of the present disclosure; Fig. 10 is a perspective bottom view of the connecting feature from Fig. 9, wherein the connecting feature is in an open position; Fig. 11 is a perspective bottom view of the connecting feature from Fig. 9, wherein the connecting feature is in a closed position; Fig. 12 is a perspective front view of the connecting feature from Fig. 9 after engagement with a front transverse tube; Fig. 13 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a rear assembly support; Fig. 14 is a perspective rear view of the rear assembly support from Fig. 13, wherein a tab end is operatively connected to a seat support; Fig. 15 is a perspective bottom view of the rear assembly support from Fig.13, wherein the tab end of the rear assembly bracket is operatively connected to the seat support and is in a closed position; Fig. 16 is a side elevation view of a seat section of the seat assembly before the seat engages with the seat assembly; Fig. 17 is a perspective rear view of the seat after engagement with the rear cross tube of the seat assembly; Fig. 18 is a perspective side view of the seat after engagement with the rear cross tube; and Fig. 19 is a side elevation view of the seat assembly after the seat has been installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS For the purposes of this document, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof refer to the disclosure in its orientation shown in Fig. 1. It is understood, however, that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it is understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the concepts of the invention defined in the accompanying claims. Thus, specific dimensions and other physical properties associated with the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims. In this document, reference terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like are used solely to distinguish one unit or process from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or sequence between such units or processes. The terms "includes," "comprehensive," or any variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, procedure, article, or apparatus comprising a list of elements may include not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or unique to such process, procedure, article, or apparatus. An element to which "includes..."The presence of “ein / e / n” does not, without further limitations, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus comprising the element. With reference to the embodiment generally illustrated in Figures 1-19, reference numeral 10 generally designates a seat assembly comprising a seat 12 and a seat backrest 13. A front assembly support 14 is coupled to an underside of the seat 12 and includes a rear retention element 18 that defines a receiving opening 20 for receiving a front cross tube 22. A polymer sleeve 24 is arranged over each rear retention element 18. The front assembly support 14 also includes a front retention element 26 that can be actuated between an open and closed position and is arranged near the rear retention element 18. A rear assembly support 28 includes a tab end 30 that is operatively connected to the seat 12.The rear assembly bracket 28 also includes a rounded body 32 configured to engage in a rear cross tube 34, and a mounting end 36 is configured to attach the rear assembly bracket 28 to the rear cross tube 34. With further reference to Figures 1 and 2, the seat assembly 10 can be used in any vehicle 40, such as a car, truck, van, etc. It is also considered that the concept set forth in this disclosure can be used in a front position as well as a rear position of the vehicle 40. As illustrated, the seat assembly 10 includes a seat base 42 positioned on rail slides 44 to allow forward and backward movement of the seat assembly 10 relative to the vehicle 40. The seat 12 is operatively connected to the seat base 42 and can be moved relative to it, as detailed below. A seat surface of the seat 12 is generally configured to support an occupant.Furthermore, the backrest 13 of the seat assembly 10 includes a frame 47 that supports a lower lumbar region 48 and an upper thoracic region 49, as well as a headrest 45. Each of the components of the backrest 13 can be configured for adjustability in order to adequately support the weight of different occupants in the vehicle 40. Now, with reference to Figures 3-5, the seat assembly 10 includes a first and second thigh support 50, 52, which can be moved independently and are supported on a seat support 53. The seat support 53 includes side walls 51 with rear vertical support flanges 55. The seat support 53 also includes an arcuate back wall 57, which is configured to rest against an upper section of the front cross tube 22. Each of the first and second independently movable thigh supports 50, 52 is arranged next to a side cushion support 54. The side cushion supports 54 include attachment features 56 for receiving a cushion assembly 60. A suspension assembly 62 is arranged below the cushion assembly 60 between the first and second independently movable thigh supports 50, 52 and the arcuate back wall 57. The rear cross member receives the ends of the suspension assembly 62.The suspension assembly 62 comprises a first and second elongated spring element 66, 68, each containing a central section 70 operatively connected to a restraint device 72 near each of the independently movable thigh supports 50, 52 of the first and second elongated spring elements. Each of the first and second elongated spring elements 66, 68 includes a plurality of fastening elements 76 configured to attach various components beneath the seat assembly 10. Furthermore, a central section of the seat 12 includes a receiving ring 78 that defines an opening 80 for receiving a climate control element duct or blower. With reference again to Fig. 4, the seat assembly 10 is illustrated, with the first and second independently movable thigh supports 50, 52 removed. The first and second elongated spring elements 66, 68 are illustrated and configured to support the buttocks of an occupant. The front assembly bracket 14 is operatively connected to the assembly 10 and is located above the front cross tube 22, below the first and second independently movable thigh supports 50, 52. The front assembly bracket 14 is coupled to a front section of the seat support 53. As shown in Figures 6-9, the front assembly bracket 14 includes a body section 90 that generally extends laterally and is configured for attachment to rear pivot points 92 on the seat 12. A rear section of the front assembly bracket 14 includes a rear vertical support wall 94, which adds rigidity to the front assembly bracket 14. The front assembly bracket 14 also includes side walls 95. The front assembly bracket 14 includes a receiving opening 96 configured for secure engagement with a fastener 98 of the rear restraint element 18. The front assembly mount 14 also includes receiving openings 101 configured to receive forward-extending hook features 102. In the illustrated embodiment, these are a first and second forward-extending hook feature 102. However, it is understood that more or fewer forward-extending hook features 102 than illustrated herein may be present. The forward-extending hook features 102 are configured to engage the front cross tube 22 to allow the seat 12 to rotate into a lower position until the seat 12 is securely seated against the seat frame 47. The front assembly mount 14 also includes projections extending upward from the body section 90, configured to securely restrain the stops 106, which prevent the first and second independently movable thigh supports 50, 52 from over-rotating upward.The forward-extending hook features 102 each define a receiving opening 100 to accommodate the front cross tube 22. Furthermore, each of the forward-extending hook features 102 includes a polymer sleeve to minimize noise, rattle, and squeak. The forward-extending hook features 102 also include a plurality of reinforcing ribs 110 configured to engage an upper section of the front cross tube 22. It should be noted that the plurality of reinforcing ribs 110 is defined in a section of the sleeve located within the receiving opening 100 of the forward-extending hook features 102. However, it is considered that the plurality of reinforcing ribs 110 could be formed in the front assembly mount 14 or as part of the forward-extending hook features 102. Now, with reference to Figures 9-12, the rear retention element 18 and the front retention element 26 are illustrated. The rear retention element 18 defines a receiving opening 20 configured to engage the front cross tube 22 in a similar manner to the forward-extending hook features 102. However, the rear retention element 18 is configured to press against the front cross tube 22 and maintain a secure engagement with it after the seat 12 is installed. This is achieved by the rear retention element 18 engaging with the front retention element 26. The rear retaining element 18 comprises an upper mounting body 120 with a mounting opening 122 located therein, and a lower arcuate section 124 designed to accommodate the front transverse tube 22. The polymer sleeve 24 extends over the arcuate section 124. A front end of the arcuate section 124 includes a lower wall 126 having a mounting opening 127 designed to receive a fastener. The front retaining element 26 is located in front of the rear retaining element 18 and can be actuated between an open and a closed position. The front retaining element 26 includes a polymer sleeve 130 near an arcuate section 132 thereof.A lower wall 134 extends downward from the arcuate section 132 and includes a mounting opening 136, which is generally aligned with the mounting opening 127 of the lower wall 126 of the rear retaining element 18. An engagement head 140 is positioned above the arcuate section 132 and is configured for linear forward and backward translation within an opening 142 defined in a recess 143 of the front assembly holder 14. The engagement head 140, together with the arcuate section 132, defines receiving slots 144 that engage with the front assembly holder 14. When correctly engaged, the engagement head 140 extends through the opening 142, and the arcuate section 132 extends beneath the assembly holder 14.Thus, the front retaining element 26 can be moved forwards and backwards and can also be pivoted to come into contact with the rear retaining element 18 in order to hold back the front cross tube 22 during assembly. As illustrated in Fig. 9, the front retaining element 26 is in a rear position and is configured to engage with the rear retaining element 18. During forward movement and downward rotation of the front retaining element 26, the lower wall 126 of the front retaining element 26 and the lower wall 134 of the rear retaining element 18 abut each other, so that the mounting openings 136, 127 are each aligned and configured to receive a fastener. In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 10 and 11, the front transverse tube 22 is not shown. However, the person skilled in the art understands that the front transverse tube 22 extends through the receiving opening 20 defined between the rear retaining element 18 and the front retaining element 26. Now, with reference to Figures 13-15, the seat assembly 10 also uses the rear assembly bracket 28 to securely engage the seat 12 with the seat assembly 10. As disclosed above, the rear assembly bracket 28 includes the tab end 30, which is operatively connected to the seat 12. In particular, the tab end 30 engages the rear wall 57 of the seat support 53. The tab end 30 extends through a slot 150 and can be adjusted within the slot 150. The rear assembly bracket 28 also includes the rounded body 32, which is configured to engage the rear cross tube 34. The fastening end 36 of the rear assembly bracket 28 is configured to securely engage an engagement tab 152 extending from the rear wall 57 of the seat 12.When in use, the tab end 30 extends through the slot 150 in the rear wall 57 of the seat support 53 of the seat 12 and rotates within the slot 150 until the rounded body 32 of the rear assembly bracket 28 rests against the rear cross tube 34. At full rotation, the fastening end 36 rests against the engagement tab 152, which extends from the rear wall 57 of the seat support 53, until a fastener 154 can be extended through a fastening opening 156 of the engagement tab 152 and a fastening opening 158 of the fastening end 36 (Fig. 15). Once securely engaged, the seat support 53, and consequently the seat 12, is ready for use. During the manufacturing process, the seat support 53 and the seat 12 are prepared for engagement with the seat frame 47. The forward-extending hook features 102 are positioned on the front cross tube 22. The seat 12 is then rotated downwards into position until a rear engagement channel of the seat support 53 engages the rear cross tube 34. Once engaged, the rear assembly holder 28 is rotated into position until the fastening end 36 engages a tab on the seat support 53. A mechanical fastener is then extended through the fastening end 36 and the tab. At a front end of the seat 12, the front retaining element 26 is rotated downwards into position so that the lower wall 134 of the front retaining element 26 is in butt contact with the lower wall 126 of the rear retaining element 18. A mechanical fastener is then positioned through the mounting opening 127 of the rear retaining element 18 and through the mounting opening 136 of the front retaining element 26. The seat support 53, and consequently the seat 12, is now attached to the seat assembly 10 and ready for use. The design provides a quick and secure method for attaching a seat support and seat to a seat assembly during the manufacturing process. Minimal fasteners are required, and the assembly can be erected in a minimal amount of time. The person skilled in the art understands that the construction of the disclosure described herein and of other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein can be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless otherwise described herein. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means that two (electrical or mechanical) components are connected to one another, directly or indirectly. Such a connection may be immovable or movable in nature. Such a connection may be achieved by forming the two (electrical or mechanical) components and any additional intervening elements in one piece as a single, unified body with one another or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such a connection may be permanent in nature or removable or detachable in nature. It is equally important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are merely illustrative. Although only some embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, the person skilled in the art, considering this disclosure, will readily recognize that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, values ​​of parameters, fastening arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter.For example, elements depicted as being formed in one piece may be constructed from multiple parts, or elements depicted as being formed in multiple parts may be formed in one piece; the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise modified; the length or width of the structures and / or elements, connecting links, or other elements of the system may be changed; and the type or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, and in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, it is intended that all such modifications are included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, alterations and omissions may be made to the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other embodiments without deviating from the spirit of the present innovations. It is understood that all described processes or steps within the described processes can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of this disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed here serve only illustrative purposes and are not to be interpreted as limiting. It is also understood that variations and modifications to the above-mentioned structures and processes may be made without deviating from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it is further understood that such concepts are to be covered by the following claims, unless these claims expressly provide otherwise by their wording. Reference symbol list 10 Seat assembly 12 Seat 13 Seat backrest 14 Front assembly bracket 18 Rear restraint element 20 Mounting opening 22 Front cross tube 24 Polymer sleeve 26 Front restraint element 28 Rear assembly bracket 30 Tab end 32 Rounded body 34 Rear cross tube 36 Mounting end 40 Vehicle 42 Seat base 44 Rail slider 45 Headrest 47 Frame 48 Lumbar area 49 Thoracic area 50 First thigh support 51 Side wall 52 Second thigh support 53 Seat support 54 Side cushion support 55 Rear vertical support bottle 56 Mounting feature 57 Arc-shaped rear wall 60 Upholstery assembly 62 Suspension assembly 6668 First and second spring element 70 Center section 72 Retaining device 76 Fastening element 78 Mounting ring 80 Opening 90 Body section 92 Rear pivot point 94 Rear vertical support wall 95 Side wall 96 Mounting opening 98 Fastener 100 Mounting opening 101 Mounting openings 102 Hook feature 106 Stop 110 Reinforcing ribs 120 Upper mounting body 122 Mounting opening 124 Arc-shaped section 126 Lower wall 127 Mounting opening 130 Polymer sleeve 132 Arc-shaped section 134 Lower wall 136 Mounting opening 140 Engagement head 142 Opening 143 Recess 144 Mounting slot 150 Slot 152 Engagement tab 154 Fastener 156 Mounting opening 158 Mounting opening

Claims

Vehicle seat assembly comprising: a seat (12), comprising: a front assembly bracket (14) coupled to an underside of the seat (12) and comprising: a rear retention element (18) defining a receiving opening (20) for receiving a front cross tube (22); a polymer sleeve (24) positioned above the rear retention element (18); and a front retention element (26) actuated between an open and closed position and positioned near the rear retention element (18); and a rear assembly bracket (28) comprising: a tab end (30) operatively connected to the seat (12); a rounded body (32) configured to engage in a rear cross tube (34); and a fastening end (36) configured to secure the rear assembly bracket (28) to the cross tube (34). Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rear restraint element (18) includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs. Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the front assembly support (14) includes a first and second upper stop (106). Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rear restraint element (18) is arranged between thigh supports (50, 52) of the seat (12) which are independently movable. Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rear restraint element (18) and the front restraint element (26) each include a mounting opening (127, 136). Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a reinforcing rib projecting forward from the front retaining element (26). Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a rear vertical support wall (94) extending downwards from a rear section of the front assembly support (14). Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: side walls (95) extending upwards from side sections of the front assembly bracket (14). Seat assembly (10) comprising: a seat (12) comprising: a front assembly bracket (14) coupled to an underside of the seat (12) comprising: a rear retention element (18) defining a receiving opening (20) that receives a front cross tube (22); a polymer sleeve (24) arranged above the rear retention element (18); and a front retention element (26) actuated between an open and closed position and arranged near the rear retention element (18); and a rear assembly bracket (28) that secures the seat (12) to a rear cross tube (34). Seat assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein the rear retaining element (18) includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs. Seat assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein the front assembly support (14) includes a first and second upper stop (106). Seat assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein the rear restraint element (18) is arranged between thigh supports (50, 52) of the seat (12) which are independently movable. Seat assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein the rear retaining element (18) and the front retaining element (26) each include a fastening opening (127, 136). Seat assembly (10) according to claim 9, further comprising: a reinforcing rib projecting forward from the front retaining element (26). Seat assembly (10) according to claim 9, further comprising: a rear vertical support wall (94) extending downwards from a rear section of the front assembly support (14). Seat assembly (10) according to claim 9, further comprising: side walls (95) extending upwards from side sections of the front assembly support (14).

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