Seat element, seat backrest and seat squab

Abstract

The present invention concerns a seat element comprising a cushion secured to a support frame, the cushion comprising a piece (16) of an entanglement of thermoplastic fibers forming loops welded together, the fibers being made of a material including a polymer, characterized in that the piece of entanglement of fibers comprising at least one hole (18) and the support frame comprises at least one male fixing member (26) disposed in the hole to fix the piece of entanglement of fibers to the support frame.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Seat element, seat backrest and seat squab

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] This disclosure relates to a seat element comprising a support frame and a cushion attached to the support frame, the cushion being made from an entanglement of fibers forming an unitary non foam mesh.

[0005] Background

[0006] The seat cushions were conventionally made of polyurethane polymer foam and are shaped in molds. The polyurethane foam cushions are satisfactory but may retain moisture in humid conditions. This may induce a sensation of discomfort for an occupant of the vehicle seat. Furthermore, a polyurethane foam is not recyclable. So, it appears desirable to limit the use of polyurethane in the cushion of the vehicle seat elements. Patent application FR 3.139.025 teaches a cushion formed from a 3D entanglement of continuous fibers, arranged irregularly and forming loops welded together. This cushion is breathable and requires less CO2 to manufacture. This entanglement of continuous fibers cannot be fixed to a support frame with the same fixation system than the foam. So, the aim of the present disclosure is to propose a system to fix a piece of entanglement of fibers to a support frame.

[0007] Summary

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to propose a seat element comprising a cushion secured to a support frame, the cushion comprising a piece of an entanglement of thermoplastic fibers forming loops welded together, the fibers being made of a material including a polymer, characterized in that the piece of entanglement of fibers comprising at least one hole and the support frame comprises at least one male fixing member disposed in the hole to fix the piece of entanglement of fibers to the support frame.

[0009] Optionally, the piece of entanglement of fibers comprises at least one reinforcing plastic frame surrounding the at least one hole, the reinforcing plastic frame being obtained by compression of a portion of the piece of entanglement of fibers which surrounds the at least one hole.

[0010] Optionally, the at least one reinforcing plastic frame comprises a central convex part and a peripheral flat part.

[0011] Optionally, the male fixing member comprises at least two elastic branches spreading away from each other, towards the end of the elastic branches, and two retaining blocks each integral with an end of one elastic branch. Optionally, each retaining block comprises a first face secured to the elastic branch and a second face parallel and opposite to the first face; the first face having a greater surface than the second face, the surface of the first face of both retaining blocks being smaller than the surface of the hole.

[0012] Optionally, the male fixing member comprises a rod fixed to the support frame and a retaining block integral with an extremity of the rod, and wherein the at least the piece of entanglement of fibers comprises at least one radial slot opening into the at least one hole.

[0013] Optionally, the retaining block has a first face integral with the elastic branch and a second face parallel and opposite to the first face; the first face having a greater surface than the second face, the surface of the first face of the retaining block being smaller than the surface of the hole.

[0014] Optionally, the reinforcing plastic frame has one shape among a circular shape, an ovoid shape, a polygonal shape and a rectangular shape.

[0015] Optionally, at least one element among the hole and the portion of compressed fibers has been made by compression of a part of the piece of entanglement of fibers by an ultrasonic sonotrode, the sonotrode vibrating at a frequency comprised between 20 kHz and 70 kHz.

[0016] Optionally, the reinforcing plastic frame has a fibers density at least 20 times greater than the fibers density of the other part of the entanglement of fibers.

[0017] The invention also concerns a seat backrest comprising a seat element configured according to any of the above-mentioned features, wherein the support frame comprises a backrest frame having two opposite longitudinal edges, an upper edge and a lower edge and wherein each longitudinal edge of the backrest frame comprises at least one male fixing member.

[0018] Optionally, the backrest frame comprises a support plate and an upper supporting structure, and wherein the upper support structure comprises a central element and two lateral elements fixed to the support plate, the central element and / or the lateral element comprising a backward-curved edge, and wherein the backward-curved edge of the central element and / or the backward-curved edge of the lateral element comprises at least one male fixing member.

[0019] The invention also concerns a seat squab comprising a seat element configured according to any of the above-mentioned features, wherein the support frame comprises a squab frame having an underside, the underside comprising a front edge, two opposite longitudinal edges and a rear edge, and wherein each longitudinal edge of the squab frame comprises at least one male fixing member. Advantageously, the rear edge of the squab frame comprises at least one male fixing member. Also advantageously, the front edge of the squab frame comprises at least one male fixing member.

[0020] Optionally, at least one front part of the longitudinal edges of the squab frame are provided with a peripheral rim extending downwardly, the peripheral rim comprising at least one male fixing member.

[0021] Advantageously, the front edge of the squab frame has a peripheral rim extending downwardly, the peripheral rime comprising at least one male fixing members.

[0022] Brief description of the drawings

[0023] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a seat comprising two seat elements according to the present disclosure.

[0024] [Fig. 1 A] is a perspective view of one part of a backrest frame;

[0025] [Fig. 1 B] is an enlargement of one part of Figure 1 ; the enlarged part is shown in figure 1 .

[0026] [Fig. 2] is a perspective view of an upper support structure of a seat element according to the present disclosure.

[0027] [Fig. 3] is a perspective view of a lateral part of the upper support structure illustrated on figure 2.

[0028] [Fig. 4] is a perspective view of an edge of a piece of entanglement of fibers and of a male fixing member according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, when the male fixing member is not attached to the entanglement of fibers.

[0029] [Fig. 5] is a section view of a piece of entanglement of fibers and of a male fixing member according to the first embodiment, when the male fixing member is attached to the entanglement of fibers. [Fig. 6] is a perspective view of an edge of a piece of entanglement of fibers and of a male fixing member according to a second embodiment of the disclosure, when the male fixing member is not attached to the entanglement of fibers.

[0030] [Fig. 7] is a section-section view of a piece of entanglement of fibers and of a male fixing member according to the second embodiment, when the male fixing member is attached to the entanglement of fibers.

[0031] [Fig. 8] is a perspective view of a first tooling element mounted on the ultrasonic sonotrode.

[0032] [Fig.9] is a cross-section view of the entanglement of fibers, of the first tooling element and of the support during the pressing step.

[0033] [Fig. 10] is a cross-section view of the entanglement of fibers after the pressing step.

[0034] Detailed description

[0035] In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements.

[0036] For simplicity’s sake, only the elements that are useful for understanding the described embodiment are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.

[0037] In the following description, when referring to terms qualifying absolute position, such as the terms “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, etc., or relative ones, such as the terms “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower”, etc., or to qualifiers of orientation, such as “horizontal”, “vertical”, etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures or a vehicle seat in its normal position of use.

[0038] Figure 1 illustrates a motor vehicle seat 2. The motor vehicle seat 2 comprises a squab 4 on which a backrest 6 is mounted. The backrest is pivoting about a transverse axis relative to the squab. The backrest 6 comprises a backrest frame 8 and a backrest cushion 10 fixed to the backrest frame. The squab 4 comprises a squab frame 12 and a squab cushion 14 secured to the squab frame.

[0039] The present disclosure is relative to a seat element 15, 17. The seat element 15, 17 comprises a cushion, like the backrest cushion 10 and the squab cushion 14, secured to a support frame like the backrest frame 8 and the squab frame 12.

[0040] In the present patent application, a seat element 15 according to a first embodiment comprises the assembly of the backrest frame 8 and of the backrest cushion 10.

[0041] In the same way, a seat element 17 according to a second embodiment comprises the assembly of the squab frame 12 and of the squab cushion 14.

[0042] Here a cushion is understood to mean a trim or a padding. In reference to figure 4, the cushion 10 of the backrest and / or the cushion 14 of the squab comprise a piece 16 of a three-dimensional entanglement of thermoplastic fibers arranged randomly. The entanglement of fibers forms loops heat-sealed together and welded together. The fibers are made of a material including a thermoplastic polymer. The entanglement of fibers is a non-foam mesh. This entanglement of fibers and the method for manufacturing them is described in the patent application published under the number FR 3 139 025. The composition of the entanglement of fibers as well as a typical density of the entanglement of fibers are specified at the end of this description.

[0043] The backrest cushion 10 and / or the squab cushion 14 can be cover by a fabric or plastic lining not illustrated on the figures.

[0044] According to a first variant of the first embodiment illustrated in figures 4 and 5, to attach the piece 16 of entanglement of fibers to the backrest frame 8 or to the squab frame 12, the piece 16 of entanglement of fibers comprises at least one hole 18, and preferably a plurality of holes located along at least one edge of the piece 16 of entanglement of fibers.

[0045] Preferably, the at least one hole 18 is made by compression of one part of the piece of entanglement of fibers. This compression can for example be made with an ultrasonic sonotrode as explained at the end of the specification. Preferably, to cut each hole in the piece 16 of entanglement of fibers, the sonotrode vibrates at a frequency comprised between 20 kHz and 70 kHz.

[0046] The piece 16 of entanglement of fibers can comprise at least one reinforcing plastic frame 20 which surrounds the at least one hole. Advantageously, the reinforcing plastic frame is made by compression of a portion of the piece 16 of entanglement of fibers. This compression causes a warming and change of the state of the entanglement of fibers from a solid state to a viscous state.

[0047] This compression can be made with a sonotrode in the same way as for cutting the hole. An example of method for cutting the hole and for producing the reinforcing plastic frame is detailed at the end of the description. During the compression, the fibers of the entanglement of fibers melt and aggregate to form the reinforcing plastic frame which surrounds the hole.

[0048] The reinforcing plastic frame made by compression of a portion of the entanglement of fibers has for example a fibers density at least 20 times greater than the fibers density of the other part of the entanglement of fibers. Alternatively, the piece 16 of entanglement of fibers can comprise a reinforcing frame which surrounds the hole and which is made of fabric, plastic or leather. In this case, the reinforcing frame can be welded to the entanglement of fibers by applying a sonotrode and a support between both the entanglement of fibers and the reinforcing frame.

[0049] Preferably, when considering a radial direction with respect to the hole, the reinforcing plastic frame 20 comprises a central convex part 22 and a peripheral flat part 24. The peripheral flat part 24 can be horizontal like shown on the figures 4 and 5 or can be inclined. On those figures, the peripheral flat part 24 as well as the central convex part 22 are annular. Alternatively, the peripheral flat part 24 and / or the central convex part 22 can have another shape like for example an ovoid shape, a polygonal shape or a rectangular shape.

[0050] Alternatively, the central part 22 is flat and the peripheral part 24 is convex or rounded.

[0051] Alternatively, the reinforcing plastic frame 20 can have only one inclined part. Preferably, the upper portion of the inclined part is close to the hole 18.

[0052] The backrest frame 8 comprises at least one male fixing member 26 and preferably a plurality of male fixing members. The male fixing members are disposed in the holes to fix the piece 16 of entanglement of thermoplastic fibers to the backrest frame. To make the specification easier to understand, figures 4 to 7 show schematically only the male fixing member without the backrest frame 8. Actually, the male fixing members are secured to the backrest frame, as shown on figures 1 , 1 A and 1 B.

[0053] The male fixing member 26 comprises a barrel 28, at least two elastic branches 30, 32 extending in the prolongation of the barrel 28 and two retaining blocks 34, 36 each integral with an end of one elastic branch.

[0054] The retaining blocks 34, 36 extend only along the peripheral face of the elastic branch to allow the contact between the two elastic branches, when they are constrained laterally.

[0055] Each retaining block 34, 36 comprises a first face 38 secured to the elastic branch 30, 32 and a second face 40 parallel and opposite to the first face. Advantageously, the first face 38 has a greater surface than the second face. The surface of first face of the two retaining blocks 34, 36 is lower than the surface other than the hole 18.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining blocks 34, 36 present the shape of a halftruncated cone. The half-truncated cone has been obtained by sectioning a truncated cone along a plane passing through its central axis. The plane is perpendicular to the base of the truncated cone.

[0057] During the insertion of one male fixing member into one hole 18, the elastic branches 30, 32 are brought in contact one with the other to allow the passage of the peripheral retaining blocks 34, 36 through the hole 18 of the entanglement of thermoplastic fibers.

[0058] Once the male fixing member is in the hole 18, the two elastic branches spread away from each other, from the barrel towards the end of the branches. The two elastic branches extend to form a flared shape. The piece 16 of entanglement of fibers abuts against the first face 38 of the retaining blocks 34, 36.

[0059] Alternatively, the male fixing member 26 comprises no barrel. The male fixing member 26 includes only the two elastic branches 30, 32 which spread away from each other, from the backrest frame towards the end of the elastic branches, and the two retaining blocks each integral with an end of one elastic branch.

[0060] According to a second variant of the first embodiment illustrated in figures 6 and 7, the male fixing member 42 comprises a rod 44 having one extremity fixed to the backrest frame 8 and a retaining block 46 integral with the other extremity of the rod. The retaining block 46 has a first face 45 integral with the elastic branch and a second face 47 parallel and opposite to the first face 45. The first face 45 has a greater surface than the second face 47. The surface of the first face 45 is lower than the surface of the hole 18. In the illustrated example, the retaining block 46 has for example the shape of a truncated cone. It can have another shape like for example a pyramidal shape.

[0061] In this embodiment, the piece 16 of entanglement of fibers comprises one hole 18 and two radial slots 50, 52. The radial slots 50, 52 open into the hole 18. The radial slots 50,52 are located on either side of the hole 18. In particular, the radial slots 50, 52 extend here along a straight line passing through the centre of the hole.

[0062] The hole 18 and the radial slots 50,52 are made in the same way as the hole 18 illustrated in figures 4 and 5.

[0063] The piece 16 of entanglement of fibers comprises also a reinforcing plastic frame 48. The two radial slots 50, 52 extend in the reinforcing plastic frame 48. The reinforcing plastic frame 48is similar to the reinforcing plastic frame 20 illustrated on figures 4 and 5. In particular, the reinforcing plastic frame 20 comprises a central convex part 22 and a peripheral flat part 24. The reinforcing plastic frame 48 is made in the same way as the reinforcing plastic frame 20 illustrated in figure 4 and 5.

[0064] In Figures 4 to 7, the reinforcing plastic frames 20 and 48 are illustrated as being formed in the middle of the thickness of the piece 16 of the entanglement of thermoplastic fibers. Alternatively, the reinforcing plastic frame 20, 48 may be formed so as to be flush with the upper surface 49 or the lower surface 51 of the piece 16 of the entanglement of thermoplastic fibers.

[0065] The backrest frame 8 can be any kind of backrest frame, like for example a backrest frame described in the patent published under the number EP 312891 1 .

[0066] The backrest frame 8 comprises two opposite longitudinal edges 53, an upper edge 55 and a lower edge 57.

[0067] Two opposite longitudinal edges 53 of the backrest frame comprise male fixing members 26. Preferably, the upper edge 55 of the backrest frame comprises additional male fixing members 26. More preferably, the lower edge 57 of the backrest frame comprises also male fixing members 26.

[0068] In the following, with reference to figures 1 , 1 A and 1 B, described in more detail is a particular example of a backrest frame 8 comprising male fixing members 26. Referring to figure 1 , the seatback of the seat 2 comprises a framework 54. The framework 54 essentially comprises two vertical uprights rigidly connected to a lower cross-member and an upper cross-member. The framework 54 supports a headrest and the backrest frame 8.

[0069] The backrest frame 8 comprises a support plate 56 and an upper supporting structure 58 fixed on the upper part of the support plate 56. The support plate 56 usually carry comfort equipment like for example a vibration equipment or pneumatic equipment for performing a massage function, an actuator for performing a ventilation function and an heating equipment.

[0070] The upper support structure 58 has here a U-shape. This U-shape is contained in a vertical and transversal plane (y, z). Referring to figure 1 A, the upper support structure 58 comprises a central element 60 which is prolongated by two lateral elements 62 fixed to the support plate. Male fixing members 26 are fixed on the central element 60 and on both lateral elements 62.

[0071] Preferably, the central element 60 and / or the lateral element 62 comprise a backward-curved edge 64. The backward-curved edge 64 is supported by and is attached to the upper cross-member of the framework 54. According to this embodiment, the inner face 65 of the backward-curved edge 64 comprises male fixing members 26. The piece 16 of entanglement of fibers covers the external face of backward-curved edge 64 and is fixed to the inner face 65 a hand of the male fixing members.

[0072] On the example illustrated in figure 1 A, several male fixing members 26 are regularly spaced on the inner face 65 of the backward-curved edge 64 of the central element 60. On the example illustrated in figure 1 B, the inner face of the backward-curved edge 64 of the lateral element 62comprises male fixing members 26.

[0073] Alternatively, male fixing member can be located on the external face of the backward-curved edge 64.

[0074] The squab frame 12 can be any kind of squab frame.

[0075] In the following, with reference to figures 2 and 3, described in more detail is an example of squab frame 12 comprising male fixing members 26.

[0076] According to this example, the squab frame 12 may comprise a shell. The shell may be a molded part or a thermoformed part. For example, the squab frame is made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and / or PC (Polycarbonate) and / or P / E (polypropylene / polyethylene copolymer). The underside 67 of the squab frame 12 is illustrated in figure 2. The underside 67 of the squab frame comprises a front edge 66, two longitudinal edges 68 and a rear edge 70.

[0077] At least one fixing male member 26 is located on each longitudinal edge 68 of the shell. At least one fixing male member 26 is located on the rear edge 70 of the shell. In the illustrated example, the front edge 66 as well as one front part of the longitudinal edges 68 are provided with a peripheral rim 72 inclined downward. The male fixing members 26 are here fixed to the internal face 74 of the peripheral rim. The male fixing members 26 are regularly distributed along the peripheral rim. The male fixing members 26 extend perpendicular to the internal face of the peripheral rim. The male fixing members 26 can also be fixed on the external face of the peripheral rim.

[0078] For example, two fixing male members 26 are disposed on the peripheral rim 72 of each longitudinal edge. For example, between two and four fixing male members 26 are disposed on the peripheral rim 74 of the front edge 66 of the shell. According to a variant not shown, the inclined peripheral rim extends all along the longitudinal edges and fixing male members are regularly distributed along the longitudinal edges of the peripheral rim.

[0079] According to a variant not shown, the rear edge 70 of the shell also comprises a peripheral inclined rim and fixing male members are regularly distributed along on the peripheral inclined rim of the rear edge.

[0080] The method for making the hole and possibly the reinforcing plastic frame comprises the pressing of the entanglement of fibers in one or more local zones using a sonotrode. The entanglement of fibers is also pressed to obtain the reinforcing plastic frame. Thus, the reinforcing plastic frame 20, 48 is made of a portion of the entanglement of fibers densified and stiffened.

[0081] Referring to figures 8 to 10, during the pressing, a tooling element 100 mounted on the sonotrode and a support 102 come on either side of the piece 16 of the entanglement of fibers to compress and weld the fibers, and as illustrated schematically in Figure 9.

[0082] In particular, as illustrated in Figure 8, the first tooling element or the support 102 comprise:

[0083] - opposing surfaces forming, by complementarity of shape, an annular groove 104 ensuring the cutting of the hole 18 and the molding of the central convex part 22,

[0084] - a peripheral edge 106, extending around the annular groove 104, for making the peripheral flat part 24.

[0085] The method can comprise a step of removing the material remaining on the hole 18, if there is still a veil of material.

[0086] During the pressing step, the sonotrode and the support come to lie on either side of the entanglement of fibers. The sonotrode is set in vibration at a frequency typically between 20 kHz and 40 kHz to weld the thermoplastic fibers together and form the reinforcing plastic frame 20, 48.

[0087] The pressing step is used to form the hole and the reinforcing plastic frame in the thermoplastic material of the fibers. After compression the fibers are fully compressed and welded together.

[0088] The central convex part 22 of the reinforcing frame, particularly when circular, may have the following dimensions: - an outside diameter Dext of between 10 mm and 18 mm,

[0089] - an inside diameter Dint of between 3 mm and 6 mm,

[0090] - a height h of between 3 mm and 8 mm.

[0091] The hole 18 of the reinforcing frame may have the same shape as the shape of the central convex part, namely a circular shape, an ovoid shape or a a polygonal shape.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the method may comprise an initial step of thermoforming the piece 16 of the entanglement of fibers.

[0093] Specifically, the thermoplastic polymer is chosen in the group consisting of a polyester, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PTT (polytrimethylene terephthalate) or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). For example, the fibers composition comprise:

[0094] - 95% to 99% by weight of a first polymer from the polyester family, such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate),

[0095] - 1% to 5% by weight of a second polymer from the polyester family, such as PTT (polytrimethylene terephthalate) or another polyester.

[0096] Outside of the reinforcing plastic frame, the entanglement of fibers can have a bulk density of between 20kg / m3and 70 kg / m3, in particular between 45 kg / m3 and 60 kg / m3, preferably between 35 and 55 kg / .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Seat element (15, 17) comprising a cushion (10, 14) secured to a support frame (8, 12), the cushion (10, 14) comprising a piece (16) of an entanglement of thermoplastic fibers forming loops welded together, the fibers being made of a material including a polymer, characterized in that the piece of entanglement of fibers comprising at least one hole (18) and the support frame (8, 12) comprises at least one male fixing member (26, 42) disposed in the hole to fix the piece of entanglement of fibers to the support frame.

2. Seat element (15, 17) according to claim 1 , wherein the piece (16) of entanglement of fibers comprises at least one reinforcing plastic frame (20, 48) surrounding the at least one hole (18), the reinforcing plastic frame being obtained by compression of a portion of the piece of entanglement of fibers which surrounds the at least one hole (18).

3. Seat element (15, 17) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one reinforcing plastic frame (20, 48) comprises a central convex part (22) and a peripheral flat part (24).

4. Seat element (15, 17) according to any of the claims 2 and 3, wherein the male fixing member (26,42) comprises at least two elastic branches (30, 32) spreading away from each other, towards the end of the elastic branches, and two retaining blocks (34, 36) each integral with an end of one elastic branch.

5. Seat element (15, 17) according to claim 4, wherein each retaining block (34, 36) comprises a first face (38) secured to the elastic branch (30, 32) and a second face (40) parallel and opposite to the first face; the first face (38) having a greater surface than the second face (40), the surface of the first face (38) of both retaining blocks being smaller than the surface of the hole (18).

6. Seat element (15, 17) according to any of the claims 2 and 3, wherein the male fixing member (42) comprises a rod (44) fixed to the support frame (8, 12) and a retaining block (46) integral with an extremity of the rod, and wherein the at least the piece (16) of entanglement of fibers comprises at least one radial slot (50, 52) opening into the at least one hole (18).

7. Seat element (15, 17) according to claim 6, wherein the retaining block (46) has a first face (45) integral with the elastic branch and a second face (47) parallel and opposite to the first face; the first face having a greater surface than the secondface, the surface of the first face of the retaining block (46) being smaller than the surface of the hole (18).

8. Seat element (15, 17) according to any of the claims 2 to 7, wherein the reinforcing plastic frame (20, 48) has one shape among a circular shape, an ovoid shape, a polygonal shape and a rectangular shape.

9. Seat element (15, 17) according to claim 2 to 8, wherein at least one element among the hole and the portion of compressed fibers has been made by compression of a part of the piece (16) of entanglement of fibers by an ultrasonic sonotrode, the sonotrode vibrating at a frequency comprised between 20 kHz and 70 kHz.

10. Seat element (15, 17) according to any of the claims 2 to 9, wherein the reinforcing plastic frame (20, 48) has a fibers density at least 20 times greater than the fibers density of the other part of the entanglement of fibers.11 . Seat backrest (8) comprising a seat element (17) configured according to any of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the support frame comprises a backrest frame (12) having two opposite longitudinal edges (53), an upper edge (55) and a lower edge (57) and wherein each longitudinal edge (53) of the backrest frame comprises at least one male fixing member (26, 42).

12. Seat backrest (8) according to claim 11 , wherein the backrest frame (8) comprises a support plate (56) and an upper supporting structure (58), and wherein the upper support structure (58) comprises a central element (60) and two lateral elements (62) fixed to the support plate, the central element (60) and / or the lateral element (62) comprising a backward-curved edge (64), and wherein the backward- curved edge (64) of the central element (60) and / or the backward-curved edge (64) of the lateral element (62) comprises at least one male fixing member (26).

13. Seat squab (4) comprising a seat element (15) configured according to any of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the support frame (12) comprises a squab frame having an underside (67), the underside (67) comprising a front edge (66), two opposite longitudinal edges (68) and a rear edge (70), and wherein each longitudinal edge (68) of the squab frame comprises at least one male fixing member (26, 42).

14. Seat squab (4) according to claim 13, wherein at least one front part of the longitudinal edges (68) of the squab frame are provided with a peripheral rim (72) extending downwardly, the peripheral rim (72) comprising at least one male fixing member (26, 42).

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