US7237847B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automotive seat with active back
Assignee: Adient Luxembourg Holding SARL
•
Filing: 2003-02-11
•
Granted: 2007-07-03
•
Expires: 2023-02-11
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle seat for use by an occupant in a vehicle, for example an automobile. The vehicle seat comprises a seat base ( 12 ) coupled to a support structure ( 6 ) of the vehicle. A back frame ( 40 ) including side members ( 41, 43 ), the back frame further includes a second transverse member ( 46 ) coupled to the first and second side members, wherein the side members each have a lower end pivotably coupled to the seat base. A compliant back ( 60 ) is operably connected at an upper end to the second transverse member ( 46 ) and operably connected at a lower portion proximate the lower ends of the side members, and may include a biasing mechanism. The seat may also include a tuberosity pivot ( 54 ) coupled to the back frame ( 40 ) and the seat base ( 12 ), which pivot may be motorized.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert L. Hancock
- 👤 Terrence M. Cussen
- 👤 Lance E. Larsen
- 👤 David M. Hensel
- 👤 Joseph W. McElroy
- 👤 Michael R. Benzing
- 👤 William H. Jones
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 19:53
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60N; B60N2/00; B60N2/64; B60N2/66; B60N2/667; B60N2/6671; B60N2/02; B60N2/0224; B60N2/02246; B60N2/0226; B60N2/0228; B60N2/04; B60N2/06; B60N2/22; B60N2/6673
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 52
Claim 1
Independent Claim
222 words
A vehicle seat for use by an occupant in a vehicle including a support structure, the vehicle seat comprising: a seat base coupled to the support structure of the vehicle; a back frame including an upper transverse member, a first side member and a second side member, wherein the upper transverse member interconnects each of the side members at an upper end of the back frame, the back frame further includes a second transverse member coupled to the first and second side members a spaced distance from the first transverse member, wherein the first and second side members each have a lower end pivotally coupled to the seat base; and a compliant back operably connected at an upper portion to the second transverse member and operably connected at a lower portion proximate the lower ends of the first and second side members, wherein the compliant back is coupled to the second transverse member by at least one pivot member such that the upper portion of the compliant back extends in a cantilevered fashion over the upper end of the back frame and a spaced distance from the back frame, wherein when the occupant in the seat leans into the upper portion of the compliant back, the upper portion can flex about the pivot until contacting the upper end of the back frame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
222 words
A vehicle seat for use by an occupant in a vehicle including a support structure, the vehicle seat comprising: a seat base coupled to the support structure of the vehicle; a back frame including an upper transverse member, a first side member and a second side member, wherein the upper transverse member interconnects each of the side members at an upper end of the back frame, the back frame further includes a second transverse member coupled to the first and second side members a spaced distance from the first transverse member, wherein the first and second side members each have a lower end pivotally coupled to the seat base; and a compliant back operably connected at an upper portion to the second transverse member and operably connected at a lower portion proximate the lower ends of the first and second side members, wherein the compliant back is coupled to the second transverse member by at least one pivot member such that the upper portion of the compliant back extends in a cantilevered fashion over the upper end of the back frame and a spaced distance from the back frame, wherein when the occupant in the seat leans into the upper portion of the compliant back, the upper portion can flex about the pivot until contacting the upper end of the back frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The vehicle seat of claim 1 , including at least one additional pivot member located a spaced distance from the other pivot member and coupled to the compliant back and the second transverse member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The vehicle seat of claim 1 , wherein the lower portion of the compliant back is coupled to a connecting member which couples to the two side members proximate the lower ends of the side members.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The vehicle seat of claim 1 , including a side bolster, with one side bolster coupled to each of the first and second side members of the back frame and extended from the side members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The vehicle seat of claim 4 , wherein the side bolsters are aligned with the compliant back such that the compliant back can be moved clear of the side bolsters.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The vehicle seat of claim 5 , wherein the compliant back includes a slotted, flexible portion and expanded side portions configured to extend above the side bolsters to support the upper back and extremities of the occupant of the seat.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The vehicle seat of claim 1 , wherein the first and second side members are each coupled to the seat base with a tuberosity pivot at a point aligned with the natural pivot of the seated occupant.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The vehicle seat of claim 7 , including one of a manually actuated mechanism and a drive motor coupled to the tuberosity pivot to articulate the movement of the back frame in relation to the seat base.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
73 words
The vehicle seat of claim 8 , further comprising: a sector plate, having a first end and a second end, configured to pivot about the tuberosity point, with the first end of the sector plate coupled to the back frame and the second end configured with sector teeth, and a planetary gear set coupled to the drive motor and having a drive gear configured to engage the sector teeth of the sector plate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The vehicle seat of claim 1 , including a biasing apparatus coupled to the back frame and the compliant back.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The vehicle seat of claim 10 , wherein the biasing apparatus is coupled to at least one of the side members and the lower portion of the compliant back.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The vehicle seat of claim 10 , wherein the biasing apparatus includes an adjuster to vary the tension in the biasing member to effect tension in the compliant back.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The vehicle seat of claim 10 , wherein the biasing apparatus includes at least one biasing member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The vehicle seat of claim 13 , wherein the biasing member is a spring.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The vehicle seat of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle seat is an automobile seat.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
The vehicle seat of claim 1 , including a change of position mechanism coupled to the back frame and seat base, wherein the back frame is moved in proportional relation to the seat base at a pre-determined ratio.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vehicle seat of claim 16 , wherein the change of position mechanism includes at least one electric motor.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
224 words
An automotive seat for use in an automobile having a support structure, the automotive seat comprising: a base coupled to the support structure of the automobile; a seat supported by the base; a back frame including an upper transverse member, a first side member and a second side member, wherein the upper transverse member interconnects each of the side members at an upper end of the back frame, the back frame further includes a second transverse member coupled to the first and second side members a spaced distance from the first transverse member, wherein the first and second side members each have a lower end pivotally coupled to the seat; and a compliant back operably connected at an upper portion to the second transverse member and operably connected at a lower portion proximate the lower ends of the first and second side members, wherein the compliant back is coupled to the second transverse member by at least one pivot member such that the upper portion of the compliant back extends in a cantilevered fashion over the upper end of the back frame and a spaced distance from the back frame, wherein when an occupant in the automotive seat leans into the upper portion of the compliant back, the upper portion can flex about the pivot until contacting the upper end of the back frame.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
224 words
An automotive seat for use in an automobile having a support structure, the automotive seat comprising: a base coupled to the support structure of the automobile; a seat supported by the base; a back frame including an upper transverse member, a first side member and a second side member, wherein the upper transverse member interconnects each of the side members at an upper end of the back frame, the back frame further includes a second transverse member coupled to the first and second side members a spaced distance from the first transverse member, wherein the first and second side members each have a lower end pivotally coupled to the seat; and a compliant back operably connected at an upper portion to the second transverse member and operably connected at a lower portion proximate the lower ends of the first and second side members, wherein the compliant back is coupled to the second transverse member by at least one pivot member such that the upper portion of the compliant back extends in a cantilevered fashion over the upper end of the back frame and a spaced distance from the back frame, wherein when an occupant in the automotive seat leans into the upper portion of the compliant back, the upper portion can flex about the pivot until contacting the upper end of the back frame.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
34 words
The automotive seat of claim 18 , including at least one additional pivot member located a spaced distance from the other pivot member and coupled to the compliant back and the second transverse member.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
36 words
The automotive seat of claim 18 , wherein the lower portion of the compliant back is coupled to a connecting member which couples to the two side members proximate the lower ends of the side members.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
35 words
The automotive seat of claim 18 , including a side bolster, with one side bolster coupled to each of the first and second side members of the back frame and extended from the side members.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The automotive seat of claim 21 , wherein the side bolsters are aligned with the compliant back such that the compliant back can be moved clear of the side bolsters.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
41 words
The automotive seat of claim 21 , wherein the compliant back includes a slotted, flexible portion and expanded side portions configured to extend above the side bolsters to support the upper back and extremities of an occupant of the automotive seat.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
The automotive seat of claim 18 , wherein the first and second side members are each coupled to the seat base with a tuberosity pivot at a point aligned with the natural pivot of the seated occupant.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
The automobile seat of claim 24 , including one of a manually actuated mechanism and a drive motor coupled to the tuberosity pivot to articulate the movement of the back frame in relation to the seat base.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
73 words
The automobile seat of claim 25 , further comprising: a sector plate, having a first end and a second end, configured to pivot about the tuberosity point, with the first end of the sector plate coupled to the back frame and the second end configured with sector teeth, and a planetary gear set coupled to the drive motor and having a drive gear configured to engage the sector teeth of the sector plate.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
The automotive seat of claim 18 , including a biasing apparatus coupled to the back frame and the compliant back.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
The automotive seat of claim 27 , wherein the biasing apparatus is coupled to at least one of the side members and the lower portion of the compliant back.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
The automotive seat of claim 27 , wherein the biasing apparatus includes an adjuster to vary the tension in the biasing member to effect tension in the compliant back.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
The automotive seat of claim 27 , wherein the biasing apparatus includes at least one biasing member.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
14 words
The automotive seat of claim 30 , wherein the biasing member is a spring.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
37 words
The automotive seat of claim 18 , including a change of position mechanism coupled to the back frame, seat, and base, wherein the back frame is moved in proportional relation to the seat at a predetermined rate.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
The automotive seat of claim 32 , wherein the change of position mechanism includes at least one electric motor.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
236 words
An automotive seat in an automobile having a support structure comprising: a base coupled to the support structure of the automobile; a seat supported by the base; a back frame including an upper transverse member, a first side member and a second side member, wherein the upper transverse member interconnects each of the side members at an upper end of the back frame, the back frame further includes a second transverse member coupled to the first and second side members a spaced distance from the first transverse member, wherein the first and second side members each have a lower end pivotally coupled to the seat; and a compliant back operably connected at an upper portion to the second transverse member by at least one pivot member such that the upper portion of the compliant back extends in a cantilevered fashion over the upper end of the back frame and a spaced distance from the back frame and operably connected at a lower portion proximate the lower ends of the first and second side members, wherein when an occupant in the automotive seat leans into the upper portion of the compliant back, the upper portion can flex about the pivot until contacting the upper end of the back frame and upon flexure of the occupant's spine and lower back, the compliant back is configured to flex sympathetically and follow flexure of the seated occupant's back and spine.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
236 words
An automotive seat in an automobile having a support structure comprising: a base coupled to the support structure of the automobile; a seat supported by the base; a back frame including an upper transverse member, a first side member and a second side member, wherein the upper transverse member interconnects each of the side members at an upper end of the back frame, the back frame further includes a second transverse member coupled to the first and second side members a spaced distance from the first transverse member, wherein the first and second side members each have a lower end pivotally coupled to the seat; and a compliant back operably connected at an upper portion to the second transverse member by at least one pivot member such that the upper portion of the compliant back extends in a cantilevered fashion over the upper end of the back frame and a spaced distance from the back frame and operably connected at a lower portion proximate the lower ends of the first and second side members, wherein when an occupant in the automotive seat leans into the upper portion of the compliant back, the upper portion can flex about the pivot until contacting the upper end of the back frame and upon flexure of the occupant's spine and lower back, the compliant back is configured to flex sympathetically and follow flexure of the seated occupant's back and spine.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
34 words
The automotive seat of claim 34 , including at least one additional pivot member located a spaced distance from the other pivot member and coupled to the compliant back and the second transverse member.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
36 words
The automotive seat of claim 34 , wherein the lower portion of the compliant back is coupled to a connecting member which couples to the two side members proximate the lower ends of the side members.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
35 words
The automotive seat of claim 34 , including a side bolster, with one side bolster coupled to each of the first and second side members of the back frame and extended from the side members.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
30 words
The automotive seat of claim 37 , wherein the side bolsters are aligned with the compliant back such that the compliant back can be moved clear of the side bolsters.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
41 words
The automotive seat of claim 38 , wherein the compliant back includes a slotted, flexible portion and expanded side portions configured to extend above the side bolsters to support the upper back and extremities of an occupant of the automotive seat.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
37 words
The automotive seat of claim 34 , wherein the first and second side members are each coupled to the seat base with a tuberosity pivot at a point aligned with the natural pivot of the seated occupant.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
37 words
The automobile seat of claim 40 , including one of a mutually actuated mechanism and a drive motor coupled to the tuberosity pivot to articulate the movement of the back frame in relation to the seat base.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
72 words
The automobile seat of claim 41 , further comprising: a sector plate, having a first end and a second end, configured to pivot about the tuberosity point, with the first end of the sector plate coupled to the back frame and the second end configured with sector teeth, and a planetary gear set coupled to the drive motor and having a drive configured to engage the sector teeth of the sector plate.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
20 words
The automotive seat of claim 34 , including a biasing apparatus coupled to the back frame and the compliant back.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
29 words
The automotive seat of claim 43 , wherein the biasing apparatus is coupled to at least one of the side members and the lower portion of the compliant back.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
The automotive seat of claim 43 , wherein the biasing apparatus includes an adjuster to vary the tension in the biasing member to effect tension in the compliant back.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
17 words
The automotive seat of claim 43 , wherein the biasing apparatus includes at least one biasing member.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
14 words
The automotive seat of claim 46 , wherein the biasing member is a spring.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
37 words
The automotive seat of claim 34 , including a change of position mechanism coupled to the back frame, seat, and base, wherein the back frame is moved in proportional relation to the seat at a predetermined rate.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
19 words
The automotive seat of claim 48 , wherein the change of position mechanism includes at least one electric motor.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2010-07-02 | 2011-01-01 | 2011-07-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2014-07-02 | 2015-01-01 | 2015-07-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2018-07-02 | 2019-01-01 | 2019-07-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |