Patent US7237847B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
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 22:03
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.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2843195A
Cited
US3695706A
Cited
US3762769A
Cited
GB2013487A
Cited
US4456861A
Cited
US4547718A
Cited
JPS5876336A
Cited
US4580840A
Cited
US4601514A
Cited
US4583783A
Cited
US4689537A
Cited
US4881020A
Cited
US4717203A
Cited
US4852934A
Cited
JPS63232046A
Cited
US5026116A
Cited
US5038085A
Cited
US5253138A
Cited
US5050930A
Cited
US5397164A
Cited
US5775773A
Cited
US5626390A
Cited
US5498063A
Cited
US6003941A
Cited
US6254187B1
Cited
EP0423079A1
Cited
EP0458000A1
Cited
US5207451A
Cited
US5126640A
Cited
DE4034588A1
Cited
US5319248A
Cited
US5328248A
Cited
US5385388A
Cited
US5249839A
Cited
US5452868A
Cited
US5174526A
Cited
US5295730A
Cited
US5748473A
Cited
US5292178A
Cited
US5812399A
Cited
US5435624A
Cited
US5536069A
Cited
US5602425A
Cited
US5633898A
Cited
US5717300A
Cited
US5597205A
Cited
US5497326A
Cited
US5887949A
Cited
US6064932A
Cited
US6195603B1
Cited
DE19649587A1
Cited
US5864105A
Cited
US6055473A
Cited
US5772281A
Cited
US6254126B1
Cited
US6157372A
Cited
US5975634A
Cited
US6394546B1
Cited
US6086153A
Cited
US7114777B2
Cited
US6116695A
Cited
US5979984A
Cited
US6991291B2
Cited
US6749261B2
Cited
US6394548B1
Cited
US6394545B2
Cited
US5909923A
Cited
US5871258A
Cited
US6318800B1
Cited
US6349992B1
Cited
US6367877B1
Cited
US6394549B1
Cited
US6088640A
Cited
DE19828217A1
Cited
US6231125B1
Cited
US6682144B2
Cited
US6079785A
Cited
US6220661B1
Cited
US6179384B1
Cited
US6378949B1
Cited
US6435618B1
Cited
US6428104B1
Cited
US6460934B1
Cited
US6382719B1
Cited
US20020089223A1
Cited
US6676218B2
Cited
US6677720B2
Cited
US20040124679A1
Cited
US6616228B2
Cited
US20020195853A1
Cited
US6722742B2
Cited
US7118178B2
Cited
WO2004062961A1
Cited
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 |