GB2413070A - Vehicle seat frame including a unitary magnesium die cast body with an aperture therein to lower the centre of gravity of the seat - Google Patents
Vehicle seat frame including a unitary magnesium die cast body with an aperture therein to lower the centre of gravity of the seat Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2413070A GB2413070A GB0504848A GB0504848A GB2413070A GB 2413070 A GB2413070 A GB 2413070A GB 0504848 A GB0504848 A GB 0504848A GB 0504848 A GB0504848 A GB 0504848A GB 2413070 A GB2413070 A GB 2413070A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- seat frame
- vehicle seat
- front surface
- seat
- flange
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/68—Seat frames
- B60N2/686—Panel like structures
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
- A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
- A47C7/40—Support for the head or the back for the back
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
- Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)
Abstract
A seat frame 10 comprises a unitary magnesium die cast body 12 having a top 14, a bottom 16, two sides 18,20, and front and back surfaces 22,24. The front surface has an outer perimeter flange 28 positioned adjacent the two sides and the top of the body. An inner perimeter flange 30 is spaced from and coextensive with the outer perimeter flange. The front surface also has at least one horizontal oriented flange 34 and at least two diagonally oriented flanges 36. The arrangement, together with the use of the die cast magnesium, provides for a lightweight yet strong and durable frame which provides uniform support to an overlying seat cushion. The frame body may be provided with a large aperture (44,Fig.2) which is sized and positioned in the upper portion of the body to lower the seat assembly centre of gravity.
Description
24 1 3070 BACKGROUNG OF THE, INVENTION The present invention relates
generally to vehicle seating and, more particularly, to an improved vehicle seat frame designed primarily for over the road truck seating.
Vehicle seating, such as that used in cars and trucks, typically includes an internal frame constructed from metal sheet stock or tubing. A foam cushion, with either a separate or integral upholstered cover, is assembled onto or molded over the frame. Most conventional truck seats are made using a metal tube frame, and frame failure is a common problem. In addition to mechanical failure, the fabrication and assembly of the frame, when constructed from either sheet metal or tubing, can be labor intensive and expensive. Another problem associated with these conventional frame designs is that the support for the foam cushion may not be uniform.
These problems can be avoided to some extent by using a one piece frame; one, for example, made by injection molding a plastic frame or die casting a metal frame. Plastic frames, however, are generally too flexible or not sufficiently robust and durable for the rigorous vehicle seat environment.
Some off the road vehicle seats have been made using die cast zinc frames, ] but these are relatively brittle and require an excessive amount of material to achieve satisfactory load bearing requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a one piece, magnesium die cast seat frame. The seat frame of the present invention utilizes a unique die cast design that is strong, durable and yet relatively inexpensive to manufacture. In accordance with the present invention, the seat frame comprises a unitary body having a top, a bottom, two sides, and front and back surfaces. The front surface has an outer perimeter flange positioned adjacent the two sides and the top of the body.
An inner perimeter flange is spaced from and generally coextensive with the outer perimeter flange. The front surface also has at least one generally horizontally oriented flange and at least two generally diagonally oriented flanges. This arrangement, together with the use of the die cast magnesium, results in a lightweight yet strong and durable frame that provides generally uniform support to the overlying seat cushion. The frame body is also provided with a large aperture that is positioned to desirably lower the seat assembly center of gravity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The novel features which are characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, together with farther objects and attendant advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a front perspective view illustrating one preferred embodiment of the present invention: FIGURE 2 is a rear perspective view of the same embodiment shown in FIGURE 1; and Figures 3, 4 and 5 are top, front and side views of the preferred embodiment shown in FIGURE 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to the drawings, one preferred embodiment of a vehicle seat frame constructed in accordance with the present invention is designated generally by reference numeral 10. Seat frame 10 is comprised of a body 12 having a top 14, a bottom 16, and two sides 18 and 20. The body 12 also has a front surface 22 and a back surface 24.
A perimeter rib 26 extends along the two sides and across the top of the body. Preferably, the rib 26 comprises an outer perimeter flange 28 and an inner perimeter flange SO, the two perimeter flanges protruding from the front surface of the body and separated from one another. A series of bridge flanges 32 extend between the two perimeter flanges, preferably arranged at an angle to the perimeter flanges. At least one and preferably two generally horizontal flanges 34 extend from the front surface of body 12, each positioned in the lower region of the body and preferably in the lumbar area of a seat occupant. A series of diagonally oriented flanges 36 are also provided on the front surface of the body. The horizontal and diagonal flanges generally extend across the entire front surface 22, from the inner perimeter flange on one side of the body to the inner perimeter flange on the other side of the body. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, these flanges are preferably designed to have a greater height at their ends 40, adjacent the inner perimeter flange 30, than along their intermediate length 42.
An aperture 44 is provided in the upper portion of body 12. The aperture 44 is relatively large, having a diameter that is preferably about one half of the side to side dimension of the body 12 in this upper region. The aperture location and size tends to lower the center of gravity of the seat \ frame, and ultimately, that of the entire seat assembly. This, in turn, enhances the crash safety performance of the seat.
Wllile the seat frame of the present invention is preferably constructed as a one piece die cast part, the die cast body l 2 may be used with other components to enhance its versatility. In the illustrated embodiment, one such enhancement is achieved, using an upper extension 46 to support the upper region of a so called "high back" seat. The extension 46 is fabricated from tubing or bar stock and can have a variety of configurations, depending upon the particular size and shape of the high back cushion to be employed in the seat. The extension is easily assembled to the top of body 12 simply by inserting its vertical sides 48 into suitable mount holes formed in the body.
Various cavities may be provided in the periphery of the body 12 to achieve other functionalities. For example, cavities 50 are positioned at each side l 8 and 20 of the body 12 to accommodate hardware for mounting arm rests to the seat. Likewise, recesses 52 may be provided to permit the seat frame to be assembled to other seat components, such as the seat suspension or other frame parts.
The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the words used in the following claims that define the invention. Rather, it is contemplated that future modifications in structure, function or result will exist that are not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changes in what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims.
Claims (7)
- I Claim: 1. A vehicle seat frame comprising: a one piece cast magnesiumbody having a top and a bottom, two-sides, a front and a back surface; an outer perimeter flange on the front surface of the body positioned adjacent each side and the top of the body; an inner perimeter flange on the front surface of the body positioned generally co-extensively with and spaced from the outer perimeter flange; at least one generally horizontally oriented flange extending across the front surface of the body and at least two generally diagonally oriented flanges extending across the front surface of the body.
- 2. The vehicle seat frame of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of bridge flanges extending between the outer and inner perimeter flanges.
- 3. The vehicle seat frame of claim 1 or 2, wherein two horizontally oriented flanges extend across the front surface of the body and are positioned generally at a lower region of the body.
- 4. The vehicle seat frame of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said body includes an aperture positioned in an upper region of the body.
- S. The vehicle seat frame of claim 4, wherein the aperture is dimensioned to extend across at least one-third of the lateral dimension of the body in said upper region.
- 6. The vehicle seat frame of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one horizontally oriented flange and the at least two diagonally oriented flanges extend outwardly from the front surface of the body to a greater extent adjacent the perimeter of the body than at an inner region of the body.
- 7. A vehicle seat frame substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/825,598 US20050231019A1 (en) | 2004-04-15 | 2004-04-15 | Vehicle seat frame |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB0504848D0 GB0504848D0 (en) | 2005-04-13 |
GB2413070A true GB2413070A (en) | 2005-10-19 |
Family
ID=34465813
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB0504848A Withdrawn GB2413070A (en) | 2004-04-15 | 2005-03-09 | Vehicle seat frame including a unitary magnesium die cast body with an aperture therein to lower the centre of gravity of the seat |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050231019A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2005297950A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1683184A (en) |
DE (1) | DE102005017061A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2413070A (en) |
Families Citing this family (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7131694B1 (en) * | 2005-04-29 | 2006-11-07 | Buffa John A | Adjustable lumbar support for vehicle seat |
DE102005053948B4 (en) * | 2005-11-11 | 2017-01-19 | Fico Cables, Lda. | Support element with adjustable side supports |
US20110210596A1 (en) * | 2008-10-16 | 2011-09-01 | Johnson Cintrols Technology Company | One-piece seat structure and cold forming processes to create seat structures |
JP5659230B2 (en) * | 2009-07-27 | 2015-01-28 | ジョンソン コントロールズ テクノロジー カンパニーJohnson Controls Technology Company | One-piece sheet structure and forming method |
IN2012DN01238A (en) * | 2009-08-04 | 2015-05-15 | Johnson Controls Tech Co | |
WO2011088167A1 (en) | 2010-01-18 | 2011-07-21 | Lear Corporation | Seat assembly having a cross member |
KR101162117B1 (en) * | 2010-06-01 | 2012-07-04 | 재단법인 전주기계탄소기술원 | Magnesium seat back frame |
IT1402398B1 (en) * | 2010-10-21 | 2013-09-04 | Bonetti | BACKREST STRUCTURE, PARTICULARLY FOR CHAIRS. |
BR112014011695A2 (en) * | 2011-12-26 | 2017-05-09 | Toray Industries | seat frame structure |
DE102012214039A1 (en) * | 2012-05-29 | 2013-12-05 | Keiper Gmbh & Co. Kg | Backrest part for a seat, in particular a vehicle seat |
DE102013220364A1 (en) * | 2013-07-22 | 2015-01-22 | Johnson Controls Components Gmbh & Co. Kg | BACKREST FOR A VEHICLE SEAT AND VEHICLE SEAT |
JP5831512B2 (en) * | 2013-08-28 | 2015-12-09 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Vehicle seat |
DE102013021692A1 (en) * | 2013-12-19 | 2015-06-25 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC (n. d. Ges. d. Staates Delaware) | Automotive seat element |
GB2548411B (en) * | 2016-03-18 | 2019-12-25 | Acro Aircraft Seating Ltd | Seat back |
DE102017206751A1 (en) * | 2017-04-21 | 2018-10-25 | Lear Corporation | VEHICLE SEAT SYSTEM |
CN111376805A (en) * | 2018-12-29 | 2020-07-07 | Sabic环球技术有限责任公司 | Plastic seat frame for electric vehicle |
US20240081542A1 (en) * | 2022-09-08 | 2024-03-14 | Anthro Form, Llc | Chair having interchangeable decorative feature |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2246699A (en) * | 1990-07-26 | 1992-02-12 | Autoliv Dev | A seat frame for use in a motor vehicle |
US6378946B1 (en) * | 1996-10-04 | 2002-04-30 | Henderson's Industries Pty Ltd. | Seat backrest frame |
US6386638B1 (en) * | 1999-05-27 | 2002-05-14 | Tcg Unitech Aktiengesellschaft | Seat back for a vehicle |
GB2400795A (en) * | 2003-04-24 | 2004-10-27 | Sears Mfg Co | Internal vehicle seat anchor |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4088367A (en) * | 1977-06-20 | 1978-05-09 | Rohr Industries, Inc. | Vehicle seat assembly |
US4588228A (en) * | 1983-08-05 | 1986-05-13 | Tachikawa Spring Co., Ltd. | Pan-type vehicle seat back mounted to a reclining mechanism |
DE3841532A1 (en) * | 1988-12-09 | 1990-06-13 | Bayer Ag | BACKREST SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR A VEHICLE SEAT AND VEHICLE SEAT BACKREST WITH THIS BACKREST SUPPORT STRUCTURE |
US5328248A (en) * | 1991-07-23 | 1994-07-12 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Seat frame for a vehicle |
US5897168A (en) * | 1995-07-28 | 1999-04-27 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Vehicle seat frame |
US5984419A (en) * | 1995-11-27 | 1999-11-16 | Lear Corporation | Automotive seat back |
WO1998008705A1 (en) * | 1996-08-29 | 1998-03-05 | Lear Corporation | Vehicle seat assembly |
US5951110A (en) * | 1997-10-17 | 1999-09-14 | Irwin Seating Company | Contoured plastic seat back |
JP4477766B2 (en) * | 2000-10-30 | 2010-06-09 | 株式会社岡村製作所 | Chair backboard |
US20040174056A1 (en) * | 2003-03-06 | 2004-09-09 | Sears Manufacturing Company | Inflatable seat cushion |
-
2004
- 2004-04-15 US US10/825,598 patent/US20050231019A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2005
- 2005-03-07 CN CNA2005100515916A patent/CN1683184A/en active Pending
- 2005-03-09 JP JP2005065015A patent/JP2005297950A/en active Pending
- 2005-03-09 GB GB0504848A patent/GB2413070A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-04-13 DE DE102005017061A patent/DE102005017061A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2246699A (en) * | 1990-07-26 | 1992-02-12 | Autoliv Dev | A seat frame for use in a motor vehicle |
US6378946B1 (en) * | 1996-10-04 | 2002-04-30 | Henderson's Industries Pty Ltd. | Seat backrest frame |
US6386638B1 (en) * | 1999-05-27 | 2002-05-14 | Tcg Unitech Aktiengesellschaft | Seat back for a vehicle |
GB2400795A (en) * | 2003-04-24 | 2004-10-27 | Sears Mfg Co | Internal vehicle seat anchor |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE102005017061A1 (en) | 2005-11-10 |
CN1683184A (en) | 2005-10-19 |
JP2005297950A (en) | 2005-10-27 |
GB0504848D0 (en) | 2005-04-13 |
US20050231019A1 (en) | 2005-10-20 |
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