WO2016029011A1 - Coussin de siège et procédé de fabrication de celui-ci - Google Patents

Coussin de siège et procédé de fabrication de celui-ci Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2016029011A1
WO2016029011A1 PCT/US2015/046102 US2015046102W WO2016029011A1 WO 2016029011 A1 WO2016029011 A1 WO 2016029011A1 US 2015046102 W US2015046102 W US 2015046102W WO 2016029011 A1 WO2016029011 A1 WO 2016029011A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cushion
electric
trim
cover
bridge
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/046102
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Lola Lafferty
John M. Perraut
Original Assignee
Faurecia Automotive Seating, Llc.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Faurecia Automotive Seating, Llc. filed Critical Faurecia Automotive Seating, Llc.
Publication of WO2016029011A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016029011A1/fr

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
    • B60N2/56—Heating or ventilating devices
    • B60N2/5678—Heating or ventilating devices characterised by electrical systems
    • B60N2/5685—Resistance
    • 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
    • B60N2/002—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon
    • B60N2/0021—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement
    • B60N2/003—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement characterised by the sensor mounting location in or on the seat
    • B60N2/0033—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement characterised by the sensor mounting location in or on the seat mounted on or in the foam cushion
    • 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
    • B60N2/002—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon
    • B60N2/0021—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement
    • B60N2/003—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement characterised by the sensor mounting location in or on the seat
    • B60N2/0034—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement characterised by the sensor mounting location in or on the seat in, under or on the seat cover
    • 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
    • B60N2/58—Seat coverings
    • B60N2/5816—Seat coverings attachments thereof
    • 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
    • B60N2/58—Seat coverings
    • B60N2/5816—Seat coverings attachments thereof
    • B60N2/5825—Seat coverings attachments thereof by hooks, staples, clips, snap fasteners or the like
    • 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
    • B60N2/58—Seat coverings
    • B60N2/5891—Seat coverings characterised by the manufacturing process; manufacturing seat coverings not otherwise provided for
    • 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
    • B60N2/90—Details or parts not otherwise provided for
    • B60N2/976—Details or parts not otherwise provided for massaging systems

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to trim, and particularly to methods of making trim for a seat. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods of making trim that includes an electric component coupled to the trim.
  • a seat pad includes a cushion and a cushion cover.
  • the cushion cover is coupled to the cushion and arranged to extend around and cover the cushion.
  • the seat pad further includes an electric system coupled to the cushion cover.
  • the cushion cover includes a first cushion section, a second cushion section, and a sewn seam arranged to extend between and interconnect the first and second cushion sections along a sew line.
  • the electric system includes a first electric component coupled to the first cushion section, a second electric component coupled to the second cushion section, and an electric bridge arranged to extend between and interconnect the first and second electric components and configured to provide means for separating the first and second electric components from the sewn seam during a sewing of the sewn seam so that damage to the first and second electric components is minimized.
  • the cushion cover further includes a cover bridge arranged to extend between and interconnect the first and second cushion sections.
  • the cover bridge is aligned with and overlies the electric bridge to provide support to the electric bridge.
  • the cover bridge is arranged to lie in spaced-apart relation to the sewn seam to minimize damage to the first and second electric components and the electric bridge.
  • a method of manufacturing the seat pad begins with providing the first and second cushion sections with associated first and second electric components coupled to the first and second sections.
  • the seat sections are then arranged to cause first sides included in each section to be aligned and overlap one another to establish a sew line generally parallel to the first sides.
  • the electric bridge and cover bridge are then arranged to lie in spaced relation to the sew line.
  • the seat sections are then sewn together along a sew line without sewing or damaging the electric components and the electric bridge to establish a trim cover.
  • the trim cover is then coupled to a cushion to establish the seat pad.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective and diagrammatic view of a vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure showing that vehicle seat includes a seat pad including an electric trim package with an electric system having an electric bridge extending between and interconnecting a first electric component and a second electric component and showing that the electric bridge extends around a sewn seam formed in the electric trim package as suggested in Fig. 2;
  • FIG. 2 is partial perspective view of a portion of Fig. 1 with portions broken away to reveal that front and rear pieces of upholstery included in the electric trim package are joined together and coupled to a cushion underlying the electric trim package by a trim fastener and the electric bridge is arranged to extend around portions of the trim fastener and interconnect first and second electric components without interacting with the trim fastener as suggested in Figs. 5-7;
  • Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the seat pad of Figs. 1 and 2 showing the cushion and the electric trim package and further showing that the electric trim package includes seat-cushion trim that includes the trim fastener, front and rear upholstery pieces coupled together by a sewn seam included in the trim fastener, and an electric system that includes the electric bridge and first and second electric components carried by associated scrim pieces and coupled together by the electric bridge which is spaced apart from the trim fastener and located in a trench formed in the cushion along with a portion of the trim fastener;
  • Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a seat pad in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the seat pad includes the cushion and an electric trim package that includes seat-cushion trim and an electric system, the seat-cushion trim including the front upholstery piece coupled to the rear upholstery piece by a sewn seam included in a trim fastener and first and second foam pieces coupled together by the trim fastener, the electric system includes first and second electric components carried by associated upholstery pieces, and the first and second electric components are coupled together by the electric bridge which is spaced-apart from the trim fastener;
  • FIGs. 5-7 are a series of views showing an illustrative process for joining a first trim unit to a second trim unit without sewing through the electric bridge;
  • Fig. 5 is a plan view showing a first step in a joining process in which first and second trim units are arranged to cause each side that is to be sewn together to face toward one another and to cause the electric bridge to extend between the two trim units from different sides aligned with one another and perpendicular to the sides that are to be sewn together as suggested in Fig. 6;
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a second step in the joining process in which the first and second trim units are folded so as to lie on top of one another so that sew lines on each trim unit are arranged on top of each other and the electric bridge does not intersect the sew lines;
  • Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the first and second trim units after a third step in the joining process has been completed in which the first and second trim units have been sewn together along the sew lines without sewing through the electric bridge;
  • Figs. 8-18 are a series of views showing an illustrative process for manufacturing an electric trim package including multiple upholstery pieces and multiple electric components;
  • Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a first step included in a manufacturing process in which electric components are coupled to a reinforcement sheet to form an electric- reinforcement sheet;
  • Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic view of a second step included in the manufacturing process in which the electric -reinforcement sheet is cut around the electric units to form electric- reinforcement pieces and electric bridges interconnecting the electric -reinforcement pieces to form an electric-reinforcement system;
  • Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic view of a third step included in the manufacturing process in which a sheet of upholstery is cut into multiple upholstery pieces;
  • Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view of a fourth step included in the manufacturing process in which the electric -reinforcement system is coupled to the upholstery pieces to form a trim system including a front seat-bottom panel, a rear seat-bottom panel, a left-bolster panel, and a right-bolster panel;
  • Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view of a fifth step included in the manufacturing process in which the trim system is flipped over so that a top side of the upholstery pieces is exposed;
  • Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic view of a sixth step included in the manufacturing process in which the rear seat-bottom panel is folded over the front seat-bottom panel so as to lie on top of one another to cause a sew line on the rear seat-bottom panel and a sew line on the front seat-bottom panel to lie on top of one another, the electric bridges are moved outward away from the panels so they do not extend into the sew lines, and the seat-bottom panels are sewn together along the sew lines without sewing through the electric bridges;
  • Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic view of a seventh step included in the manufacturing process in which the rear seat-bottom panel is folded away from the front seat-bottom panel, the electric bridges are moved inwardly so as to not extend into previously sewn sew lines;
  • Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic view of an eighth step included in the manufacturing process in which the trim system is flipped over to expose the top side of the upholstery pieces, the right-bolster panel is folded over the seat-bottom panels so as to lie on top of one another to cause a sew line on the right-bolster panel to lie on top of a sew line on the seat-bottom panels, the electric bridge interconnecting the right-bolster panel and the rear seat-bottom panel is moved outward away from the panels so that it does not extend into the sew lines, and the right- bolster panel is sewn together with the seat-bottom panels along the sew lines without sewing through the electric bridge;
  • Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic view of a ninth step included in the manufacturing process in which the trim system is flipped over to expose the electric-reinforcement system and the right-bolster panel is folded away from the seat-bottom panels;
  • Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic view of a tenth step included in the manufacturing process in which the trim system is flipped over to expose the top side of the upholstery pieces, the left-bolster panel is folded over the seat-bottom panels so as to lie on top of seat-bottom panels to cause a sew line included in the left-bolster panel to lie on top of a sew line included in the seat-bottom panels, the electric bridge is moved outward away from the panels so it does not extend into the sew lines, and the left-bolster panel is sewn together with the seat-bottom panels along the sew lines without sewing through the electric bridge;
  • Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic view of an eleventh step included in the manufacturing process in which the trim system if flipped over to expose the electric-reinforcement system and the left-bolster panel is folded away from the seat-bottom panels;
  • Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic view of the electric trim package produced according to the manufacturing process of Figs. 8-18;
  • Fig. 20 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a trim system in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the panels are connected with linear electric bridges and the trim system includes straight bus bars that extend between bolster and seat- bottom panels included in the trim system;
  • Fig. 21 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a trim system in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the trim system includes only a front seat- bottom panel, a rear seat-bottom panel, and a pair of electric bridges extending between and interconnecting the rear and front seat-bottom panels;
  • Fig. 22 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a trim system in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the left and right-bolster panels are arranged to extend forward of front and rear seat-bottom panels;
  • Fig. 23 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a trim system in accordance with the present disclosure showing that each bolster panel includes a pair of input and output bus bars and front and rear seat-bottom panels include a single input and output bus bar;
  • Fig. 24 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a trim system in accordance with the present disclosure showing a wiring arrangement configured to provide power to all the panels while being integrated into a single wire harness and wire-harness connector;
  • Fig. 25 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a trim system in accordance with the present disclosure showing that panels included in the trim system may have various sizes and shapes while still providing for a desired output;
  • Fig. 26 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure showing that a seat bottom included in the vehicle seat includes a trim system including a front heating area (heating area #1), a first rear heating area (heating area #2), and a second rear heating area (heating area #3);
  • Fig. 27 is a diagrammatic view of the trim system of Fig. 26 showing that the trim system includes, from left to right, a first rear panel configured to provide the first rear heating area, a second rear panel configured to provide the second rear heating area, and two front panels configured to provide the front heating area, and a wiring arrangement which provides a single power input and a single power output;
  • Fig. 28 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure showing that a seat back included in the vehicle seat includes a trim system including a first heating area (heating area #1) and a second heating area (heating area #2);
  • Fig. 29 is a diagrammatic view of a trim blank used to form the trim system of
  • Fig. 28 prior to cutting and sewing showing that a first panel used to form the first heating area and a second panel used to form the second heating area may be laid out prior to cutting to cause nesting capability to be maximized;
  • Fig. 30 is a diagrammatic view of the trim system of Fig. 28 showing that the trim system includes, from top to bottom, a first panel configured to provide the first heating area, a second panel configured to provide the second heating area, and a wiring arrangement which provides a single power input and a single power output.
  • a vehicle seat 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 1 and includes a seat pad 16 having an electric system 22 coupled to seat-cushion trim 20 to form an electric trim package 18 which surrounds a cushion 17 as shown in Fig. 1 and suggested in Figs. 2 and 3.
  • a second embodiment of a seat pad 116 is shown in Fig. 4.
  • An illustrative method 200 of manufacturing an electric trim package 218 is shown in Figs. 5-7.
  • Another illustrative method 300 of manufacturing an electric trim package 318 is shown in Figs. 8-19.
  • a second embodiment of a trim system 470 in accordance with the present disclosure is used during manufacturing to provide a seat pad and is shown in Fig. 20.
  • a third embodiment of a trim system 570 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 21.
  • a fourth embodiment of a trim system 670 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 22.
  • a fifth embodiment of a trim system 770 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 23.
  • a sixth embodiment of a trim system 870 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 24.
  • a seventh embodiment of a trim system 970 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 25.
  • a vehicle seat 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 1 and includes a first occupant- support base 12 and a second occupant-support base 14 as shown in Fig. 1.
  • Occupant- support base 12 is embodied as a seat bottom 12 and occupant-support base 14 is embodied as a seat back 14.
  • Seat bottom 12 is arranged to extend upwardly away from seat bottom 12.
  • Seat bottom 12 includes seat pad 16 including cushion 17 (sometimes called a foam cushion 17) and electric trim package 18 which is arranged to extend around and surround cushion 17.
  • Electric trim package 18 is arranged to provide a sitting surface for an occupant sitting on seat pad 16 and to position electric components 30, 32 included in electric trim package 18 to engage and interact with the occupant.
  • Cushion 17 is coupled to electric trim package 18 to support the occupant sitting on seat pad 16.
  • Electric trim package 18 includes seat-cushion trim 20 (also called cushion cover
  • Electric system 22 is coupled to cushion cover 20 during an illustrative manufacturing process as shown in Figs. 5-7 and 8-20. During the manufacturing process, care is taken so that damage to electric system 22 is minimized or avoided altogether.
  • Cushion cover 20 includes an upholstery layer 24, a reinforcement layer 26, and one or more trim fasteners 28 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
  • Upholstery layer 24 provides a sitting surface that deforms in response to an occupant sitting on seat pad 16 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
  • Reinforcement layer 26 is located between upholstery layer 24 and cushion 17 and is configured to limit deformation of upholstery layer 24 during loading by an occupant. Trim fasteners 28 couple upholstery layer 24 to reinforcement layer 26 and portions of upholstery layer 24 together as suggested in Figs. 2 and 3.
  • Upholstery layer 24 includes a front upholstery piece 24F and a rear upholstery piece 24R as shown in Figs. 2-3. Front upholstery piece 24F is coupled to rear upholstery piece 24R by sewn seam 28 A of trim fastener 28 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. In one example, front upholstery piece 24F is arranged to support and engage an occupant' s thighs while rear upholstery piece 24R is arranged to support engage an occupant' s butt.
  • upholstery layer 24 is a textile.
  • upholstery layer 24 is a textile.
  • upholstery layer 24 is another material such as, for example, a non-woven material, a woven material, a knit material, vinyl, leather, polyester, nylon, denim, elastane, artificial leather, cloth, combinations thereof, or any suitable alternative.
  • Reinforcement layer 26 includes, for example, a front scrim piece 26F and a rear scrim piece 26R as shown in Fig. 3.
  • Front scrim piece 26F is coupled to rear scrim piece 26R by trim fastener 28 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
  • Front scrim piece 26F is coupled to front upholstery piece 24F and rear scrim piece 26R is coupled to rear upholstery piece 24R as shown in Fig. 3.
  • Trim fastener 28 couples portions of reinforcing layer 26 together as suggested in Figs. 2 and 3.
  • trim fastener 28 couple portions of reinforcing layer 26 to portions of upholstery layer 24.
  • trim fastener 28 includes a sewn seam 28A and a seam coupler 28B. Seam coupler 28B is arranged to extend between and couple sewn seam 28 A to foam cushion 17 as shown in Fig. 2.
  • seam coupler 28B is a tie down.
  • the tie down may be a hog-ring tie down.
  • the hog-ring tie down may be used with a non- woven upholstery with a plastic profile sewn to the non- woven upholstery at a sewn seam.
  • a wire is over molded in the foam cushion and a hog ring is arranged to extend through the plastic profile and couple the plastic profile and non- woven upholstery to the foam cushion.
  • the hog-ring tie down may be used with a non- woven upholstery which forms a pocket of non- woven upholstery material below the sewn seam. The hog ring is arranged to extend through the pocket and around the wire to couple the non-woven upholstery to the foam cushion.
  • a non- woven upholstery material may have a laminated wire or a fiberglass part sewn to the non- woven upholstery at the sewn seam.
  • the hog ring is arranged to extend through the laminated wire or fiberglass part and couple to the wire to interconnect the sewn seam to the foam cushion.
  • the tie down is a clip tie down.
  • the clip tie down may be used with a plastic profile sewn to a non- woven upholstery along the sewn seam.
  • a profile- receiving clip is over molded in the foam cushion.
  • the profile-receiving clip is configured to receive the plastic profile therein.
  • the profile-receiving clip is located in a trench formed in the foam cushion.
  • the tie down is a hook-and-loop tie down.
  • the hook-and- loop tie down includes a strip of loop material sewn to the upholstery material along the sewn seam so as to form a tunnel of loop material through which the sewn seam extends.
  • a strip of hook material is over molded in the foam cushion and located, for example, in a trench formed in the foam cushion. The tunnel of loop material is then inserted into the trench to mate with the strip of hook material coupling the upholstery material to the foam cushion.
  • the tie down is a t-shape (butterfly) tie down.
  • the t-shape is a t-shape (butterfly) tie down.
  • tie down includes a plastic plate profile located in or below the foam cushion and a mount coupled to the plastic plate profile to extend upwardly though a slot formed in the foam cushion to mate with upholstery material along the sewn seam.
  • the mount may be sewn to the upholstery at the sewn seam, arranged to extend through the salvage below the sewn seam, or any other suitable alternative.
  • the tie down may be a zipper tie down.
  • the tie down may be glue.
  • the tie down may be any suitable alternative that couples the upholstery to the foam cushion at the sewn seam.
  • trim fastener 28 includes sewn seam
  • Sewn seam 28A is arranged to extend downward away from the occupant toward seat cushion 17 as shown in Fig. 2. Sewn seam 28A is formed during the manufacturing process by sewing two or more pieces of electric trim package 18 together using a sewing needle. The sewing needle may damage electric components if the electric components interact with the sewing needle.
  • Electric system 22 includes means for separating the electric components from trim fastener 28 during the manufacturing process so that damage to the electric components is minimized.
  • Electric system 22 includes a first electric component 30, a second electric component 32, and an electric bridge 34 as shown in Figs. 1-3.
  • First electric component 30 is spaced apart from second electric component 32 as shown in Figs. 1-3.
  • Electric bridge 34 is arranged to extend between and interconnect first and second electric components 30, 32 without interacting with trim fastener 28 as shown in Fig. 2.
  • Electric bridge 34 is configured to provide means for separating the electric components 30, 32 from trim fastener 28.
  • First and second electric components 30, 32 transmit or receive electric signals, collect data, and/or produce a hot sensation, cold sensation, a massage sensation, or any other suitable sensation to the occupant.
  • Electric system 22 is coupled to and integrated in reinforcement layer 26 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
  • First electric component 30 is coupled to front scrim piece 26F.
  • Second electric component 32 is coupled to rear scrim piece 26R.
  • Electric bridge 34 is arranged to extend between and interconnect first and second electric components 30, 32 without interacting with trim fastener 28.
  • Electric bridge 34 may be coupled to a trim bridge extending between and interconnecting front and rear scrim pieces 26F, 26R.
  • Seat cushion 17 is formed to include a trench 36 configured to receive a portion of trim fastener 28 and electric bridge 34 therein.
  • Trim fastener 28 is arranged to extend into trench 36 such that an occupant sitting on seat pad 16 does not sense a raised portion in seat pad 16 associated with trim fastener 28.
  • Electric bridge 34 is arranged to extend into trench 36 and around trim fastener 28 as shown in Fig. 2.
  • trim fastener 28 includes seam coupler 28B embodied as the hog-ring tie down
  • the hog ring tie down is located in spaced-apart relation to any electric bridge 34.
  • the hog ring portion of seam coupler 28B is coupled to the wire over molded in the foam cushion and located in trench 36.
  • the electric bridge is arranged to lie in trench 36 so as to minimize any feeling of electric bridge and seam coupler 28B.
  • FIG. 4 Another embodiment of a seat pad 116 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 4.
  • Seat pad 116 includes a seat cushion 117 and an electric trim package 118 arranged to extend around and surround seat cushion 117.
  • Electric trim package 118 is arranged to provide a sitting surface for the occupant sitting on seat pad 116 and to position electric components 30, 32 included in electric trim package 118 to engage and interact with the occupant.
  • Seat cushion 117 is coupled to electric trim package 118 to support the occupant sitting on seat pad 116.
  • Electric trim package 118 includes seat-cushion trim 120 and an electric system
  • Electric system 22 is coupled to seat-cushion trim 120 during a manufacturing process as shown in Figs. 5-7 and 8-20. During the manufacturing process, care is taken so that damage to electric system 22 is minimized or avoided altogether.
  • Seat-cushion trim 120 includes an upholstery layer 124, a foam layer 142, and one or more trim fasteners 28 as shown in Fig. 4.
  • Upholstery layer 124 provides a sitting surface that deforms in response to an occupant sitting on seat pad 116 as shown in Fig. 4.
  • Foam layer 142 is located between upholstery layer 124 and seat cushion 117.
  • Trim fastener 28 couples upholstery layer 124 to foam layer 142. Trim fasteners 28 also couple portions of upholstery layer 124 together.
  • Foam layer 142 includes, for example, a front foam piece 142F and a rear foam piece 142R as shown in Fig. 4. Front foam piece 142F is coupled to rear foam piece 142R by trim fastener 28.
  • Electric system 22 is coupled to and integrated with upholstery layer 124 as shown in Fig. 4.
  • Electric bridge 34 is arranged to extend between and interconnect first and second electric components 30, 32 without interacting with trim fastener 28.
  • Electric bridge 34 may be coupled to a trim bridge extending between and interconnecting front and rear upholstery pieces 24F, 24R.
  • Electric bridge 34 in this embodiment is arranged to lie between seat cushion 117 and seat-cushion trim 120 rather than being tucked into a space like trench 36 of seat cushion 17.
  • trim fastener 28 is embodied as a sewn seam 28A. Sewn seam 28 A is arranged to extend downward away from the occupant toward seat cushion 17. Electric system 22 includes means for separating the electric components from trim fastener 28 during the manufacturing process so that damage to the electric components is minimized.
  • Electric trim package 218 includes a first trim unit 244 and a second trim unit 246.
  • First trim unit 244 includes a front upholstery piece 224F, a front scrim piece 226F, and first electric component 30 as shown in Fig. 5.
  • Second trim unit 246 includes a rear upholstery piece 224R, a rear scrim piece 226R, and second electric component 32.
  • Electric bridge 34 extends between and interconnects first and second trim units 244, 246.
  • First trim unit 244 includes a first side 248A, a second side 248B spaced apart from and opposite first side 248A, a third side 248C perpendicular to first side 248A, and a fourth side 248D spaced apart from and opposite third side 248C as shown in Fig. 5.
  • Second trim unit 246 includes a first side 250A, a second side 250B spaced apart from and opposite first side 250A, a third side 250C perpendicular to first side 250A, and a fourth side 250D spaced apart from and opposite third side 250C.
  • First side 248A is spaced apart from and parallel with first side 250A.
  • first and second trim units 244, 246 are arranged to cause each side to be sewn together to face toward one another.
  • Electric bridge 34 is arranged to extend between trim units 244, 246 from third sides 248C, 250C aligned with one another and perpendicular to sides 248A, 250A that are sewn together.
  • first trim unit 244 and second trim unit 246 are spaced apart from each other.
  • Electric bridge 34 is coupled to first electric component 30 and arranged to extend away from third side 248C.
  • Electric bridge 34 is coupled to second electric component 32 and extends away from third side 250C.
  • second trim unit 246 is folded underneath first trim unit 244 as shown in Fig. 6.
  • First side 248A is aligned with and arranged to overlap first side 250A to establish a sew line 252.
  • Electric bridge 34 is moved away from sew line 252 so that it does not intersect sew line 252.
  • first trim unit 244 is sewn together with second trim unit 246 along sew line 252 to form sewn seam 28A included in trim fastener 28 without sewing or damaging electric bridge 34.
  • Second trim unit 246 is unfolded away from first trim unit 244 to form electric trim package 218 as shown in Fig. 7.
  • Method 300 includes a number of steps for manufacturing electric trim package 318 for a seat cushion 314.
  • Method 300 begins with a first step 301 in which electric components 330 are applied to a reinforcement sheet 354 to form an electric-reinforcement sheet 356 as shown in Fig. 8.
  • reinforcement sheet 354 is scrim.
  • electric components 330 are heating units.
  • electric components are sensors coupled to reinforcement sheet 354.
  • electric -reinforcement sheet 356 is cut around electric components 330 to form electric-reinforcement pieces 358 as shown in Fig. 9.
  • Electric- reinforcement pieces 358 each carry an electric component 330.
  • Flexible electric bridges 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D are also formed which operate to couple electric components 330 together.
  • electric -reinforcement pieces 358 are coupled together to form an electric-reinforcement system 360 shown in Fig. 9.
  • an upholstery sheet is provided and cut into multiple upholstery pieces 364 as shown in Fig. 10.
  • upholstery sheet is made of leather.
  • upholstery pieces 364 are larger than corresponding electric-reinforcement pieces 358.
  • electric-reinforcement system 360 is coupled to a bottom of upholstery pieces 364 to form a trim system 370 shown in Fig. 11.
  • trim system 370 shown in Fig. 11.
  • electric-reinforcement system 360 is coupled to upholstery pieces 364 by application of an adhesive.
  • the adhesive may be applied as a series of dots to the electric- reinforcement system 360 or any other suitable alternative.
  • electric- reinforcement system 360 may be coupled to upholstery pieces 364 by use of clothing tags, lamination, sewing, or any other suitable alternative.
  • Trim system 370 includes a front seat- bottom panel 372, a rear seat-bottom panel 374, a left-bolster panel 376, and a right-bolster panel 378.
  • trim system 370 is flipped over so that a top side of upholstery pieces 364 is exposed as shown in Fig. 12.
  • Fifth step 305 allows access to panels 372, 374, 376, 378 for sewing.
  • a sixth step 306 rear seat-bottom panel 374 is folded over front seat-bottom panel 372 so as to lie on top of one another as shown in Fig. 13. As such, a sew line 380 on rear seat-bottom panel 374 and a sew line 382 on front seat-bottom panel 372 are arranged on top of each other. Electric bridges 34A, 34B are moved outward away from panels 372, 374 so as to not extend into sew lines 380, 382. Seat-bottom panels 372, 374 are then sewn together along sew lines 380, 382 without sewing through electric bridges 34A, 34B.
  • a seventh step 307 rear seat-bottom panel 374 is folded away from front seat- bottom panel 372 as shown in Fig. 14.
  • Electric bridges 34A, 34B are moved inwardly so as to not extend into previously sewn sew lines 380, 382.
  • electric bridges 34A, 34B are retained in place temporarily until an eighth step 308 is complete.
  • Electric bridges 34A, 34B may be held in place by an assembly-person's hand, tape, or any other suitable alternative.
  • electric bridges 34A, 34B may be retained in place permanently though a coupler, adhesive, or any other suitable alternative.
  • trim system 370 is flipped over to expose the top side of upholstery pieces 364 as shown in Fig. 15.
  • Right-bolster panel 378 is folded over seat-bottom panels 372, 374 so as to lie on top of one another.
  • a sew line 384 on right-bolster panel 378 is arranged on top of a sew line 386 on seat-bottom panels.
  • Electric bridge 34D interconnecting right-bolster panel 378 and rear seat-bottom panel 374 is moved outward away from panels 372, 374, 378 so that it does not extend into sew lines 384, 386.
  • Right-bolster panel 378 is sewn together with seat-bottom panels 372, 374 along sew lines 384, 386 without sewing through electric bridge 34.
  • trim system 370 is flipped over to expose electric- reinforcement system 360 as shown in Fig. 16.
  • Right-bolster panel 378 is folded away from seat-bottom panels 372, 374.
  • Electric bridge 34D is retained in position until completion of a tenth step 310.
  • trim system 370 is flipped over to expose the top side of upholstery pieces 364 as shown in Fig. 17.
  • Left-bolster panel 376 is folded over seat-bottom panels 372, 374 so as to lie on top of one another.
  • a sew line 388 included in left-bolster panel 376 is arranged on top of a sew line 390 included in seat-bottom panels 372, 374.
  • Electric bridge 34C is moved outward away from panels 372, 374, 376 so it does not extend into sew lines 388, 390.
  • Left-bolster panel 376 is sewn together with seat-bottom panels 372, 374 along sew lines 388, 390 without sewing through electric bridge 34C.
  • trim system 370 if flipped over to expose electric- reinforcement system 360 as shown in Fig. 18.
  • Left-bolster panel 376 is folded away from seat- bottom panels 372, 374.
  • Electric bridge 34C is retained in position until sewing is complete as suggested in Fig. 19.
  • Method 300 may include more or fewer steps where more or less trim panels are included.
  • a rear bite panel is arranged to extend from the left bolster panel, along the rear seat-bottom panel, and to the right bolster panel.
  • the rear bite panel includes, for example, an upholstery method may include another step in which the rear bite panel includes portions of the electric components such as a wires included in a wire harness coupled to the reinforcement material.
  • the wire harness portions of the electric components may be included in the bite panel as a result of the bite panel being located in an area of little support and interaction with the occupant.
  • the rear bite panel may be coupled to the rear seat-bottom panel by a pair of associated electric bridges.
  • the method includes a step in which the associated coupler bridges are folded away from sew lines included in the rear bite panel and along a rear edge of the left bolster panel, the rear seat-bottom panel, and the right bolster.
  • the rear bite panel is then folded on top of the upholstery of the rear seat-bottom panel to cause the sew lines to be aligned on top of one another.
  • the associated electric bridges are retained out the sew lines while sewing along the sew lines occurs. Once sewing is completed, the completed electric trim package including a rear bite panel is then flipped back over.
  • the wire harness portions of the rear bite panel may be collected, insulated, and terminated at a single wire harness.
  • Another embodiment of a method in accordance with the present disclosure includes several steps from method 300.
  • the method includes, for example, first step 301, second step 302, third step 303, fourth step 304, a fifth step . . . [0086]
  • fifth step rear seat-bottom panel 374 is folded under front seat-bottom panel
  • sew line 380 remains visible while sew line 382 is aligned below sew line 380.
  • Electric bridges 34A, 34B are moved outward away from panels 372, 374 so as to not extend into sew lines 380, 382.
  • seat-bottom panels 372, 374 are then sewn together along sew lines 380, 382 without sewing through electric bridges 34A, 34B.
  • Electric bridges 34A, 34B may be held in place by an assembly-person's hand, tape, or any other suitable alternative.
  • front seat-bottom panel 372 is folded away from rear seat- bottom panel 374 as shown in Fig. 14.
  • Electric bridges 34A, 34B are moved inwardly so as to not extend into previously sewn sew lines 380, 382.
  • right-bolster panel 378 is folded under seat-bottom panels 372,
  • right-bolster panel 378 is folded outwardly away from seat- bottom panels 372, 374 as shown in Fig. 16.
  • left-bolster panel 376 is folded under seat-bottom panels 372, 374 so as to lie below seat-bottom panels 372, 374.
  • Sew line 388 included in left-bolster panel 376 is arranged below sew line 390 included in seat-bottom panels 372, 374.
  • Electric bridge 34C is moved outward away from panels 372, 374, 376 so it does not extend into sew lines 388, 390.
  • Left-bolster panel 376 is sewn together with seat-bottom panels 372, 374 along sew lines 388, 390 without sewing through electric bridge 34C to establish electric trim package 318 as shown in Fig. 18.
  • Electric trim package 318 may then be flipped over to expose upholstery included in electric trim package 318.
  • a first embodiment of a trim system 470 in accordance with the present disclosure is used during manufacture to provide a trim package and is show in Fig. 20.
  • Trim system 470 includes panels 472, 474, 476, 478. Panels 472, 474, 476, 478 are connected with linear electric bridges 434. Trim system 470 includes straight bus bars 492 that extend between bolster panels 476, 478 and seat-bottom panels 472, 474.
  • Trim system 570 includes a front seat-bottom pane 572, a rear seat-bottom panel 574, and a pair of electric bridges 534A, 534B extending between and interconnecting rear and front seat-bottom panels 572, 574.
  • Trim system 670 includes left and right-bolster panels 676, 678 arranged to extend rearward of rear seat-bottom panel 674.
  • Trim system 770 includes left and right-bolster panels 776, 778. Each bolster panel 776, 778 include a pair of input and output bus bars 792A, 792B. Front and rear seat-bottom panels 772, 774 include a single input and output bus bar 794A, 794B.
  • Trim systems 470, 570, 670, 770 are variations that may provide for maximized use of material during manufacturing. Trim systems 470, 570, 670, 770 may be nested together or separately to maximize material usage during manufacturing.
  • Trim system 870 includes a wiring arrangement 880 configured to provide power to all panels 872, 874, 876, 878 while being integrated into a single wire harness 894 and wire harness connector 896.
  • Wiring arrangement 880 includes a first electrical circuit 881 arranged to provide power to panels 878, 872, 874 and a second electrical circuit 882 arranged to provide power to panel 876 as shown in Fig. 24.
  • First and second electrical circuits 881, 882 are arranged in parallel to one another.
  • each panel 872, 874, 876, 878 is a heating unit including an input electrical bus bar (+), an output electrical bus bar (-), and a plurality of conductive threads.
  • the resistance of each conductive thread may be configured to achieve a desired output. Desired outputs include desired amperage, desired resistance, desired heat output, desired signal strength, desired data, or any other suitable alternative.
  • Resistance may be varied by changing a length and/or a diameter of each conductive thread. Length may be varied by changing a pattern, such as variations in a sinusoidal pattern, in which the conductive thread is coupled to the upholstery. Resistance of the overall circuit may also be varied by adjusting the resistance of the input and output bus bars.
  • Trim system 970 includes a wiring arrangement 980 configured to provide power to all panels 972A, 972B, 974, 976, 978 while being integrated into a single wire harness 994 and wire-harness connector 996.
  • panel 972A has a different shape than panel 972B.
  • Wiring arrangement 980 includes a first electrical circuit 981 and a second electrical circuit 982.
  • First electrical circuit 981 is configured to provide power to panels 972A, 972B, 974, and 978.
  • Second electrical circuit 982 is configured to provide power to panel 976.
  • First and second electrical circuits 981, 982 are arranged in parallel.
  • trim system 970 electrical properties of trim system 970 may be configured to achieve a desired output. Desired outputs include desired amperage, desired resistance, desired heat output, desired signal strength, desired data, or any other suitable alternative.
  • Trim system 1070 includes a front heating area (heating area #1) 1070A, a first rear heating area (heating area #2) 1070B, and a second rear heating area (heating area #3) 1070C as shown in Fig. 26.
  • trim system 1070 includes a first front panel 1072A, a second front panel 1072B, a first rear panel 1074, a second rear panel 1076, and a wiring arrangement 1080.
  • First and second front panels 1072A, 1072B cooperate to provide front heating area 1070A.
  • First rear panel 1074 is configured to provide first rear heating area 1070B.
  • Second rear panel 1067 is configured to provide second rear heating area 1070C.
  • Wiring arrangement 1080 includes a single electrical circuit 1081 as shown in
  • Fig. 27 Power is supplied via a wire harness 1096 that includes a single power input 1096A and a single power output 1096B. Power is supplied to trim system 1070 by power input 1096A which is coupled to an input bus bar 1003 that supplied power to all panels 1072A, 1072B, 1074, 1076. As suggested in Fig. 27, power flows from power input 1096A and simultaneously to first rear panel 1074 and first front panel 1072A. Power then flows from panels 1072A, 1074 through electric bridges 1002A, 1002B in parallel to second front panel 1072B and second rear panel 1076. Power then flows to an output bus bar 1004 coupled to power output 1096B.
  • input bus bar 1003 extends from first rear panel 1074 to first front panel 1072A across a first connecting tab 1005.
  • Output bus bar 1004 extends from second rear panel 1076 to second front panel 1072B across a second connecting tab 1006.
  • Each connecting tab 1005, 1006 has slits on both sides to allow folding out of the way during formation of the center seam.
  • a bridge 1007 is added between first and second rear panels 1074, 1076 at a tie down location 1008 associated with a trench formed in a cushion underlying the trim.
  • a slit line is formed on a center of trim system 1070 to allow folding during assembly
  • trim system 1070 electrical properties of trim system 1070 may be configured to achieve a desired output. Desired outputs include desired amperage, desired resistance, desired heat output, desired signal strength, desired data, or any other suitable alternative.
  • Trim system 1170 includes a first heating area 1170A and a second heating area 1070B as shown in Fig. 28.
  • Trim system 1170 includes a first panel 1072, a second panel 1174, and a wiring arrangement 1180.
  • First panel 1072 is configured to provide first heating area 1070A.
  • Second panel 1074 is configured to provide second heating area 1070B.
  • First and second front panels 1072A, 1072B cooperate to provide front heating area 1070A.
  • Trim system 1170 is produced from a trim blank 1111 as shown in Fig. 29. Trim blank 1170 is configured, prior to cutting, to cause nesting capability to be maximized. As shown in Fig. 29, first panel 1072 is coupled to second panel 1074 by two connecting tabs 1175, 1176. Two bus bars 1103, 1104 are arranged to extend between and interconnect electrically panels 1072, 1074. In the areas of the connection tabs 1175, 1176, the bus bars 1103, 1104 are not knitted to an underlying material, for example, scrim.
  • the first bus bar 1103 is separated along with the associated first connecting tab 1175 to provide an input bus bar 1103A and an output bus bar 1103B.
  • the second bus bar 1104 is not cut and arranged to extend along and across the second connecting tab 1176 so as to provide an electric bridge 1102 as shown in Fig. 30.
  • the electric bridge 1102 may include the second connecting tab 1176 or may only include the portion of the second bus bar 1104.
  • Wiring arrangement 1180 includes a single electric circuit 1181 as shown in Fig.
  • Power is supplied via a wire harness 1196 that includes a single power input 1196A and a single power output 1196B. Power is supplied to trim system 1170 by power input 1196A which is coupled to an input bus bar 1103 A that supplied power to both panels 1172 and 1174B. As suggested in Fig. 30, power flows from power input 1196A to first panel 1172, through electric bridge 1102, through second panel 1174, through output bus bar 1103B and back through power output 1196B.
  • trim system 1070 1072, 1074 at a tie down location 1108 associated with a trench formed in a cushion underlying the trim.
  • Electric bridge 1107 is formed along an end of panels 1172, 1174 while bridge 1107 is formed along sides of panels 1172, 1174 as shown in Fig. 30.
  • electrical properties of trim system 1170 may be configured to achieve a desired output. Desired outputs include desired amperage, desired resistance, desired heat output, desired signal strength, desired data, or any other suitable alternative.
  • a seat bottom or seat backrest in accordance with the present disclosure may include an electric component coupled to the trim, a peel and stick mat adhered to a backrest foam cushion or a bottom foam cushion, or combinations thereof.
  • a peel and stick mat is adhered to a backrest foam cushion while an electric component is coupled to the trim included in a seat bottom.
  • a cushion cover coupled to the cushion and arranged to extend around the cushion to define a cushion-receiving space therein in which the cushion is located, the cushion cover including a first cushion section including an outer layer located in spaced-apart relation to the cushion and an inner layer located between the outer layer and inner layer, a second cushion section including an outer layer located in spaced-apart relation to the cushion and an inner layer located between the outer layer and inner layer, and a cover fastener arranged to extend between and interconnect the first and second cushion sections, and
  • an electric system including a first electric component coupled to the inner layer of the first cushion section and arranged to lie between the outer layer of the first cushion section and the cushion, a second electric component coupled to the inner layer of the second cushion section and arranged to lie in spaced-apart relation to the first electric component and between the outer layer of the second cushion section and the cushion, and an electric bridge arranged to extend between and interconnect the first and second electric components and configured to provide means for separating the first and second electric components from the cover fastener during formation of the cover fastener so that damage to the first and second electric
  • An occupant-support base comprising
  • a cushion cover coupled to the cushion and arranged to extend around the cushion to define a cushion-receiving space therein in which the cushion is located, the cushion cover including a first cushion section including an outer layer located in spaced-apart relation to the cushion and an inner layer located between the outer layer and inner layer, a second cushion section including an outer layer located in spaced-apart relation to the cushion and an inner layer located between the outer layer and inner layer, and a cover fastener arranged to extend between and interconnect the first and second cushion sections, and
  • an electric system including a first electric component coupled to the outer layer of the first cushion section and arranged to lie between the outer layer of the first cushion section and the inner layer, a second electric component coupled to the outer layer of the second cushion section and arranged to lie in spaced-apart relation to the first electric component and between the outer layer of the second cushion section and the inner layer, and an electric bridge arranged to extend between and interconnect the first and second electric components and configured to provide means for separating the first and second electric components from cover fastener during the manufacturing process so that damage to the first and second electric components is minimized.
  • first trim unit including a first outer piece, a first inner piece, and a first electric component
  • second trim unit including a second outer piece, a second inner piece, and a second electric component
  • an electric bridge arranged to extend between and interconnect the first and second trim units
  • cover fastener includes a sewn seam arranged to interconnect the outer and inner layers of the first cover section and the outer and inner layers of the second cover section and a seam coupler arranged to extend between and interconnect the sewn seam to the cushion.
  • seam coupler is one of a tie down, a hog-ring tie down, a clip tie down, a hook-and-loop tie down, a t- shape tie down, a zipper tie down, and glue.
  • the cushion cover further includes a cover bridge arranged to extend between and interconnect the first and second cushion section and lie in spaced- apart relation to the sewn seam.
  • the cushion cover further includes a cover bridge arranged to extend between and interconnect the first and second cushion section and lie in spaced-apart relation to the cover fastener and be aligned with the electric bridge to cause the electric bride to move with the cover bridge.
  • cover fastener includes a sewn seam arranged to interconnect the outer and inner layers of the first cover section and the outer and inner layers of the second cover section and a seam coupler arranged to extend between and interconnect the sewn seam to the cushion.
  • the cushion cover further includes a cover bridge arranged to extend between and interconnect the first and second cushion sections and lie in spaced-apart relation to the sewn seam.
  • An occupant- support base comprising
  • a cushion cover coupled to the cushion and arranged to extend around the cushion and cooperate with the seat pan to define a cushion-receiving space therebetween, the cushion cover including an outer sheet located in spaced-apart relation to the cushion and a thermal sheet located between the outer sheet and the cushion and configured to provide means for supplying heat to an occupant supported by the occupant-support base in response to supplying a minimal amount of current to the thermal sheet so that an amount of time required for the occupant to sense that heat being communicated to the occupant through the outer sheet of the cushion is minimized.
  • thermo layer includes a scrim, a plurality of conductive threads coupled to the scrim to move relative to the scrim, and an input electrical bus bar coupled to the scrim and arranged to interconnect the plurality of conductive threads and a power source to cause the minimal amount of current to be communicated from the power source to the plurality of conductive threads.
  • each conductive thread included in the plurality of conductive threads is arranged in parallel to every other conductive thread to cause about an equal amount of current to be supplied to each conductive thread.
  • the thermal layer further includes an output electrical bus bar woven through the scrim, located in spaced-apart relation to the input electrical bus bar, and arranged to interconnect the plurality of conductive threads and a ground to cause the minimal amount of current to flow from the power source, through the input electrical bus bar, through the plurality of conductive, threads, through the output electrical bus bar, and to the ground, the input and output electrical bus bars have a first resistance configured to minimize heat generated as a result of the minimal current passing through them, and the plurality of conductive threads have a second resistance configured to maximize heat generated as a result of minimal current passing through them.
  • each thread included in the plurality of conductive threads has the minimal amount of current pass there through and the minimal amount of current is in a range of about 0.060 amps to about 0.10 amps.
  • Clause 30 The occupant- support base of any other clause, wherein the heat provided by the thermal sheet produces a temperature measured on an outer surface of the outer sheet of between about 30 degrees Celsius and about 50 degrees Celsius.
  • Clause 31 The occupant- support base of any other clause, wherein a first portion of the plurality of conductive threads are arranged together to cause establish a first thermal density, a second portion of the plurality of conductive threads are arranged to establish a different second thermal density, the first thermal density is configured to provide a first amount of heat, the second thermal density is configured to provide a second amount of heat, and the second amount of heat is greater than the first amount of heat.
  • Clause 32 The occupant- support base of any other clause, wherein the second portion of the plurality of conductive threads includes a greater number of the conductive threads than a number of threads included in the first portion.
  • each conductive thread included in the first portion of the plurality of conductive threads has a length less than a length of each conductive thread included in the second portion of the plurality of conductive threads.
  • each thread included in the plurality of conductive threads has a sinusoidal wave shape.
  • thermo layer includes a foam material, a plurality of conductive threads coupled to the foam material, and an input electrical bus bar coupled to the foam material and arranged to
  • thermo layer includes a foam material, a plurality of conductive threads coupled to the foam material, and an input electrical bus bar coupled to the foam material and arranged to
  • thermo sheet includes a first heating unit, a second heating unit located in spaced-apart relation to the first heating unit, and a bridge coupler arranged to extend between and interconnect the first and second heating units to cause the minimal amount of current to flow from the first heating unit to the second heating unit.
  • the first heating unit includes a scrim, a plurality of conductive threads coupled to the scrim, and a first portion of an input electrical bus bar coupled to the scrim and arranged to interconnect the plurality of conductive threads and a power source to cause the minimal amount of current to be communicated from the power source to the plurality of conductive threads
  • the second heating unit includes a scrim, a plurality of conductive threads coupled to the scrim, and a second portion of the input electrical bus bar coupled to the scrim of the second heating unit and arranged to interconnect the plurality of conductive threads of the second scrim and the power source to cause the minimal amount of current to be communicated from the power source, through the first heating unit, and to the plurality of conductive threads of the second heating unit
  • the bridge coupler includes a scrim and a third portion of the input electrical bus bar coupled to the scrim of the bridge coupler and arranged to interconnect the first portion of the
  • a cushion cover coupled to the cushion and arranged to extend around the cushion and cooperate with the seat pan to define a cushion-receiving space therebetween, the cushion cover including a reinforcement layer located in spaced-apart relation to the cushion, a foam layer located between the reinforcement layer and the cushion, and thermal sheet arranged to locate the reinforcement layer between the thermal sheet and the foam layer and configured to provide means for supplying heat to an occupant supported by the occupant-support base in response to supplying a minimal amount of current to the thermal sheet so that an amount of time required for the occupant to sense that heat being communicated to the occupant is minimized.
  • thermo layer includes an upholstery material, a plurality of conductive threads coupled to the upholstery material, and an input electrical bus bar coupled to the upholstery material and arranged to interconnect the plurality of conductive threads and a power source to cause the minimal amount of current to be communicated from the power source to the plurality of conductive threads.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un siège de véhicule comprenant un coussin de siège. Le coussin de siège comprend un coussin de mousse et une housse de coussin disposée de façon à s'étendre autour du coussin en mousse et à recouvrir celui-ci. La housse de coussin comprend une première section de coussin, une deuxième section de coussin, cousues ensemble. Le système électrique comprend un premier composant électrique (30) couplé à la première section de coussin, un deuxième composant électrique (32) couplé à la deuxième section de coussin, et un pont électrique (34) agencé de manière à s'étendre entre, et à interconnecter, les premier et deuxième composants électriques et configuré pour procurer des moyens permettant de séparer les premier et deuxième composants électrique à partir de la couture cousue (28a) en cours de couture de la couture cousue de telle sorte que les dommages au niveau des premier et deuxième composants électriques sont minimalisés.
PCT/US2015/046102 2014-08-20 2015-08-20 Coussin de siège et procédé de fabrication de celui-ci WO2016029011A1 (fr)

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US201462039721P 2014-08-20 2014-08-20
US201462039678P 2014-08-20 2014-08-20
US62/039,678 2014-08-20
US62/039,721 2014-08-20

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Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE8902260U1 (de) * 1989-02-25 1989-05-11 I.G. Bauerhin GmbH elektro-technische Fabrik, 6466 Gründau Schutz für Heizleiterverbindungen von beheizten Sitz- bzw. Lehnflächen zur Sitzbeheizung von Fahrzeugsitzen
JPH07328249A (ja) * 1994-06-07 1995-12-19 Delta Kogyo Co Ltd シートの吊込み構造
EP1132028A1 (fr) * 1999-09-22 2001-09-12 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Element chauffant plan
US20020002854A1 (en) * 2000-07-05 2002-01-10 Yuzo Imoto Vehicle passenger distinguishment system with sensor cells installed inside seat
FR2870798A1 (fr) * 2004-05-27 2005-12-02 Faurecia Sieges Automobile Siege de vehicule automobile commportant une nappe souple adaptee sur une matelassure du siege, sous la coiffe de garnissage
US20110156453A1 (en) * 2009-12-25 2011-06-30 Masaaki Matsushima Seat
US20120228903A1 (en) * 2011-03-07 2012-09-13 Panasonic Corporation Vehicle seat heater
WO2014027643A1 (fr) * 2012-08-13 2014-02-20 テイ・エス テック株式会社 Siège de véhicule

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE8902260U1 (de) * 1989-02-25 1989-05-11 I.G. Bauerhin GmbH elektro-technische Fabrik, 6466 Gründau Schutz für Heizleiterverbindungen von beheizten Sitz- bzw. Lehnflächen zur Sitzbeheizung von Fahrzeugsitzen
JPH07328249A (ja) * 1994-06-07 1995-12-19 Delta Kogyo Co Ltd シートの吊込み構造
EP1132028A1 (fr) * 1999-09-22 2001-09-12 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Element chauffant plan
US20020002854A1 (en) * 2000-07-05 2002-01-10 Yuzo Imoto Vehicle passenger distinguishment system with sensor cells installed inside seat
FR2870798A1 (fr) * 2004-05-27 2005-12-02 Faurecia Sieges Automobile Siege de vehicule automobile commportant une nappe souple adaptee sur une matelassure du siege, sous la coiffe de garnissage
US20110156453A1 (en) * 2009-12-25 2011-06-30 Masaaki Matsushima Seat
US20120228903A1 (en) * 2011-03-07 2012-09-13 Panasonic Corporation Vehicle seat heater
WO2014027643A1 (fr) * 2012-08-13 2014-02-20 テイ・エス テック株式会社 Siège de véhicule

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