Abstract: A seat back assembly including a frame formed of a low density material such as expanded polypropylene (EPP) and a reinforcement structure encapsulated within the frame is provided. The reinforcement structure includes a load transferring surface extending between opposite ends of the seat back. Each end of the reinforcement structure is secured to a vehicle body structure. The reinforcement structure transfers a load placed upon the seat back assembly throughout the frame so as to maintain the structural integrity of the frame under a predetermined load. Specifically, the load transferring surface of the reinforcement structure is in contact with the frame and transfers the load across a predetermined area of the frame and to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A seat back assembly including a frame molded from expanded polypropylene (EPP). The expanded polypropylene frame includes a first surface and a second surface. The EPP frame is molded so as to include at least one standoff. The standoff extends outwardly from the second surface into a contact surface. The contact surface is registered to engage a vehicle body structure. Thus when the seat back experiences a frontal load, the frontal load is transformed so as to compress the standoff, and also transfers a load to the vehicle body structure. The EPP frame may also be molded so as to encapsulate an armrest bracket for attaching a pivotable armrest, or attachment wires to secure the seat back assembly to the vehicle body. The EPP frame may also be molded to include a headrest.

Abstract: A seat back assembly including a frame formed of a low density material such as expanded polypropylene (EPP) and a reinforcement structure encapsulated within the frame is provided. The reinforcement structure includes a load transferring surface extending between opposite ends of the seat back. Each end of the reinforcement structure is secured to a vehicle body structure. The reinforcement structure transfers a load placed upon the seat back assembly throughout the frame so as to maintain the structural integrity of the frame under a predetermined load. Specifically, the load transferring surface of the reinforcement structure is in contact with the frame and transfers the load across a predetermined area of the frame and to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A seat back assembly including a frame formed of a low density material such as expanded polypropylene (EPP) and a reinforcement structure encapsulated within the frame is provided. The reinforcement structure includes a load transferring surface extending between opposite ends of the seat back. Each end of the reinforcement structure is secured to a vehicle body structure. The reinforcement structure transfers a load placed upon the seat back assembly throughout the frame so as to maintain the structural integrity of the frame under a predetermined load. Specifically, the load transferring surface of the reinforcement structure is in contact with the frame and transfers the load across a predetermined area of the frame and to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A seat back assembly including a frame molded from material having low density such as expanded polypropylene. The seat back assembly further includes an adjustable head rest assembly including a guide bracket encapsulated in a frame. Encapsulating the guide bracket within the frame provides the headrest assembly with a rigid support, while simultaneously reducing the mass of the seat back assembly with respect to seat back assemblies having a metal seat frame. The headrest assembly includes a headrest body and a pair of legs extending outwardly from the headrests. The guide bracket is fully encapsulated within the frame during the molding process, and is configured so as to slidingly receive each of the legs and secure the headrest assembly to the seat back assembly.

Abstract: A seat back assembly including a frame formed of a low density material such as expanded polypropylene (EPP) and a reinforcement structure encapsulated within the frame is provided. The reinforcement structure includes a load transferring surface extending between opposite ends of the seat back. Each end of the reinforcement structure is secured to a vehicle body structure. The reinforcement structure transfers a load placed upon the seat back assembly throughout the frame so as to maintain the structural integrity of the frame under a predetermined load. Specifically, the load transferring surface of the reinforcement structure is in contact with the frame and transfers the load across a predetermined area of the frame and to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A seat back assembly including a frame molded from expanded polypropylene (EPP). The expanded polypropylene frame includes a first surface and a second surface. The EPP frame is molded so as to include at least one standoff. The standoff extends outwardly from the second surface into a contact surface. The contact surface is registered to engage a vehicle body structure. Thus when the seat back experiences a frontal load, the frontal load is transformed so as to compress the standoff, and also transfers a load to the vehicle body structure. The EPP frame may also be molded so as to encapsulate an armrest bracket for attaching a pivotable armrest, or attachment wires to secure the seat back assembly to the vehicle body. The EPP frame may also be molded to include a headrest.

Abstract: A seat back assembly including a frame molded from material having low density such as expanded polypropylene. The seat back assembly further includes an adjustable head rest assembly including a guide bracket encapsulated in a frame. Encapsulating the guide bracket within the frame provides the headrest assembly with a rigid support, while simultaneously reducing the mass of the seat back assembly with respect to seat back assemblies having a metal seat frame. The headrest assembly includes a headrest body and a pair of legs extending outwardly from the headrests. The guide bracket is fully encapsulated within the Frame during the molding process, and is configured so as to slidingly receive each of the legs and secure the headrest assembly to the seat back assembly.