Crash Seat Patents (Class 297/216.1)
  • Patent number: 8585079
    Abstract: An airbag module is mounted on the outboard side of a vehicle seat bottom frame having a vertical wall. An airbag assembly includes a housing, an inflator within the housing, and an airbag folded within the housing. A molded plastic airbag cover includes a top wall having an airbag opening therein through which the airbag is inflatable, and a vertical depending wall adapted to overlie the vertical wall of the seat bottom frame in spaced relation therefrom to conceal the airbag assembly. The vertical depending wall has mounting elements extending therefrom into engagement with the vertical wall of the seat bottom frame for mounting the airbag cover on the vertical depending wall of the seat bottom frame. The housing has fastener elements mounting the housing on the airbag cover. And the airbag cover has fastener elements thereon for mounting the airbag cover on the seat bottom frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David J Gorman, Scott D. Thomas, Christopher J. Kehrig
  • Publication number: 20130300164
    Abstract: A vehicle seat carrier for a vehicle seat comprises a position adjustment arrangement adapted to enable the vehicle seat carrier to be displaced between a plurality of different positions and a position lock adapted to retain the vehicle seat carrier at a selected position. The position lock is adapted to be disabled as a response to a detected crash, or a detected imminent crash, so that the vehicle seat carrier is permitted to be displaced along a first path at least partly defined by the position adjustment arrangement, to provide for a passenger protective function. The passenger protective function utilizes the existing position adjustment arrangement to provide for a controlled displacement during a collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Tony Jonsson
  • Publication number: 20130300165
    Abstract: A method for protecting a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seat of a vehicle that includes at least one protection element arranged on the vehicle seat and that can be triggered in order to protect the vehicle occupant located on the vehicle seat is triggered in the event of an impending collision or in the event of a collision. A momentum (motion impulse) is exerted on the vehicle occupant or at least one body section of the vehicle occupant when the protection element is triggered. Due to the momentum the vehicle occupant or at least one body section of the vehicle occupant is moved away from a collision section of the vehicle that is colliding or will collide with the obiect. The intensity of the momentum is varied in relation to a determined accident severity and/or a determined accident type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Michael Fehring, Marica Paurevic, Thomas Unselt
  • Patent number: 8579378
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for locking a seat belt with respect to a fixed base frame to prevent movement of a movable seat portion in the event of a crash or crash-like condition on an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats France
    Inventors: Jean Charles Marais, Joel Marais
  • Patent number: 8573633
    Abstract: A seat cushion airbag apparatus is applied to a vehicle seat having a seat portion. The seat portion has a seat cushion that is supported from below by a support portion of a seat frame. The apparatus raises a seat face of the vehicle seat, thereby restraining an object on the seat face to prevent the object from moving forward. The apparatus includes an airbag, an inflation fluid generator, and a contact preventing member. The airbag is arranged between the support portion and the cushion. The inflation fluid generator supplies inflation fluid for inflating the airbag, thereby raising the seat face. The contact preventing member is arranged between the support portion and the airbag. A part of the contact preventing member that is in the vicinity of the support portion is flexible. The contact preventing member prevents the airbag from contacting the support portion when the airbag is inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kino, Tatsuya Hashido, Takanori Kanto
  • Patent number: 8573691
    Abstract: The present vehicle seat includes a seat bottom 3 and a seat back 2 rotatably mounted to the seat bottom. The seat bottom includes a support frame 10 mounted to a vehicle body 7 and a bottom cushion 15 supported by a support frame. The support frame has a configuration not to move in a front-and-back direction with respect to the vehicle body by unfavorable external force that abruptly moves a seat occupant forward. The seat bottom has a configuration to be movable in the front-and-back direction with respect to the support frame. Between the bottom cushion and the support frame, a pretensioner 21 that moves the bottom cushion backward with respect to the support frame is located when the unfavorable external force occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Masutani
  • Patent number: 8573690
    Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus for an aircraft seat that attenuates shock to passengers and crews includes; an airbag 11 being expanded in a plate shape in a state of less than maximum expansion; an upper flat plate 12 arranged on one side of the airbag 11; a lower flat plate 13 arranged on another side of the airbag 11; a gas supply device 15 for supplying a gas to the airbag 11; and a detector sending a signal to activate the gas supply device 15 by a preset condition. The shock is absorbed by expanding the airbag 11 before the shock is applied to the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
    Inventors: Hirokazu Shoji, Kazuo Katayama, Norio Enomoto, Hiroshi Yutani
  • Publication number: 20130278026
    Abstract: An air bagged vehicle seat is reduced in weight while the strength thereof is maintained. The vehicle seat is provided with an airbag device which is disposed inside the sitting portion of the vehicle seat and is inflated under the seated occupant. The vehicle seat is provided with a seat pan (50), a first support pipe (40) , and seat rails (10) fixed to the floor. The seat pan (50) is provided with a recess for housing the airbag, and a protruding bent section (50A) extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The first support pipe (40) is disposed on the rear side of the protruding bent section (50A) so as to extend therealong. The first support pipe (40) is configured in such a manner that the first support pipe (40) is bent in a forward and downward direction of the vehicle and the leg sections (42) of the first support pipe (40) are fastened to the seat rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: ASHIMORI INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kobayashi, Tadaaki Sekino, Satoshi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8562017
    Abstract: A vehicle seat including a side airbag system, in which an airbag body accommodated inside a seatback of the vehicle seat is configured to deploy when the vehicle is collided from a side thereof and a deployment groove which is configured to improve the deployment of the airbag body is formed to a cushion pad of the seatback, wherein a guide portion which is configured to guide the deployment of the airbag body towards a desired height is formed to the deployment groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Oga, Takeshi Kamiya
  • Publication number: 20130270877
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle is disclosed with a support for attachment to an aspect of a vehicle and a platform block which may be securely attached to the support. A seat element for accommodating an occupant is provided together with a suspension system connecting the seat element to the platform block. The suspension system includes a resilient member having an equilibrium condition to which the resilient member is biased to return if it extends beyond, retracts below or otherwise varies away from the equilibrium condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: BAE Systems Plc
    Inventor: James Brooks Hoyle
  • Publication number: 20130264849
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a seat bottom frame 2 as a frame of a seat bottom allowing an occupant to sit thereon, and a seat back frame 1 supported by the seat bottom frame 2. The seat back frame 1 includes right and left side frames SF laterally spaced apart from each other, and a lower connecting member 30 disposed and extending between lower portions of the right and left side frames SF and configured to connect the right and left side frames SF, and the lower connecting member 30 includes a rear wall portion connected to and supported by the side frames SF, and a front wall portion 31 disposed frontward of the rear wall portion and extending downward from an upper end of the rear wall portion, and a front surface 31A of the front wall portion 31 has an upper portion and a lower portion which is located frontward of the upper portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takamasa Adachi, Satoshi Fujita, Kenichi Niitsuma
  • Patent number: 8550564
    Abstract: A composite seat pan for a lightweight aircraft passenger seat includes an open-section fore cross beam, an open-section aft cross beam and a seat pan membrane carried by the fore cross beam and the aft cross beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Max U. Kismarton, James A. Fullerton
  • Publication number: 20130257117
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle seat having a high absorbing efficiency of impact energy upon rear end collision. The vehicle seat includes a pair of side frames that are arranged on the side, and lower frames and that connect lower portions of the pair of side frames to each other, in which a narrow portion including: a horizontal portion formed inside the pair of side frames along a longitudinal direction with a flexibility against a load equal to or more than a predetermined impact load, and an inclined portion extending from the horizontal portion via a bent portion inside the pair of side frames is formed on the lower frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Seki, Takaya Kurisu, Kenichi Niitsuma
  • Publication number: 20130257119
    Abstract: A seating system for use with a vehicle includes a first seat component having a skin having a thermal bond to an in-situ foam core. The first seat component maximum displacement is less than 160 mm when tested according to a test method in ECE R17 regulation for luggage retention with a 20 times the force of gravity crash pulse. A method of manufacture the seat back system is also recited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Richard W. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20130241250
    Abstract: A seat back movement prevention device of a belt-in seat enables a certain prevention of falling down of a seat back at a vehicle collision time of a vehicle mounting a 3-point belt-in seat, the seat back movement prevention device of a belt-in seat is made of one of a belt, a wire, and a chain of which one end side is attached to an upper part of a seat frame disposed in a seat back of a 3-point belt-in seat, and a pretensioner for a seat back being equipped at downward of the seat back, and rewinding one of the belt, the wire, and the chain at an activation time of a pretensioner for a seat belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Yoshitsugu Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 8528981
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a backrest and a seat part, at least one of which has a structural element forming a cavity. A filling is disposed in the cavity and configured to influence the stability and/or the deformation behavior of the backrest and/or the seat part. The filling comprises a foam support and a foam material that at least partially surrounds the foam support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Stefan Funk, Martin Zynda, Stefan Josten, Bernd Engels, Andreas Hansen
  • Patent number: 8528986
    Abstract: A seatbelt mechanism (S) comprises a chip anchor (12) disposed to one of right and left sides of a seat bottom (3) of the vehicle seat (1) and coupled to a tip end of the seatbelt (10), and a tongue anchor (14) disposed to the other of the right and left sides of the seat bottom (3) and engaged with a tongue plate (13) disposed to an intermediate portion of the seatbelt (10). A pretensioner mechanism (21) moves both the chip anchor (12) and the tongue anchor (14) substantially at the same time to actively tenses the seatbelt (10) when the vehicle collision occurs. A moving distance of the chip anchor (12) is substantially equal to a moving distance of the tongue anchor (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Masutani
  • Publication number: 20130229038
    Abstract: A seat (2) for absorbing a force, which seat (2) comprises a seat pan (4) having a folded portion (6), the folded portion (6) being such that it unfolds consequent upon receiving the force and thereby absorbs at least a part of the force. The force may be a blast from a mine, or the force of an aeroplane or helicopter striking the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Vital Seating & Systems Limited
    Inventor: Neal Marshall
  • Publication number: 20130221714
    Abstract: A soldier platform and energy attenuation system and method include a soldier platform system and energy attenuation system in a vehicle. In an embodiment, a tuneable energy attenuation system includes a plurality of energy attenuation units. The energy attenuation units are disposed to allow each energy attenuation unit to be in series and/or parallel to another energy attenuation unit. In addition, the tuneable energy attenuation system includes a base and a top. The energy attenuation units are disposed between the base and the top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: BLACK MOUNTAIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: BLACK MOUNTAIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130214570
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method of armed forces vehicle seating which reduces the potential for injury to occupants when the vehicle is subjected to a mine or similar explosive device. The seats are ceiling or wall mounted and include a trailing arm which allows for deflection while providing stability. The seat isolates the occupants from the chassis of the vehicle via a pneumatic or other shock absorber and/or a crushable element to provide protection from vertical and horizontal oriented blasts. These seats can also be combined with shock absorbing/isolating foot rests, appendage (leg) restrain systems and an occupant four-point harness to offer a completely integrated system. This integrated system reduces acceleration/deceleration related injuries, shock injuries to the lower legs, flailing injuries to the lower legs and internal collision injuries. Other options and alternatives are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Allen-Vanguard Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Grant, Brent Almstedt
  • Patent number: 8511748
    Abstract: A molded plastic seat back assembly for a vehicle including at least two polymeric vertical support members including a top portion, a center portion, and a lower portion, wherein at least a portion of the polymeric vertical support members have a alternating wall section portion including a front wall section, a connective middle wall section and a back wall section; at least one cross-seat member connectively disposed between the polymeric vertical support members; at least one recliner bracket connectively disposed to the lower portion of the polymeric vertical support members for anchoring the molded plastic seat back assembly to a seat back recliner assembly; and at least one strap reinforcement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Styron Europe GmbH
    Inventors: David G. McLeod, Ashish Kotnis, Keith L. Kauffman, Mostaffa Ahmed, Padraig Naughton
  • Publication number: 20130200664
    Abstract: A vehicle seat air bag assembly (17) having an air bag module (18) includes an air bag chute (44) that is foldable from a flexible sheet (46). The air bag chute (44) guides an air bag (40) of the air bag module (18) during inflation and movement to and through a trim cover deployment seam (34). The flexible sheet (46) has a panel (52) that is folded to provide panel portions (56) and (58) and straps (62) of one panel portion (56) extend therefrom in opposite directions and are folded back to connections (66) with the other panel portion (58). The connections (66) may be provided by stitching (70), heat staking (82), sonic welding (84) or slits (86) in the other panel portion for receiving the straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Louella Ann Patterson, Bryan L. Orlando, William J. Paruszkiewicz, JR., James B. Clauser, Thomas A. Welch, SR., Paul S. Severinski
  • Publication number: 20130200666
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle seat having a seat part and a backrest, wherein the seat part and the backrest can be adjusted relative to one another by means of an adjustment mechanism, wherein a base plate which holds the adjustment mechanism is provided, wherein the base plate has at least two passage openings through which the base plate is connected to the seat part by means of in each case one fastening means, wherein one of the passage openings is in the form of an elongate hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBH
    Inventors: Volker Huttemann, Silvio Hartlaub, Velladurai Subramanian
  • Publication number: 20130200665
    Abstract: An adjusting device, in particular a height or longitudinal adjusting device for motor vehicle seats, including a threaded spindle that is rotatably mounted in a gearbox housing at one end and in a receiving unit at the other end, the receiving unit having an inner thread that is adapted to the spindle thread. The adjusting device also includes a motor unit that is operatively connected to the threaded spindle. An adjusting device and a seat base frame for motor vehicle seats with an adjusting device that transmits forces that occur in the event of a crash to the required degree are provided. A reinforcing element is provided in the gearbox housing such that said element is suitable for receiving forces that act in the longitudinal axial direction of the threaded spindle in the event of a crash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Ivica Stanic, Oliver Kuntz, Christian Sturm
  • Publication number: 20130193726
    Abstract: Arrangements for safety and comfort in vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Arjuna Indraeswaran Rajasingham
  • Publication number: 20130193725
    Abstract: A vehicle seat cushion frame includes longitudinal frame members, lateral frame members and a panel. A framework of a seat cushion is formed by connecting front and rear sides of the longitudinal frame members, arranged at both right and left sides, with the lateral frame members. The panel is fixed to the both longitudinal frame members so as to cover a space between front end portions of the both longitudinal frame members, including the front-side lateral frame member, from above. The front-side lateral frame member has connecting portions, at which the front-side lateral frame member is connected to the longitudinal frame members. A portion of the front-side lateral frame member, which is between the connecting portions, is thinner than the connecting portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Publication number: 20130185837
    Abstract: A protective member such as a helmet includes an outer layer and an inner layer interconnected by multiple connectors, such as extension springs, under tension along their longitudinal axis. The connectors absorb energy from an impact force by resisting further tension along their longitudinal axis and allow the outer layer and inner layer to move relative to each other. In the helmet application, the head of a user experiences less impact force, reduced change in momentum or position of the head and neck, reduced head and neck loads and reduced amounts of linear and rotational acceleration. The protective member can be used in numerous applications and environments, including for participants in sports, in applications including bumpers, passenger cabins, car seats and beds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Emerson Spalding Phipps, Charles Edward Phipps
  • Patent number: 8480174
    Abstract: A seat frame reinforcement structure has a reinforcing member that is provided between both side frames that constitute a framework of a seatback of a vehicle seat, is connected to the side frames, and extends in the width direction of the vehicle seat. The reinforcing member includes a rod that is larger in diameter than each of operation pins that pass through center portions of reclining mechanisms, bushings that are connected to respective end portions of the rod, and a guide member that is connected integrally to the side frame so as to surround the outer periphery of a portion of the operation pin, which is exposed due to a clearance formed between an end portion of one of the bushings and the side frame. Due to the provision of the guide member, the diameter of the reinforcing member is maintained large even in a region where there is the clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Konagai, Makoto Esaki
  • Patent number: 8469394
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle seat (10) for a motor vehicle having a backrest (14) with a seat-mounted side airbag (20) having a first side wall (22) facing the occupant and a second side wall (24) facing the outside of the vehicle. The side airbag (20) is located on the side of the backrest (14) facing the outside of the vehicle, and the side airbag (20) includes a first ventilation opening (30) in the second side wall, the ventilation opening being at least throttled on lying against an object, so that a ventilation of the airbag is adapted as a function of the size of the occupant. The vehicle seat (10) is height adjustable so that, depending on the height adjustment of the vehicle seat, the first ventilation can be closed by the inner structure of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Hans Werner Schuller
  • Publication number: 20130154317
    Abstract: A motor vehicle seat has a seat frame and a backrest frame that is connected pivotably to the seat frame at the sides via fittings. The fittings are screwed to the backrest frame. A screwing direction of at least one screw runs in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A significantly improved force flux in the event of a rear or front impact of the motor vehicle can thereby be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
  • Publication number: 20130147241
    Abstract: A safety apparatus of a seat for a vehicle with a height adjustment device may include a height link that has one end rotatably connected to a seat rail bracket and the other end fixed to a rear hinge pipe, a restriction link that may be disposed at a side of the height link and has one end pivotally coupled to the seat rail bracket, wherein the restriction link may be elastically biased away from the height link, a first anti-rotation mechanism that may be disposed at the height link and the restriction link to restrict rotation of the height link when a front of the height link rotates upward in a front collision, and a second anti-rotation mechanism that may be disposed at the height link and the restriction link to restrict rotation of the height link when a rear of the height link rotates upward in a rear collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Dymos Incorporated, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Sang Do Park, Hak Gyun Kim, Tae Hoon Lee, Chang Oan Woo, Ki Nam Kim, Eom Seok Yoo, Yong Hee Shin, Tae Kon Park, Yong Sun Oh
  • Patent number: 8449038
    Abstract: An improved car seat pressure deceleration controller apparatus for providing in pressure through harness means positioned across the front chest of a seated occupant of a passenger vehicle, movable upon impact of the vehicle by activation of electric solenoid means connected by cable means extended over pulley means to engage an upper portion of the harness means, and to move the harness means in an elevated position to encompass over the head of the occupant, and the harness means being connected along its lower portion to tension belt means, controlled by gearbox drive means and motor means to provide deceleration controlled movement to the harness means to decelerate the movements of the harness means, and programmable computer and processor means to determine the position of the harness means to determine the deceleration control for the harness means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: George Ray Flanigan
  • Patent number: 8444219
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a rectangular-shaped seat back frame having right and left side frames; a headrest for supporting a head of a seat occupant that is installed within the vehicle seat; a rear-end collision detector mounted to the seat back frame at a position behind the seat occupant, wherein the rear-end collision detector detects rearward movement of the seat occupant and moves rearward; a link member that supports the rear-end collision detector with the seat back frame therethrough; and a biasing member that biases the link member; wherein: the rear-end collision detector acts such that the rearward movement of the rear-end collision detector reduces a distance between a head of the seat occupant and the headrest, and a lower end portion of the biasing member is coupled to a rear portion of the side frame and disposed posterior to the rear-end collision detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Misao Omori, Kenichi Niitsuma
  • Publication number: 20130119721
    Abstract: A vehicle seat including a rod installed between left and right side frames of a seat cushion, wherein the rod is provided with a weakened part which is configured to promote the buckling distortion of the rod in a predetermined direction, wherein the weakened part includes first and second weakened portions which respectively weakens a portion of a surface of the rod facing a first direction and a portion of a surface of the rod facing a second direction opposite to the first direction at an end portion of a side of the rod to which an impact load is inputted, so that the rod is configured to be bent in the first direction and the second direction, and wherein the first weakened portion is formed closer to the side to which the impact load is inputted than the second weakened portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
  • Publication number: 20130119720
    Abstract: A recliner bracket for a vehicle includes a web defining a recliner heart receiving aperture. The recliner heart receiving apertures is operably connected with side supports of a seating assembly and include forward and rearward seat support connection tabs. A deformation notch is disposed on a rear portion of the web and is adapted to collapse under a predetermined loading from a rear collision event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Anthony Dixon, Majid Arefi, Robert J. Sack, David Beyhon Tung
  • Patent number: 8439440
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back and a seat base extending forward from a lower end of the seat back. The seat base is formed of a first foam member extending laterally across the seat base to absorb loads and a second foam member formed over the first member to form a seating surface of the seat base. At least one plate member has one end over molded by the first foam member and a second, opposite end secured to an associated vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrie Ellison
  • Publication number: 20130113243
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises: left and right base frames (side portions 52, 53 of a pipe frame 5) which constitute left and right portions of a seat back frame (2); a force-receiving member (bracket 7) disposed adjacent to a left or right outer side of one base frame (side portion 53), and configured to receive a load from outside in a lateral direction; and a load transmission part (a lower frame 6 and a lower portion 51 of the pipe frame 5) configured to transmit the load from the force-receiving member to a side laterally opposite to that on which the force-receiving member is provided. The force-receiving member has a shape with a closed cross section, and has an input-side end portion (7a) and an output-side end portion (7b), such that the input-side end portion stretches out in at least one of upward, downward, frontward and rearward directions wider than the output-side end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kaku, Jogen Yamaki, Hisato Oku
  • Publication number: 20130113244
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises: left and right base frames (side portions 52, 53 of pipe frame 5) which extend in an upward-and-downward direction and constitute left and right portions of a seat back frame (2); a pressure-receiving member (10) disposed between the left and right base frames, and configured to move rearward upon receipt of a rearward load of a predetermined magnitude or greater from an occupant; a force-receiving member (bracket 7) disposed adjacent to a left or right outer side of one base frame (side portion 53), and configured to receive a load from outside in a lateral direction; and a load transmission part (lower portion 51 of pipe frame 5) disposed under the pressure-receiving member (10), connected to a lower end of the one base frame, and configured to transmit the load from the force-receiving member to a side laterally opposite to that on which the force-receiving member is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kaku, Jogen Yamaki, Hisato Oku
  • Publication number: 20130113245
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises: a base frame (side frames 4, pipe frame 5) which constitutes left and right lower portions of a seat back frame; a force-receiving member (bracket 7) disposed adjacent to a left or right outer side of the base frame, and configured to receive a load from outside in a lateral direction; and a load transmission part (lower portion 51 and lower frame) configured to transmit the load from the force-receiving member to a side laterally opposite to that on which the force-receiving member is provided. The force-receiving member has a shape with a closed cross section, and a portion of at least one of the front wall and the rear wall (front wall 81) separate from upper and lower ends thereof provides an uneven shape (recessed portions 81a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kaku, Jogen Yamaki, Hisato Oku
  • Patent number: 8434819
    Abstract: An occupant safety system for protecting the occupant of a vehicle seat, the system comprising a movable seat supporting member located under the vehicle seat, the supporting member being operatively connected to the vehicle seat so that the seat moves with the supporting member; and a driving member connected to the supporting member by an elongated linking member; wherein the driving member includes a movable actuator connected to the linking member; wherein the driving member is configured to drive the actuator in a rearward direction causing a corresponding rearward movement of the linking member, wherein movement of the linking member in the rearward direction pulls the supporting member and the vehicle seat in the rearward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Guerrero
  • Publication number: 20130106153
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises: left and right side frames (4) which constitute left and right portions of a seat back frame (2); a reinforcing frame (pipe frame 5) disposed adjacent to one side frame (4) in a lateral direction, and configured to reinforce the side frame (4); and a force-receiving member (bracket 7) disposed adjacent to the one side frame (4), provided discretely from the reinforcing frame, and configured to receive a load from another member. The force-receiving member is disposed opposite to the reinforcing frame with the side frame 4 disposed therebetween, and directly fixed to the reinforcing frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kaku
  • Publication number: 20130106151
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises: left and right side frames (4) which constitute left and right lower portions of a seat back frame (2); an inner frame (pipe frame 5) disposed adjacent to a laterally inner side of one of the side frames (4); a force-receiving member (bracket 7) disposed adjacent to a laterally outer side of the one of the side frames (4), provided discretely from the inner frame, and configured to receive a load from outside in a lateral direction; and a load transmission part (lower frame 6 and lower portion 51 of the pipe frame 5) configured to transmit the load from the force-receiving member to a side laterally opposite to that on which the force-receiving member is provided. The force-receiving member is directly fixed to the inner frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kaku, Jogen Yamaki, Hisato Oku
  • Publication number: 20130106152
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises: a base frame (side frame 4, pipe frame 5) which constitutes at least left and right lower portions of a seat back frame; a force-receiving member (bracket 7) disposed adjacent to a left or right outer side of the base frame, and configured to receive a load from outside in a lateral direction; and a load transmission part configured to transmit the load from the force-receiving member to a side laterally opposite to that on which the force-receiving member is provided, wherein the force-receiving member has a shape with a closed cross section, and a portion of at least one of an upper wall (72) and a lower wall (74) separate from front and rear ends thereof provides an uneven shape (stepped profile 72a, 74a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kaku, Jogen Yamaki, Hisato Oku
  • Publication number: 20130093224
    Abstract: A covering assembly for a seat, including a cover adapted to cover a support frame of the seat and an inflatable member adapted to assume a resting deflated condition and an active inflated condition is described. The inflatable member is located on a side of the cover intended to be faced towards the support frame. The cover is adapted to contain the inflatable member both in the deflated condition and in the inflated condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: DAINESE S.P.A.
    Inventors: Lino Dainese, Luigi Ronco
  • Publication number: 20130088055
    Abstract: The safety seat according to the invention contains a lower fastening 5 structure (5), seat surface, squab and head support (9) and safety belt, and further it is provided with a casing (1) surrounding said seat surface (8), squab and head support (9), having an egg shape and being provided with a door (2) form-fitting on said casing (1) and rotatable in horizontal direction. The safety seat is provided with air-bags (10, 11) and there is a weakened part or a releasable lock 10 between the lower fastening structure (5) and the casing (1), releasing in answer to shock like load. (FIG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: István Gubás
  • Publication number: 20130082494
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly may include an air bag module having an inflatable air bag and a housing that receives the air bag. The housing has a main body that substantially encloses the air bag prior to inflation of the air bag, and an extension formed integrally with the main body. The extension is substantially enclosed by the main body prior to inflation of the air bag, and the extension has an end. Upon inflation of the air bag, the end of the extension is configured to extend outside the main body such that the end extends between the air bag and a component of the seat assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter Festag, Michael Tracht
  • Publication number: 20130082495
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly according to the present disclosure includes an air bag module having a front and a side, and the air bag module includes an inflatable air bag and a rigid cover at least partially covering the air bag. The rigid cover may include a protection portion that extends at least partially along the side of the air bag module. The protection portion has an end spaced away from the front of the air bag module. The seat assembly further includes a seat pad disposed outside of the air bag module, and a trim cover positioned over the seat pad. In at least one embodiment, upon inflation of the air bag, the end of the protection portion is configured to move forwardly such that the protection portion extends between the seat pad and the air bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter Festag, Michael Tracht
  • Patent number: 8408654
    Abstract: A vehicle seat frame provides a tilting feature for tilting the seat cushion. The frame includes side brackets (20) with a torsion tube (60) laterally—extending through an aperture (100) of the side brackets. The torsion tube is fitted against the side bracket through an internal swaging procedure to allow smooth rotation of the torsion tube within the side brackets. The torsion tube includes an annular protrusion (200) which provides an axial locking feature that tightly secures the subcomponents placed onto the torsion tube during vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Matthew C. Jones, Paul Brown
  • Patent number: 8408655
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seatback and a seat base extending forward from a lower end of the seatback. The seat base is formed of a first foam member extending laterally across the seat base to absorb loads and a second foam member formed over the first member to form a seating surface of the seat base. The first foam member is formed of complementary portions that mate together to form the first foam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrie Ellison
  • Patent number: 8408643
    Abstract: A seat for a powered aircraft, the seat comprising a bucket (2) that is supported in hyperstatic manner on a stand. Leg members (7, 8) carry the bucket (2) via bolts (10). A first hinged mechanism for geometrically compensating deformation of the floor associates a ball-joint mounting of the bolts (10) on the leg members (7, 8) with an axial deformation arrangement of the bolts (10) between opposing axial bearing surfaces where they press against a strength member (9) of the bucket (2) and against the leg members (7, 8). A second energy-absorber mechanism associates fuses (22) with deformable support members (23) for the bucket (2), which members engage the bolts (10) and the leg members (7, 8) via slides (25) arranged to adjust the initial height position of the bucket (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventor: Olivier Honnorat