Vehicle seat development

Abstract

A multi-positional seat in one form accommodates a vehicle driver in a standup driving position, a seated driving position and a riding position. The seat back is shiftable relative to the seat base to expose a varying amount of seat base surface for supporting the buttocks of an individual seat user. The seat back and seat base may also be adjustable, for example in fore and aft directions as a unit, to shift the entire seat position. In addition, the elevation of the seat may be adjusted.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to seats with multi-position backrests and one particularly desirable application involves vehicle seats usable in a driver standup mode. The present invention also relates to methods associated with such seats.

[0002] Historically, standup seats have been designed for applications such as in the refuse market where the driver/worker makes frequent stops and exits from one side (e.g., in the United States, the right-hand side) of a vehicle to load handheld garbage cans into a main collection unit. These seats also are particularly suitable in other applications where a driver must exit and reenter a vehicle numerous times, with package delivery service use being another example.

[0003] In the past, standup seats have been little more than a backrest which provides minimal relief to a driver in a standup position over extended periods of time. Drivers of these vehicles using this type of seat typically balance themselves on their left foot while controlling vehicle acceleration and braking with their right foot. This standing position causes static stresses in the legs and back of the driver and is made worse in cases where the driver strains to stand or sit in one position for extended periods of time.

[0004] In addition, existing standup seats have paid little attention to accommodating drivers of widely varying sizes. Therefore, a need exists for an improved vehicle seat which in one form may be used in a standup vehicle seat application.

SUMMARY

[0005] In one specific form, a multi-positional seat is provided and accommodates a driver in standup driving positions, seated driving positions and a riding position. In this form, the user has the ability to change the position of the seat to assist in avoiding undue stresses from the user having to stand or sit in one position for extended periods of time. These seats are also applicable to passenger use as well as vehicle driver use.

[0006] The act of sitting involves a body balance between the back, buttocks and legs with the distribution of body weight through these body parts on a seat determining the comfort level of the individual. In a standup position, which is typically used most frequently in low entry cabs, it would often be desirable to balance the body weight in a leaning position with support provided under the buttocks and behind the back. In addition, it is typically desirable that the legs be slightly angled and bent to transfer weight off of the legs to the upper body. It is also desirable in accordance with one embodiment of a vehicle seat to provide multiple standup driving or seated positions for a seat to enhance the adjustability of the seat to maximize an individual user's comfort. For example, the seat may accommodate smaller users (e.g., the fifth percentile female driver in height on the anthropometric human scale) up to larger users (e.g., the ninety-ninth percentile male driver in height on the anthropometric human scale).

[0007] In accordance with a specific embodiment, one form of standup seat is based on at least three orders of seat motion that cooperate to create personalized seat adjustments dependent on the user's work position which is desired for the moment. In one motion, a seat cushion and seat back may be moved, for example together as a unit, within limits of motion in respective opposed directions. For example, the seat back and cushion may be moved in fore and aft directions respectively toward and away from a steering wheel of the vehicle or the front of the vehicle. As a second desirable motion, the seat back may be moved in respective opposed directions, for example fore and aft directions, relative to the seat cushion. In this case, a varied amount of seat cushion surface is exposed forwardly of the seat back depending upon the seat back position. As a third desirable motion, particularly useful in standup seat applications, seat height adjustment may be provided. For example, the seat cushion may be raised and lowered relative to the floor of the vehicle, typically as a unit with the seat back. The embodiment is not limited to these specific motions as additional optional motions may be incorporated into the seat unit. For example, the seat back may also be pivoted for pivotal movement relative to the seat cushion to various angular positions, although this is less desirable because of added complexity to the seat. Also, various seat position adjustment mechanisms may be included as is common in vehicle seats, such as inflation mechanisms for shifting portions of the seat back relative to other portions of the seat back. Thus, a multiplicity of motions may be accommodated in seat embodiments in accordance with the present invention. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in the detailed description below.

[0008] In accordance with one embodiment of a vehicle seat, the seat comprises a seat support, a seat base and a seat back. The seat base and seat back are coupled to the seat support such that the seat base and seat back in this embodiment are selectively movable together as unit in respective first and second directions, such as fore and aft directions. Desirably, the seat back and seat base are movable together as a unit. The seat back may also be coupled to the seat support in this embodiment such that the seat back is selectively movable at least in the first and second directions relative to the seat base. The seat back may be directly coupled to the seat support or indirectly coupled to the seat support via the seat base.

[0009] As another aspect of an embodiment, the seat support may comprise a seat elevation adjuster such that the seat support is selectively movable in upward and downward directions to thereby change the elevation of the seat base and seat back. The seat support may comprise a seat carrier coupled to the seat base and an upright post or pedestal coupled to the seat carrier. The post or pedestal may be adjustable in height. For example, the pedestal may comprise first and second members which slide relative to one another to respectively extend and retract the length of the pedestal to thereby raise the seat base with extension of the pedestal and lower the seat base with retraction of the pedestal. These first and second pedestal members may telescopingly interfit. A biasing mechanism, such as a gas shock absorber, may be coupled to the first and second telescoping members to bias these members to a desired position, such as to an extended position to thereby bias the seat carrier and carried seat base toward a raised position.

[0010] As another aspect of an embodiment, the seat support may slidably support the seat base and seat back for sliding as a unit in first and second directions and may comprise a first slide coupler slidably coupling a seat base member and seat back member to a seat carrier for this purpose. In addition, the seat support may slidably support the seat back for sliding in the first and second directions relative to the seat base and may comprise a second slide coupler for this purpose. The second slide coupler may slidably couple the seat back member to the seat base member such that the seat back member is slidable relative to the seat base member in respective first and second opposed directions to at least three, and typically more, positions.

[0011] As a further aspect, the seat base member may comprise a seat base frame with a seat base cushion carried by the seat base frame. Also, the seat back member may comprise a seat back frame together with a seat back cushion carried by the seat back frame. As the seat back member is slid in a first direction relative to the seat base member, a lesser area of the upper surface of the seat cushion is positioned forwardly of the seat back member. Conversely, as the seat back member is slid in a second direction, a greater area of the upper surface of the seat base cushion is located forwardly of the seat back member.

[0012] As a more specific aspect of an embodiment, the first slide coupler may comprise a plurality of spaced apart elongated first tracks at least a portion of which extends in the first and second directions with the tracks being coupled to the seat carrier. A seat frame of the seat base member may comprise a plurality of first track engagers coupled to the seat frame and slidably engaging the respective first tracks to permit movement of the seat base member and seat back member together as a unit along the first tracks. A seat base latch may be provided and is operable to selectively prevent sliding of the first track engagers along the first tracks to thereby latch the seat base member and seat back member together as a unit relative to the seat carrier. In addition, the second slide coupler may comprise at least two elongated spaced apart seat back guide rails coupled to the seat frame with at least a portion of the guide rails extending in the first and second directions. At least two guide rail engagers, respectively coupled to the seat back member and slidably engaging the respective guide rails, may also be provided. In this case, the seat back member is slidable along the guide rails in the first and second directions and relative to the seat base member. A seat back latch may selectively prevent sliding of the guide rail engagers along the guide rails to thereby retain the seat back member in a desired position relative to the seat base member. The seat back latch may comprise a latch lever pivoted to the seat back member and a latch rod coupled to the latch lever and extending in a transverse direction relative to the first and second directions. The latch lever may pivot between a first seat back latched position and a second seat back unlatched position. In addition, the seat frame may comprise a plurality of latch rod receiving grooves which are spaced along the frame in the first direction. The latch rod receiving grooves are in respective positions to selectively receive the latch rod to latch the seat back member against movement relative to the seat base member when the latch lever is in the first seat back latched position. In addition, the latch rod is disengaged from the latch rod receiving grooves such that the seat back member is slidable relative to the seat base member when the lever is in the second seat back unlatched position.

[0013] In one form, the vehicle seat support comprises a first elongated seat support member adapted to be mounted to the floor of the vehicle, the first seat support member defining a passageway. The seat support may also comprise a second seat support member slidably engaging the passageway and having respective upper and lower end portions. A seat carrier, for carrying the vehicle seat base, is coupled to the upper end portion of the second seat support member. Relative upward and downward movement of the first and second seat support members adjusts the elevation of the seat support and thereby of the carried seat. When the elevation latch is in a latched position, relative movement of the first and second seat support members is prevented, in this example, to establish the seat height. An elevation establishing latch selectively couples the first and second seat support members together to position the seat support at a desired elevation when the latch is in the latched position.

[0014] A plurality of friction reducers may be interposed between the respective first and second seat support members. In one specific construction, the first and second seat support members define a plurality, such as at least three, elongated grooves positioned between these components. In addition, elongated friction reducers may be positioned within the elongated grooves and are engaged by the first and second seat support members as such seat support members slide relative to one another. These friction reducers may comprise plastic material.

[0015] The friction reducer receiving grooves may have a generally circular cross-section with at least a portion of the circumference of each groove being defined by the first seat support member and at least a portion of the circumference of each groove being defined by the second seat support member. The first seat support member may define an interior channel which is generally rectangular in cross-section with four corners. A first groove defining portion may be respectively positioned at each of the corners of the interior channel. In addition, the second seat support member may have an exterior surface which is generally rectangular in cross-section with four corners and second groove defining portions being positioned at the respective corners thereof. The respective first and second groove defining portions at the corners between the interior of the first seat support member and the exterior of the second seat support member in this case together define the grooves at each respective corner. The first seat support member may comprise a plurality of elongated projections, with, for example, one being provided along at least a length of each corner of the first seat support member. The first groove defining portions may be located in the respective elongated projections.

[0016] As another aspect of an embodiment, first and second flanges may project outwardly from respective two adjacent corners of the first seat support member. Such first and second flanges may extend rearwardly when the first seat support member is mounted to the vehicle. In addition, respective reinforcing braces may extend from each of the flanges to a portion of the vehicle at a location spaced above the floor of the vehicle.

[0017] The vehicle seat support may also comprise an upper seat carrier member, together with a plurality of flange braces extending from the upper seat carrier member to the upper end portion of the second seat support member. At least three parallel spaced apart elongated seat supporting tracks may be mounted to a seat supporting surface of the upper seat carrier member in one specific embodiment.

[0018] The seat elevation latch may comprise a lever actuated plunger or pin carried by the first seat support member and a plurality of spaced apart plunger receiving openings positioned along at least a portion of the length of the second seat support member. The plunger receiving openings are located so as to selectively receive the plunger and latch the first and second seat supporting members together when the plunger is inserted into at least one of the plunger receiving openings. In this specific example, a plunger actuating lever is shiftable from a first latching position in which the plunger is inserted into at least one of the plunger receiving openings to a second unlatched position wherein the plunger is retracted from the plunger receiving openings. When retracted, the first and second seat support members may move relative to one another to adjust the seat elevation. The lever may be pivotally carried by the first seat support member for pivoting about a lever pivot axis. A cam may be coupled to the lever A camming surface may be provided for engagement by the cam as the lever is shifted between the first and second positions. The lever and cam are coupled to the plunger such that pivoting of the lever in the respective first and second directions moves the cam along the camming surface to respectively insert and withdraw the plunger from the openings in the second support member. The latch structure may also comprise a collar coupled to the first support member which defines a plunger guide channel for guiding the movement of at least a portion of the plunger. A biasing mechanism may be positioned within the plunger receiving channel for biasing the plunger toward the plunger receiving openings. In addition, the camming surface may comprise a surface at the exterior of the collar.

[0019] Methods of operating a vehicle seat are also illustrated by the described embodiments.

[0020] The present invention is directed toward new and non-obvious features and method acts related to a vehicle seat disclosed herein both individually and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another as set forth in the claims below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seat.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, with some components shown in dashed lines, of a portion of the vehicle seat of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a back view of the portion of the vehicle seat of FIG. 2.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of a portion of the seat of FIG. 2, taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 2.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of a portion of the seat of FIG. 2, taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 2.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of a portion of the seat of FIG. 2, taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 2.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a horizontal sectional view of a portion of the seat of FIG. 3, taken along lines 77 of FIG. 3.

[0028] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an embodiment of one form of seat support together with reinforcements or bracing which may be used in this construction.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of one form of a seat carrier portion of the seat support embodiment of FIG. 8, taken generally in the direction of lines 9-9 of FIG. 8.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 8 seat support without the seat carrier of FIG. 9.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the seat support of FIG. 10.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view of the seat support of FIG. 11, taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a horizontal sectional view of the seat support of FIG. 10, taken along lines 13-13 of FIG. 10.

[0034] FIG. 14 illustrates one form of a seat adjusted to accommodate the standup driving position of a relatively large driver.

[0035] FIG. 15 illustrates the seat of FIG. 14 adjusted to a seated driving position for the driver of FIG. 14.

[0036] FIG. 16 illustrates the seat of FIG. 14 adjusted to allow the driver of FIG. 14 to assume a full seated position on the seat, for example, when the driver in a passenger or riding position.

[0037] FIG. 17 illustrates the seat of FIG. 14 adjusted to accommodate a relatively small driver in a standup driving position.

[0038] FIG. 18 illustrates the seat of FIG. 18 adjusted to a riding position for the relatively small driver of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, one embodiment of a vehicle seat is shown. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated and described embodiments or to seats incorporating all of the features of a particular embodiment.

[0040] The illustrated seat 10 comprises a seat support 12, a seat base 14 and a seat back 16. The seat base comprises a seat cushion 20 which is typically a padded cushion covered by vinyl, fabric, leather or other seat covering material. The seat cushion is mounted or otherwise coupled to a seat frame, one form of which is indicated generally at 22. The seat back also comprises a seat back cushion 24 which again is typically padded with foam or other material and covered by a suitable covering, such as the covering used for the seat cushion. The seat back cushion is coupled to a seat back frame, and in FIG. 1 is carried by the seat back frame. A portion of one form of such seat back frame is indicated at 26 in FIG. 1.

[0041] The seat base 20 is coupled to the seat support 12 such that the seat base is selectively movable at least in respective first and second directions. For example, in FIG. 1, arrows 30 indicate movement of the seat base in first and second directions which, in this example, correspond to fore and aft directions. In this case, for a seat positioned to face the dash of a vehicle, the forward direction is toward the dash of the vehicle and the rearward direction is away from the dash of the vehicle. The seat base 20 may be movable independently of the seat back 24 in these directions. However, desirably the seat back 24 and seat base 20 are coupled together such that they move together as a unit at least in first and second directions such as indicated by arrows 30.

[0042] Desirably, the seat back is coupled to the seat support such that the seat back is selectively movable relative to the seat base, for example, at least in the first and second directions. This motion is indicated by the arrows 32 in FIG. 1. As these components move relative to one another, the amount of seat base surface available for supporting a user of the seat is varied. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, movement of the seat back 24 forwardly in FIG. 1 relative to the seat base 20 reduces the available exposed upper seating surface of the seat base positioned forwardly of the seat back for sitting on by a user. Conversely, movement of the seat back relative to the seat base in the opposite direction exposes more of the upper seat base surface forwardly of the seat back for access by a user of the seat.

[0043] A seat back adjustment release mechanism, one form being indicated at 40, may be shifted between seat back released and seat back engaged positions. When in the seat back released position, the seat back is movable relative to the seat base. Conversely, when in the seat back engaged position, relative movement of the seat back and seat base in the first and second directions 32 is desirably blocked. A seat base release mechanism, one form being indicated generally at 42, may be used and shifted between respective seat latched and seat released positions. When in the seat latched position, movement of the seat base 20 relative to the seat support is blocked. Conversely, when the seat base release mechanism is in the seat base released position, the seat base 20 may move in the direction of arrows 30 relative to the seat support and, in the FIG. 1 embodiment, the seat back 24 moves with the seat base.

[0044] Although the seat base 20 may be supported by a seat support near the floor of the vehicle in a non-standup seat embodiment, the seat support desirably supports the vehicle at a location spaced sufficiently above the floor of the vehicle for standup use in at least some seat operating positions. An upright seat supporting member may be included in the seat support for this purpose. This seat supporting member may be adjustable in elevation to, for example, permit selective movement of the seat in upward and downward directions relative to the floor of the vehicle to change the elevation of the seat base and seat back. In one specific form, an upright post-like seat carrier, such as indicated in one form at 50, is used to support the seat base and seat back above the floor 52 of the vehicle. Bracing, such as indicated at 54, may couple the upright support to other vehicle components within the cab of the vehicle. Although not required, in the specific form shown, the upright support 50 comprises a telescoping pedestal having first and second telescoping members 60,62 which slide relative to one another to respectively extend and retract the telescoping pedestal. A seat carrier, one form of which is indicated generally at 64, forms a part of the illustrated support 42. The seat carrier 64 is coupled to the seat base 20 and to the seat back 24. This coupling may of course be indirect through other components. In addition, the seat carrier 64 is also coupled to the upright seat support and in this case to an upper end portion of telescoping member 62. A seat elevation latch, such as indicated in one form at 70 and described in greater detail below, selectively couples the first and second telescoping members 60,62 together to position the seat carrier at a desired elevation when the latch is in a latched position. When the latch is in an unlatched position, members 60,62 may move relative to one another to thereby permit adjustment of the elevation of the seat support. The seat may be biased, for example to an elevated position, by a biasing mechanism with one form of such mechanism being described below. It should be noted that, although desirable, components 60 and 62 need not telescopingly interfit but may simply be slidable or otherwise movable relative to one another to adjust the elevation of the seat cushion in those applications where seat elevation adjustments are desired. Arrows 72 indicate the direction of movement of the seat base 20 as its elevation is adjusted.

[0045] Thus, in the form shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle seat is extremely versatile and is adjustable within limits of the mechanical constraints of the seat configuration in respective directions 30, 32 and 72, it being understood that other seat movements may also be accommodated.

[0046] In a desirable approach, a first slide coupler is utilized to slidably couple the seat base member 20 and the seat back member 24 to the seat support and more specifically to the seat carrier 64, such that the seat base member and seat back member are slidable as a unit at least in the respective first and second opposed directions 30 relative to the seat carrier. Although other forms of slide couplers may be used, with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 7, a plurality, in this case three, elongated first tracks 100, 102 and 104, may be coupled to the seat carrier 42. For example, tracks 100, 102 and 104 may be bolted or otherwise secured to the upper surface of a seat supporting member 106, which may take the form of a planar plate-like member. In this example, at least a portion of these tracks extend in the respective first and second directions 30. In the specific form shown, the tracks 100, 102 and 104 are generally of a U-shaped configuration. With reference to FIG. 3 and track 100, a suitable track includes a base 110 and first and second legs 112,114 with outwardly flared locking flanges 116,118 at the upper ends of the respective legs 112,114. The seat base frame 22 may include a track engager supporting member 124, such as a plate (FIGS. 1 and 3), which extends under a majority of the seat base cushion. A plurality of first track engagers are coupled to the seat base frame and positioned to engage and slide along the respective tracks 100,102 and 104. In the form shown, three elongated track engagers 130, 132 and 134 are provided and are mounted, such as by bolts or other fasteners, to the underside of support member 124. The track engagers, such as shown in FIG. 3 for engager 132, may be of a generally inverted U-shaped configuration. For example, each of the track engagers may have a base 140, first and second leg portions 142,144, and inwardly directing locking flange portions 146,148. The illustrated respective flanges 118,148 and 116,146 in effect overlie one another and prevent the seat from being lifted off of the seat carrier in normal operating positions of the seat.

[0047] The seat base latch 42 may be of a conventional construction. In a known form, a latch plate 170 (FIG. 7) is pivoted at 172 to the track engager 132. An actuator lever 174 is rigidly secured to the plate 170 and extends forwardly where it may easily be grasped by a user of the seat. First and second gripping teeth 176 extend from plate 170 toward the track 102. The track 102 is provided with a plurality of teeth receiving openings along its length. To latch the seat base in place, plate 170 is pivoted to a position where the teeth 176 engage respective latching apertures of track 102. To unlatch the seat, the plate 170 is pivoted in the opposite direction so that teeth 176 clear the teeth engaging apertures and permit the seat to be slid to a different position. A biasing element such as a spring 180 biases the teeth 176 to a latched position.

[0048] It should be noted that the above construction is simply one convenient way of slidably coupling the seat base and seat back to a seat support such that the seat base and seat back may slide as a unit at least in respective first and second directions relative to the seat support. Mechanisms of this type have been used before to couple a seat base directly to the floor of a vehicle but are not known by the inventor to have been used to couple a seat to an upper end portion of a post-like seat support. Other mechanisms may be used to interconnect these elements and permit the desired sliding or other relative motion of the seat back and seat base with respect to a seat supporting post or other seat carrier or support.

[0049] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the seat back frame, in the specific exemplary form shown, includes first and second side members 190,192. A tubular seat back perimeter frame member has an upwardly extending first leg portion 194 coupled to side frame member 190, an upwardly extending second frame portion 196 and a cross-piece portion 198 interconnecting portions 194 and 196. A lower brace 200 extends between elements 194 and 196. A plurality of back supporting springs 202,204 and 206 extend between spring coupling brackets mounted respectively to members 198 and 200. The seat back frame 26, in the form shown, also includes lower reinforcing elements 208,210 coupled respectively to frame members 190,192. The lower portions of each of the members 208,210 extend below and provide support to a transversely extending rod 212 which forms one part of a specific form of an illustrated seat back latch.

[0050] Although other mechanisms may be used, one form of slide coupler for slidably coupling the seat back for movement relative to the seat base is shown in FIGS. 2-7. This specific form of slide coupling mechanism includes a plurality of elongated seat back guides coupled to the seat base member, such as to the seat base frame. Desirably, at least a portion of these guides may extend in the first and second directions. For example, two such seat back guides, such as indicated at 220 and 222, may be provided. In the form shown (and described for guide 220), the guides include a base portion 224 secured to the seat base frame, such as to the underside of seat carrier member 124, and downwardly projecting leg portions 226,228. One of these leg portions, in this case leg portion 226, includes an inwardly directed flange 230. With this configuration, the seat back guides 220,222 define a guide channel which may be engaged by seat back guide engagers to support the seat back for sliding along the guide channels.

[0051] The seat back guide engagers may be coupled to the side frame members 190,192. In the form shown, side portion 190 includes an inwardly directed lower portion 240 with an upwardly directed portion 242 which extends between the sidewalls 226,228 of the guide 220. A plurality of guide engagers, such as slide blocks or rollers are coupled to portion 242. As best seen in FIG. 7, fore and aft slide blocks or rollers 260,262 are positioned at the outboard side of flange portion 242. Blocks or rollers 260,262 (see FIG. 3) move along the upper surface of guide portion 230 and between portion 230 and the corresponding portion of base 224. The slide blocks or rollers 260,262 are typically chamfered at their distal outer end. The outer end of such slide guide engagers may engage the inner surface of guide portion 226. In addition, as best seen in FIG. 7, a slide block or roller 270 is positioned at the opposite side of portion 242 from engagers 260,262. Slide guide 270, if a roller, may pivot about a pivot axis which, like the pivot axes of rollers 260,262, if engagers 260,262 comprise rollers, extend in a transverse direction normal to the elongated longitudinal axis of guide 220. Engager 270 bears against the undersurface of guide portion 224 (see FIG. 3). A similar guide engager is located at the opposite side of the seat and supported by seat frame member 192. The slide guide engagers may be formed of a friction reducing material such as ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene or any other suitable material. Because of the three location support provided by guide engagers 260, 262 and 270 at one side of the seat back, and the corresponding three location support at the opposite side of the seat back, the seat back is stably supported and may slide relative to the seat base when the seat back is unlatched to permit such sliding movement. It should be specifically noted that the seat back may be coupled to the seat base and/or to the seat carrier utilizing other mechanisms which permit the desirable sliding movement of the seat back relative to the seat base.

[0052] One form of seat back latch, as previously mentioned, is indicated generally by the number 40. Mechanism 40 includes a lever 280 carried by an upwardly extending portion 282 of the rod 212. It should be noted that a lever 280 may be positioned at either side, or both sides, of the seat. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the illustrated rod 212 includes first and second inwardly extending sections 284,286 located at the respective sides of the seat. Portions 284,286 pass through the respective seat frame portions 190,192 above the supporting portion of the respective frame reinforcements 208,210. The rod 212, in this embodiment, includes rearwardly directed portions 288,290 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and a major transverse portion 294 extending between the sections 288 and 290. First and second rod engaging members project upwardly from the upper surface of support member 124 in this illustrated embodiment. The rod engaging members may take the form shown at 300 and 302 in FIGS. 2 and 3. A plurality of rod receiving slots, two of which are indicated by the number 304, open upwardly and are positioned along the length of members 300,302. With the construction shown, lever 280 may be tilted or pivoted forwardly in FIG. 2, from a latched position shown in FIG. 2, to an unlatched position. When pivoted in this manner, the transverse portion 294 of rod 212 is raised out of the slots 304 within which the rod is positioned. When rod portion 294 clears these slots, the seat back may be slid relative to the seat base in the respective directions 32 within the limits of the mechanical configuration of the seat. After the seat reaches a new desirable position, the rod 280 may be pivoted in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 2) to again position rod section 294 in aligned slots 304 of the members 300 and 302. This latches the seat back in the desired position relative to the seat base. Suitable stops may be provided to limit the extent to which the various seat components may be moved relative to one another. It should also be noted that other mechanisms which permit movement of the seat back relative to the seat base may be used. Clamps, stops and other mechanisms may also be used to retain the seat back in a desired position.

[0053] One specific form of seat support is shown in FIGS. 8-12. As previously mentioned, this form of seat support includes first and second member 60,62 which slide relative to one another to adjust the elevation of a seat carrier and thus of a supported seat. Element 60,62 may be telescopingly interconnected. In the embodiment shown, the lower element 60 is mounted, such as to the floor 52 of the vehicle, by brackets 310,320. The illustrated member 60 is generally rectangular in cross-section with first, second, third and fourth corners 322,324,326 and 328. Reinforcement attachment flanges or members may project outwardly from element 60. In one specific form, these flanges are indicated at 330,332 and extend substantially from the top to the bottom of member 60. In addition, flanges 330,332 project diagonally from the respective adjacent corners 328,326 of the illustrated form of member 60. Reinforcements, two of which are indicated at 340,342 in FIG. 8, are fastened or otherwise secured, for example by welding or other connectors, to the respective flanges 330,332. Reinforcements 340,342 in the form shown are spaced above the floor of the vehicle and are attached to other components of the vehicle, typically within the cab of the vehicle. For example, reinforcement 340 is shown in FIG. 14 attached to vehicle structure 56. Reinforcements 340,342 in combination with brackets 310,320 provide a stable connection of the element 60 to the vehicle. Other alternative brackets and/or mounting mechanisms may be used.

[0054] An upper end portion 344 of element 62 supports the seat carrier 64. The seat carrier may include a plurality of flanges, some of which are indicated at 346,348 and 350, which form a pocket for receiving the upper end portion 344 of member 62. The seat carrier flanges may be fastened to end portion 344 to provide a stable support for the seat carrier and supported seat.

[0055] A mechanism may be included to reduce the friction as members 60 and 62 slide relative to one another. In one specific form, a plurality, such as at least three, elongated grooves are defined and positioned between the respective first and second seat support members 60,62. In addition, friction reducers may be positioned within the elongated grooves for engagement by the respective members to reduce sliding friction as they move. These friction reducers may be elongated and of a suitable material such as ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. More or fewer of such grooves and friction reducers may be provided. With reference to FIG. 13, an embodiment is illustrated with four such grooves indicated respectively at 400, 402, 404 and 406. in the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the perimeter of each groove is defined by seat support member 60 and at least a portion of each groove is defined by seat support member 62. In particular, the corners 322,324,326 and 328 of member 60 are enlarged with a portion of an associated groove being positioned in the respective enlarged corners. In FIG. 13, although the grooves may take other shapes, the grooves have a circular cross-section. Over 270 degrees of the perimeter of each of the grooves in this specific example is defined by the member 360. In contrast, a minor portion of each groove is defined by a recessed arc at the respective corners of the member 62. The grooves may extend along the full length of the respective element 60,62 or a lesser portion of such length. Respective friction reducers, in this case of circular cross-section, are shown in the respective grooves and indicated by the numbers 408, 410, 412 and 414. Bearings or other types of friction reducers may be utilized although the construction shown in FIG. 13 is desirable and mechanically simple. Alternatively, elements 60,62 may simply slide or otherwise move relative to one another without friction reducing components.

[0056] A biasing mechanism may be utilized to bias the seat toward a desired elevation. For example, the seat may be biased to a raised position. Although springs or other biasing mechanisms may be used, a particularly desirable mechanism is a gas-filled shock absorber indicated at 420 (see FIGS. 12 and 13). With reference to FIG. 12, the illustrated shock absorber is pivoted at a lower end 421 thereof- to a pin 422 which spans element 60. The upper end portion 423 of shock absorber 420 is pivoted to a pin 424 which spans the member 62.

[0057] Clamps, simple pin inserts, or other mechanisms may be used to selectively prevent elements 60,62 from moving relative to one another. Alternatively, and less desirably, a seat post may be used which is not adjustable in elevation. One form of desirable seat elevation latch 70 is best seen in FIGS. 8, 11 and 13. In this construction, a plurality of spaced apart plunger receiving openings are provided, some of which are indicated at 425, 426, 427, 428, 430 and 432 in FIG. 8. The plunger receiving openings extend through a side wall of member 62 and are spaced apart along the length of element 62, or at least that portion of the length of element 62 which corresponds to the height through which the elevation of the seat is to be adjusted. The latch 70 is shown in the latched position in FIG. 13 with the head 434 of a plunger 436 inserted within an opening 430 to prevent relative sliding of member 60,62. Plunger 436 in this form passes through a collar 438, and more specifically through an interior passage of the collar. The collar 438 is typically threaded into or otherwise secured to a wall of member 60. A biasing member, such as a spring 440, is positioned between a shoulder 442 of plunger 438 and an interior shoulder 444 of the collar 438. Spring 440 biases the plunger to a latched position. A lever 450 has a cam 452 mounted thereto which, in this case, comprises first and second spaced apart cam plates 454,456 each having an arcuate camming surface. One such camming surface is designated 458 in FIG. 11 for cam plate 456. The lever 450 is pivoted by a pin 460 to cam plates 454,456. Pin 460 extends through an end portion 462 of plunger 436 at a location which is spaced from the plunger receiving openings. When lever 450 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction from the position shown in FIG. 11, the camming surfaces 458 bear against an outer surface of collar 438, which may have a friction reducing washer or member 464 secured thereto. Continued pivoting of the lever 450 in this direction results in the withdrawal of the plunger from opening 430 to permit the relative movement of members 60,62 and adjustment of the seat elevation. After the seat is positioned at the desired elevation, lever 450 is pivoted in the opposite direction to again insert the plunger head 434 into a plunger receiving opening aligned with the plunger.

[0058] The operation of the seat to accommodate drivers of various sizes and in various operating positions of the seat are illustrated with reference to FIGS. 14-18.

[0059] In the embodiment shown in these figures, although this may be varied, the elevation may be adjusted through about 6.75 inches of vertical travel, using six adjustment positions spaced about 1.3 inches apart. The seat in this case may be adjustable from a minimum seat height off the vehicle floor of about 31.7 inches (to accommodate a small driver, e.g., a fifth percentile female) to a maximum height of about 38.4 inches (to accommodate a large driver such as a male at the ninety-ninth percentile). In addition, the fore-aft seat back movement relative to the seat base may, for example, be about 9.5 inches, using ten adjustment positions of slightly less than about 1 inch each. Also, the seat back and seat base members may be moved together as a unit over a plurality of positions, such through about five inches of travel, using five position adjustments which are about 1 inch apart. These ranges and adjustment increments may be varied. Also, a continuous adjustment structure may be used rather than using incremental adjustments.

[0060] FIG. 14 illustrates the seat of FIG. 1, with the seat support elevated to its uppermost position. In addition, the seat back 24 has been shifted forwardly relative to seat 20. As one can see in this figure, when a driver is in the standup driving position, support is provided for the driver's buttocks as well as the back of the driver while still permitting the driver to reach the foot controls of the vehicle of the type shown in this figure. These adjustments accommodate a male in the ninety-ninth percentile for height on the anthropometric human scale, as represented by the human silhouette in FIG. 14.

[0061] FIG. 15 illustrates a seated driver position of the seat. In this case, the elevation of the seat has been lowered in comparison to FIG. 14. In addition, the seat back has been shifted somewhat rearwardly relative to the seat base. In addition, the seat cushion and seat base have been shifted forwardly as a unit relative to the position shown in FIG. 14. In this example, the ninety-ninth percentile male silhouette is shown in a seated driving position.

[0062] FIG. 16 illustrates the seat in one position to accommodate a seated individual who is in a passenger or non-driving position. In this case, the seat back and seat cushion have been shifted rearwardly as a unit relative to the position shown in FIG. 15. In addition, the seat has been raised relative to the position shown in FIG. 15. In addition, the seat back 24 has been shifted rearwardly to expose more of the upper surface of the cushion 20 for accommodating the buttocks of the seated individual.

[0063] FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 14, but shows a standup seated position for a small individual, such as a woman in the fifth percentile in height on the anthropometric human scale. In this case, the seat back and seat base have been shifted as a unit forwardly relative to the position shown in FIG. 14. In addition, the seat base 20 is lowered relative to the position shown in FIG. 14. In addition, the seat back 24 has been shifted relative to the seat base 20 to a position forwardly of that shown in FIG. 14 to expose less of the seat cushion forwardly of the seat back for access by the driver of the vehicle.

[0064] FIG. 18 is similar to that shown in FIG. 16 except the seat has been adjusted for a smaller driver like that of FIG. 17. In comparison to FIG. 16, the seat back 24 and seat base 20 have been shifted forwardly, although the relative position of the seat cushion and seat base may be the same as shown in FIG. 16. In addition, the seat base 20 has been lowered in FIG. 18.

[0065] Having illustrated and described the principles of my invention with reference to several embodiments, it should be apparent that these embodiments may be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from the principles of my invention. I claim all such modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat comprising:

a seat support;

a seat base;

a seat back;

the seat base being coupled to the seat support such that the seat base is selectively movable at least in respective first and second directions; and

the seat back also being coupled to the seat support such that the seat back is selectively movable at least in the first and second directions and relative to the seat base to vary the amount of seat base which is available for support of a user of the seat.

2. A vehicle seat according to claim 1 wherein the seat base and seat back are coupled to the seat support such that the seat base and seat back are selectively movable together as a unit in the first and second directions in addition to the seat back being selectively movable at least in the first and second directions relative to the seat base.

3. A vehicle seat according to claim 1 further comprising a seat elevation adjuster coupled to the seat support and supporting the seat support such that the seat support is selectively movable in upward and downward directions so as to change the elevation of the seat base and the seat back.

4. A vehicle seat according to claim 1 wherein the seat support includes a first slide coupler adapted to slidably support the seat base and seat back for sliding as a unit in the first and second directions and a second slide coupler adapted to slidably support the seat back for sliding in the first and second directions relative to the seat base.

5. A vehicle seat comprising:

a seat support;

a seat base;

a seat back;

the seat base being coupled to the seat support such that the seat base is selectively movable at least in respective first and second directions;

the seat back also being coupled to the seat support such that the seat back is selectively movable at least in the first and second directions relative to the seat base to vary the amount of seat base which is available for support of a user of the seat; and

the seat support further comprising a seat carrier coupled to the seat base and to the seat back and an upright telescoping pedestal coupled to the seat carrier, the pedestal comprising first and second telescoping members which slide relative to one another to respectively extend and retract the telescoping pedestal, the telescoping pedestal being extended to raise the seat carrier and thereby the seat base, the pedestal being telescopingly retracted to lower the seat carrier and thereby the seat base.

6. A vehicle seat according to claim 5 comprising a gas shock absorber coupled to the first and second telescoping members and being operable to bias the first and second telescopic members to an extended position to thereby bias the seat carrier and carried seat base toward a raised position.

7. A vehicle seat comprising:

a seat base member;

a seat carrier;

a seat back member;

a first slide coupler slidably coupling the seat base member and seat back member to the seat carrier such that the seat base member and seat back member are slidable as a unit at least in respective first and second opposed directions relative to the seat carrier; and

a second slide coupler slidably coupling the seat back member to the seat base member such that the seat back member is slidable relative to the seat base member at least in the respective first and second opposed directions and to at least three seat back positions.

8. A vehicle seat according to claim 7 wherein the seat base member comprises a seat base frame and a seat base cushion, wherein the seat back member comprises a seat back frame and a seat back cushion carried by the seat back frame, wherein the seat base cushion has an upper surface and a front side and a rear side, the first and second directions of movement of the seat back member relative to the seat base member corresponding to sliding the seat back member respectively toward and away from the front side of the seat base cushion, wherein as the seat back member is slid in the first direction between such positions, a lesser area of the upper surface of the seat cushion is located forwardly of the seat back member, and wherein as the seat back member is slid in the second direction between such positions, a greater area of the upper surface of the seat base cushion is located forwardly of the seat back member.

9. A vehicle seat according to claim 8 further comprising an upright seat support coupled to the seat carrier.

10. A vehicle seat according to claim 9 wherein the upright seat support comprises a post which is adjustable in length such that adjustment of the length of the post adjusts the elevation of the seat base member.

11. A vehicle seat comprising:

a seat base member;

a seat carrier;

a seat back member;

a plurality of elongated first tracks at least a portion of which extends in the first and second directions, the first tracks being coupled to the seat carrier, the seat base member comprising a seat frame and a plurality of first track engagers coupled to the seat frame and slidably engaging the respective first tracks, the seat back member and seat base member being carried by the seat frame such that sliding of the seat frame along the first tracks moves the seat base member and seat back member together as a unit in respective first and second directions relative to the seat carrier;

a seat base latch operable to selectively prevent sliding of the first track engagers along the first tracks to thereby prevent sliding movement of the seat base member and seat back member together as a unit relative to the seat carrier;

a plurality of elongated seat back guides coupled to the seat base member and at least a portion of which extends in the first and second directions, guide engagers respectively coupled to the seat back member and slidably engaging the seat back guides such that the seat back member is slidable along the seat back guides in the first and second directions and relative to the seat base member; and

a seat back latch operable to selectively prevent sliding of the guide engagers along the guides so as to retain the seat back member in a position to which it has been slid relative to the seat base member.

12. A vehicle seat according to claim 11 in which the seat back latch comprises a latch lever pivoted to the seat back member and a latch rod coupled to the latch lever and extending in a transverse direction relative to the first and second directions, the latch lever being pivotal between a first seat back latched position and a second seat back unlatched position, the seat frame comprising a plurality of latch rod receiving grooves, the latch rod receiving grooves being spaced apart along the seat frame in the first direction and at respective positions to selectively receive the latch rod to latch the seat back member against movement relative to the seat base member when the latch lever is the first seat back latched position, the rod being disengaged from the latch rod receiving grooves with the seat back member being slidable relative to the seat base member when the lever is in the second seat back unlatched position.

13. A vehicle seat comprising:

a first elongated seat support member adapted to be mounted to the floor of the vehicle and defining a passageway;

a second seat support member slidably engaging the passageway and having respective upper and lower end portions;

a seat coupled to the upper end portion of the second seat support member;

a seat elevation latch for selectively coupling the first and second seat support members together to position the seat support at a desired elevation when the latch is in a latched position, the latch permitting relative movement of the first and second seat support members when the latch is in an unlatched position to thereby permit adjustment of the elevation of the seat support;

at least three elongated grooves positioned between the respective first and second seat support members; and

friction reducers positioned within the elongated grooves and engaged by the first and second seat support members as they slide relative to one another.

14. A vehicle seat according to claim 13 wherein each of the friction reducers comprises at least one elongated piece of plastic material.

15. A vehicle seat according to claim 13 wherein at least a portion of the perimeter of each groove is defined by the first seat support member and at least a portion of the perimeter of each groove is defined by the second seat support member.

16. A vehicle seat according to claim 13 wherein the first seat support member defines an interior channel which is generally rectangular in cross-section with four corners, a respective first groove defining portion being positioned at each of the corners of the interior channel, wherein the second seat support member has an exterior surface which is generally rectangular in cross-section with four corners, a respective second groove defining portion being positioned at each of the respective corners thereof, the respective first and second groove defining portions at each corner between the interior of the first seat support member and the exterior of the second seat support member together defining the grooves at the respective corners.

17. A vehicle seat support according to claim 16 wherein each of the grooves is generally circular in cross-section.

18. A vehicle seat support according to claim 16 wherein the first seat support member comprises an elongated projection extending along at least a length of each corner of the first seat support member, the respective first groove defining portions being located in the respective elongated projections.

19. A vehicle seat support according to claim 16 wherein the first seat support member comprises a first flange projecting outwardly from a first exterior corner of the first seat support member and a second flange projecting outwardly from a second exterior corner of the first seat support member, the second exterior corner being adjacent to the first exterior corner, the first and second flanges extending generally rearwardly when the first seat support member is mounted to the vehicle, and at least one first reinforcing brace extending from the first flange to a portion of the vehicle at a location spaced above the floor of the vehicle and at least one second reinforcing brace extending from the second flange to a portion of the vehicle at a location spaced above the floor of the vehicle.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the vehicle seat comprises an upper seat carrier member together with a plurality of flange braces extending from the upper seat carrier member to the upper end portion of the second seat support member.

21. A vehicle seat support according to claim 20, in which the upper seat carrier member comprises a seat supporting surface, the vehicle seat comprising at least a plurality of elongated seat supporting tracks coupled to the seat supporting surface of the upper seat carrier member and slidably coupled to the seat such that that seat is slidable along the seat supporting tracks.

22. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the seat elevation latch comprises a lever actuated plunger carried by the first seat support member, a plurality of spaced apart plunger receiving openings positioned along at least a portion of the length of the second seat support member and located so as to selectively receive the plunger to latch the first and second seat supporting members together, a lever coupled to the plunger and shiftable from a first latching position in which the plunger is inserted into at least one of the plunger receiving openings and a second unlatched position wherein the plunger is retracted from the plunger receiving openings so as to permit relative sliding movement of the first and second seat support members, the lever being pivotally carried by the first seat support member for pivoting about a lever pivot axis, a cam coupled to the lever and a camming surface for engagement by the cam as the lever is shifted between the first and second positions, the lever and cam being coupled to the plunger such that pivoting of the lever in respective first and second directions moves the cam along the camming surface to respectively insert and withdraw the plunger from at least one of the openings in the second seat support member.

23. A vehicle seat support according to claim 22 including a collar coupled to the first support member, the collar defining a plunger guide channel for guiding the movement of at least a portion of the plunger, a biasing member positioned within the plunger receiving channel for biasing the plunger toward the plunger receiving openings, and the camming surface being located at the exterior of the collar opposite to the plunger guide channel.

24. A vehicle seat comprising:

seat base means for supporting the buttocks of the user when sitting on the vehicle seat;

seat back means for supporting the back of a user when leaning against the seat back means;

seat support means for carrying the seat back means and seat base means and for permitting relative sliding movement of the seat back means and seat base means as a unit relative to the seat support means;

seat back support means for supporting the seat back means for movement relative to the seat base means and relative to the seat support means; and

the seat support means comprises means for adjusting the height of the seat base means.

25. A method of adjusting the position of a standup seat comprising:

selectively shifting a seat back and seat base together as a unit selectively in respective forward and rearward directions, the forward direction being toward the front of a vehicle;

selectively shifting the seat back relative to the seat base at least in forward and rearward directions such that, as the seat back is shifted forwardly, a lesser amount of the upper surface of the seat base is exposed for sitting on by a user of the seat; and

selectively adjusting the elevation of the seat relative to a floor of a vehicle.

26. A method according to claim 25 comprising the act of shifting the seat back forwardly relative to the seat base for use as back rest by a driver standing up and operating a vehicle and rearwardly relative to the seat base to expose a major portion of the seat base for sitting on by a user of the seat.