Metal working – Upholstered article making – Method
Reexamination Certificate
1998-02-20
2001-03-13
Bryant, David P. (Department: 3726)
Metal working
Upholstered article making
Method
C029S897200, C029S469000, C029S525010, C297S218300, C297S452550
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199252
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to improved seat assemblies for use in a vehicle and a method of installing the seat assemblies. Typically, seats for use in automotive and truck vehicles vary in size, shape, and style for each particular vehicle platform. Also, a particular vehicle platform can have different styles of seats which can be installed in the vehicle. The front seats of a vehicle can have different seat configurations, such as for example, a “bench” seat in which the seat is a single structure which extends along the width of the front compartment of the vehicle. More common however, is a “bucket” seat arrangement in which separate driver and passenger seats are independently mounted on the floor in the front compartment of the vehicle. It is also common to include a center storage console positioned between the driver and passenger bucket seats and mounted on the floor.
Typically, each different style of seat is manufactured with a unique internal frame structure providing strength to the seat. The size and shape of the frame structure generally conforms to the size, shape, and style of the seat as well as the mounting locations within the vehicle front compartment. Since each seat is commonly manufactured with its own unique frame structure, the seats are generally not interchangeable between different vehicle platforms.
For a typical front bucket seat assembly, the driver seat, the console, and the passenger seat are separately positioned in the vehicle and mounted to the floor of the vehicle. To fasten the seats and console to the floor, a worker must enter the vehicle and fasten each mounting structure separately. Since the seats and console are mounted on the floor of the vehicle, it is difficult and time consuming to install all of the separate components. Also, the vehicle seats and console can include electrical components, such as motors, pumps, sensors, switches, and lights. These electrical components are electrically connected to various devices via wiring connectors or harnesses, commonly referred to in the industry as “pig-tails”, extending from the floor of the vehicle. After the seats and console are fastened to the vehicle, the worker then must connect all of the corresponding electrical pig-tails together which are often located under the seats. In the field of human engineering or ergonomics, the installation of seats in a vehicle is a difficult and time consuming task.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to improved seat assemblies for use in multiple vehicle platforms and a method of installing the seat assemblies.
One of the inventive features includes the concept of installing a front seat assembly in a vehicle, wherein the seat assembly includes first and second seats which are fastened to one another prior to the installation in the vehicle. After the first and second seats have been fastened together, the seat assembly is positioned into the vehicle. The seat assembly can then be fastened to the vehicle as a single assembly, thereby reducing the effort and time required to install the seat assembly, as compared to installing separate individual seats. In a preferred embodiment, the seat assembly further includes a center console which is positioned between and fastened to the first and second seats prior to installation in the vehicle. The seat assembly can also be equipped with an electrical connector box mounted thereon which mates with a electrical connector box mounted on the vehicle. The electrical connector boxes provide for a single electrical junction box for electrical components used in the console and the first and second seats. In another preferred embodiment, the seat assembly can include seat or shoulder belt assemblies, wherein all belt end connections are fastened to the seat assembly, thereby eliminating the need to independently fasten the belts to structural members of the vehicle.
Another inventive feature is installing a rear seat assembly in a vehicle, wherein the seat assembly includes a seat back and a package tray pivotally mounted near the upper rear portion of the seat back. The package tray is first pivoted to a position so that the seat assembly can be inserted through a rear door opening of the vehicle. After the seat assembly is inserted in the vehicle, the package tray is extended outwardly from the seat back and fastened to the vehicle. The seat back is also fastened to the vehicle. The seat assembly can also be equipped with an electrical connector box mounted thereon which mates with an electrical connector box mounted on the vehicle. The electrical connector boxes provide for a single electrical junction box for electrical components used in the seat assembly. In another preferred embodiment, the seat assembly can include seat or shoulder belt assemblies, wherein all belt end connections are fastened to the seat assembly, thereby eliminating the need to independently fasten the belts to structural members of the vehicle. In another embodiment of the invention, the seat assembly can include a cross member fastened thereto, wherein the ends are fastened to the vehicle after the seat assembly is installed to provide for a rigid structural reinforcement member for the vehicle.
The front seat assembly can be configured as a modular seat arrangement, wherein a common seat back frame and common seat bottom pan can be used to accommodate a variety of vehicle platforms. A plurality of different styled seat back upholstery modules and corresponding seat bottom upholstery modules can be attached to the common seat back frame and common seat bottom pan.
Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
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Allison Gregory
Leistra, III Philip W.
Massara Andrew J.
Masters James C.
Bryant David P.
Lear Corporation
MacMillan Sobanski & Todd LLC
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