Chairs and seats – Bottom or back – Framework
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-24
2001-06-05
Nelson, Jr., Milton (Department: 3636)
Chairs and seats
Bottom or back
Framework
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241318
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a seat-back frame, and more particularly, to a seat-back frame including an upper-frame portion, two side-frame portions, a lower-frame portion, and a crosspiece arranged between the side-frame portions and having substantially a rectangular shape.
Conventionally, vehicle seat backs include a substantially rectangular pipe frame or panel frame, which is obtained by bending a pipe or a panel. In the case of the pipe frame, a spring member such as an S-shaped spring is arranged with the pipe frame, which is covered with a pad and a skin. Moreover, a hinge such as an armrest, a reclining device, etc. are fixed to the pipe frame by means of welding or the like.
The seat-back frame includes an upper-frame portion and two side-frame portions, having substantially an inverted-U shape. A lower-frame portion is arranged between lower ends of the side-frame portions. A one-side locking mechanism of the reclining device, etc. are mounted to the lower end of the side-frame portion. In view of an impact load that may be applied to the seat back in the lateral or longitudinal direction in the event of side or rear crash, the seat-back frame needs to have certain static and torsional rigidities. Thus, a reinforcing crosspiece is arranged between the side-frame portions.
However, the seat-back frame including a substantially rectangular pipe frame is excellent in static rigidity, but poor in impact absorption. On the other hand, the seat-back frame including a panel frame is poor in crash strength, since the side-frame portions may largely be deformed in the event of rear or side crash, i.e. they have greater deformation for impact absorption.
Moreover, the seat-back frame including a crosspiece is improved in rigidity, but complicated in assemblage, which increases manufacturing cost, resulting in poor cost efficiency. If the crosspiece is arranged adjacent to the lower-frame portion, the seat-back frame is excellent in static rigidity, but poor in torsional rigidity in the event of rear or side crash. On the other hand, if the crosspiece is arranged too away from the lower-frame portion, the seat-back frame is poor in both static and torsional rigidities.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a seat-back frame that is excellent not only in static and torsional rigidities, but in cost efficiency.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention lies in providing a seat-back frame, comprising:
side portions having upper and lower ends, said side portions having sides formed with recesses;
an upper portion arranged between said upper ends of said side portions;
a lower portion arranged between said lower ends of said side portions; and
a cross portion arranged between said side portions, said cross portion having ends engaged with said recesses of said side portions.
Another aspect of the present invention lies in providing a seat-back frame, comprising:
side portions having upper and lower ends, said side portions being formed with upper and lower recesses;
an upper portion arranged between said upper ends of said side portions;
a lower portion arranged between said lower ends of said side portions; and
upper and lower cross portions, each cross portion being arranged between said side portions, said upper cross portion having ends engaged with said upper recesses of said side portions, said lower cross portion having ends engaged with said lower recesses of said side portions.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5328248 (1994-07-01), Nishiyama
patent: 5636901 (1997-06-01), Grilliot et al.
patent: 5645316 (1997-07-01), Aufrere et al.
patent: 5685614 (1997-11-01), Chabanne
patent: 5769499 (1998-06-01), Dudash et al.
patent: 6048033 (2000-04-01), Sakurai et al.
patent: 6-334565 (1994-12-01), None
Foley & Lardner
Ikeda Bussan Co. Ltd.
Jr. Milton Nelson
LandOfFree
Seat-back frame does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Seat-back frame, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Seat-back frame will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2440508