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US20060131937A1 - Double convolution support system - Google Patents

Double convolution support system Download PDF

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Publication number
US20060131937A1
US20060131937A1 US11/016,102 US1610204A US2006131937A1 US 20060131937 A1 US20060131937 A1 US 20060131937A1 US 1610204 A US1610204 A US 1610204A US 2006131937 A1 US2006131937 A1 US 2006131937A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
seat
transverse wires
support system
side margins
convolution
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/016,102
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Olivier Vanthournout
Anders Ekman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pullmaflex Benelux NV
L&P Property Management Co
Original Assignee
Pullmaflex Benelux NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pullmaflex Benelux NV filed Critical Pullmaflex Benelux NV
Priority to US11/016,102 priority Critical patent/US20060131937A1/en
Assigned to PULLMAFLEX-BENELUX NV, A BELGIUM CORPORATION reassignment PULLMAFLEX-BENELUX NV, A BELGIUM CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: VANTHOURNOUT, OLIVIER FREDDY, EKMAN, ANDERS
Priority to PCT/US2005/045889 priority patent/WO2006066190A2/fr
Assigned to L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY reassignment L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: PULLMAFLEX-BENELUX NV
Publication of US20060131937A1 publication Critical patent/US20060131937A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/64—Back-rests or cushions
    • B60N2/66—Lumbar supports
    • B60N2/667—Lumbar supports having flexible support member bowed by applied forces
    • B60N2/6671—Lumbar supports having flexible support member bowed by applied forces with cable actuators

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to a seat support system and, in particular, a support system having expanded space between select support elements within the support system, permitting other seat components to be assembled through the seat support system without reducing the number of support elements, the level of support or comfort of the seat occupant.
  • a variety of seat suspension systems are known. It is known to use a plurality of transverse wires spaced along the side margins of the seat suspension systems to achieve the desired support, as described in: Youngflex A. G., GB 2 342 287; Deceuninck U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,745; and Youngflex S. A. EP 0 128 407 A1. It is also known to use transverse wires having one or more angled sections, permitting the transverse wires to extend resiliently in relation to the side margins, thereby providing resilient support and occupant comfort, as described in Youngflex S. A. EP 0 128 407 A1, Deceuninck U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,919 B1 and Deceuninck U.S. Pat.
  • the advantageous components are necessarily limited by the space available within the seat platform or seat back.
  • the presence of a support system within the seat platform or seat back further limits the space available for placement of advantageous components.
  • the component is of a size that it can pass between the support elements, the component is limited to placement on one side of the support system, namely the top or bottom of a seat platform or the front or back of a seat back. Therefore, the ability of seat components to pass through or be situated within the seat support system is highly advantageous.
  • the placement of advantageous seat components within the seat support system provides an efficient use of available space and allows additional features to be added to the seat without increasing the seat dimensions.
  • assemblage of larger seat components through the support system may be accomplished if the support elements are spaced at greater distances along the side margins of the support system.
  • the distancing of support elements results in fewer support elements in the support system, causing loss of support and decreased comfort for the seat occupant. Therefore, it is highly advantageous to provide a seat support system that permits larger seat components to be assembled through the support system without reducing the resilient support of the support system or the comfort of the seat occupant.
  • the invention provides a seat support system comprising a set of side margins coupled to sets of transverse wires having angled sections which are herein referred to as “convolutions”.
  • the pattern or arrangement of convolution sections on a particular transverse wire is referred to as the “convolution pattern” of the transverse wire.
  • adjacent pairing of a transverse wire having different convolution patterns expands the traversing region between the transverse wires.
  • the expanded traversing region becomes an enlarged opening for pass-through of seat components, such as ventilation system components, from one side of the support system to the other side.
  • the base sections of the side margins are extended to form a traverse element having a convolution pattern.
  • adjacent pairing of transverse wires having different convolution patterns also creates aligning sections of the transverse wires, bringing them in close proximity, such that the transverse wires may be fastened at the aligned section for greater stability of the transverse wires bounding the expanded traversing region.
  • Another advantage of the invention is that other seat components, such as ventilation system components, may be secured to the support system by being fastened to the aligned sections of the adjacent transverse wires.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of the present invention
  • FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of an alternate arrangement of the present invention
  • FIG. 2B illustrates a detail of the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 2A ;
  • FIG. 2C illustrates an alternative detail of the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 2A ;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of another alternative arrangement of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of yet another alternative arrangement of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 represents a single convoluted transverse wire in combination with a plurality of opposing convoluted transverse wires.
  • FIG. 2 represents a plurality of convoluted transverse wires in combination with a single opposing convoluted transverse wire.
  • any set of convoluted transverse wires may be combined with a set of opposing convoluted transverse wires, and that under general set theory and in accordance with the invention, a set of transverse wires may include as few as a single wire.
  • the adjacent pairing of sets of convoluted and opposing convoluted transverse wires provides various advantages as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • the seat support system ( 10 ) comprises a pair of side margins ( 12 , 14 ) between which extend a plurality of transverse wires ( 20 ) that are attached to the side margins by known attachment means, preferably by integral attachment where the ends of the transverse wire are wound around the side margins ( 58 ), by a clip or a bracket ( 54 ) having a ferrule for receiving the terminal end of the transverse wire.
  • select ones of the transverse wires may extend through a longitudinal element ( 50 ) substantially parallel to and between the side margins ( 12 , 14 ).
  • the transverse wires ( 20 ) are provided in sets, with a first set of transverse wires ( 22 ) having a first convolution pattern ( 32 ) and a second set of transverse wires ( 24 ) having a second convolution pattern ( 34 ).
  • the adjacent pairing of sets of transverse wires having different and opposing convolution patterns provides several advantages.
  • the pairing of a transverse wire having a convolution pattern ( 32 ) projecting in a direction A ( 32 ′) is paired with a transverse wire having a convolution pattern ( 34 ) projecting in a direction B ( 34 ′) and the convolution patterns are located substantially opposite each other, creating an expanded traversing region ( 30 ) with dimensions h and l between the opposing convolution patterns.
  • This arrangement permits larger seat components having dimensions smaller than h and l ( 76 ) to be assembled and passed through the pair of transverse wires.
  • transverse wire having a single convolution projecting in a direction A with a transverse wire having two successive convolutions, or a double convolution, projecting in a direction B.
  • a transverse wire having single convolution pattern projecting in a direction A may be paired with a transverse wire having a single convolution pattern projecting in a direction B.
  • the transverse wire ( 22 ) with the first convolution pattern ( 32 ) can be positioned between the transverse wires ( 24 ) with second convolution pattern ( 34 ) and another set of transverse wires ( 42 ) which can have the second convolution pattern projecting in a direction A ( 42 ′).
  • One transverse wire pairing ( 22 ′) is comprised of a transverse wire having a first convolution pattern ( 32 ) projecting in a direction A ( 32 ′) and a transverse wire having a second convolution pattern ( 34 ) projecting in a direction B ( 34 ′) and the convolution patterns are located substantially opposite each other creating an expanded traversing region ( 30 ) between the opposing convolution patterns.
  • a second pair ( 40 ) comprises a first set of transverse wires ( 42 ) having a first convolution pattern projecting in a direction A ( 42 ′) and a second set of transverse wires ( 34 ) having a second convolution pattern projecting in a direction B ( 34 ′) creating a section of alignment ( 46 ) along the second pair of adjacent transverse wires.
  • the second pair of transverse wires may be fastened to each other and to other seat components by known fastening means, preferably a clip ( 48 ).
  • the first convolution pattern comprises a single convolution and the second convolution pattern comprises a double convolution
  • the second set of transverse wires is attached to the side margins by a bracket ( 54 ).
  • the pair of opposing transverse wires ( 40 ′) surrounding expanded traversing region ( 30 ) can both be connected to the side margins by the same bracket ( 54 ).
  • the base sections ( 18 ) of the side margins extend substantially perpendicular to and between the parallel section ( 16 ) of the side margins to form a base support ( 80 ) having a second convolution pattern ( 80 ′).
  • the base support replaces a transverse wire without adversely affecting the resilient support of the support system ( 10 ).
  • the pairing of a set of transverse wires having a first convolution pattern ( 32 ′) with a base support having a second convolution pattern ( 80 ′) creates an expanded traversing region ( 90 ) between the transverse wire ( 32 ) and base support ( 80 ).
  • a flexcord ( 84 ) may be used to provide resiliency to the base support ( 80 ).
  • the base sections ( 18 ) of the side margins form an integral, unitary base support ( 80 ).
  • the base sections of each side margin ( 12 , 14 ) form separate base supports ( 86 , 88 ), which are fastened to each other by fastening means, preferably a clip ( 48 ).
  • various know and advantageous seat components may be incorporated in the seat support system.
  • various known link means 60 , 62 ) may be provided for attachment of the seat support system ( 10 ) to a seat frame ( 70 ).
  • Known adjustable support such as lumbar support, may be provided by adjustable link means, preferably Bowden cables ( 62 ), extending between the side margins ( 12 , 14 ) and the seat frame ( 70 ) and coupled to the side margins by brackets ( 68 ), with an known adjustment means being coupled to the Bowden cables, preferably an actuator ( 74 ).
  • the dimensions of the traversing region ( 30 , 90 ) may be varied by variation in the convolution patterns used and the placement of the convolution patterns in relation to each other.
  • the embodiments shown provide expanded traversing regions ( 30 , 90 ) at one end of the support system, it will be appreciated that the arrangements may be achieved anywhere within the support system where expanded traversing regions are desirable.
  • the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)
US11/016,102 2004-12-17 2004-12-17 Double convolution support system Abandoned US20060131937A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/016,102 US20060131937A1 (en) 2004-12-17 2004-12-17 Double convolution support system
PCT/US2005/045889 WO2006066190A2 (fr) 2004-12-17 2005-12-15 Systeme de support a convolution double

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/016,102 US20060131937A1 (en) 2004-12-17 2004-12-17 Double convolution support system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20060131937A1 true US20060131937A1 (en) 2006-06-22

Family

ID=36390238

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/016,102 Abandoned US20060131937A1 (en) 2004-12-17 2004-12-17 Double convolution support system

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20060131937A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2006066190A2 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120126600A1 (en) * 2005-01-12 2012-05-24 L&P Swiss Holding Company Lumbar support assembly and corresponding seat structure

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5988745A (en) * 1996-01-05 1999-11-23 Youngflex Ag Support structures for incorporation in a seat frame
US6152531A (en) * 1996-08-23 2000-11-28 Youngflex Ag Seat suspension arrangement and adjustment mechanism therefore
US20010043002A1 (en) * 2000-03-30 2001-11-22 Hidetoshi Nakane Lumbar support device
US20030102699A1 (en) * 2001-11-30 2003-06-05 Shinji Aoki Air-conditioning unit for vehicle seat
US6601919B1 (en) * 1998-10-02 2003-08-05 Youngflex Ag Seat suspension arrangements

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0803400A3 (fr) * 1996-04-23 1998-12-09 Lear Corporation Siège de véhicule à support lombaire
FR2756786B1 (fr) * 1996-12-05 1999-02-12 Faure Bertrand Equipements Sa Armature avec nappe de soutien pour un siege de vehicule automobile
DE29718853U1 (de) * 1997-10-23 1998-01-08 Bertrand Faure Sitztechnik GmbH & Co. KG, 31655 Stadthagen Sitz für ein Kraftfahrzeug
DE10129721B4 (de) * 2001-06-20 2005-04-21 Federnwerke Marienberg Gmbh Rückenlehne eines Sitzes, insbesondere Fahrzeugsitz

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5988745A (en) * 1996-01-05 1999-11-23 Youngflex Ag Support structures for incorporation in a seat frame
US6152531A (en) * 1996-08-23 2000-11-28 Youngflex Ag Seat suspension arrangement and adjustment mechanism therefore
US6601919B1 (en) * 1998-10-02 2003-08-05 Youngflex Ag Seat suspension arrangements
US20010043002A1 (en) * 2000-03-30 2001-11-22 Hidetoshi Nakane Lumbar support device
US20030102699A1 (en) * 2001-11-30 2003-06-05 Shinji Aoki Air-conditioning unit for vehicle seat

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120126600A1 (en) * 2005-01-12 2012-05-24 L&P Swiss Holding Company Lumbar support assembly and corresponding seat structure
US8544953B2 (en) * 2005-01-12 2013-10-01 L&P Swiss Holding Ag Lumbar support assembly and corresponding seat structure

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2006066190A2 (fr) 2006-06-22
WO2006066190A3 (fr) 2006-08-10

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: PULLMAFLEX-BENELUX NV, A BELGIUM CORPORATION, BELG

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:VANTHOURNOUT, OLIVIER FREDDY;EKMAN, ANDERS;REEL/FRAME:016114/0568;SIGNING DATES FROM 20041124 TO 20041202

AS Assignment

Owner name: L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY, CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:PULLMAFLEX-BENELUX NV;REEL/FRAME:017140/0949

Effective date: 20060206

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION