Abstract:
A vehicle seating system includes a top frame for mounting to a vehicle seat. The top frame has integral rails or channels with roller tracks at one end and vibration dampening systems at the other. An opposing pair of the roller tracks includes a vibratory dampening or regulation system that controls the amount of fore and aft travel of the top frame.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The innovation relates to vehicle seats and more particularly to vehicle seating assemblies that isolate occupants from vibrations carried through the vehicle structure. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Commercial vehicles, such as long-haul trucks, often employ suspension systems which differ from passenger vehicles in their construction and response to vibration. Oftentimes, suspension systems in commercial vehicles are specially designed for the intended use of the commercial vehicle. Large trucks, for example, are designed for and capable of handling heavy loads which affects suspension design and performance. As a result, trade-offs arise between work capability of a commercial vehicle and an operator&#39;s comfort. Because the main purpose of the truck is to transport loads, the decision is usually made to favor the performance capability of the commercial vehicle in lieu of the operator&#39;s comfort. 
         [0003]    As a result, operators or drivers of commercial vehicles, sometimes experience aggravated discomfort and fatigue arising from exposure to excessive vehicle vibrations. As a result, efforts have been, and continue to be, made to provide some sort of amelioration of vibration-induced problems. Because most commercial vehicles are only occupied by a driver, these vibration containment efforts are often associated with the seating for the driver, and less often directed to the other vehicle occupants. A goal of most vibration containment systems is to selectively absorb vibrational energy and to channel or dissipate unwanted energy away from the driver&#39;s anatomy. 
         [0004]    Usually, vibrations arriving at a driver&#39;s seat bear directional characteristics, thus, improvements to seating designs take advantage of this fact by restricting seating improvements to a particular type of vibration characteristic. For example, many seating design improvements have been directed to enhancements in providing fore and aft (e.g., horizontally linear) isolation and vertical isolation. One design concern is to provide sufficient vibration isolation within the footprint and framework of existing seating components, for example, without significantly raising the height of an operator&#39;s seat which may require subsequent modification to a passenger&#39;s seat. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The following presents a simplified summary of the innovation in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview of the innovation. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the innovation or to delineate the scope of the innovation. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the innovation in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0006]    The innovation disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a vibratory isolation mechanism. In aspects, the innovation can be employed as a “fore-aft isolator” in vehicle seating, e.g., long-haul truck seats. In operation, the innovation employs spring compression forces to isolate fore-aft vibratory effects of a seating apparatus. For example, the fore-aft isolator of the innovation can be employed in the framing system operator (and occupant) seats of a long-haul truck. 
         [0007]    In another aspect of the subject innovation a vibratory control is provided that enables a user to control or regulate an amount of fore-aft isolation. This regulatory device effectively can enable a user to restrict compression and/or length of control spring mechanisms. 
         [0008]    To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the innovation can be employed and the subject innovation is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the innovation will become apparent from the following detailed description of the innovation when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an example seat support assembly in accordance with aspects of the innovation. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example vibratory control mechanism in accordance with an aspect of the innovation. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a vibratory control mechanism in accordance with an aspect of the innovation. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example latching mechanism in accordance with aspects of the innovation. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates an alternate view of a vibratory control mechanism disposed within a channel of a seat frame in accordance with aspects of the innovation. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the innovation. 
         [0015]    In accordance with the innovation, vibratory isolation can be achieved by incorporating two compression mechanisms (e.g., springs) on either side of a seat assembly top suspension plate. The springs can be disposed within a channel formed on either side of the top suspension plate frame. As will be shown and described, the springs can be connected to shaft or cross-member via a connector block (e.g., plastic block) that would slide fore-aft (e.g., in linear motion) in the channel in synchronization with the seat assembly. Because the shaft is connected to the block between two competing springs, vibration will be dampened. 
         [0016]    In aspects, the vibratory control mechanism can be locked by means of a latch, remotely activated by a cable. In a normal driving condition, the latch is most often in the “locked” or stationary condition. When “unlocked”, the springs either compress in a forward or rearward direction, leading to the opposing spring to react in an opposite direction. 
         [0017]    In operation, a seating assembly can be connected to (or incorporated within) the top plate of suspension system. Thus, once unlocked, the suspension top plate is free to move linearly on rollers in front and a plastic block (e.g., connector block) in rear. While specific materials are shown and described, it is to be understood that other aspects can employ other suitable materials without departing from the spirit and/or scope of the innovation. For example, the block need not be plastic but, can be manufactured of most any suitably rigid material (e.g., metal, wood, composite, etc.). Similarly, the connector block can be replaced with another connector mechanism while maintaining many of the features, functions and benefits described herein. These alternative aspects are to be included within the scope of the innovation and claims appended hereto. 
         [0018]    Depending on spring stiffness, the seat natural frequency can be tuned to most any range desired, hence making this mechanism adjustable in terms of amount of isolation achieved. As will be understood and described infra, the blocks (e.g., plastic blocks) and stopper pins can be changed in length to achieve different stroke of isolation, thus making this mechanism adjustable in terms of amount of stroke achieved. It will be appreciated that the innovation can provide an efficient and cost effective way of achieving isolation, e.g., via fairly in-expensive components. 
         [0019]    Referring initially to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates an example vehicle seating system generally indicated at  100 . It is to be understood that  FIG. 1  is included to provide context to the features, functions and benefits of the innovation. Thus, the components of  FIG. 1  are not intended to limit the scope of the innovation in any manner. 
         [0020]    As illustrated, seating system  100  includes a linking system or middle frame  102  that movably connects a top frame  104  to a bottom frame  106 . Bottom frame  106  has portions  108  for conventional fastening to a vehicle. Top frame  104  has portions  110  for fixed connection to a vehicle seat assembly (not shown). 
         [0021]    In accordance with the innovation, the vehicle seating system  100  can isolate a driver (or other occupant) from (or minimize effects of) vibrations which would otherwise be transmitted through the vehicle and ultimately to the vehicle occupants. In particular, the vehicle seating system  100  is capable of providing fore/aft isolation for those occupants seated in a seat apparatus (not shown) mounted atop the vehicle seating system  100 . While  FIG. 1  illustrates a multi-level seating system  100 , it is to be understood that the fore-aft isolation features, functions and benefits described herein can be employed in connection with other seating systems without departing from the spirit and/or scope of this innovation and claims appended hereto. These alternatives are to be included within the scope of this specification and claims appended hereto. 
         [0022]    It will be appreciated that, occupants who are subjected to fore/aft vibrations for prolonged periods of time often tend to become more quickly fatigued than if not exposed to these linear vibrations. One reason for the fatigue is a natural tendency of the human body to resist the effects of such vibrations which, in turn, cause the body to expend energy to compensate for the vibrations thereby becoming fatigued. Other long term effects can also arise as a result of long term exposure to these linear vibrations. As described herein, the innovation can isolate these vibrations by providing a fore/aft control. 
         [0023]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the middle frame  102  can include two pairs of scissored arms, one pair of arms  112 ,  114  on the port or left side of the middle frame (see  FIG. 1 ) and another pair of arms  116 ,  118  on the starboard or right-hand side of the middle frame. In this example, each scissor arm ( 112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118 ) has opposed ends that slidably attach to a track or guide ( 120 ,  122 ) in the top frame  104 . 
         [0024]    In accordance with the innovation, rollers  124  can be employed at the forward end of the top frame  104 , within one end of the tracks ( 120 ,  122 ). With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , for example, two rollers ( 124 ) are provided at the forward end ( 126 ) of the seating assembly and two vibratory compression mechanisms (not shown) can be provided at the rear end  128 . The placement and operation of the vibratory compression mechanisms will be better understood upon a review of the figures that follow. 
         [0025]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , relatively straight guide tracks are provided for rollers ( 124 ) at the forward end  126  of the seating assembly  100 . For example, top frame  104  provides straight or linear guide tracks  120 ,  122  for rollers  124  at the left and right sides, respectively. The reward portion ( 128 ) of the assembly  100  provides for vibratory compression mechanisms (not shown) disposed at  130  and  132 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example view of a vibratory control mechanism  200  in accordance with an aspect of the innovation. As described supra, the control mechanism  200  can include two compression mechanisms (e.g., springs)  202 ,  204  and a connector block  206 . In operation, a seat assembly can be mounted atop the middle frame support  208  that traverses within the track or rail of top support  104  as shown. 
         [0027]    In order to compensate for or otherwise absorb fore-aft (linear) vibrations, the spring or compression mechanisms  202 ,  204  can expand and/or compress in synchronization so as to absorb competing vibrations or motions. As the seat assembly is mounted in a manner to linearly traverse with cross support  208 , the fore-aft vibrations can be minimized or otherwise eliminated. 
         [0028]    As cross support  208  linearly traverses back and forth (e.g., fore-aft), as indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 2 , the spring or compression mechanisms  202 ,  204  can compress and expand as appropriate to dampen vibrations. As will be better understood upon a review of the figures that follow, cross support  208  can be attached to connector block  206  such that, when one moves, the other traverses in synchronization. Although not shown in  FIG. 2 , it is to be understood that a second vibratory control mechanism  200  can be employed in a track in the top frame  104  opposite the one shown. 
         [0029]    A stop  210  can be employed to retain compression mechanism  204  such that compression can be controlled. A similar stop can be employed on the aft end of the mechanism  200 . In other aspects, the track (or guide) within the top frame  104  can be equipped with an end cap (not shown) that functions as a stop to constrain compression forces. 
         [0030]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , as illustrated, in embodiments, cross-member  208  can be equipped with a stud or stop  212  that mechanically catches or locks into latching mechanism  214 . As will be understood upon a review of the figures that follow, latching mechanism  214  can be operated by a cable or other release means so as to allow, or otherwise prevent, the fore-aft vibratory control mechanism  200  from traversing in a linear direction. 
         [0031]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , a side view of vibratory control mechanism  200  is shown. While a single control mechanism  200  is shown and described, it is to be understood that, in most aspects, a pair of control mechanisms are used to control linear or fore-aft vibrations. Most any number of control mechanisms can be employed without departing from the spirit and/or scope of the innovation and claims appended hereto. 
         [0032]    As illustrated, a connector component  206  is sizably configured to traverse within the rail of top surface  104 . A cut-away view of the cross-member  208  is shown whereby the cross-member  208  can be inserted into (or about) the block  206  thereby facilitating synchronized motion of the block  206  together with the cross-member  208 , which is connected to the seat assembly (not shown). Thus, vibrations that are transferred into the top surface  104  can be absorbed by the spring assemblies ( 202 ,  204 ) thereby isolating the cross-member  208  and seat assembly (not shown) from the vibrations. 
         [0033]    In the aspect shown in  FIG. 3 , a stop can be provided on the fore side ( 210 ) as well as on the aft side ( 302 ) of the mechanism  200 . It is to be understood that these stops ( 210 ,  302 ) can be separate components as shown or, alternatively, can be incorporated into (or integral to) the track of the top surface  104 . These alternative aspects are to be included within the scope of this disclosure and claims appended hereto. 
         [0034]    Alignment blocks  304 ,  306  can be employed to align the compression mechanisms  202 ,  204  respectively. In this aspect, each of the alignment blocks ( 304 ,  306 ) are configured with a male portion having an outer diameter that is sizably configured to fit into an interior diameter of each of the compression mechanisms  202 ,  204 . Similarly, an opposite side of each of the alignment blocks  304 ,  306  can be equipped with a male portion having an outer diameter that is sizably configured to insert into (or through) each of the stop mechanisms  210 ,  304 . 
         [0035]    Although not shown, it is to be understood that stop  210  can be adjustable so as to increase or decrease compression and travel of each of the compression mechanisms  202 ,  204 . In aspects, the nut/bolt combination (as shown) can be linearly repositioned so as to provide adjustment of location of the stop  210 . In other aspects, the alignment blocks  304 ,  306  can be equipped with adjustment means so as to restrict motion of the compression mechanism  202 ,  204 . This adjustment capability can enable the vibratory control device  200  to be applicable to most any occupant weight or desired vibration control. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  illustrates an alternate aspect of a vibratory control system  400  in accordance with an aspect of the innovation. As shown, a cable or activation means  402  can be attached to the latching mechanism  214 . Thus, in this example, upon pulling the activation means  402 , the latching mechanism  214  can rotate in the direction of the arched arrow thereby releasing the latching mechanism  214  from the stop  212  integral (or fixedly attached) to the cross member  208 . Similarly, when pushed, the latching mechanism  214  can be rotated in the opposite direction which captures (or attaches to) the stop post  212  thereby restricting travel of the cross-member  208  and seat assembly (not shown) attached thereto. It is to be understood that a seat assembly (not shown) can be attached so as to move in synchronization with the cross-member  208 , for example, to attachment means  404 . While a single attachment point  404  is shown, it is to be understood that multiple points can be employed without departing from the spirit and/or scope of the innovation and claims appended hereto. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an example placement of vibratory control mechanism  500  in accordance with aspects of the innovation. As described supra, the springs or compression mechanisms ( 202 ,  204 ) and connector block  206  can be positioned within the tracks of top surface  104 . While a single system is shown in  FIG. 5 , it is to be understood that a second system can be positioned into the other track of top surface  104  as illustrated at  502 . Still further, while each system employs two individual spring or compression mechanisms, it is to be understood that alternate aspects can employ a single compression mechanism in a system. These alternative systems are to be included within the scope of the specification described herein. 
         [0038]    What has been described above includes examples of the innovation. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the subject innovation, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the innovation are possible. Accordingly, the innovation is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.