Integrated sound system

A vehicle seating assembly comprises a seat having a lower seat and a seatback extending upwardly from the lower seat. The seatback comprises a forward facing surface, a rearward facing surface, a headrest mounted on an upper portion of the seatback and received within a headrest cup disposed on the forward facing surface of the seatback, a speaker assembly mounted in the headrest cup, and a resonance cavity formed proximate the headrest cup within which the speaker assembly is received.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a vehicle seating assembly for a vehicle, and more particularly to a vehicle seating assembly having a sound system integrated into a forward facing surface of the seating assembly seatback.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motor vehicle customers value and appreciate features that enhance their driving experience. Thus, most motor vehicle occupants enjoy listening to radio programs or pre-recorded audio content while driving and many such occupants enjoy having sound systems that give them the sense of a “surround sound” listening experience while the occupant is seated in the motor vehicle. Likewise, with the advent of integrated mobile telephones and text reading capabilities, a sound system that allows private conversations would be desirable. Hence, a vehicle seating assembly which assists in providing such a “surround sound” listening experience and that allows private conversations would be advantageous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle seating assembly for a vehicle that assists in providing such a “surround sound” listening experience.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle seating assembly wherein the vehicle seating assembly has a vehicle seating assembly for a motor vehicle having a lower seat and a seatback extending upwardly from the lower seat. The seatback comprises a forward facing surface, a rearward facing surface, a headrest mounted on an upper portion of the seatback and received within a headrest cup disposed on the forward facing surface of the seatback, a speaker assembly mounted in the headrest cup, and a resonance cavity formed proximate the headrest cup within which the speaker assembly is received.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle seat having a seatback for a motor vehicle comprising a forward facing surface, a rearward facing surface, a headrest disposed on an upper portion of the seatback and received within a headrest cup formed on the forward facing surface of the seatback, a speaker assembly mounted in the headrest cup, and a resonance cavity formed proximate the headrest cup within which the speaker assembly is received.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle seating assembly for a motor vehicle having a lower seat and a seatback extending upwardly from the lower seat. The seatback comprises a forward facing surface, a rearward facing surface, a headrest mounted on an upper portion of the seatback and received within a headrest cup disposed on the forward facing surface of the seatback, a pair of speakers mounted in the headrest cup, and a resonance cavity formed proximate the headrest cup within which the pair of speakers is received. The resonance cavity forms an enclosed volume and comprises a pair of speaker openings arranged in side-by-side relation on a lower portion of the headrest cup, wherein one each of the pair of speakers is received within one of the pair of speaker openings. The resonance cavity further comprises a pair of rearward facing passive radiator openings arranged in side-by-side relation within which each receives one of a pair of passive radiators.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 1, a vehicle seating assembly10is illustrated inside the vehicle cabin8of a vehicle6. The vehicle seating assembly10may be a seat for a driver, a seat for a passenger, a rear bucket seat, a rear row of seats, as shown, or any other vehicle seat. The vehicle seating assembly10includes a lower seat12and a seatback14pivotably attached to the lower seat12. The seatback14of the vehicle seating assembly10includes a forward facing surface16and a rearward facing surface18, each of which may be covered with a protective and/or decorative material20. Leather and/or vinyl are often and preferably employed. The vehicle seating assembly10also includes a headrest22operably coupled to an upper portion24of the seatback14of the vehicle seating assembly10. The vehicle seating assembly10also typically includes a vehicle seat base26configured to provide structural support to the vehicle seating assembly10. The vehicle seat base26is preferably supported on seat mounting rail assemblies28, as is known in the art. The seat mounting rail assembly28is configured to allow the vehicle seating assembly10to be adjusted in forward and rearward directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle6.

It is understood that the vehicle seating assembly10may be positioned in various locations throughout the vehicle other than the illustrated position, such as a passenger side location, a mid-row location, and a rear seat location. The vehicle seating assembly10is thereby slidably coupled with a floor32. It is also conceivable that the vehicle seating assembly10may not include the seat mounting rail assembly28and alternatively may be fixedly coupled with the floor32of the vehicle.

Lower seat12includes a cushion frame assembly30, which in turn includes a cushion frame34, to which a seat belt buckle36is attached. A suspension system38is disposed within a rear portion40of the cushion frame assembly30and beneath and juxtaposed with a cushion foam assembly42disposed above for support of the occupant. The suspension system38is preferably formed from tunable springs44which support a central panel46. Preferably, at least one variable tension spring48is mounted to the cushion frame assembly30. The suspension system38may also include a motor50, a gear52, and a spring attachment member54. A fixedly mounted connecting rod56extends between lateral sides58,60of the cushion frame34and a sleeve62rotatably encircles the connecting rod56. The motor50and gear52are operably coupled to the sleeve62and the spring attachment member54is rigidly mounted on the sleeve62.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the variable tension springs48are mounted in tension between the spring attachment member54and a cushion pan64pivotably mounted to and forming a forward portion66of the cushion frame34. When activated, the motor50and gear52are adapted to rotate the sleeve62and spring attachment member54. In the illustrated example, rotating the sleeve62and spring attachment member54rearward raises a rear portion68of the variable tension springs48and increases the tension applied to the variable tension springs48. Raising the rear portion68of the variable tension springs48raises the height of the seating surface70. Additionally, as is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, increasing the tension on the variable tension springs48decreases the flex or extension thereof, which means the variable tension springs48and cushion foam assembly42will move downward a smaller distance when placed under load, such as when an occupant sits on the vehicle seating assembly10. Conversely, rotating the sleeve62and spring attachment member54forward lowers the rear portion68of the variable tension springs48and decreases the tension applied to the variable tension springs48. This increases the flex or extension of the variable tension springs48, which means the variable tension springs48and cushion foam assembly42will move downward a greater distance when an occupant is seated in vehicle seating assembly10. Further, lowering the rear portion68of the variable tension springs48lowers the height of the seating surface70.

As shown inFIGS. 4, 5, and 6, a cushion leg jounce bracket72is attached to a rear portion65of the cushion pan64, preferably at a point about midway on the cushion frame34. The cushion leg jounce bracket72includes a base74attached to the cushion pan64with two extended jounce paddles76,78that act much like a diving board or cantilevered beam to support the back of the thighs. Preferably, the cushion leg jounce bracket72forms the pair of jounce paddles76,78symmetrically disposed along either side of a longitudinal centerline C of the vehicle seating assembly, with a notch80separating each of the jounce paddles76,78at the base74along the longitudinal centerline C of the vehicle seating assembly. Preferably, each of the jounce paddles76,78is about 150 mm wide transverse to the longitudinal centerline C of the vehicle so as to provide adequate support to the back of each of an occupant's thighs.

Each of the jounce paddles76,78extends upwardly and forwardly to form a vertical gap G between a distal end84,86of each jounce paddle76,78and a forward edge82of the cushion pan64and is thereby preferably disposed to independently support one of the occupant's thighs. Each of the jounce paddles76,78may be resiliently urged downwardly by the weight of the occupant's thigh without contacting the forward edge82of the cushion pan64and thereby provide resilient support. However, is it conceivable that the cushion leg jounce bracket72may be arranged having a single jounce paddle, or a pair of jounce paddles76,78that may be selectively coupled and uncoupled to act independently under a respective thigh of the occupant.

The cushion leg jounce bracket72is preferably formed as a single molded component, but may be formed from two symmetrical pieces arranged on either side of the longitudinal centerline C of the vehicle seating assembly10, each comprising one of the jounce paddles76,78. Preferably, the cushion leg jounce bracket72is formed from glass-filled injection molded nylon having a thickness of about between 2.5 and 3.5 mm. However, it should be noted that the cushion leg jounce bracket72may be effectively tunable to specific performance criteria by appropriate selection of the material from which the cushion leg jounce bracket72is fabricated, the thickness of the cushion leg jounce bracket72, the addition of ribs (not shown) on the bottom of the paddles on the cushion leg jounce bracket72, and the addition of a split line along the cushion leg jounce bracket72proximate the base74of the notch80separating the pair of jounce paddles76,78.

The cushion foam assembly42is disposed above and is attached to the cushion frame34as shown inFIG. 3, and is supported at a forward portion66by the cushion leg jounce bracket72. Preferably, the underside of the cushion foam assembly42is provided with a durable surface material that is particularly wear resistant, in that the relative movement between the jounce paddles76,78of the cushion leg jounce bracket72and the underside of the cushion foam assembly42will tend to wear on the underside of the cushion foam assembly42.

Preferably, the cushion pan64is pivotably, and thereby adjustably, mounted to the cushion frame34by a pair of pivots88located on either side of the cushion frame assembly30. The cushion pan64so mounted may be manually and pivotally adjusted by use of a knob or lever (not shown), as is well known in the seating arts, or a remotely pivotally adjusted by use of a motorized gear assembly (not shown), as is also well known in the seating arts.

The cushion leg jounce bracket72disclosed herein provides a flexible thigh support assembly that assembles directly to the cushion pan64. The cushion leg jounce bracket72provides passive supports that are capable of acting independently under the load of each leg, and thereby reducing leg muscle fatigue and provide support for important vehicle functions, especially such as acceleration and braking with the right leg and manual gear shift or relaxation on the left leg.

As shown inFIGS. 7A, 7B, 16, 17, and 20, the seatback14includes a seatback frame assembly90, that includes a back carrier94, a front cushion92, and a rear trim panel96that enclose the seatback frame assembly90in a clamshell type arrangement. Preferably, as will be discussed more fully below, the seatback14includes a lower stationary seatback base portion98and an upper movable seatback hood module100that allows the upper portion24of the seatback14to be raised and lowered in accordance with the occupant's preference and, in particular, to properly locate the headrest22and a speaker assembly196, both addressed in more detail below. The upper movable seatback hood module100includes a front upper seatback slide bracket102that forms a front of the upper movable seatback hood module100, rear upper seatback slide bracket104, hood foam106, and a hood back trim panel110. The front upper seatback slide bracket102and hood back trim panel110enclose the rear upper seatback slide bracket104in a clamshell-type arrangement, as shown inFIG. 17.

The forward facing surface112of the upper portion24of the seatback14includes a central recess114that corresponds with and receives a headrest cup116. The headrest cup116is preferably formed as a polymeric shell mounted within the central recess114and on the forward facing surface112of the seatback14and is disposed in front of a forward surface122of the rear upper seatback slide bracket104. In turn, the headrest22is received within a recess120of the headrest cup116disposed on the forward facing surface112of the seatback14. As shown inFIG. 13, the headrest22is thereby mounted within the upper movable seatback hood module100on the upper portion24of the seatback14.

In particular, in the case of high-performance seats installed in motor vehicles that are designed for racing and motor track use, it is often required that the occupants, especially the driver, wear a helmet or other type of protective headgear adapted to protect the head of the occupant. However, existing headrests are often in the way and tend to push the head of the driver forward to uncomfortable positions due to the bulk of existing headrests. While such headrests can often be removed, rear head support is likewise removed. In the case of performance seats that are intended to be used in racing or sporting applications, this is especially unacceptable. Instead, what was needed was a performance seat that was adaptable to accommodate racing helmets and head gear, especially in the head region where movement and viewing flexibility is most needed, while also providing adequate support.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a headrest22that can be easily assembled and installed in the seatback14, as well as be readily removable and reinstalled without the need for tools or adjustment. The headrest22, that further provides a pivoting adjustment mechanism and supporting structure, as discussed below, may be readily attached to the upper portion24of the seatback14by means of a “dovetail” design to secure it in place, yet allow the headrest22to be readily removed for racing or motor track use or service requirements and readily reinstalled. That is, as shown inFIGS. 8, 9B, and 13-16, the headrest22is mounted to the forward surface122of the rear upper seatback slide bracket104via a headrest dovetail124that is removably received within a dovetail receiver126mounted to the rear upper seatback slide bracket104. Preferably, the headrest may be articulated forward and backward around a pair of pivots128near its base130and the headrest22can be entirely removed from the seatback14, as discussed below.

The headrest22disclosed herein avoids the problems of existing headrests by being installed within the headrest cup116and by being readily removable and reinstallable, thereby allowing the headrest22to be removed from the seatback14to expose the headrest cup116within which the driver's or passenger's helmet can be received. The present disclosure avoids the disadvantages of prior removable headrest designs and replaces the posts that extend downwardly to allow the vertical adjustment for the headrest22height with a dovetail attachment mechanism. With the headrest22simply removed from the seatback14, as is discussed further detail below, an ample cavity is formed within which a helmet or other headgear may be received to allow the driver and/or passenger to occupy the seat with relative comfort. In such a case, the headrest cup116, even with the headrest22removed, still offers head and neck support in the event of a rear impact to minimize whiplash and other injuries. In this regard, it is further noted that the headrest cup116is preferably lined with a rubber padding132, so that with the headrest22removed, any jostling or other contact of the occupant's helmet or headgear with the headrest cup116is dampened and minimized.

The headrest22includes a headrest cover134that encases the headrest22, which further includes a headrest front foam member136, an EPP foam member137, a headrest mechanism138comprising a generally U-shaped tubular member140and a rear mounting base plate142, and a rear foam member144. Preferably, the U-shaped tubular member140and the rear mounting base plate142are fabricated from steel. The U-shaped tubular member140comprises two vertically and upwardly extending arms146that each engages a respective right and left end of an upwardly and rearwardly tilted U-shaped support148for providing rigid structural support to the headrest22, as shown. The U-shaped tubular member140is pivotally mounted to the rear mounting base plate142by the pair of opposed pivots128, one of which includes a spring-loaded ratchet mechanism150, as shown inFIG. 12, which in one embodiment normally urges the headrest22to a forward position by a spring151. In use, the headrest22can be pivoted forward from a maximum rearward position in discrete increments by the action of a pawl152engaging a cam154until reaching a maximum forward position. After reaching the maximum forward position, the pawl152is released from the cam154to release the ratchet mechanism150which, in turn, releases and allows the return of the headrest22to its rearward position. While the headrest22shown herein is intended for manual adjustment, it is contemplated that a motor and quick disconnect for the power to the motor (not shown) can be provided to facilitate ready removal of the headrest22from the seatback14and reinstallation thereof.

As shown inFIGS. 9B and 11, the dovetail attachment mechanism includes the headrest dovetail124mounted to the rear of the headrest22, in particular to the rear mounting base plate142, via a plurality of mechanical fasteners, as is known in the art. The headrest dovetail124comprises a rectangular block member158that preferably has a cavity160formed in a central portion thereof to minimize weight. A plurality of mechanical fastener openings162is provided on a forward surface164of the rectangular block member158about the cavity160to facilitate attachment of the rectangular block member158to the rear mounting base plate142of the headrest22. A pair of laterally engaging tabs166extends laterally in both side directions beyond the lateral dimensions of the rectangular block member158proximate a rear surface168of the headrest dovetail124. An upper edge170extends slightly above an upper surface172of the rectangular block member158.

The dovetail receiver126, best shown inFIGS. 9B, 11, and 16, is mounted to the forward surface122of the rear upper seatback slide bracket104via a plurality of conventional mechanical fasteners. That is, the dovetail receiver126has a rear surface176that is juxtaposed with the forward surface122of the rear upper seatback slide bracket104and is rigidly attached thereto. A forward surface178and an upper surface180of the dovetail receiver126are provided with an opening that forms a T-shaped slot182. The T-shaped slot182has a lateral width on the upper surface180that exceeds the lateral width of the forward surface178. The T-shaped slot182is thus formed on the forward surface178and upper surface180of the dovetail receiver126. A lower surface within the T-shaped slot182forms a bottom shoulder184thereof.

A T-shaped slot186in the headrest cup116is shaped to conform to the shape of the T-shaped slot182, the headrest cup116concealing the remaining structure of the dovetail receiver126in order to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, as shown inFIG. 15. The dovetail receiver126, so situated relative the T-shaped slot186, is adapted to receive the laterally engaging tabs166of the headrest dovetail124as the headrest dovetail124is slid downwardly through the T-shaped slot186and into an upper opening188of the T-shaped slot182in the dovetail receiver126from above until bottoming out on the bottom shoulder184. With the laterally engaging tabs166of the headrest dovetail124so inserted into the T-shaped slot182, the headrest22is rigidly attached to the headrest dovetail124and may thereby be securely installed in the central recess114of the seatback14.

The T-shaped slot182in the dovetail receiver126is further provided with a pair of recesses190within which a pair of spring-loaded roller bearings192is mounted. A matching pair of indented dimples194is provided in the rear surface168of the headrest dovetail124and is aligned with each of the spring-loaded roller bearings192when the headrest22is installed. With the indented dimples194so aligned with and engaged by the spring-loaded roller bearings192, the spring-loaded roller bearings192are resiliently urged into the indented dimples194and secure the headrest dovetail124within the T-shaped slot182of the dovetail receiver126. However, by simply exerting a moderate upward force on the headrest22, the spring-loaded roller bearings192can be urged rearwardly, so as to release their engagement with the indented dimples194. The headrest dovetail124can thereby be easily detached from the T-shaped slot182of the dovetail receiver126for removal of the entire headrest22from the seatback14. Thus, the headrest22can be readily removed from the seatback14without the use of tools or the need for adjustment. Similarly, the headrest22can be readily reinstalled into the headrest cup116of the seatback14again without the use of tools or the need to perform any types of adjustment.

It should be noted that the disclosed embodiment for mounting the headrest22to the upper portion24of the seatback14itself provides no vertical adjustment of the headrest22relative to the upper portion24of the seatback14. Rather, as set forth the below, the height of the headrest22can be adjusted by adjustment of the upper portion24of the seatback14. This is particularly advantageous in that existing headrest assemblies using adjustable posts are typically movable within a vertical range of about 50 cm. However, since the upper portion24of the seatback14of the present disclosure, as further discussed below, is adapted to move within a range H of 75 mm, as shown inFIG. 7A, the headrest22disclosed herein is provided with even greater adjustability.

In addition, as shown inFIGS. 13, 14, and 15, a speaker assembly196is mounted proximate the bottom of the headrest cup116via a pair of speaker openings198,200through both the headrest cup116and rear upper seatback slide bracket104that receive a pair of speakers206shown inFIG. 16. The speaker assembly196can include traditional woofer and tweeter systems to more recent piezo-electric speaker systems. Preferably, the speakers include dual 7.5-watt drivers.

A resonance cavity202is formed proximate to and just below the headrest cup116, preferably within the rear upper seatback slide bracket104, within which the speaker assembly196is received. The resonance cavity202comprises an enclosed volume, preferably about 290 cm3. Since the resonance cavity202is formed in the rear upper seatback slide bracket104, it is thus enclosed within the seatback14between the front upper seatback slide bracket102and hood back trim panel110.

The pair of speaker openings198,200is preferably arranged in side-by-side relation on the lower portion204of the headrest cup116and the speaker assembly196comprises the pair of speakers206, each received and mounted within one of the pair of speaker openings198,200. The pair of speaker openings198,200opens into the headrest cup116disposed on the lower portion204of the headrest cup116. As shown inFIG. 8, a slot210is formed between the pair of speaker openings198,200, the slot210being provided to receive a clip212depending from a bottom surface214of the polymeric shell of the headrest cup116by which the polymeric shell of the headrest cup116is partially attached to the seatback14. It has been found that a positive and rigid attachment of the polymeric shell of the headrest cup116to the seatback14proximate the speakers206prevents undesired vibration of the polymeric shell of the headrest cup116when the speakers volume is raised. Further, the slot210is sealed from the resonance cavity202by an enclosed cap216extending downwardly from the slot210into contact with the rearward surface218of the resonance cavity202.

The resonance cavity202further includes a pair of passive radiator openings220,222arranged in side-by-side relation and disposed on a rear surface240of the rear upper seatback slide bracket104, within which each one of a pair of the passive radiators224,226is received. The pair of passive radiator openings220,222forms rearward facing openings. The pair of passive radiators224,226each comprises a circular elastomeric diaphragm.

A headrest cup speaker grill228is disposed above the speaker openings198,200and below the headrest22, and a forward facing gap F is provided between the headrest cup speaker grill228and a lower portion230of the headrest22, as shown inFIG. 7B. The headrest cup speaker grill228is comprised of a thin gauge perforated metal mesh. Preferably, the perforated metal mesh is comprised of aluminum mesh about 0.005 inches in thickness.

As noted above, the seatback14includes the lower stationary seatback base portion98and an upper movable seatback hood module100that allows the upper portion24of the seatback14to be raised and lowered in accordance with the customer's preference and, in particular, to properly locate the headrest22and the speaker openings198,200. The lower stationary seatback base portion98is supported by the seatback frame assembly90, while the upper movable seatback hood module100is vertically adjustable relative the lower stationary seatback base portion98and is supported by the front upper seatback slide bracket102in cooperation with the rear upper seatback slide bracket104.

Preferably, a set of four rail guides232,234,236,238is mounted to the rear surface240of the rear upper seatback slide bracket104, as shown inFIG. 19. The rail guides232,234,236,238are arranged in a generally rectangular orientation in two pairs on each side of the rear upper seatback slide bracket104about its centerline C. That is, the plurality of rail guides232,234,236,238are mounted to the rearward facing surface240of the rear upper seatback slide bracket104in a pair of rows on the rearward facing surface240of the rear upper seatback slide bracket104and on opposite sides of and relative the centerline C thereof.

The rail guides232,234,236,238are in turn engaged by a pair of slide rails242,244mounted to a back frame bracket246. The pair of slide rails242,244is mounted in abutting relation with a forward facing surface252of the back frame bracket246. Each of the slide rails242,244has a base254in parallel relation with a forward facing surface256of the seatback frame assembly90, a pair of cooperating legs258,260extending orthogonally from the base254and a pair of opposing tabs262,264extending orthogonally from the cooperating legs258,260in a plane parallel to the base254. Likewise, each of the rail guides232,234,236,238has a base266in parallel relation with the rearward facing surface240of the rear upper seatback slide bracket104and a pair of ears268,270extending outwardly from the base266, the pair of ears268,270being displaced from the rearward facing surface240of the rear upper seatback slide bracket104and slidingly engaged on either side by the opposing tabs262,264of the slide rails242,244. Each of the rail guides232,234,236,238thereby slidingly engages one of the slide rails242,244.

Although the preferred embodiment has been described, it should be noted that the plurality of rail guides232,234,236,238may be mounted to either of one of the seatback frame assembly90or the front upper seatback slide bracket102and the rail may be mounted to the other of the seatback frame assembly90or the front upper seatback slide bracket102, so long as the slide rails242,244slidably engage the plurality of rail guides232,234,236,238.

As shown inFIGS. 7A, 7B, and 16, the lower stationary seatback base portion98comprises a forward facing surface271and a rearward facing surface272. The forward facing surface271includes a lower seatback cushion274having an outer covering276, while the rearward facing surface272comprising a semi-rigid lower back panel278extending upwardly relative the lower stationary seatback base portion98. The upper movable seatback hood module100also includes a forward facing hood covering280, an upper closeout panel282attached to a bottom portion284of the upper movable seatback hood module100beneath the forward facing hood covering280, and the rearward-facing hood back trim panel110.

Preferably, in order to present a pleasing appearance at all times, the upper closeout panel282extends downwardly behind and below an upper edge288of the lower seatback cushion274when the upper movable seatback hood module100is moved to an upmost raised position. Likewise, the rearward facing hood back trim panel110extends downwardly below an upper edge290of the upwardly extending lower back panel278when the upper movable seatback hood module100is moved to the upmost raised position. Also, the forward portion of the lower stationary seatback base portion98includes the forward facing surface271, a back foam cushion292, and the seatback frame assembly90, wherein the upper closeout panel282extends downwardly and is vertically displaceable within a space defined between the forward facing surface112and back foam cushion292and the seatback frame assembly90.

An electric motor drive unit294is mounted on one of the seatback frame assembly90or the rear upper seatback slide bracket104, and is operatively coupled with the other of the seatback frame assembly90or the rear upper seatback slide bracket104, as shown inFIG. 16. The electric motor drive unit294thus may vertically adjust the upper movable seatback hood module100relative the lower stationary seatback base portion98when the electric motor drive unit294is actuated.

Preferably, the electric motor drive unit294is mounted on the seatback frame assembly90and a driven member296is mounted on the rear upper seatback slide bracket104, as shown inFIG. 16. The driven member296preferably comprises a motor nut298, and the electric motor drive unit294further comprises an electric motor300with an output threaded shaft302that engages the motor nut298to vertically adjust the upper movable seatback hood module100relative the lower stationary seatback base portion98when the electric motor drive unit294is actuated.

Preferably, the electric motor300is mounted to a rearward facing surface304on back frame bracket246, which is in turn rigidly attached to the seatback frame assembly90that forms the supporting structure for the lower stationary seatback base portion98of the seatback14. The electric motor300preferably is mounted to the back frame bracket246via a back frame reinforcement bracket306and thereby engages and selectively drives the vertically extending threaded shaft302.

An upper portion of the vertically extending threaded shaft302is received within a threaded opening308within the motor nut298, where the motor nut298is in turn rigidly attached to the rearward facing surface240of the rear upper seatback slide bracket104. When the electric motor300is actuated, the rotation of the vertically extending threaded shaft302drives the motor nut298upward or downward, depending on the initial position and direction of rotation. A slot310in the back frame bracket246allows the motor nut298to move upwardly and downwardly relative the back frame bracket246. As the motor nut298is rigidly mounted to the rear surface240of the rear upper seatback slide bracket104, the upper movable seatback hood module100is moved either upwardly or downwardly, again depending upon its initial position and the direction of rotation, relative the lower stationary backseat base portion98. Thus, the interaction of the rail guides232,234,236,238with the slide rails242,244allows for the upper movable seatback hood module100to rise and lower relative to the lower stationary backseat base portion98of the seatback14.

Although the electrical motor300is preferably disclosed as being mounted on the seatback frame assembly90and the driven member296is mounted on the rear upper seatback slide bracket104, the components can be reversed. That is, the electric motor drive unit294may be mounted on the rear upper seatback slide bracket104, and the driven member296may be mounted on the seatback frame assembly90. A switch312with which to actuate the electrical motor300may be disposed on an outboard trim panel314of the seat assembly, as shown inFIG. 26.

Based on the 50thpercentile adult male model, the upper movable seatback hood module100has a neutral position N, as shown inFIG. 7A, wherein the headrest22and the speakers206,208are located at the optimum position relative the occupant's head and ears. Further, a vertical gap D is defined between a lower edge316of the forward facing hood covering280and the upper edge288of the lower seatback cushion274. Preferably, the upper movable seatback hood module100is thus displaceable from the neutral position N to a lowermost lowered position, where the vertical height between the lowermost lowered position and the neutral position N is about 10 mm. Preferably, the upper movable seatback hood module100is also displaceable from the neutral position N to an upmost raised position over a vertical gap U, where the vertical height between the lower edge316and the upper edge288and thus between the upmost raised position and the neutral position N is about 65 mm. Thus, preferably, the total vertical height H between the lower edge316and the upper edge288and thus between the upmost raised position and the lowermost lowered position is about 75 mm, thereby providing a wide range of adjustment heights to accommodate occupants of different heights and builds. That is, this embodiment provides appropriate positioning of the headrest22and the speakers206relative the occupant's head and may be customized to the particular stature of the occupant. By employing the upper moveable seatback hood module100of the present disclosure, with a total travel of 75 mm in the vertical direction via an electric motor300that moves on multiple slide rails242,244that allows the upper moveable seatback hood module100, including the headrest22, to adjust its height to the range of occupant sizes from shortest to tallest statures, the occupant's comfort is enhanced.

In accordance with another feature of the present disclosure, the headrest22and speakers206are thus placed precisely at the lower ear level of the occupant to enhance the occupant's listening experience and sense of own space. By packaging the speaker assembly196in the upper moveable seatback hood module100, sound and music may be enjoyed close to the occupant's ears and within a central recess114of the upper moveable seatback hood module100assembly. The acoustics are maximized by the sound waves having short distances to travel. This proximity creates an occupant experience of “live” sounds and clear listening. Particularly in combination with the built-in resonance cavity202below the speaker openings198,200and the dual passive radiators224,226positioned at the rear and bottom of the resonance cavity202, the headrest22and speakers206location has been found to be optimal for best listening and acoustics.

Further, the disclosed sound system provides to the occupant of the vehicle seating assembly10the ability to engage in private communications without using the main cabin speaker system. That is, during the use of integrated, hands-free mobile telephone conversations and vehicle systems that provide text reading capabilities during vehicle operation, the speaker assembly196disposed just behind the ears of the occupant allows for lower volumes and thus a more private telephone conversation or text reading experience.

For purposes of this disclosure, the terms “coupled” in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc. and “connected” in all of its forms, connect, connecting, connected, etc. generally means the joining of two components electrical or mechanical directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components electrical or mechanical and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “operably connected” generally means that one component functions with respect to another component, even if there are other components located between the first and second component, and the term “operable” defines a functional relationship between components.