DRIVE MECHANISM FOR A SEAT CUSHION LENGTH EXTENDER

A drive mechanism for a seat cushion length extender may have a lower slide, an upper slide slidably engaged with the lower slide, a linkage member having a threaded rod having a flange end with an aperture therethrough and a pin located through the linkage flange aperture and the linkage member aperture.

FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a drive mechanism for a seat cushion length extender seat which may be used in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Conventional seats, particularly those employed in a vehicle, may include a seat back assembly connected to a seat base assembly and a headrest assembly. The seat base assembly may include a seat cushion length extender. Prior art seat cushion length extenders, including their drive mechanisms, require multiple high-cost components. Further, the complexity of the prior art seat cushion length extenders and their associated drive mechanisms requires intricate manufacturing and assembly processes which increases seat cost. For this reason, cushion extenders are typically only offered as an option in premium or high-end vehicles.

A further drawback of conventional seat cushion length extenders is that they only actuate a middle portion of the cushion, which is supposed to accommodate taller occupants, but these systems do not necessarily extend across a wide enough portion of the cushion to accommodate for leg splay of the occupants. As such, the taller occupants, even with the typical seat cushion length extenders deployed, do not obtain optimized support and comfort rear of the knee when seated in a natural manner. There is also a need for the seat cushion length extenders to retract to provide smaller occupants appropriate leg support and leg clearance for the small occupant to bend their legs without interference.

In view of the disadvantages associated with the prior art, it would be advantageous to provide a seat cushion length extender with a drive mechanism that provides the possibility for full seat width comfort and accommodation for varying sizes of occupants, without part complexity, while maintaining an integrated appearance when trimmed. The new cushion length adjuster and drive mechanism should also minimize expense and complexity of the prior art designs.

SUMMARY

A drive mechanism for a seat cushion length extender may have a lower slide having two lateral side portions bounding a central portion, wherein an area of the central portion is recessed below the lateral side portions, and another portion of the central portion comprises a motor aperture. The mechanism may also have an upper slide having rails slidably engaged with the lateral side portions and at least one linkage flange with an aperture extending from a lower surface of the upper slide. The mechanism may also have a linkage member comprising a threaded rod having a flange end with an aperture therethrough. The mechanism may also have a pin located through the linkage flange aperture and the linkage member aperture.

In another aspect the lower slide, the upper slide and the threaded rod each have longitudinal axis that are parallel to one another.

In another aspect the lateral side portions of the lower slide define slide channels.

In another aspect the recessed area of the central portion is longitudinally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the threaded rod.

In another aspect the central portion has a motor mount with a depression therein for the threaded rod, wherein two transmission fastener apertures are located on either side of the depression.

In another aspect the motor mount at least partially bounds the motor aperture.

In another aspect one portion of a motor extends into the motor mount and the motor extends at an acute angle to a lower surface of the lower slide.

In another aspect the rails of the upper slide are located laterally outboard of a central portion of the upper slide.

In another aspect pusher receptacles are located at laterally outboard portions along a forward portion of the upper slide.

In another aspect the recessed area of the lower slide is sized and shaped to selectively receive the linkage flange of the upper slide.

In another aspect a pinion aperture is located through the lower slide in a forward central portion of the lower slide.

In another aspect the transmission fasteners extend into the motor mount parallel to the threaded rod.

In another aspect the pin extends transverse to the threaded rod.

In another aspect the threaded rod extends parallel to the rails.

In another aspect each of the upper and lower slides are one-piece, unitary and integrally formed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific assemblies and systems illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the concepts herein. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise. Also, although they may not be, like elements in various embodiments described herein may be commonly referred to with like reference numerals within this section of the application.

FIGS.1and2show a seat system30for a motor vehicle (not depicted) according to an embodiment of the presently described subject matter. The seat system30may extend along a longitudinal direction X of the vehicle, a vertical direction Y of the vehicle and a lateral direction Z of the vehicle. The longitudinal direction X may be such as along a common travel direction of the vehicle such as forward and reverse. The lateral direction Z may be such as side to side and the vertical direction Y may be such as from the floor to the roof of the vehicle. It can readily be appreciated that while one set of directions is mentioned for the seat system30, the seat system30may be angled or tilted within a vehicle offset from these directions. Further, the seat system30may be used in applications other than motor vehicles.

The seat system30may comprise a seat base assembly32, a seat back assembly34, and a headrest assembly36. The seat back assembly34may be coupled to the seat base assembly32and the headrest assembly36. In certain embodiments, the seat base assembly32may be movable relative to a floorboard (not shown) of the vehicle, the seat back assembly34may be movable relative to the seat base assembly32, and the headrest assembly36may be movable relative to the seat back assembly34. The seat base assembly32may be configured to support a buttock portion and leg portion of an occupant while the seat back assembly34may be configured to support a back region of the occupant.

The seat system30may also include a seat frame (not shown) comprising a seat base frame portion (30A), a seat back frame portion (not shown), and a headrest frame portion (not shown). The frame portions may be movingly coupled together using any suitable means as desired. Any suitable material may be employed to produce the frame portions as desired. For example, each of the frame portions may be formed from a rigid metal material.

FIGS.1-4depict the seat base assembly32in two conditions. The two conditions are a longitudinally retracted condition38and a longitudinally extended condition40. The seat base assembly32may also exist in any longitudinal condition between the retracted and extended conditions38,40. The seat base assembly32may also have tilt, bolster, swivel and other adjustments.

The adjustable seat base assembly32can accommodate a wide variety of occupants regardless of their size or shape. Via the structures and operations described herein the adjustable seat base assembly32can provide full longitudinal under-leg support across a width42of the seat base assembly32that may be needed for occupants of various sizes and shapes.

The seat base assembly32may include a seat base substrate44coupled to the seat base frame portion, an optional cushioning member (discussed later) disposed on the seat base substrate44, and a seat cover46disposed over the cushioning member and/or seat base substrate44.

FIGS.5-11depict one embodiment of the seat base substrate44. The seat base substrate44may be a single, one-piece component, however, the seat base substrate44may be a multi-piece component if desired. In certain embodiments, the seat base substrate44may be configured with a size and shape to cooperate with a rigid seat base structure such as the seat base frame portion30A. The seat base substrate44may be formed of an elastomeric material such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. Various types of the TPE material may be employed such as at least one of a styrenic block copolymer, thermoplastic olefinic elastomer, and/or thermoplastic vulcanisate.

In certain embodiments, the seat base substrate44provides conforming support that flexes with the size, shape and/or posture of the occupant and accommodates differently sized occupants with less need for active adjustments to the seat system30. In certain embodiments, the seat base substrate44may have a flexural modulus in a range of about 200 MPa to about 800 MPa, preferably about 290 MPa, and a tensile modulus in a range of about 10 MPa to about 300 MPa, preferably about 280 MPa. It is understood that the seat base substrate44may be formed from any suitable material having a desired flexural modulus. It is further understood that the seat base substrate44may be formed by any suitable method as desired such as an injection molding process, a thermoforming process, a compression molding process, a blow molding process, a vacuum casting process, a three-dimensional printing process, and the like.

The seat base substrate44formed from the TPE material may exhibit both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties which permit flexibility of the seat base substrate44while militating against a permanent set thereof. As such, the seat base substrate44has an ability to stretch to moderate elongations and return to an original shape. Hence, the seat base substrate44may be relatively thin as compared to commonly known seat base substrates. In certain embodiments, a thickness of the seat base substrate44may be in a range of about 1 mm to about 5 mm, preferably in a range of about 1.5 mm to about 3.0 mm, and more preferably about 2 mm or less.

Since the seat base substrate44adapts to the occupant with conforming support, a cushioning member48may or may not be used in whole or in part with the seat base substrate44. One embodiment of a cushioning member may be seen inFIG.5. When a cushioning member48is used, it may be relatively thin as compared to commonly known cushioning members due to the comfort provided by the seat base substrate44. In certain embodiments, a thickness of the cushioning member48may be in a range of about 15 mm to about 25 mm, preferably 20 mm or less.

In other embodiments, the seat base substrate44formed from the TPE material may eliminate a need for the cushioning member in the seat base assembly48. As a non-limiting example, a thickness of the seat base assembly32may be about 45 mm less than commonly known seat base assemblies. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the seat base substrate44results in a reduction in mass and size of the seat base assembly32as compared to commonly known seat base assemblies. Such a reduction in the mass and size of the seat base assembly32improves manufacturability and decreases costs, while maintaining comfortability. Furthermore, the seat base assembly32minimizes a consumption of valuable space within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. As a result, a size of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and therefore, a size of the vehicle in its entirety, may be reduced, which also results in a reduction in mass and energy consumption of the vehicle. It should be appreciated that each of the seat base substrate44, the cushioning member48, and the seat base assembly32may have any thickness as desired.

From the above, it can be appreciated that the seat base substrate44may function alone as both a suspension for the seat system30as well as a structural component of the seat system30. For example, it may be that other springs or biasing members are not required with the seat base assembly32to provide a suspension between the seat frame. Further, it may be that no other wire seat support structures or structural members are required for the seat base assembly32between the seat frame.

The seat base substrate44may have a front portion50, a rear portion52, a first side portion54and a second side portion56. The seat base substrate44further includes a main support portion58formed between the front and rear portions50,52and between the first and second side portions54,56.

As best seen inFIGS.5-8and10, the seat base assembly32may further include an adjustable support60. The adjustable support60may be configured to enhance comfort and enable support for the various driving positions and body size of the occupant. Additionally, the adjustable support60provides simplified execution combined with improved functionality and usability over the prior art. As a non-limiting example, the adjustable support60may be configured to be selectively extended behind the knees of an occupant having a larger body size with legs naturally splayed. As another non-limiting example, the adjustable support60may be configured to be selectively retracted behind the knees of an occupant having a smaller body size so as not to interfere with the back of the calves of the occupant. In certain embodiments, the adjustable support60may laterally extend entirely, or just a portion of, the seat base assembly32to provide a desired comfort, support and/or accommodate leg splay of the occupant. At least a portion of the adjustable support60may be formed from the same material as the seat base substrate44. In some embodiments, the adjustable support60may be unitary, one-piece and integrally formed with the seat base substrate44.

The adjustable support60may have slots extending entirely or partially through the thickness of the support60. The adjustable support60may also have relief cuts such as along a perimeter62of the adjustable support60. Together these items will be designated as adjusters64. The adjusters64may be in any number and have any shape, size, and configuration as desired. The adjusters64can be located at predetermined locations and in any number to tune the adjustable support60to the application. For example, the adjusters64might be used to control at least one of rigidity/flexibility, shape, and conformability of the adjustable support60. For example, the adjusters64might be used to increase or decrease the flexibility of the adjustable support60and/or increase an airflow through and around the adjustable support60for the comfort of the occupant. In one embodiment, the adjusters64may be generally aligned in one or more grid patterns in the adjustable support60having one or more rows and one or more columns. The rows/columns may vary as they extend across the grid pattern.

The adjustable support60may be attached to the seat base frame portion30A or components thereof, such as a seat pan66. As shown inFIG.8, the adjustable support60may have a portion that extends through the seat pan66to secure them together.

In certain embodiments, the adjustable support60is selectively positionable between an extended position68and a retracted position70. A drive mechanism72, one embodiment of which is depicted inFIGS.12-26, may be employed to cause the adjustable support60to be selectively positioned anywhere between the extended position68and the retracted position70.

The drive mechanism72may be manual, automatic, or partially automatic. The drive mechanism72may be in electrical communication with a controller (not depicted) and a power source (not depicted). The drive mechanism72may be disposed under and/or within the base seat assembly32but it may be located elsewhere too.

The drive mechanism72may be engaged by the occupant via one or more buttons on a side panel of the seat base assembly32, which may be appreciated fromFIGS.1-4. In other embodiments, the drive mechanism72may be engaged by one or more sensors in the seat base assembly32, and/or by voice, touch screen or remote operation.

The drive mechanism72may be comprised of one or more electric motors but pneumatics, hydraulics and/or other biasing members may be used. In each case, it is preferred that the drive mechanism72be reversible so that it provides motion along both longitudinal directions.

The drive mechanism72may be comprised of an upper slide74and a lower slide76. The slides74,76may each be one piece, unitary and integrally formed out of metal, polymer or composite materials. In other cases, combinations of the forgoing materials may be used.

The lower slide76may be connected to the seat base assembly32or other fixed structure. The connection may be such as a fixed, or stationary, connection. In some cases, the lower slide76may be connected to the seat pan66of the seat base assembly32such as through mechanical fasteners. Additionally or alternatively, the lower slide76can be connected to the seat rails, cross-pieces and/or frame work for the seat.

The lower slide76may have first and second side portions78,80. In some embodiments, the first and second side portions78,80may comprise first and second slide channels. In one case, the first and second slide channels82,84may extend from an upper surface86of each of the side portions78,80. The slide channels82,84may extend entirely along the side portions78,80or only a portion of their length. Each slide channel82,84may be continuous or non-continuous. In some cases, the slide channels82,84may be mirror images of each other.

Each slide channel82,84may have an inner wall88and an upper wall90. The inner walls88of the first and second slide channels82,84may extend parallel to one another. The inner walls88may also extend generally transverse to all upper surface92of the lower slide76. Each upper wall90may be cantilevered from the respective inner wall88such that the upper wall90may extend over the upper surface92. The slide channels82,84may each generally have a C-shaped cross-section where the C-shape of the first slide channel82faces the C-shape of the second slide channel84across a central portion94of the lower slide76.

The slide channels82,84may be separated from one another on the lower slide76by the central portion94. In some cases, the central portion94may have a motor aperture96. The motor aperture96may be located in a front area98of the central portion94and generally centered between the slide channels82,84. The motor aperture96extends through the lower slide76from the upper surface92to a lower surface100. The motor aperture96may have a generally square or rectangular shape.

Adjacent to the motor aperture96a perimeter portion102of the lower slide76may form a motor mount104. Thus, in some cases the motor mount104may be in the front area98of the central portion94of the lower slide76. The motor mount104may extend below the upper surface86in a generally transverse manner with respect to the upper surface86. Fastener apertures106may be located through the motor mount104. The apertures104may generally extend in a transverse direction to the generally vertical extension of the motor mount104.

The motor mount104may also have a linkage channel108. The channel108may be such as a generally U-shaped depression in the motor mount104. The channel108may be located between the two fastener apertures106. The channel108may be located along a longitudinal axis110of the lower slide76.

The central portion94may also have a central channel112. The central channel112may create a recess or depression in the lower slide76at least partially along the longitudinal extension of the lower slide76. The central channel112may be laterally bounded by two side walls114that extend parallel to one another. The side walls114may be connected together by a base wall116that may extend generally transverse to the side walls114. The base wall116may be located vertically below the side walls114. On one end portion, the central channel112may form a terminal wall118for the motor aperture96. In some cases, the central channel112may be bisected by the longitudinal axis110of the lower slide76.

A pinion aperture120may be located adjacent to the motor aperture96, thus it may also be located in the front area98of the central portion94. The pinion aperture120extends from the upper surface92to the lower surface100. The pinion aperture120may be generally circular in its dimension.

In some cases, there may be only one pinion aperture120. In such a case, the pinion aperture120may make the lower slide76non-symmetrical about the longitudinal axis110. In the absence of the pinion aperture120, the lower slide76may be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis110.

A pinion122may be located through the pinion aperture120. The pinion122may have a rod-like body portion124terminating in a gear head126. The gear head126may have a larger diameter than the body portion124and the pinion aperture120. The gear head126may be located adjacent the upper surface92of the lower slide76while the body portion124extends through the aperture120and extends below the lower surface100of the lower slide76. The body portion124may extend generally transverse to the longitudinal axis110of the lower slide76.

The upper slide74may be comprised of first and second side portions128,130separated from one another by a central portion132. Each side portion128,130may have a runner134on a laterally outboard portion136thereof. The runners134may extend the length of the side portions128,130, or only portions thereof. The extension may be continuous or non-continuous. The runners134may extend generally parallel and coplanar with one another. The runners134may be such as strips of material having an inside edge138attached to the side portions128,130and a free outside edge140cantilevered from the side portions128,130. The runners134may be a fraction of the height of the upper slide74such as between 5-25 percent of the upper slide74height.

An upper surface142of the upper slide74may be generally planar but not coplanar with the runners134. In such a case, a side wall144may connect each runner134with the upper surface142. The side walls144may be continuous, parallel to one another and of substantially equal height. In some cases, reinforcing ribs146may be formed with the upper surface142to enhance the rigidity of the upper slide74.

A lower surface148of the upper slide74may have at least one linkage flange150extending therefrom. The linkage flange150may extend generally transverse the lower surface148. The linkage flange150may extend from a rear central portion152of the upper slide76.

In some cases, there may be two linkage flanges150A,150B that extend generally parallel to one another. The linkage flanges150A,150B may share the same size, shape and longitudinal position on the upper slide74. The linkage flanges150A,150B may be located on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis154of the upper slide74. Linkage fastener apertures156may extend through the flanges150A,150B and be aligned with one another.

The upper slide74may have a forward edge portion158. Two outboard lateral portions160of the forward edge portion158may have connector portions162. The connector portions162may have features that connect to a pusher164. In some cases, the connector portions164may have receptacles166for receiving portions of the pusher164therein. The receptacles166may be cantilevered from the forward edge portion158. The receptables166may have two side walls168, a front wall170, a base wall172, a rear wall174and an open top176. The front wall170may have a depression178therein, such as a semi-hemispherical depression. The receptacles166may be adapted to receive complementary shaped blocks from the pusher164therein.

The rear wall174may be the same as, or related to, the forward edge portion158. In one embodiment, the rear wall174of each receptable166may have a fastener aperture180adapted to receive a fastener extending from the pusher164.

The upper slide74may be positioned so that it at least partially overlaps the lower slide76. In some cases, the side portions128,130of the upper slide74may be at least partially located within the side portions78,80of the lower slide76. In one example, the runners134of the upper slide74may be located, sized and shaped so that they may selectively longitudinally move within the slide channels82,84of the lower slide76. In such a case, upper surfaces182, Y the outside edges140and/or lower surfaces184of the runners134may be in direct facing contact with the upper wall90and the inner wall88, respectively, of the slide channels82,84and/or the upper surface92of the lower slide76. When so connected the longitudinal axis110,154of the upper and lower slides74,76may extend parallel to one another and may overlap. In the connected condition, the linkage flanges150A,150B of the upper slide74may move longitudinally within the central channel112of the lower slide76.

The drive mechanism72may also be comprised of a linkage member186that may extend within the linkage channel108generally longitudinally between the upper slide74and the lower slide76. As such, the linkage member186may extend generally parallel to the runners134. The linkage member186may also have a longitudinal axis188that extends parallel the upper and lower slide axis110,154. In one case, the linkage member186may be such as a threaded rod or worm gear. A rear end portion190of the linkage member186may have a flange192with an aperture194extending therethrough. The aperture194in the linkage member186may align with the linkage fastener apertures156.

A fastener196may be located through the linkage member flange aperture194and the flange apertures156of the upper slide74to secure the linkage member186to the upper slide74. The fastener196may be such as a pin having a generally cylindrical body and a head portion at one end of the body. The head portion may have a larger diameter than a diameter of the body and a diameter of the linkage member flange aperture194and flange apertures156. The fastener196may extend generally transverse the linkage member186.

The linkage member186may have a forward end portion198and a body portion200. The forward end portion198and/or the body portion200are adapted to be connected to a transmission portion202of a motor204. In one case, the transmission portion202may be such as a worm drive capable of rotating the linkage member186in a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction. The transmission portion202may also comprise gears that step down the rotational speed of the motor202and/or change rotational torque. In some cases, the linkage member186is inserted into an aperture206of the transmission portion202where the worm drive extends at least partially into the aperture206. The worm drive and threads on the linkage member186engage so that rotation of the worm drive rotates the linkage member186.

The transmission portion202of the motor204may be directly connected to the motor204. The transmission portion202, and thus the motor204, may be connected to the lower slide76by one or more fasteners208extending through the transmission portion202and into the apertures106in the motor mount104. The fastener208may extend into the motor mount104generally parallel to the linkage member186.

In some cases, the motor204may extend below the lower slide76. The extension may be such as an acute angle with respect to the lower surface100of the lower slide76.

One embodiment of the pusher164is depicted inFIGS.22-26. The pusher164may be constructed of polymeric material, but other materials may be used. The pusher164may be one-piece, unitary and integrally formed.

In some cases, the pusher164may have a front portion210and a rear portion212. The rear portion212may have a width the same or similar to a width of the central portion132of the upper slide74. The rear portion212may be adapted to extend at least partially over the central portion132. The extension may be such as in a directly overlapping orientation with no intervening structures. In other words, the upper surface142of the central portion132may be in direct facing contact with a lower surface214of the rear portion212.

The rear portion212of the pusher164may be attached to the upper slide74with mechanical fasteners. In one example, fastener apertures216in the rear portion212may be aligned with fastener apertures218in the central portion132. Fasteners220may extend through the apertures216,218.

The front portion210of the pusher164may extend in front of the rear portion212and the front portion210may have a width that is larger than the width of the rear portion212. In some cases, the larger width of the front portion210compared to the rear portion may provide the pusher164with a general T-shape. The front portion210may extend at least partially transverse to the rear portion212such that a lower portion222of the front portion210extends below the lower surface214of the rear portion212. The front portion210may extend entirely or substantially entirely across the width of the seat base assembly32.

The front portion210of the pusher164may have a front surface226that has an arc shape. In some cases, the pusher164may be symmetrical about a longitudinal axis228which the pusher164may share with the upper and lower slides74,76. The front surface226may be swept rearwardly, toward the slides74,76, from the axis228.

In some cases, the pusher164may have a rear surface230. The rear surface230may be opposite the front surface226. The rear surface230may have a generally linear extension across the width of the front portion210.

Fastener apertures232may be located in the front surface226and extend through the front portion210to the rear surface230. The apertures232may be aligned with the apertures180in the receptors of the upper slide74. Fasteners234may be located through the apertures180,232to secure the pusher164to the upper slide74.

In some embodiments, the seat base substrate44may extend at least partially over the pusher164, which may be appreciated fromFIGS.8-9. It may be preferred that the adjustable support60extends over the front and rear portions210,212of the pusher164. The adjustable support60may also extend over the front surface226of the pusher164.

It may be that the adjustable support60is attached to the pusher164. The attachment may be through mechanical fasteners, straps, strings, wires, and/or the like.

From the above, starting from a retracted condition38, it can be appreciated that when the upper slide74extends in the longitudinal direction, the pusher164simultaneously moves in the same amount in the longitudinal direction.FIGS.7,10and11depict one embodiment where the adjustable support60is in a curled position.FIGS.14,15and16depict the upper slide74in the retracted condition. The pusher164causes the curled adjustable support60to begin to uncurl and begin to extend in the longitudinal direction. The adjustable support60may be moved from the fully curled to a substantially flat orientation and anywhere in between via the mechanisms noted herein.FIGS.5,6,8and9depict one embodiment where the adjustable support60is in an extended condition40.FIGS.12,13,23,24,25, and26depict the upper slide74in the extended condition40.

The seat cover46may extend entirely or partially over the seat base substrate44and/or pusher164at least in some locations. The seat cover46, via at least partially its attachment to the pusher164, remains in an intentionally taut and relatively wrinkle free-condition whether the seat system30is located in the retracted condition38or the extended condition40and everything in between.

The cover46may be a single material or it may be comprised of several materials. In some embodiments, a stretch material may be incorporated into the cover46to accommodate its movement between the extended and retracted conditions38,40. The stretch material may assist in reducing noise associated with movement by the cover46and in eliminating wrinkles.

From the foregoing, it can be readily appreciated that the seat system30can comfortably accommodate a wider range of potential occupants compared with previous seats. For example, by its adjustability, the seat system30may accommodate at least a female occupant in the fifth percentile of height and weight and up to but not limited to a male occupant in the ninety-fifth percentile of height and weight.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that the disclosed subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The embodiments described above are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative, not restrictive.