Seat adapter for mobility conversion vehicles

A seat adapter for a mobility assist vehicle includes a top member that defines mounting locations thereon sized to receive an OEM seat mount for an OEM seat of the mobility assist vehicle. A right side member mounted to a lower surface of the top member extends generally downwardly from the lower surface and defines at least one mounting location thereon to allow the right side member to be mounted to a floor tub assembly of the mobility assist vehicle. A left side member mounted to the lower surface extends generally downwardly from the lower surface of the top member in spaced-apart relation to the right side member. The left side member defines at least one mounting location thereon to allow the left side member to be mounted to the floor tub assembly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to mobility assist conversion vehicles in general and more specifically to mobility assist conversion vehicles having lowered floor sections extending across multiple seating rows.

BACKGROUND

Mobility assist or wheelchair accessible vehicles are well-known in the art and are commonly provided with mobility access systems, such as deployable lifts or ramps, to allow persons requiring wheelchairs or other types of mobility assist systems to readily enter the vehicles, either to drive the vehicles or to ride along. Many such vehicles have rear-deploying lifts or ramps, wherein the lift or ramp extends and retracts from the rear of the vehicle. In other vehicles, the lift or ramp may be deployed from the side of the vehicle.

Most mobility assist or wheelchair accessible vehicles are converted from OEM (original equipment manufacturer) vehicles, commonly minivans, although other types of vehicles, such as sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and vans are also converted for such use. A rear entry mobility conversion vehicle may be made in two forms or ‘cuts,’ a first or short form or cut and a second or long form or cut. In either type of conversion, i.e., either a short or long form conversion, a portion of the floor of the OEM vehicle is removed and replaced with a lowered floor or ‘tub’ assembly. The floor tub assembly defines a lowered floor section that is sized to accommodate within the vehicle a typical wheelchair or other mobility assist system.

In a short form conversion, the lowered floor section of the tub assembly extends from the rear door(s) of the vehicle up to just behind the second row seating area. Thus, in a short form conversion, the wheelchair or other mobility assist system will be accommodated in the third row seating area of the OEM vehicle. The second row seating area may remain in its original configuration. In some conversions, one or more smaller or reduced-size seats may also be provided in the third row seating area, typically alongside the lowered floor section.

In a long form conversion, the lowered floor section of the tub assembly extends from the rear door(s) of the vehicle up to just behind the first row seating area of the OEM vehicle. Therefore, in a long form conversion, the wheelchair or other mobility assist system may be accommodated in either the third row seating area or the second row seating area. In addition, the floor tub of most long form conversion vehicles is of sufficient length so that two wheelchairs or mobility assist systems may be accommodated in a tandem arrangement, with one of the wheelchairs being located in the second row seating area and the other being located in the third row seating area. Most long form conversion vehicles may also accommodate a medical stretcher or cot in the lowered floor area created by the floor tub assembly. In some long form conversions, one or more smaller or reduced-size seats may also be provided in one or both of the second and third row seating areas, again typically alongside the lowered floor section defined by the tub assembly. However, due to the presence of the lowered floor, long form vehicles cannot accommodate the OEM vehicle seats in either the second or third row seating areas.

In addition, and for a given OEM vehicle, the long and short form conversions are typically manufactured with completely different parts, including the modified floor or tub assembly, as well as modified or revised fuel systems, HVAC systems, brake lines, exhaust systems, and the like.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of a seat adapter assembly for a mobility assist vehicle may include a top member. A right side member mounted to a right side portion of the top member extends generally downwardly from the top member and defines at least one mounting location thereon to allow the right side member to be mounted to a floor tub assembly of the mobility assist vehicle. A left side member mounted to a left side portion of the top member extends generally downwardly from the top member and defines at least one mounting location thereon to allow the left side member to be mounted to the floor tub assembly. A front member mounted to a front portion of the top member extends between the top member and the lowered floor section of the floor tub assembly when the seat adapter is located in an installed position within the floor tub assembly. A rear member mounted to a rear portion of the top member extends between the top member and the lowered floor section of the floor tub assembly when the seat adapter is located in the installed position.

Also disclosed is a seat adapter for a mobility assist vehicle that may include a top member having an upper surface and a lower surface. The top member defines mounting locations thereon that are sized to receive an OEM seat mount for an OEM seat of the mobility assist vehicle. A right side member mounted to the lower surface of the top member extends generally downwardly from the lower surface of the top member and defines at least one mounting location thereon to allow the right side member to be mounted to a floor tub assembly of the mobility assist vehicle. A left side member mounted to the lower surface of the top member extends generally downwardly from the lower surface of the top member and is in spaced-apart relation to the right side member. The left side member defines at least one mounting location thereon to allow the left side member to be mounted to the floor tub assembly.

A method of converting a mobility assist vehicle to receive an OEM seat may include: Providing the a adapter assembly; positioning the seat adapter assembly in the floor tub assembly of the vehicle; securing the right side member of the seat adapter assembly to the floor tub assembly; and securing the left side member of the seat adapter assembly to the floor tub assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments that illustrate the principles of the disclosed instrumentalities. The embodiments are provided to illustrate various aspects of the disclosed instrumentalities. However, the disclosed instrumentalities should not be regarded as limited to any particular embodiment or combination of features. The disclosed instrumentalities teach by way of example and not by limitation. Therefore, the scope of the disclosed instrumentalities encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, one embodiment of a seat adapter assembly10(FIG.2) for a mobility assist vehicle is shown and described herein as it could be used in conjunction with a mobility assist conversion vehicle11, i.e., an OEM vehicle that has been converted to accommodate one or more mobility assist systems, such as a wheelchair. SeeFIG.1. In the particular embodiments shown and described herein, the mobility assist conversion vehicle11comprises a long form or long cut conversion vehicle, wherein a portion of the floor of the OEM vehicle has been removed and replaced with a lowered floor tub assembly12. The floor tub assembly12extends from about a rear opening13of conversion vehicle11to a position just aft or behind the first row seating position15of conversion vehicle11. Alternatively, and as will be described in further detail herein, seat adapter assembly10could be used in conjunction with other types of mobility assist vehicles, such as short form vehicle conversions.

Still referring toFIG.1, floor tub assembly12may comprise a lowered floor section14sized to receive one or more mobility assist systems, such as a wheelchair (not shown). In the particular embodiment illustrated inFIG.1, the lowered floor section14of floor tub assembly12has a length sufficient to accommodate two wheelchairs in a tandem arrangement (not shown) or a medical stretcher (also not shown). Floor tub assembly12may include or define a right side wall16that extends generally upwardly from the lowered floor section14as well as a left side wall18that also extends generally upwardly from the lowered floor section14. A deployable ramp assembly20mounted to a rear portion22of floor tub assembly12may be extended and retracted through rear opening13of mobility assist vehicle11.

Referring now primarily toFIGS.2-4and6, seat adapter assembly10may comprise a top member24that defines at least a front portion26, a rear portion28, a left side portion30, and a right side portion32. A right side member34is mounted to the right side portion32of top member24so that right side member34extends generally downwardly from top member24. SeeFIGS.3and6. Right side member34may define one or more mounting locations36thereon to allow right side member34to be mounted or secured to floor tub assembly12when seat adapter assembly10is located in an installed position46. SeeFIG.3.

Seat adapter assembly10may also comprise a left side member40. Left side member40may be mounted to the left side portion30of top member24so that left side member40extends generally downwardly from top member24. Left side member40may also define one or more mounting locations36thereon to allow left side member40to be mounted or secured to floor tub assembly12when seat adapter assembly10is located in installed position46.

In some embodiments, seat adapter assembly10may also include a front member44, as best seen inFIGS.3and6. Front member44may be mounted to the front portion26of top member24so that front member44extends generally downwardly from top member24. Front member44is sized so that it extends between top member24and the lowered floor section14of floor tub assembly12when seat adapter assembly10is located in installed position46. Front member44may define one or more mounting locations48thereon to allow front member44to be mounted or secured to floor tub assembly12.

Seat adapter assembly10may also include a rear member60. Rear member60may be mounted to rear portion28of top member24so that rear member60extends generally downwardly from top member24to lowered floor section14of floor tub assembly12when seat adapter assembly10is located in the installed position46, as best seen inFIGS.2and4. Rear member60therefore encloses interior region52defined between lowered floor section14and seat adapter assembly12. Rear member60may define one or more mounting locations62thereon to allow rear member60to be removably mounted or secured to seat adapter assembly10to allow access to interior region52, e.g., to facilitate installation and removal of seat adapter assembly10. SeeFIG.3.

With reference now primarily toFIG.4, in some embodiments a width31of top member24is less than a distance19between right and left side walls16and18of floor tub assembly12. In such embodiments, seat adapter assembly10may therefore include a right side filler panel33and a left side filler panel35. Right side filler panel33has a width39sufficient to span a gap between at least right side portion32of top member24and right side wall16of floor tub assembly12. Similarly, left side filler panel35has a width41sufficient to span a gap between at least left side portion30of top member24and left side wall18of floor tub assembly12.

Seat adapter assembly10may be used as follows to convert a long form vehicle configuration into a short form vehicle configuration. Alternatively, seat adapter assembly10could also be used in a short form vehicle configuration to allow a third row of OEM seats to be mounted within the vehicle in the third row seating position.

A first step in the conversion process is to position seat adapter assembly10in the installed position46within floor tub assembly12. SeeFIGS.2-4. When located in the installed position46, seat adapter assembly10will be located largely in the second row seating area (e.g., in a long form conversion vehicle), typically at a forward-most position with respect to floor tub assembly12. When located in the installed position46, top member24of seat adapter assembly10will be substantially co-planar (i.e., at the same level) with portions of the OEM floor (e.g., respective right and left sill portions45and47of conversion vehicle11) in the second row seating area. If seat adapter assembly10is to be used on a short form vehicle, then seat adapter assembly10would be located largely in the third row seating area.

In any event, and after having been properly located in the installed position46, the right side member34of seat adapter assembly10may be secured to floor tub assembly12. In the particular embodiments shown and described herein, fasteners37, such as bolts and nuts, may be used to secure right side member34to floor tub assembly12. SeeFIG.3. Similarly, left side member40may be secured to floor tub assembly12. Fasteners37(e.g., bolts and nuts) may be used for this purpose.

If provided, front member44also may be secured to floor tub assembly12by one or more fasteners37, such as bolts and nuts. If provided, right and left side filler panels33and35may be secured to top member24and to right and left side sill portions45and47, respectively, of mobility conversion vehicle11, as best seen inFIG.2. After seat adapter assembly12has been mounted to floor tub assembly12, rear member60may be mounted to seat adapter assembly10to enclose the interior region52(FIG.3) defined between seat adapter assembly10and lowered floor section14of floor tub assembly12.

Thereafter, one or more OEM seats80, such as one or more OEM second row seats (e.g., for a long form conversion) or one or more OEM third row seats (e.g., for a short form conversion), may be mounted to top member24of seat adapter assembly10, e.g., at mounting locations74(FIG.4) provided on seat adapter assembly10. In some embodiments, OEM seat mounts76may be mounted directly to mounting locations74defined by seat adapter assembly10. In other embodiments, e.g., wherein OEM seats80are mounted to OEM seat track assemblies78, seat track assemblies78may be mounted to mounting locations74of seat adapter assembly10. SeeFIG.2. The outboard portions of OEM seats80may be mounted to outboard OEM seat mounting locations (not specifically shown) provided on the right and left sill portions45and47of conversion vehicle11.

A significant advantage of seat adapter assembly10according to the disclosed instrumentalities is that it allows a long form mobility assist vehicle11(i.e., having no provisions to mount OEM second row seats in the second row seating area) to be readily converted to a short form mobility assist vehicle in which OEM second row seats are located in the second row seating area. Conversion vehicle manufacturers may therefore dispense with the need to provide two different types of conversions (i.e., long form and short form conversions) in order to offer customers vehicles having seating arrangements consistent with both long and short form conversions. If a customer desires a short form conversion, seat adapter assembly10could simply be added to the long form conversion vehicle. The OEM second row seats may then be mounted in the second row seating area, thereby preserving the ‘look and feel’ of a short form conversion vehicle, even though the vehicle is a long form conversion vehicle.

Still other advantages are associated with the disclosed instrumentalities. For example, a customer who purchased and used a long form conversion vehicle may readily convert the vehicle to the short form configuration (e.g., as may be required by changes in vehicle use or if selling the vehicle) by simply installing seat adapter assembly10. The OEM second row seats may then be mounted to seat adapter assembly10. Of course, the vehicle could be readily converted back into the long form conversion by simply removing seat adapter assembly10.

Still yet another advantage of the seat adapter assembly10according to the disclosed instrumentalities is that it may be used even with short form conversion vehicles. That is, when installed in a short form conversion vehicle, the seat adapter assembly10will permit OEM seats to be mounted in the third row seating area.

Having briefly described the seat adapter assembly10, as well as some of its more significant features and advantages, various embodiments and alternative configurations of the seat adapter assembly according to the disclosed instrumentalities will now be described in detail. However, before proceeding with the description, it should be noted that while the disclosed instrumentalities are shown and described herein as they could be used in conjunction with a mini-van type long form conversion vehicle11, they could also be used with other types of conversion vehicles, either now known in the art or that may be developed in the future, having lowered floor sections to accommodate mobility assist systems. Consequently, the disclosed instrumentalities should not be regarded as limited to use with any particular type or style of mobility assist vehicle.

Referring back now toFIGS.1and2, and as briefly described above, seat adapter assembly10may be used to convert a long form vehicle configuration to a short form configuration. In the long form vehicle configuration, the lowered floor section14of the floor tub assembly12extends from rear opening13of conversion vehicle11forward through the third and second row seating areas, ending just aft of the first row seating area15, as best seen inFIG.1. In such a long form configuration, the mobility assist conversion vehicle11will typically not have any OEM seats80installed either the second or third row seating areas. However, in some embodiments, a reduced size seat81may be mounted adjacent lowered floor section14in either or both of the second or third row seating areas. SeeFIG.1(reduced size seat81is shown only in the second row seating area ofFIG.1). In addition, and as was briefly described earlier, seat adapter assembly10may also be used to convert a short form vehicle configuration, i.e., where the floor tub extends to just aft of or behind the second row seating area. When installed in the floor tub of a short form conversion vehicle, seat adapter assembly10would allow one or more third row OEM seats to be installed in the third row seating area.

In any event, and regardless of the particular type of conversion vehicle11(e.g., long or short cut), floor tub assembly12may comprise a lowered floor section14sized to receive one or more mobility assist systems (not shown). In a long cut conversion, floor tub assembly12will typically accommodate two wheelchairs (not shown) in a tandem arrangement. Some embodiments may also accommodate a single medical stretcher (also not shown). Floor tub assembly12may include or define a right side wall16and a left side wall18, both of which extend generally upwardly from the lowered floor section14. See alsoFIGS.4and5. Deployable ramp assembly20mounted to rear section22of floor tub assembly12may be extended and retracted through rear opening13of mobility assist vehicle11to allow persons to enter and exit the vehicle11.

Referring now toFIGS.2-4and6, seat adapter assembly10may comprise a top member24having an upper surface21and a lower surface23. In the particular embodiments shown and described herein, top member24may comprise a generally rectangularly-shaped member having a front portion26, a rear portion28, a left side portion30, and a right side portion32, as best seen inFIG.4. Top member24may also define a plurality of mounting locations74thereon sized and configured to receive OEM seat mounts76. SeeFIG.2. In the particular embodiments shown and described herein, OEM seat mounts76may comprise OEM seat track assemblies78that allow second row OEM seats80to slide along OEM track assemblies78between at least a forward position and an aft position. Alternatively, in other embodiments, OEM seat mounts76may comprise brackets that hold second row OEM seats80in fixed positions.

Seat adapter assembly10may also include a right side member34and a left side member40mounted in spaced-apart relation to one another. Right side member34may be mounted to lower surface23of top member24at about the right side portion32so that right side member34extends generally downwardly from top member24, as best seen inFIGS.3and6. Similarly, left side member40may be mounted to lower surface23of top member24at about the left side portion30so that left side member40extends generally downwardly from top member24.

Right and left side members34and40may define one or more mounting locations36thereon to allow right and left side members34and40to be mounted or secured to floor tub assembly12, as best seen inFIG.3. Each mounting location36may comprise a hole or opening sized to receive a fastener system37, such as a nut and a bolt, to allow right and left side members34and40to be removably mounted to floor tub assembly12. In some embodiments, the bolts of fastener system37may be captively secured (e.g., by welding) to lower cross members88of right and left side members34and40to facilitate installation. The right and left side members34and40provide a direct load path for forces applied by the OEM seat mounts76to vehicle11thereby improving the ability of seat adapter assembly10to pass any applicable safety or collision tests (commonly referred to as ‘pull tests’) to ensure that the OEM vehicle seats80and/or seat belt systems (not shown) will not pull-out or become detached from seat adapter assembly10during an accident.

In accordance with the foregoing considerations and in the particular embodiments shown and described herein, right side member34may comprise a right side truss38, whereas left side member40may comprise a left side truss42, as best seen inFIGS.3,6, and7. The right and left side trusses38and42may be substantially identical one another and may comprise a plurality of vertical members82positioned in spaced-apart relation. Vertical members82may be connected or joined together by a plurality of diagonal members84. Vertical members82may be connected or mounted to longitudinal members87, which in turn may be secured or mounted to lower surface23of top member24. Longitudinal members87, together with top member34, define the mounting locations74(FIG.4) for OEM seat mounts76. Right and left side trusses38and42may be held in spaced-apart relation by a plurality of upper cross members86and lower cross members88, as best seen inFIG.6. If desired, a pair of longitudinal stabilizer members90may be used to connect together the outer portions of lower cross members88. In some embodiments, right and left side trusses38and42may also comprise gusset members85to support the rear portion28of top member24. See alsoFIG.3.

The various components of right and left side trusses38and42may be fabricated from any of a wide range of materials, such as metals and metal alloys, suitable for the particular application. By way of example, in the particular embodiments shown and described herein, various members82,84,86,87, and88may comprise steel tube members having rectangular cross-sections. Stabilizer members90may comprise flat steel members. The various members82,84,86,87,88, and90may be welded together. Alternatively, some or all of the various members comprising right and left side trusses38and42may be connected or joined together by any of a wide variety of fastening systems, such as nuts and bolts.

In some embodiments, seat adapter assembly10may also include a front member44. Front member44may be mounted to lower surface23of top member24at about the front portion26of top member24so that front member44extends generally downwardly from top member24. SeeFIGS.3,6, and7. Front member44is sized so that it extends between top member24and the lowered floor section14of floor tub assembly12when seat adapter assembly10is located in an installed position46within floor tub assembly12. Front member44may define at least one mounting location48thereon to allow front member44to be mounted or secured to floor tub assembly12.

In the particular embodiments shown and described herein, front member44may comprise a pair of vertical members92. Vertical members92may be connected or mounted to longitudinal members87. Upper and lower cross members94and96mounted to vertical members92hold vertical members92in spaced-apart relation, as best seen inFIG.6. Each mounting location48of front member44may comprise a hole or opening sized to receive a fastener system37, such as nuts and bolts, to allow front member44to be secured to floor tub assembly12. In some embodiments, the bolts of fastening system37may be captively secured (e.g., by welding) lower cross member96to facilitate installation. The various components of front member44fabricated from any of a wide range of materials, such as metals and metal alloys, suitable for the particular application. By way of example, in the particular embodiments shown and described herein, various members92,94, and96of front member44may comprise steel tube members having rectangular cross-sections. The various members92,94, and96of front member44may be welded together. Alternative, one or more of the various members of front member44may connected or joined together by any of a wide variety of fastening systems, such as by nuts and bolts.

Seat adapter assembly10may also include a rear member60. Rear member60may be mounted to rear portion28of top member24so that rear member60extends generally downwardly from top member24. Rear member60is sized so that it extends between top member24and the lowered floor section14of floor tub assembly12when seat adapter assembly10is located in the installed position46. SeeFIGS.2and4. Rear member60may define at least one mounting location62thereon to allow rear member60to be removably mounted or secured to seat adapter assembly10to allow access to the fasteners37to facilitate installation and removal of seat adapter assembly10. SeeFIG.3.

With reference now primarily toFIG.4, in some embodiments the width31of top member24is less than a distance19between right and left side walls16and18of floor tub assembly12. Seat adapter assembly10may therefore include a right side filler panel33and a left side filler panel35. Right side filler panel33has a width39sufficient to span a gap between the right side portion32of top member24and the right side wall16of floor tub assembly12. Similarly, left side filler panel35has a width41sufficient to span a gap between the left side portion30of top member24and the left side wall18of floor tub assembly12.

In the particular embodiments shown and described herein, the width39of right side filler panel33is sufficient to extend beyond the right side wall16of floor tub assembly12, thereby allowing right side filler panel33to be secured to the right side sill portion45(FIG.2) of conversion vehicle11via one or more mounting locations89provided on outboard edge91of right side filler panel33(FIG.4). Similarly, the width41of left side filler panel35is sufficient to extend beyond the left side wall18of floor tub assembly12, thereby allowing left side filler panel35to be secured to the left side sill portion47(FIG.2) of conversion vehicle11. Mounting locations89provided on outboard edge93of left side filler panel35may be provided for this purpose. In some embodiments, one or more transverse stiffener members98may be attached to lower surface97of left side filler panel35. SeeFIGS.3and6. Similar transverse stiffener members may be provided on the lower surface of right side filler panel35, if desired or required for a particular installation.

Top member24, rear member60, right and left side filler panels33and35, and transverse stiffener member(s)98may be formed from sheet metal (such as sheet steel), although other materials or combinations of materials, such as composite materials, could be used as well, as would become apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become familiar with the teachings provided herein. Consequently, the disclosed instrumentalities should not be regarded as limited to any particular materials.

Depending on the design and configuration of the particular floor tub assembly12, it may be desirable to ensure that the lowered floor section14has sufficient strength to withstand the loads imposed by second row OEM seats80via seat adapter assembly10. Referring now toFIG.5, in one embodiment, lowered floor section14of floor tub assembly12is provided with a plurality of longitudinal and transverse stiffener members57and59. Longitudinal stiffener members57may be provided with corresponding openings or holes therein sized to receive fasteners37of seat adapter assembly10. One or more reinforcing plates61may be provided to further increase the strength and rigidity of lowered floor section61.

Longitudinal and transverse stiffener members57and59, as well as reinforcing plates61may be fabricated from any of a wide range of materials, such as steel, that would be suitable for the intended application. Longitudinal and transverse stiffener members57and59may comprise may comprise steel tube members having rectangular cross-sections. Longitudinal and transverse stiffener members57and59, and reinforcing plates61may be welded to the bottom surface of lowered floor section14, although other fastening systems could also be used.

As was briefly described earlier, seat adapter assembly10may be used to convert a long form vehicle configuration into a short form vehicle configuration. Alternatively, seat adapter assembly10could also be used in a short form vehicle configuration to allow a third row of OEM seats to be mounted within the vehicle, i.e., to provide OEM seats in both the second and third row seating areas.

A first step in the conversion process involves positioning seat adapter assembly10in the installed position46within floor tub assembly12. When located in the installed position46, seat adapter assembly10will be located largely in the second row seating area (e.g., for a long form conversion vehicle), typically at a forward-most position with respect to the floor tub assembly12. When located in the installed position46, top member24of seat adapter assembly10will be substantially co-planar with portions of the OEM floor in the second row seating area, such as right and left sill portions45and47of conversion vehicle11. If the conversion process is to be used on a short form vehicle, then seat adapter assembly10would be located largely in the third row seating area and top member24would be substantially co-planar with portions of the OEM floor in the third row seating area.

After having been properly located in the installed position46, right side member34of seat adapter assembly10may be secured to floor tub assembly12. In the particular embodiments shown and described herein, fasteners37, such as bolts and nuts, may be used to secure right side member34to floor tub assembly12. SeeFIG.3. Similarly, left side member40may be secured to floor tub assembly12with fasteners37. If provided, front member44also may be secured to floor tub assembly12by one or more fasteners37.

In embodiments using right and left side filler panels33and35, right and left side filler panels33and35may be secured to top member24. The outboard portion91of right side filler panel33may be secured to the right side sill portion45of mobility conversion vehicle11. Similarly, outboard portion93of left side filler panel35may be secured to the left side sill portion47. Rear member60may be mounted to seat adapter assembly10to enclose the interior region52(FIG.3) defined between seat adapter assembly10and lowered floor section14of floor tub assembly12.

Thereafter, one or more OEM seats, such as one or more OEM second row seats80(for a long form conversion) or one or more OEM third row seats (for a short form conversion), may be mounted to seat adapter assembly10, e.g., at mounting locations74(FIG.4). In some embodiments, OEM seat mounts76may be mounted directly to mounting locations74defined by seat adapter assembly10. In other embodiments, e.g., wherein OEM seats80are mounted to OEM seat track assemblies78, seat track assemblies78may be mounted to mounting locations74of seat adapter assembly10. SeeFIG.2. The outboard portions of OEM seats80may be mounted to outboard OEM seat mounting locations (not specifically shown) provided on the right and left sill portions45and47of conversion vehicle11.

Still other embodiments of seat adapter assembly are possible and could be used. For example, another embodiment110of a seat adapter assembly according to the disclosed instrumentalities is illustrated inFIGS.8-11. Seat adapter assembly110may comprise a top member124that defines at least a front portion126, a rear portion128, a left side portion130, and a right side portion132. A right side member134is mounted to the right side portion132of top member124so that right side member134extends generally downwardly from top member124. Right side member134may define at least one mounting location136thereon to allow right side member134to be mounted or secured to the right side wall116of floor tub assembly112. In the particular embodiments shown inFIGS.8-11, right side member134may take the form of a right side flange138. Each mounting location(s)136of right side member134may comprise a hole or opening in right side member134sized to receive a fastener system, such as a nut and a bolt (not shown) to allow right side member134to be bolted to the right side wall116of floor tub assembly112.

Seat adapter assembly110may also comprise a left side member140. Left side member140may be mounted to the left side portion130of top member124so that left side member140extends generally downwardly from top member124. Left side member140may also define at least one mounting location136thereon to allow left side member140to be mounted or secured to the left side wall118of floor tub assembly112. In the particular embodiments shown inFIGS.8-11, left side member140may comprise a left side flange142. As was the case for right side member134, each mounting location(s)136of left side member140may comprise a hole or opening in left side member140sized to receive a fastener system, such as a nut and a bolt (not shown) to allow left side member140to be bolted to the left side wall118of floor tub assembly112.

Seat adapter assembly110may also include a front member144. Front member144is mounted to the front portion126of top member124so that front member144extends generally downwardly from top member124. Front member144is sized so that it extends between top member124and the lowered floor section114of floor tub assembly112when seat adapter assembly110is located in an installed position146within floor tub assembly112. SeeFIGS.8and11. Front member144may define at least one mounting location148thereon to allow front member144to be mounted or secured to the lowered floor section114of floor tub assembly112. Front member144may define one or more openings150therein to allow access to an interior region152defined between seat adapter assembly110and floor tub assembly112when seat adapter assembly110is in the installed position146. SeeFIG.11. The mounting location(s)148defined by front member144may comprise a mounting flange154having an elongated slot156provided therein. Slot156may be sized to receive a length of a cargo tie-down system, such as “L-track”158. L-track158will provide an additional mounting point to secure mounting flange154to lowered floor section114of floor tub assembly112. Alternatively, other mounting arrangements may be used.

Seat adapter assembly110may also include a rear member160. Rear member160is mounted to the rear portion128of top member124so that rear member160extends generally downwardly from top member124. Rear member160is sized so that it extends between top member124and the lowered floor section114of floor tub assembly112when seat adapter assembly110is located in the installed position146(FIGS.8and11). Rear member160may define at least one mounting location162thereon to allow rear member160to be mounted or secured to the lowered floor section114of floor tub assembly112. The mounting location(s)162defined by rear member160may comprise a mounting flange164having an elongated slot166provided therein. In some embodiments, slot166of mounting flange164may be sized to receive a length of “L-track”158, which may be used to secure mounting flange164to lowered floor section114of floor tub assembly112. Alternatively, other mounting arrangements may be used.

The various portions of seat adapter assembly110, namely, top member124, right and left side members134and140, front member144, and rear member160, and related components (e.g., the various flanges) may be formed from a single piece of sheet metal (such as sheet steel), cut and formed to create the various elements of seat adapter assembly110. Alternatively, seat adapter assembly110could be built up from separate components, e.g., as a weldment. In embodiments wherein the seat adapter assembly110is formed from a single piece of sheet metal, the openings150in front member144may be pre-cut before bending, thereby forming tabs166that extend from the front portion126of top member124, as best seen inFIGS.8-10.

With reference now primarily toFIG.10, seat adapter assembly110may also comprise one or more lateral stiffener members168mounted to a bottom surface170of top member124. Lateral stiffener members168may extend substantially between the left and right side portions130and134of top member124and may be provided with respective end flanges thereon172that may be used to form a part of mounting locations136. Besides stiffening top member124and allowing top member124to support one or more OEM seats without excessive deflection, each lateral stiffener member168may be mounted at a location coincident with mounting locations (not shown) of the OEM vehicle seats. That is, top member124and lateral stiffener members168may together define mounting locations174for the OEM vehicle seats. In some embodiments, the OEM vehicle seats may be mounted to one or more seat tracks, in which case the lateral stiffener members160may be mounted to bottom surface170of top member124so that the mounting locations174defined thereby are provided at locations coincident with mounting locations for the seat tracks.

Lateral stiffener members168may be fabricated from any of a wide range of materials, such as sheet metal, that would be suitable for the intended application. By way of example, in one embodiment, lateral stiffener members168and associated flanges172are fabricated from sheet steel. The lateral stiffener members168and associated flanges172may be welded to the bottom surface of top member124.

In this regard it should be noted that because seat adapter assembly110will typically be used to support and mount at least portions of the second row OEM vehicle seats, seat adapter assembly110will need to be made of materials of sufficient strength to allow seat adapter assembly110to pass any applicable tests (e.g., pull tests) to ensure that the OEM vehicle seats will not pull-out or become detached from seat adapter assembly110during an accident. Similarly, the seat adapter assembly110itself should not become detached from floor tub assembly112. Any such requirements will need to be taken into account in determining the material strength, thickness, mounting arrangements, and methods used to attach the seat adapter assembly110to the floor tub assembly112. However, because such measures would become readily apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become familiar with the teachings provided herein, and because such considerations will also depend to some degree on the particular vehicle, floor tub assembly, and OEM seats involved, the particular material types, thicknesses, strengths, and mounting arrangements that may be used will not be described in further detail herein.

The seat adapter assembly110may be used as follows to convert a long form vehicle configuration into a short form vehicle configuration. Seat adapter assembly110may also be used to convert a short form vehicle configuration, i.e., where the floor tub extends to just aft of the second row seating position, so that one or more OEM seats may be installed in the third row seating area.

A first step in the conversion process would be to position the seat adapter assembly110in the installed position146within floor tub assembly112. SeeFIG.8. When located in the installed position146, seat adapter assembly110will be located largely in the second row seating area (e.g., for a long form conversion vehicle), typically at a forward-most position with respect to floor tub assembly112. When located in the installed position146, top member124of seat adapter assembly110will be substantially co-planar with portions of the OEM floor (typically outboard or right and left sill portions of the OEM floor) in the second row seating area. If the conversion process is to be used on a short form vehicle, then seat adapter assembly110would be located largely in the third row seating area.

In any event, and after having been properly located in the installed position146, right side member134may be secured to right side wall116of floor tub assembly112. Similarly, left side member140may be secured to left side wall118of floor tub assembly112.

The front and rear members144and160may be secured to the lowered floor section114of floor tub assembly112. In the particular embodiments shown inFIGS.8-11, L-tracks158may be used to secure the mounting flanges154and164of respective front and rear members144and160to lowered floor section114of floor tub assembly112. In this regard it should be noted that the engagement of the L-tracks158with the front and rear mounting flanges154and164does not provide a significant amount of structural strength in the mounting of seat adapter assembly110to floor tub assembly112. The primary structural strength is provided by the right and left side members134and140. If additional mounting strength is required, other types of fasteners or mounting systems may be used to mount or secure the front and rear members144and160to floor tub assembly112, as would become apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become familiar with the teachings provided herein.

After the seat adapter assembly110has been mounted to floor tub assembly112, one or more OEM seats, such as one or more OEM second row seats (for a long form conversion) or one or more OEM third row seats (for a short form conversion), may be mounted to top member124of seat adapter assembly110, e.g., at mounting locations174. In some embodiments, the OEM seats may be mounted directly to top member124. In other embodiments, wherein the OEM seats are mounted to seat tracks, the seat tracks may be mounted to the top member124of seat adapter assembly110in the manner already described for seat adapter assembly10.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although any systems, methods, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practice for testing of the present invention, the preferred systems, methods, and materials are described herein.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element. The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including,” “having” and their derivatives. Any terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about” and “approximate” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. When referring to a measurable value, such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, these terms are meant to encompass variations of at least ±20% or ±10%, more preferably ±5%, even more preferably ±1%, and still more preferably ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate and as would be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adapted to another embodiment. It should be noted that while the present invention is shown and described herein as it could be used in conjunction with a configuration of various components, it could be utilized with other configurations, either now known in the art or that may be developed in the future, so long as the objects and features of the invention are achieved, as would become apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become familiar with the teachings provided herein. Consequently, the present invention should not be regarded as limited to that shown and described herein. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Having herein set forth preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is anticipated that suitable modifications can be made thereto which will nonetheless remain within the scope of the invention. The invention shall therefore only be construed in accordance with the following claims: