Patent Publication Number: US-2023132930-A1

Title: Seat assembly

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to seat assemblies, including seat assemblies that may be configured to support one or more external objects. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This background description is set forth below for the purpose of providing context only. Therefore, any aspect of this background description, to the extent that it does not otherwise qualify as prior art, is neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the instant disclosure. 
     Some seat assemblies do not provide sufficient functionality, are not configured to support one or more external objects, and/or require complicated assembly processes. 
     There is a desire for solutions/options that minimize or eliminate one or more challenges or shortcomings of seat assemblies. The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate examples of the present field and is not a disavowal of scope. 
     SUMMARY 
     In embodiments, a seat assembly may include a seat base and/or a seat back. The seat back may be connected to the seat base. The seat back may include a back panel having a plurality of external support members disposed in a grid configuration. The back panel may include a first portion, a second portion, and/or a third portion. The third portion may connect the second portion to the first portion. 
     With embodiments, a method of assembling a seat assembly may include connecting the back panel with the seat back, and/or connecting the seat back to the seat base. 
     The foregoing and other potential aspects, features, details, utilities, and/or advantages of examples/embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, an appreciation of various aspects may be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and embodiments are not restricted to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplary illustrations are described in detail by referring to the drawings as follows: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view generally illustrating a portion of an embodiment of a seat assembly. 
         FIG.  3    is a partial perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly. 
         FIG.  4    is a partial perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly. 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly. 
         FIG.  6    is a flow diagram generally illustrating an embodiment of a method of assembling a seat assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with embodiments and/or examples, they do not limit the present disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG.  1   , a seat assembly  10  may include a seat base  12  and/or a seat back  14 . The seat back  14  may be connected to the seat base  12 . For example and without limitation, the seat back  14  may be pivotally connected to the seat base  12  such that the seat base and the seat back  14  may pivot/rotate relative to each other to a variety of seat positions. The seat base  12  and the seat back  14  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and/or configurations. 
     With some embodiments, a seat assembly  10  may be disposed within a vehicle  16 . For example and without limitation, a seat base  12  may be selectively connected to a surface  16 A, such as a surface (e.g., a floor) of a vehicle  16 . In some example configurations, the seat base  12  may be selectively connected (e.g., electrically and/or mechanically) to a track assembly  18 . The track assembly  18  may be electrically connected to an electronic control unit (ECU)  20 . The seat assembly  10  may be electrically connected to the ECU  20 , such as via the track assembly  18 . The ECU  20  may be configured to at least partially control operation of the seat assembly  10  (e.g., rotation of the seat back  14 , movement along the track assembly  18 , etc.). 
     In embodiments, a vehicle  16  may include one or more of a variety of configurations. For example and without limitation, a vehicle  16  may include a land vehicle, a passenger car, a van, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a crossover, a truck (e.g., a pickup truck, a commercial truck, etc.), a bus, a watercraft, an aircraft (e.g., a plane, a helicopter, etc.), and/or a combination thereof (e.g., a vehicle for land and water, a vehicle for air, land, and water, etc.), among others. 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a seat back  14  may include a back panel  22 . The back panel  22  may be connected (e.g., fixed) to the seat back  14  via fasteners, snap fittings, clips, and/or hooks, among others. The back panel  22  may be disposed at a rear side  14 A of the seat back  14 . The back panel  22  may be accessible (e.g., reachable) by a passenger and/or an operator of a vehicle  16 . The back panel  22  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and/or configurations. 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS.  3 ,  4 , and  5   , a back panel  22  may include a plurality of portions, such as a first portion  24   1 , a second portion  24   2 , a third portion  24   3 , and/or a fourth portion  24   4 . The first portion  24   1  may include a first/outer side  24 A 1  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  3   ) and/or a second/inner side  24 B 1  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  4   ). The second side  24 B 1  may face inward toward internal portions  28  of the seat back  14  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  5   ). At least some portions of the second side  24 B 1  may engage at least some portions of the seat back  14 . The first side  24 A 1  may be configured as an outer/external surface of the seat back  14  that may be visible when assembly is complete (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  1  and  2   ). 
     With embodiments, a first portion  24   1  of a back panel  22  may include a plurality of protrusions  26 . The protrusions  26  may extend from a second side  24 B 1  of the first portion  24   1  (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  4  and  5   ). The protrusions  26  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation, the protrusions  26  may include cylindrical configurations that may or may not include approximately an equal length  26 L. The protrusions  26  may be disposed in a configuration that may correspond to the shape of the fourth portion  24   4 . For example and without limitation, the protrusions  26  may be disposed in a generally rectangular and/or square configuration (see, e.g.,  FIG.  4   ). The protrusions  26  may or may not be arranged approximately evenly spaced apart from one another. The protrusions  26  may be configured to undergo a heat staking process, such as to connect (e.g., fix) the first portion  24   1 , a second portion  24   2 , a third portion  24   3 , and/or a fourth portion  24   4  together (e.g., the protrusions  26  may include and/or be configured as heat stakes). 
     In embodiments, a first portion  24   1  of a back panel  22  and/or a plurality of protrusions  26  may comprise a plastic material. For example and without limitation, the first portion  24   1  and/or the plurality of protrusions  26  may comprise one or more of polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylons (GFN, Nylon 6/6, etc.), and/or polyetherimide (PEI), among others. 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG.  5   , a second portion  24   2  of a back panel  22  may be disposed at least partially between a first portion  24   1  and a third portion  24   3 . The second portion  24   2  may be configured to hide/cover internal portions  28  of a seat back  14 , such as portions that might otherwise be at least partially visible through a fourth portion  24   4  and/or apertures  54  thereof (see, e.g.,  FIG.  3   ). For example, the second portion  24   2  may prevent the internal portions  28  from being seen/viewable from the outside of the seat assembly  10 . The second portion  24   2  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation, the second portion  24   2  may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the fourth portion  24   4  and/or to the configuration of the protrusions  26 , such as rectangular with rounded corners, among other possible shapes (see, e.g.,  FIG.  4   ). In some configurations, the second portion  24   2  may, for example, comprise a fabric, such as vinyl (e.g., HBP vinyl, perforated vinyl, etc.), among other materials. The second portion  24   2  may include one or more holes  48  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  5   ) that may be configured to receive one or more corresponding protrusions  26 . The second portion  24   2  may include a first section  50  that may, in an assembled configuration, be disposed between the first portion  24   1  and the third portion  24   3 . The second portion  24   2  may include a second section  52  that may be surrounded, at least in part, by the first section  50  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  4   ). An outer surface of the second section  52  may be visible through apertures  54  of the fourth portion  24   4  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  3   ), and/or an inner surface of the second section  52  may not be covered by the third portion  24   3 . The second section  52  may be configured to flex, move, and/or deform, at least in some configurations. In some configurations, the second section  52  may be larger (e.g., include a greater surface area and/or volume) than the first section  50 . The second section  52  may or may not be elastic. 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG.  4   , a third portion  24   3  of a back panel  22  may include a plurality of holes  30  and/or an opening  32  (e.g., a central opening). The plurality of holes  30  may be disposed adjacent to and/or about a perimeter of the third portion  24   3 . The plurality of holes  30  may be aligned with and/or include a similar arrangement as a plurality of protrusions  26  of a first portion  24   1 . For example, in an assembled configuration, one or more protrusions  26  may be at least partially disposed in one or more corresponding holes  30 . In some example configurations, the third portion  24   3  may be configured to connect (e.g., fix) the second portion  24   2  to the first portion  24   1  and/or the fourth portion  24   4 . 
     With embodiments, an opening  32  of a third portion  24   3  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation, the shape of the opening  32  may correspond to and/or be smaller the shape of the third portion  24   3  (e.g., may include a rectangular shape with rounded corners), such as to provide the third portion  24   3  with a frame configuration. A substantial portion (e.g., a majority) of a second side  24 B 2  of second portion  24   2  (e.g., second section  52 ) of a back panel  22  may be exposed and/or not covered by the third portion  24   3 . For example and without limitation, the opening  32  may allow the second section  52  of the second portion  24   2  to move and/or deform inward into and/or beyond the third portion  24   3  (e.g., if the second section  52  is flexible and/or not completely taut), such as to facilitate connecting an external object  36 . 
     In embodiments, a third portion  24   3  of a back panel  22  may comprise a plastic material. In some example configurations, the third portion  24   3  may comprise one or more of polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylons (GFN, Nylon 6/6, etc.), and/or polyetherimide (PEI), among others. The third portion  24   3  may include a material that is compatible with (e.g., has a high enough melt point for) heat staking of the protrusions  26 . 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3   , a fourth portion  24   4  of a back panel  22  may include a plurality of support members  34  (e.g., external support members). The plurality of support members  34  may be configured to support one or more external objects  36 . The external objects  36  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation, an external object  36  may include a beverage bottle  38  that may be detachably connected to one or more support members  34  via a clip  40  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  2   ), a clothing hanger  42  that may be detachably connected to the one or more support members  34  via a hook portion  42 A of the clothing hanger  42  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  3   ), tools, and/or electronics, among others. In some configurations, the support members  34  may be substantially rigid. For example and without limitation, the support member  34  may be configured not to substantially deform, deflect, and/or flex when external objects  36  are connected (e.g., may not be elastic), at least for external objects  36  up to a certain weight (e.g., about 10 pounds, or more or less). 
     In embodiments, a plurality of support members  34  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation, a plurality of support members  34  may be disposed in a grid configuration/pattern (e.g., a plurality of support members  34  disposed in an intersecting and/or connected configuration) that may define one or more apertures  54 . A support member  34  may, for example and without limitation, include a rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section, among other shapes. The plurality of support members  34  may include a plurality of first support members  34 A and/or a plurality of second support members  34 B. The plurality of first support members  34 A may extend in a first direction D 1  (e.g., vertical direction) and/or the plurality of second support members  34 B may extend in a second direction D 2  (e.g., horizontal direction) that may be orthogonal/perpendicular to the first direction D 1  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  2   ). The plurality of first support members  34 A may intersect with the plurality of second support members  34 B at a plurality of intersections  44 . While a rectangular grid configuration of support members  34  (e.g., with vertical and horizontal support members  34 ) is shown for illustrative purposes, other grid configurations (e.g., diamonds, triangles, trapezoids, rounded, circular, irregular shapes, etc.) may be used instead of or in addition to a rectangular configuration. A grid configuration may facilitate/allow for connection of a plurality of external objects  36  to different portions (e.g., different support members  34 ) of the fourth portion  24   4 . The support members  34  may be integrally formed with each other. 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG.  5   , a fourth portion  24   4  and/or a plurality of support members  34  may be at least partially spaced apart from a second portion  24   2  of a back panel  22  such that a space S is provided therebetween. The space S may, for example, be within the seat back  14 . A size of the space S may be determined at least in part via a thickness  24 T 1  of the first portion  24   1  and/or an offset of the protrusion(s)  26  of the first portion  24   1  (e.g., distance between a second side  24 B 1  of first portion  24   1  and the fourth portion  24   4 ). Portions (e.g., clips, straps, hooks, strings, ropes, etc.) of one or more external objects  36  and/or fingers of a user may fit at least partially into the space S (e.g., via one or more apertures  54 ) to facilitate detachably connecting the one or more external objects  36  to the seat assembly  10 . In an example where an external object  36  includes a beverage bottle  38  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  2   ) or other object with a clip  40 , at least a portion of the clip  40  may be disposed within the space S and/or at least a portion of the clip  40  may be disposed partially or entirely around at least one of the plurality of support members  34 . In an example where an external object  36  includes a clothing hanger  42  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  3   ) or other object with a clip or hook, at least a portion of a hook portion  42 A of the clothing hanger  42  may be disposed within the space S and/or at least a portion of the hook portion  42 A may be disposed around at least one of the plurality of support members  34 . The plurality of support members  34  may at least in part support a weight of the one or more external objects  36  (e.g., beverage bottle  38  and/or clothing hanger  42 , etc.). 
     In embodiments, a fourth portion  24   4  of a back panel  22  may include one or more of a variety of materials. For example and without limitation, the fourth portion  24   4  may include polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylons (GFN, Nylon 6/6, etc.), and/or polyetherimide (PEI), among others. In some configurations, the fourth portion  24   4  may comprise the same material as the first portion  24   1  and/or may be integrally formed with the first portion  24   1 . 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG.  5   , a first portion  24   1  (e.g., distal ends one or more protrusions  26 ) may be an innermost portion of a back panel  22 , although a back panel  22  may include portions that extend farther inward. A fourth portion  24   4  may be configured as an external surface of the back panel  22 . For example and without limitation, the first portion  24   1  and the fourth portion  24   4  may cooperate to provide the external surface of the back panel  22  (e.g., the support members  34  may be disposed at and/or function as an outer/external surface of the back panel  22 ). In some example configurations, the fourth portion  24   4  may be formed with the first portion  24   1 . For example and without limitation, the first portion  24   1  and the fourth portion  24   4  may be integrally formed as a single, unitary, and monolithic component. The first portion  24   1 , a third portion  24   3 , and/or the fourth portion  24   4  may comprise one or more plastic materials. In some example configurations, the first portion  24   1 , the third portion  24   3 , and/or the fourth portion  24   4  may comprise the same plastic material. In other example configurations, the first portion  24   1 , the third portion  24   3 , and/or the fourth portion  24   4  may comprise one or more different materials (e.g., plastics). For example and without limitation, the second portion  24   2  and/or the third portion  24   3  may, at least initially, be formed as separate components from and/or comprise different materials than the first portion  24   1  and/or the fourth portion  24   4 . 
     In some configurations, a net pocket and/or map pocket  60  may be included with and/or connected to the back panel  22  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  2   ). 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG.  6   , a method  100  of assembling a seat assembly  10  may include providing a first portion  24   1 , a second portion  24   2 , a third portion  24   3 , and/or a fourth portion  24   4  of a back panel  22  (block  102 ). Providing a first portion  24   1  may include forming a plurality of protrusions  26 . Providing a third portion  24   3  of the back panel  22  may include forming the third portion  24   3  with a plurality of holes  30  and/or an opening  32 . The holes  30  may be disposed about a perimeter of the third portion  24   3  and/or may align with the protrusions  26  of the first portion  24   1 . Providing a fourth portion  24   4  of the back panel  22  may include forming a plurality of support members  34  disposed in a grid configuration. The support members  34  may be configured to support one or more external objects  36 . In some configurations, the fourth portion  24   4  may be formed with the first portion  24   1 . 
     With embodiments, the method  100  may include disposing a second portion  24   2  of the back panel  22  in contact with the first portion  24   1  (block  104 ), such as with a second side  24 B 1  of the first portion  24   1 . Disposing the second portion  24   2  in contact with the first portion  24   1  may include inserting one or more protrusions  26  of the first portion  24   1  into one or more respective holes  48  of the second portion  24   2 . Disposing the second portion  24   2  of the back panel  22  in contact with the first portion  24   1  may include disposing the second portion  24   2  at a distance from the fourth portion  24   4  such that a space S is provided between the second portion  24   2  and the fourth portion  24   4 . Portions (e.g., clips, straps, hooks, etc.) of one or more external objects  36  may fit at least partially within the space S to facilitate detachably connecting the one or more external objects  36  to the seat assembly  10 . In some configurations, the second portion  24   2  may not be completely taut and/or may be configured to move. For example, in some instances, the second portion  24   2  may be in contact with the fourth portion  24   4  (e.g., one or more support members  34 ), but may be configured to move/deflect to provide a space S. In other configurations, the second portion  24   2  may be configured not to contact the fourth portion  24   4  (e.g., support member  34 ) such that a space S may be present without moving the second portion  24   2 . The second portion  24   2  (e.g., the second section  52 ) may be configured to cover internal portions  28  of the seat assembly  10  that may otherwise be visible, such as via apertures  54  of the fourth portion  24   4 . 
     In embodiments, the method  100  may include disposing the third portion  24   3  in contact with the second portion  24   2  (block  106 ), such as with an inner side/surface of the second portion  24   2 . Disposing the third portion  24   3  in contact with the second portion  24   2  may include inserting one or more protrusions  26  of the first portion  24   1  into one or more respective holes  30  of the third portion  24   3 . Disposing the third portion  24   3  in contact with the second portion  24   2  may include disposing at least some of the second portion  24   2  (e.g., the first section  50 ) between the first portion  24   1  and the third portion  24   3 . 
     With embodiments, the method  100  may include heat staking one or more protrusions  26  of the first portion  24   1  to the third portion  24   3  (block  108 ), such as to connect the first portion  24   1 , the second portion  24   2 , the third portion  24   3 , and/or the fourth portion  24   4  (e.g., via the first portion  24   1 ). In some example configurations, the first portion  24   1 , the third portion  24   3 , and/or the fourth portion  24   4  may comprise one or more plastic materials, and/or the second portion  24   2  may comprise a fabric material, such as vinyl. Heating staking the protrusions  26  may involve heating and/or melting the protrusions  26  onto the third portion  24   3  such that the second portion  24   2  is at least partially sandwiched (e.g., secured) between the first portion  24   1  and the third portion  24   3 . For example and without limitation, the first section  50  of the second portion  24   2  may be sandwiched/fixed between the first portion  24   1  and the third portion  24   3 . Heat staking the protrusion(s)  26  with the third portion  24   3 , such as instead of directly with the second portion  24   2 , may limit and/or prevent the second portion  24   2  from undergoing certain damage (e.g., heat damage, etc.) that may otherwise occur during the process of joining the first portion  24   1 , the second portion  24   2 , and/or the third portion  24   3 . For example and without limitation, a material of the second portion  24   2  may not be compatible with heat staking, a material of the third portion  24   3  may be compatible with heat staking, and/or the third portion  24   3  may protect and/or insulate the second portion  24   2  during heat staking. In some configurations, the melting point of the third portion  24   3  may be higher than the first portion  24   1 , the second portion  24   2 , and/or the fourth portion  24   4 . 
     In embodiments, the method  100  may include connecting the back panel  22  with a seat back  14  (block  110 ). The back panel  22  may be connected (e.g., fixed) to the seat back  14  via fasteners, snap fittings, clips, and/or hooks, among others. In some example configurations, the second portion  24   2  may be configured to hide/cover internal portions  28  of the seat back  14  and/or prevent the internal portion  28  from being viewable from the outside of the seat assembly  10 . With embodiments, the method  100  may include connecting the seat back  14  to a seat base  12  (block  112 ). In some embodiments, the method  100  may include connecting an external object  36  to the fourth portion  24   4  (block  114 ). Connecting an external object  36  to the fourth portion  24   4  may include inserting a portion of the external object  36  into an aperture  54  of the fourth portion  24   4  and/or hooking a portion of the external object  36  on a support member  34  of the fourth portion  24   4 . 
     Various examples/embodiments are described herein for various apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples/embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the examples/embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples/embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples/embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments. 
     Reference throughout the specification to “examples,” “in examples,” “with examples,” “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “examples,” “in examples,” “with examples,” “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples/embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. 
     It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such element. Any directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of examples/embodiments. 
     Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connections, indirect connections, fixed connections, movable connections, operative connections, indirect contact, and/or direct contact. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. Connections of electrical components, if any, may include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and/or wireless connections, among others. Uses of “e.g.” and “such as” in the specification are to be construed broadly and are used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of “and” and “or” are to be construed broadly (e.g., to be treated as “and/or”). For example and without limitation, uses of “and” do not necessarily require all elements or features listed, and uses of “or” are inclusive unless such a construction would be illogical. 
     While processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in a different order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and/or with certain described steps omitted. 
     All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present disclosure.