Patent Description:
A rear seat assembly is a common module of a vehicle. The rear seat assembly typically comprises a seat on which at least one user may sit in the vehicle. The rear seat assembly may include a deployable armrest, which can be provided in a stowed state in which the armrest is at least partially received in a normally substantially vertical part of the rear seat assembly, hereinafter referred to as the seatback. The armrest may be moved from the stowed state to a deployed state, in which the armrest extends at an angle from the seatback to provide a platform on which the user may rest an arm, for example.

The armrest is typically connected to the seatback or elsewhere in the rear seat assembly by a hinged mechanism that enables rotation of the armrest about the hinge to rotate the armrest between the stowed and deployed states. The armrest may be arranged in different positions by adjusting the rotation of the armrest. For example, users may prefer different positions of the armrest depending on the size of the user. In addition, the seatback may be adjustable to provide a different inclination of the seatback with respect to the seat to provide a user with additional options which may provide additional comfort.

The armrest is typically received within the seatback and forms a part of the seatback when the armrest is in the stowed position. However, when the armrest is moved to the deployed position, a gap or void exists generally between an end of the armrest proximal to the seatback and the seatback. The gap or void arises due to the packaging volume required to store the armrest when it is received by the seatback in the stowed position, and the gap is larger when the volume of the armrest is greater. A large armrest is commonly provided in premium vehicles such as to allow for greater padding of the armrest. To provide sufficient space to accommodate the seatback receiving the armrest and to accommodate the mechanisms which enable the rotation of the armrest, a sufficiently large void must be provided in the seatback to receive the armrest in the stowed position. This results in the gap between the armrest and the seatback when the armrest is deployed.

In certain vehicles, the gap between the armrest and the seatback is undesirable because internal components of the seatback or of the armrest mechanism are exposed to the vehicle cabin, and thus the gap enables ingress of dirt into the seatback and the protection of internal components of the rear seat assembly is compromised. In addition, the gap reduces the premium appearance of the internal cabin of the vehicle, and there is a risk of belongings of the user falling into the gap and becoming trapped. Therefore, it is desirable to cover the gap between the armrest and the seatback by providing material which substantially covers the gap. However, the gap or void may change in size as the armrest and/or the seatback are moved between different positions, which increases the difficulty of covering the gap.

Previous attempts to cover the gap between the armrest and the seatback typically employ rigid or semi-rigid materials. However, such materials cannot typically be arranged to cover a gap which is of variable size. Therefore, when the size of the gap changes, known gap hiders are not able to adjust to cover the new size of the gap, and a portion of the gap remains exposed.

<CIT> describes a cover member cover a gap bridged over a rear end portion of an armrest and a back side of a seat cushion.

<CIT> describes an armrest arrangement with an armrest body which is movably mounted on a stationary structural part.

In particular, the embodiments of the invention seek to provide an apparatus which can cover a gap of variable size.

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a rear seat assembly and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims.

There is provided a rear seat assembly as set out in claim <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the gap is of variable size. Advantageously, the flexible sheet is held under tension by the tensioning means and continues to cover the gap despite changes in the size of the gap. Due to its flexibility, both the angle and length of the flexible sheet can be changed to accommodate changes in the size of the gap.

The armrest may be deployable from a stowed position where it is received within a void in the seatback to a position in which it extends from the seatback such that the flexible sheet covers a gap between an end of the armrest proximal to a seatback and the seatback itself.

In certain embodiments, the tensioning means may comprise a tensioning mechanism. The tensioning mechanism may comprise a rolling spring and a roller. Advantageously, the rolling spring may resiliently engage with the roller to maintain tension on the flexible sheet to accommodate a change in the size of the gap.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a pair of laterally disposed frame sides arranged to support the tensioning means and the tension bar between the laterally disposed frame sides; and the laterally disposed frame sides may be configured for rotatably supporting the armrest there-between. Advantageously, the frame sides may provide support to the apparatus to maintain alignment of the apparatus and in particular the flexible sheet with the armrest.

In certain embodiments, the tension bar may be configured to support an intermediate portion of the flexible sheet, the intermediate portion being at a position between the first and second ends of the flexible sheet, wherein the tensioned flexible sheet is arranged over the tension bar to change direction at the intermediate portion. Advantageously, the tension bar provides flexibility as to the positioning of the flexible sheet. In certain embodiments, the change in direction of the flexible sheet may be greater than <NUM> degrees. Due to the change in direction of the flexible sheet, the volume for providing the apparatus may be reduced.

In certain embodiments, the tensioning means may be configured to maintain tension on the flexible sheet and to move the flexible sheet to continue to cover the gap during movement of the first end of the flexible sheet.

In certain embodiments, the flexible sheet may be connectable to the armrest by a first connection element provided at the first end of the flexible sheet. Advantageously, the first connection element may enable the flexible sheet to be easily attached to or detached from the armrest. Access to the apparatus for servicing may thereby be improved, and a flexible sheet may be easily replaced.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a second connection element arranged to connect the flexible sheet to the tensioning means at the second end of the flexible sheet. Advantageously, the second connection element may enable the flexible sheet to be easily attached to or detached from the tensioning means. Access to the apparatus (and to the internals of the seatback in use) for servicing may thereby be improved, and a flexible sheet may be easily replaced.

In certain embodiments, the flexible sheet may have a length greater than a maximum size of the gap. Advantageously, the flexible sheet may continue to cover the gap when the gap is adjusted to any potential size. In addition, the flexible sheet may accommodate an increase in distance between the two fixing points of the flexible sheet when the armrest is stowed.

In certain embodiments, the gap to be covered by the flexible sheet in use is located between an end of the armrest proximal to the seatback and the seatback. The gap may be of variable size. Advantageously, the flexible sheet may cover a gap between the armrest and the seatback and prevent ingress of dirt into the seatback and damage of internal components of the seatback.

In certain embodiments, the rear seating assembly may comprise laterally disposed frame sides arranged to support the flexible sheet, the tensioning means and the tension bar between the laterally disposed frame sides, to hingeably support the armrest, and to connect the armrest to the seatback. Advantageously, the frame sides may support said elements to maintain alignment so that the flexible sheet can reliably cover the gap between the armrest and the seatback.

In certain embodiments, the armrest may be attached between the laterally disposed frame sides and configured to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the laterally disposed frame sides. Advantageously, as the armrest rotates about an axis perpendicular to the frame sides, the alignment of the flexible sheet with the gap between the armrest and the seatback is improved.

In certain embodiments, the tensioning means may be substantially located within the seatback. Advantageously, the tensioning means may be protected from the ingress of dirt or from potential sources of damage. Additionally, the tensioning means may be hidden from view in use and a comfort level of the vehicle may be improved.

In certain embodiments, the tensioning means may be configured to maintain tension on the flexible sheet to continue to cover the gap when the size of the gap between the armrest and the seatback varies as the armrest rotates between the stowed position and the deployed position. Advantageously, the gap between the armrest and the seatback may be covered by the flexible sheet even when the armrest is positioned at different positions by a user. Therefore, different user preferences can be accommodated without compromising on the level of cover of the gap.

In certain embodiments, the seatback may be configured to be movable, wherein the size of the gap between the armrest and the seatback changes during movement of the seatback, and the tensioning means may be configured to maintain tension on the flexible sheet to continue to cover the gap when the size of the gap between the armrest and the seatback changes during movement of the seatback. Advantageously, the gap may continue to be covered when users move the seatback, for example to accommodate different user preferences or sizes.

In certain embodiments, the tension bar may be located in the seatback and may be at least partially obscured by the seatback. Advantageously, the tension bar and a portion of the flexible sheet provided between the tension bar and the tensioning means may be protected from damage by the seatback, and a premium appearance of the vehicle cabin may be improved by obscuring the tension bar.

In certain embodiments, the rear seat assembly may comprise a shielding element provided to overlap with one or more lateral edges of the flexible sheet to partially obscure the flexible sheet. Advantageously, the coverage of the gap by the flexible sheet is improved as the shielding element provides cover to accommodate any height difference between the flexible sheet and the gap.

In certain embodiments, a first portion of the flexible sheet between the tension bar and the armrest may be held under tension to cover the gap. A second portion of the flexible sheet between the tension bar and the tensioning means may be located within the seatback and may be at least partially obscured by the seatback. The tensioning means may be configured to maintain tension on the flexible sheet and to adjust the sizes of the first portion and the second portion of the flexible sheet when the size of the gap changes in response to movement of the armrest or the seatback. Advantageously, the gap may be covered by the first portion of the flexible sheet while the second portion of the flexible sheet may be protected inside the seatback. Advantageously, the relative sizes of the first and second portions of the flexible sheet may be automatically adjusted by the tensioning means in response to movement of the armrest or the seatback to continue to cover the gap when the size of the gap is changed.

In certain embodiments, the tensioning means may comprise a rolling spring and a roller, and the rolling spring may be arranged to resiliently wrap around the roller and may be connected between the second end of the flexible sheet and the roller. The relative sizes of the first and second portions of the flexible sheet may be adjusted by winding or unwinding the rolling spring around the roller to move the flexible sheet and to control the length of the flexible sheet located on either side of the tension bar. Advantageously, the rolling spring automatically adjusts position to change the length of the flexible sheet provided to cover the gap as the gap changes size.

In certain embodiments, when the armrest is in the stowed position, the rolling spring is wound around the roller by a first amount, and when the armrest is in the deployed position, the rolling spring is wound around the roller by a second amount, the second amount being greater than the first amount. Advantageously, the flexible sheet is automatically moved by the winding or unwinding of the rolling spring as the armrest is moved between the stowed and deployed states.

There is further provided a vehicle comprising the rear seat assembly described above.

An apparatus <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying <FIG> shows a representation of the apparatus <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where the apparatus <NUM> is in a stowed position. The apparatus <NUM> comprises a flexible sheet <NUM>, a tension bar <NUM>, tensioning means <NUM>, a first connection element <NUM> and a second connection element <NUM>. The tensioning mean is a tensioning mechanism arranged to apply tension to the flexible sheet <NUM>. The tensioning means <NUM> of <FIG> comprises a rolling spring <NUM> and a roller <NUM> about which the rolling spring <NUM> is configured to resiliently wrap. However, this is an example only and other tensioning means may be used. For example, the tensioning means <NUM> may be any tensioning mechanism which can be coupled to the flexible sheet <NUM> via the second connection element <NUM> and which can maintain tension on the flexible sheet <NUM>. The flexible sheet <NUM> is an elongate sheet of flexible material.

The flexible sheet <NUM> is connected to the first connection element <NUM> at a first end of the flexible sheet <NUM> and is connected to the second connection element <NUM> at a second end of the flexible sheet <NUM>. The second connection element <NUM> is also connected to the tensioning means <NUM>. The tension bar <NUM> is provided along the length of the flexible sheet <NUM> to support the flexible sheet <NUM> between the first end and the second end of the flexible sheet <NUM>.

The flexible sheet <NUM> is connectable to an armrest of a vehicle at a first end of the flexible sheet <NUM> by the first connection element <NUM>. While the flexible sheet <NUM> is described to be connectable between to armrest of a vehicle, this is only an example, and the apparatus <NUM> and flexible sheet <NUM> may be connectable between any two structures of a vehicle. For example, the apparatus <NUM> including the flexible sheet <NUM> may be used to cover a gap existing between a seatback and base of a seat. That is, the apparatus <NUM> may be used to cover any gap between two structures existing inside of a vehicle, and is particularly advantageous where the gap between the two structures is of variable size due to movement of one or more of the two structures.

The first connection element <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> may be a connection clip. The first connection element <NUM> may have a shape that enables the first connection element <NUM> to engage with a corresponding part of an armrest to secure the flexible sheet <NUM> to the armrest. The shape of the first connection element <NUM> shown in <FIG> is only an example, and the shape of the first connection element <NUM> may be any suitable shape for connecting securely to an armrest of a vehicle.

The flexible sheet <NUM> may be formed of any flexible material. For example, the flexible sheet <NUM> may be formed of leather, fabric polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic material, or any other flexible material. The flexible sheet <NUM> may be formed of a material which matches a material used in the interior cabin of the vehicle, and particularly which is used for construction of a rear seat assembly provided in the rear of the vehicle. The flexible sheet <NUM> is flexible, as opposed to rigid. The flexible sheet <NUM> is sufficiently flexible to be deformable under the effects of gravity, and to be able to be held taut by the tensioning means <NUM>. The flexible sheet <NUM> is sufficiently flexible to bend at the position of the tension bar <NUM> and to change direction by greater than <NUM> degrees.

<FIG> shows a side profile of the apparatus <NUM>. However, the flexible sheet <NUM> and the other components of the apparatus <NUM> may also have a width as shown in <FIG>. That is, the flexible sheet <NUM> of <FIG> may be considered substantially rectangular in shape. However, the shape of the flexible sheet <NUM> may be different depending on the construction of the armrest and the seatback, and the corresponding shape and size of the gap to be covered.

The tension bar <NUM> of <FIG> is configured to provide support to the flexible sheet <NUM> at a position between the first end and the second end of the flexible sheet <NUM>. The tension bar <NUM> may be a cylindrical or similarly shaped element, which is securely fixable within the seatback of the vehicle in use. However, the tension bar <NUM> may be formed of different shapes. For example, instead of a cylindrical bar provided across the width of the flexible sheet <NUM>, the tension bar <NUM> may be formed of one or more separate elements which may be attached in use to the inside of the seatback. For example, these may be elements extending from a frame provided inside the seatback which are configured to support the flexible sheet <NUM>.

The tension bar <NUM> is securely fixed in use such that when the tensioning means <NUM> apply tension to the flexible sheet <NUM>, the tension bar <NUM> is fixed and does not move in response to pressure from the flexible sheet <NUM>. The tension bar <NUM> is configured to provide support to the flexible sheet <NUM> at a position between the first and second ends of the flexible sheet <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the tension bar <NUM> may be positioned such that the flexible sheet <NUM> changes direction where the flexible sheet <NUM> is supported by the tension bar <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the change in direction of the flexible sheet <NUM> where supported by the tension bar <NUM> is shown as being an angle greater than <NUM> degrees. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and the tension bar <NUM> may enable any change in direction of the flexible sheet <NUM>. Advantageously, the change in direction of the flexible sheet <NUM> where supported by the tension bar <NUM> enables a reduced volume required for providing the apparatus <NUM>. Further, the tensioning means <NUM> and a portion of the flexible sheet <NUM> between the tension bar <NUM> and the second connection element <NUM> can be obscured in use by the seatback. This provides further protection to the tensioning means <NUM> and the portion of the flexible sheet <NUM> obscured by the seatback and improves the appearance of the interior cabin of the vehicle.

The second connection element <NUM> is configured to connect the second end of the flexible sheet <NUM> to the tensioning means <NUM>. The second connection element <NUM> may be any suitable connecting element for providing a connection between the flexible sheet <NUM> and the tensioning means <NUM>.

The tensioning means <NUM> of <FIG> comprises a rolling spring <NUM> and a roller <NUM>. The rolling spring <NUM> is configured to resiliently wrap around the roller <NUM>. The rolling spring <NUM> is a spring which is biased to a state where the rolling spring <NUM> is wrapped about, or wound around, the roller <NUM>. That is, the rolling spring <NUM> tends toward a position where the rolling spring <NUM> is fully wound around the roller <NUM>. The rolling spring <NUM> is thereby configured to apply tension to the second end of the flexible sheet <NUM> to pull the second end of the flexible sheet <NUM> toward the tensioning means <NUM>.

In use, the flexible sheet <NUM> is attached to an armrest via the first connection element <NUM> and to the tensioning means <NUM> via the second connection element <NUM>. The tensioning means <NUM> maintains tension on the flexible sheet <NUM>. As the armrest or the seatback move, the tensioning means <NUM> maintain tension on the flexible sheet <NUM>. Thereby, the position of the flexible sheet <NUM> with respect to the tension bar <NUM> is adjusted, such that a size of a first portion of the flexible sheet <NUM> between the tension bar <NUM> and the first end of the flexible sheet <NUM> and a size of a second portion of the flexible sheet <NUM> between the tension bar <NUM> and the second end of the flexible sheet <NUM> are adjusted by the action of the tensioning means in response to movement of the armrest to which the first connection element <NUM> connects the flexible sheet <NUM> in use.

<FIG> shows the apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> in different state. <FIG> shows the apparatus <NUM> in a stowed state. For example, <FIG> may be considered a representation of the apparatus <NUM> in a state where an armrest of a vehicle is stowed within a seatback in a rear seat assembly of the vehicle, where the first connection element <NUM> connects the flexible sheet <NUM> to the armrest in use. <FIG> shows the apparatus <NUM> in a deployed state. For example, <FIG> may be considered a representation of the apparatus <NUM> in a state where the armrest of the vehicle is deployed within the seatback in the rear seat assembly of the vehicle. The apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> is the same as the apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>.

In the stowed state shown in <FIG>, the tensioning means <NUM> may be in a first state. In the example of <FIG>, where the tensioning means <NUM> comprises a rolling spring <NUM> and a roller <NUM>, the rolling spring <NUM> is wrapped about the roller <NUM> by a first amount. In the deployed state of <FIG>, the tensioning means <NUM> is in a second state. In the example where the tensioning means <NUM> comprises the rolling spring <NUM> and the roller <NUM>, the rolling spring is wrapped about the roller <NUM> by a second amount. In the example of <FIG>, the second amount is greater than the first amount. In the first state, the rolling spring <NUM> may be fully unwound, and in the second state, the rolling spring may be fully wound about the roller <NUM>. However, the invention is not limited to the first and second states respectively corresponding to the rolling spring <NUM> being fully unwound and fully wound about the roller <NUM>. Alternatively, the rolling spring <NUM> may provide a greater range of movement and may be partially wound in both the first and the second states.

Comparison of <FIG> shows that as the apparatus <NUM> is moved from the stowed state to the deployed state, the tensioning means <NUM> applies maintains tension on the flexible sheet <NUM>. As the distance between the tension bar <NUM> and the first end of the flexible sheet <NUM> (and the first connection element <NUM>) changes in response to movement of the first end of the flexible sheet <NUM>, the tension applied by the tensioning means <NUM> to the flexible sheet <NUM> results in movement of the flexible sheet <NUM>. In this case, the flexible sheet <NUM> is moved such that there is a greater amount of the flexible sheet <NUM> positioned between the tension bar <NUM> and the tensioning means <NUM>. The first portion of the flexible sheet <NUM> between the tension bar <NUM> and the first end of the flexible sheet <NUM> is reduced. The first portion of the flexible sheet <NUM> is therefore held taut between the tension bar <NUM> and the first end of the flexible sheet <NUM>. Thereby, the first portion of the flexible sheet <NUM> can be provided to cover a gap existing between the armrest and the seatback of a vehicle.

Advantageously, by maintaining tension on the flexible sheet <NUM>, the first portion of the flexible sheet <NUM> is automatically adjusted by the tensioning means <NUM> to respond to changes in distance between the tensioning means <NUM> and the first end of the flexible sheet <NUM>. In use, the first end of the flexible sheet <NUM> is attached to a vehicle armrest via the first connection element <NUM>. As the armrest moves between the stowed state and the deployed state, the flexible sheet <NUM> is moved to cover a gap existing between the armrest and the seatback. This is shown with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> show a different representation of an apparatus <NUM> such as the apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>. In the example of <FIG>, the tension bar <NUM> is illustrated as being provided across the entire width of the flexible sheet <NUM>. However, as discussed above the invention is not limited to this example, and the tension bar <NUM> may be formed to support the flexible sheet <NUM> across a different proportion of the width of the flexible sheet <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the second connection element <NUM> is a connection bar comprising a straight portion and a looped portion. The straight portion is attached across the width of the second end of the flexible sheet <NUM> and the looped portion is configured to engage with the tensioning means <NUM>. However, the second connection element may be any shape suitable for providing a secure connection between the second end of the flexible sheet <NUM> and the tensioning means <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of the apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>. In the example of <FIG>, the first connection element <NUM> is represented as a connection clip, however, the invention is not limited thereto and the first connection element <NUM> may be any suitable connection element for providing a connection between the first end of the flexible sheet <NUM> and a part of the vehicle such as the armrest in use. In the example of <FIG>, the first connection element <NUM> is a connection clip configured to attach across a width of the flexible sheet <NUM> at the first end of the flexible sheet <NUM>. The first connection element <NUM> of <FIG> is formed with a shape such that the first connection element <NUM> is attachable to an armrest of the vehicle. For example, the first connection element <NUM> may be formed with protruding teeth which are arranged to engage in use with correspondingly shaped elements on the armrest and thereby secure the flexible sheet <NUM> to the armrest.

The roller <NUM> of <FIG> is shown as substantially cylindrical, but the invention is not limited thereto. The rolling spring <NUM> of <FIG> is configured to resiliently wrap about the roller <NUM>. The rolling spring <NUM> and the roller <NUM> of <FIG> have complementary shapes.

Although not shown in <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> may comprise a pair of laterally disposed frame sides, between which the flexible sheet <NUM>, the tension bar <NUM>, and the tensioning means <NUM> may be supported. In certain embodiments, the laterally disposed frame sides may be provided in use inside the seatback and thus be obscured from view. Alternatively, the laterally disposed frame sides may only support certain components of the apparatus <NUM>, and other components of the apparatus <NUM> may be fixed directly to an internal structure of the seatback or rear seat assembly.

<FIG> show a representation of an apparatus <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention in use, where the apparatus <NUM> is connected to an armrest <NUM> of a vehicle. <FIG> shows a representation where the armrest <NUM> is in the stowed state, and <FIG> shows a representation where the armrest <NUM> is in the deployed state. Here, in the stowed state, the armrest <NUM> is positioned substantially vertical, or substantially in a plane with a seatback of a seating assembly in a vehicle, such that the armrest <NUM> may be received by the seatback. In the deployed state, the armrest <NUM> extends at an angle from the seatback. In use, the armrest <NUM> may be deployed by a user for the user to rest on a surface <NUM> of the armrest <NUM>, for example.

The armrest <NUM> of <FIG> comprises a surface <NUM> on which a user may rest, a connection point <NUM> and a support frame <NUM>. In use, the armrest <NUM> may be provided in a rear seat assembly in a vehicle. The rear seat assembly may include seating on which one or more users can sit, and a seatback providing a surface to support a user's back. The armrest <NUM> may be provided as part of the rear seat assembly in use. In certain embodiments, the armrest <NUM> may be provided in a central position in the seatback of the rear seat assembly, and therefore may be provided substantially in the middle of the interior cabin of a vehicle. The armrest <NUM> may be arranged to move between a stowed state in which the armrest <NUM> is at least partially received by the seatback, and a deployed state in which the armrest <NUM> extends from the seatback. The surface <NUM> of the armrest <NUM> is a portion of the armrest <NUM> which is provided in use to the interior of a vehicle, and may for example be provided to support a user's arm. The connection point <NUM> is configured to enable the armrest <NUM> to rotate relative to the seatback to move the armrest <NUM> between the deployed state and the stowed state. For example, the connection point <NUM> may be a hinge or similar rotation mechanism, such that the armrest <NUM> is rotatable about the hinge.

The support frame <NUM> of the armrest <NUM> is connectable in use to the seatback. The support frame <NUM> of the armrest <NUM> may include the pair of laterally disposed frame sides. For example, the support frame <NUM> of the armrest <NUM> may be configured to support the apparatus <NUM> including the flexible sheet <NUM>, the tension bar <NUM> and the tensioning means <NUM>. The support frame <NUM> of the armrest <NUM> is fixed in use to the seatback, and may not be moveable with respect to the seatback in use. In <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> is attached to the armrest <NUM> by the first connection element <NUM> at the first end of the flexible sheet <NUM>. The tension bar <NUM> and tensioning means <NUM> are provided at an end of the armrest <NUM> proximal to the seatback.

In the example of <FIG>, the armrest <NUM> is in the stowed state. In this state, the armrest <NUM> is received in use by the seatback and the flexible sheet <NUM> of the apparatus is packaged behind the armrest <NUM> (i.e., within the seatback in use). The flexible sheet <NUM> is held under tension between the armrest <NUM> and the tensioning means <NUM>. The tension bar <NUM> enables a change in direction of the flexible sheet <NUM> which reduces the packaging volume of the apparatus <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the armrest <NUM> is in the deployed state. Here, the flexible sheet <NUM> is provided to cover the gap between an end of the armrest <NUM> proximal to the seatback and the seatback. The flexible sheet <NUM> thereby is provided to obscure the support frame <NUM> as well as the interior of the seatback. The flexible sheet <NUM> is held under tension between the armrest <NUM> and the tensioning means <NUM>. As such, the flexible sheet <NUM> is positioned to cover the gap between the armrest <NUM> and the seatback. Internal components of the seatback are thereby protected and ingress of dirt is prevented.

As the armrest <NUM> is moved from the stowed state of <FIG> to the deployed state of <FIG>, the first end of the flexible sheet <NUM> is moved with the armrest <NUM> in dependence on the connection between the flexible sheet <NUM> and the armrest <NUM>. In response to the movement of the armrest <NUM> and the first end of the flexible sheet <NUM>, the tensioning means <NUM> moves to maintain tension on the flexible sheet <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the tensioning means comprises the rolling spring <NUM> and the roller <NUM>, and the rolling spring <NUM> is wound about the roller <NUM> as the armrest <NUM> moves from the stowed state to the deployed state. When the armrest <NUM> is moved between the deployed state and the stowed state, the rolling spring <NUM> is unwound about the roller <NUM>. The movement of the rolling spring <NUM> changes a length of a first portion of the flexible sheet <NUM> provided between the tension bar <NUM> and the armrest <NUM>. Thus, the flexible sheet <NUM> is moved to accommodate the change in the size of the gap between the armrest <NUM> and the seatback. Advantageously, the flexible sheet <NUM> is always held under tension by the tensioning means <NUM> independently of the position of the armrest <NUM>, and therefore the flexible sheet <NUM> is positioned correctly and held taut to cover the gap even when the armrest <NUM> is moved between different positions.

In certain vehicles, the seatback may also be movable with respect to the armrest <NUM>. For example, a user may be able to adjust the seatback to recline the seatback to personalise the seating position. This may also result in a change in the size of the gap between the armrest <NUM> and the seatback. The apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> can also accommodate this change in size of the gap, because the flexible sheet <NUM> is always held under tension and the length of the flexible sheet <NUM> provided to cover the gap is adjusted by the tensioning means <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a representation of the armrest <NUM> of <FIG>, where the armrest <NUM> is in the deployed state. As can be seen in <FIG>, the flexible sheet <NUM> is provided to cover a gap between the armrest <NUM> and the seatback in use when the armrest <NUM> is deployed. In the example of <FIG>, the rear seat assembly comprises a shielding element <NUM>, provided to overlap with one or more lateral edges of the flexible sheet <NUM> to partially obscure the flexible sheet <NUM>. The shielding element <NUM> may be fixed within a recess in the seatback, said recess being provided to accommodate the armrest <NUM> in the stowed position. Advantageously, the shielding element <NUM> partially obscures the flexible sheet <NUM> to improve the coverage of the gap between the armrest <NUM> and the seatback. For example, the shielding element <NUM> may accommodate for any height difference between the flexible sheet <NUM> and the armrest <NUM> due to the position of the armrest <NUM>. The shielding element <NUM> also obscures the lateral sides of the flexible sheet <NUM> to obscure the interior of the seatback when the gap is viewed from a range of angles.

<FIG> shows a representation of a rear seat assembly <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention. The rear seat assembly <NUM> comprises a seatback <NUM>, a seat <NUM>, an armrest <NUM> such as the armrest <NUM> of <FIG>, and an apparatus <NUM> including a flexible sheet <NUM> such as the apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>. The rear seat assembly <NUM> is for installing in the rear of a vehicle in use, to provide a seating area for passengers.

The armrest <NUM> of <FIG> is movable between a stowed state where the armrest <NUM> is at least partially received by the seatback <NUM>, and a deployed state where the armrest <NUM> extends from the seatback <NUM> to be positioned over the seat <NUM> and to provide a surface <NUM> to support a user's arm, for example. The armrest <NUM> is movable between the stowed and the deployed states by rotation around an axis proximal to the seatback <NUM> at an end of the armrest <NUM>. The axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the seatback <NUM>. To accommodate receiving the armrest <NUM> in the stowed state, the seatback <NUM> includes a void for receiving the armrest <NUM>. As explained above, when the armrest <NUM> is in the deployed state, a gap exists between the end of the armrest <NUM> proximal to the seatback <NUM> and the seatback <NUM>. The apparatus <NUM> is provided to cover the gap and to protect the internal parts of the rear seat assembly <NUM>.

As the armrest <NUM> moves between the stowed and deployed states, the flexible sheet <NUM> is automatically positioned by the apparatus <NUM>, and in particular by the tensioning means <NUM>, to cover the gap. The length of the flexible sheet <NUM> which is provided to cover the gap is adjusted in response to changes in the size of the gap due to movement of the armrest <NUM> or the seatback <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the seatback <NUM> may be moveable, such that a user can change the inclination of the seatback <NUM>.

The tension bar <NUM> and the tensioning means <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> are provided within the seatback <NUM> or partly below the seat <NUM> in use. Thereby, the tension bar <NUM> and the tensioning means <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>, as well as the second portion of the flexible sheet <NUM> provided between the tension bar <NUM> and the tensioning means <NUM>, are obscured by the seatback <NUM> or the seat <NUM> and are protected from damage.

The rear seat assembly <NUM> of <FIG> comprises the shielding element <NUM> provided to shield at least one lateral edge of the flexible sheet <NUM>. This improves the coverage of the gap, and also protects the flexible sheet <NUM> from damage. However, the shielding element <NUM> may be omitted in certain embodiments.

In certain embodiments, the rear seat assembly <NUM> may comprise a pair of laterally disposed support frames configured to support the apparatus <NUM>. Alternatively, the pair of laterally disposed support frames may be configured to support only parts of the apparatus <NUM>, such as the tension bar <NUM> or the tensioning means <NUM>, and other parts of the apparatus <NUM> may be supported by alternative means within the seatback <NUM> or the seat <NUM>. The laterally disposed support frames may also hingeably support the armrest <NUM> proximal to the seatback <NUM>. The armrest <NUM>, when supported by the laterally disposed support frames, is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to and passing through the pair of laterally disposed support frames.

In certain embodiments, the shielding element <NUM> may be integrally formed with the laterally disposed support frames. Alternatively, these may be separately formed. In certain embodiments, the shielding element <NUM> may act as the support to support the apparatus <NUM> and to hingeably support the armrest <NUM>.

Although not shown in <FIG>, the rear seat assembly <NUM> comprises the tension bar <NUM> and the tensioning means <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>.

In certain embodiments, the flexible sheet <NUM> is attached to the armrest <NUM> by the first connection element <NUM>. The first connection element <NUM> may be a connection clip that facilitates easy attachment and removal of the flexible sheet <NUM> from the armrest <NUM>. Advantageously, the flexible sheet <NUM> and armrest <NUM> can be easily separated, for example to replace the flexible sheet <NUM> if damaged, or to access the armrest <NUM> or within the seatback <NUM> to service the vehicle.

Claim 1:
A rear seat assembly (<NUM>) for use in a vehicle, the rear seat assembly comprising:
a seatback (<NUM>);
an armrest (<NUM>) hingeably mounted in relation to the seatback and configured to move from a stowed position in which the armrest (<NUM>) is at least partially received in the seatback (<NUM>), to a deployed position in which the armrest (<NUM>) extends from the seatback (<NUM>); and
an apparatus comprising:
a flexible sheet (<NUM>) for covering a gap between the armrest (<NUM>) and the seatback, the flexible sheet (<NUM>) having a first end attached to the armrest (<NUM>);
tensioning means (<NUM>) attached to a second end of the flexible sheet (<NUM>), wherein the tensioning means (<NUM>) is arranged to apply tension to the flexible sheet (<NUM>); characterised in that the apparatus further comprises
a tension bar (<NUM>) positioned between the first end and the tensioning means (<NUM>) such that the flexible sheet (<NUM>) is maintained in tension by the tensioning means (<NUM>) over the tension bar (<NUM>).