Automotive seat with active back

US7237847B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Johnson Controls Technology Company · US

Inventors

• Robert L. Hancock · Lafayette, US
• Terrence M. Cussen · Ann Arbor, US
• Lance Larsen · Southfield, US
• David Hensel · Canton, US
• Joseph McElroy · Ann Arbor, US
• Michael R. Benzing · Britton, US
• William H. Jones · Ortona, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 11, 2003
• Grant date: Jul 3, 2007
• Expiry date: Aug 4, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60N2/6673
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle seat for use by an occupant in a vehicle, for example an automobile. The vehicle seat comprises a seat base (12) coupled to a support structure (6) of the vehicle. A back frame (40) including side members (41, 43), the back frame further includes a second transverse member (46) coupled to the first and second side members, wherein the side members each have a lower end pivotably coupled to the seat base. A compliant back (60) is operably connected at an upper end to the second transverse member (46) and operably connected at a lower portion proximate the lower ends of the side members, and may include a biasing mechanism. The seat may also include a tuberosity pivot (54) coupled to the back frame (40) and the seat base (12), which pivot may be motorized.