SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
20190337421 · 2019-11-07
Inventors
- Thibaud Condamin (Orliénas, FR)
- Nordine Hamtache (Roche La Moliere, FR)
- Antoine Moulin (Aurec-sur-Loire, FR)
Cpc classification
B60N2/072
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60N2/0732
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60N2/0806
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60N2/502
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60N2205/20
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60N2/01591
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
Abstract
A support assembly includes a support member, a side member, and a resilient member. The support member may be configured to engage a track. The resilient member may be connected to the support member, and/or the support member may be connected to the side member. The resilient member may be configured to compensate for different orientations of the side member. The resilient member may be configured to maintain a position of the side member relative to the track. The resilient member may be configured to compensate for different lateral positions of the side member relative to the track. The resilient member may be connected to a lateral side of the support member. The resilient member may be disposed proximate a first end of the support member, and/or a second resilient member may be disposed proximate a second end of the support member.
Claims
1. A support assembly, comprising; a support member configured to engage a track; a side member; and a resilient member; wherein the resilient member is connected to the support member; and the support member is connected to the side member.
2. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the resilient member is configured to compensate for different orientations of the side member.
3. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the resilient member is configured to maintain a position of the side member relative to the track.
4. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the resilient member is configured to compensate for different lateral positions of the side member relative to the track.
5. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the resilient member is connected to a lateral side of the support member.
6. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the resilient member is disposed proximate a first end of the support member; and a second resilient member is disposed proximate a second end of the support member.
7. The support assembly of claim 6, wherein the resilient member and the second resilient member are disposed on a lateral side of the support member.
8. The support assembly of claim 7, including a third resilient member and a fourth resilient member; wherein the third resilient member and the fourth resilient member are disposed on a second lateral side of the support member; and the lateral side is opposite the second lateral side.
9. The support assembly of claim 1, including a second track, a second support member, and a second side member; wherein the second support member is connected to the second side member.
10. The support assembly of claim 9, wherein the second support member is fixed to the second track such that relative lateral movement between the second support member and the second track is substantially prevented.
11. The support assembly of claim 10, wherein the second support member does not include a resilient member configured to compensate for lateral movement of the second side member relative to the second support member.
12. The support assembly of claim 10, wherein the resilient member compensates for different lateral positions of the side member relative to the track, and the second support member is rigidly fixed to the second side member.
13. The support assembly of claim 12, wherein the resilient member is configured to compensate for forces applied to the second side member.
14. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the support member includes a connector configured to engage the side member.
15. The support assembly of claim 14, wherein the connector projects from a lateral side of the support member.
16. The support assembly of claim 14, wherein the side member includes an aperture to receive a portion of the connector.
17. The support assembly of claim 14, wherein the connector limits longitudinal and vertical movement of the side member relative to the support member.
18. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the resilient member is substantially cone-shaped.
19. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the resilient member includes a vent hole.
20. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the resilient member is substantially centered on a lateral side of the support member.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] 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, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.
[0022] In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
[0023] With embodiments, a support member 40 may be connected to a side member 60 and/or a track 30. The support member 40 may be configured to connect to (e.g., engage) a track 30. The support member 40 and/or the track 30 may extend substantially longitudinally. For example and without limitation, the support member 40 may move (e.g., slide and/or roll) in a longitudinal direction along the track 30. The support member 40 may selectively engage and/or disengage from the track 30.
[0024] In embodiments, the support member 40 may include a cassette configuration, and/or may include a cam 46, anchoring components 47, and/or a locking component 48, some or all of which may be configured to selectively connect the support member 40 with the track 30. The cam 46, the anchoring components 47, and/or the locking component 48 may be disposed substantially within the support member 40. The cam 46 may be configured to rotate about a vertical axis. The cam 46 may limit vertical movement and/or play between the support member 40 and the track 30. The anchoring components 47 may limit vertical disengagement of the support member 40 with the track 30, such if the support assembly is subjected to large loads (e.g., vehicle crash loads). The locking component 48 may include one or more track locking portions 48A (see, e.g.,
[0025] In embodiments, a side member 60 may be substantially planar and/or may connect to an external component 50. The external component 50 may include a seating surface, a seat body portion, and/or a support cushion, among other components. The side member 60 may extend substantially in a longitudinal direction (e.g., parallel to the support member 40 and/or the track 30) and/or in a vertical direction. The side member 60 may be connected to the support member 40 via one or more connectors 100 (see, e.g.,
[0026] In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
[0027] With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
[0028] The first side 72 and/or the second side 74 may connect to the side member 60. For example, a support assembly 20 may include a first resilient member 70A with a first side 72 that may be connected to the side member 60, and a second side 74 that may be connected to the support member 40 (see, e.g.,
[0029] Referring again to
[0030] The aperture size (e.g., radius) may be smaller than the flange size (e.g., radius) such that after insertion of the flange 76 into the aperture 77, a portion of the support member 40 or a side member 60 may be disposed between the second side 74 of the resilient member 70 and the flange 76. In embodiments, the flange 76 may deflect and/or deform during insertion into an aperture 77 (e.g., an aperture 77 in the side member 60 and/or the support member 40). The flange 76 may include a tapered edge 78 that may facilitate insertion of the flange 76 into the aperture 77. The second side 74 of the resilient member 70 may deform such that the flange 76 may attach the resilient member 70 to the support member 40 (or a side member 60) via an aperture 77. The first side 72 of the resilient member 70 may deform such as to absorb forces from the side member 60. A flange 76 may be configured to positively connect a resilient member 70 to a support member 40 and/or a side member 60.
[0031] In embodiments, such as generally shown in
[0032] In embodiments, as shown in
[0033] Referring again to
[0034] With embodiments, a design position of the support assembly 20 may include all of the resilient members 70 having the same degree of deformation and/or deflection. The design position may include the first portion 62 of the side member 60 disposed the same distance from the inner side 42 of the support member 40 as the second portion 64 of the side member 60 may be disposed from the outer side 44 of the support member 40 (e.g., the support member 40 may be centered between the first portion 62 and the second portion 64). In a second position, such as generally illustrated in
[0035] In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
[0036] In embodiments, the side member 60 may not be aligned longitudinally with the support member 40 (e.g., the side member 60 may be disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the support member 40 and/or a longitudinal direction). The first portion 62 and/or second portion 64 may be disposed at angles .sub.1 and .sub.2, respectively, relative to the support member 40 in a first configuration, and/or the first portion 62 and the second portion 64 may be disposed at angles .sub.3 and .sub.4, respectively, relative to the support member 40 in a second configuration. Angles .sub.1, .sub.2, .sub.3, and .sub.4 may or may not be equal. For example and without limitation, angle .sub.1 may not be equal to angle .sub.2. In embodiments, angle .sub.1 and angle .sub.2 may be equal such that side member portions 62, 64 are parallel to each other. With embodiments, the resilient members 70 may maintain alignment of the support member 40 with the track 30 for different relative longitudinal positions and/or different angles .sub.1, .sub.2, .sub.3, .sub.4 (e.g., longitudinal misalignment).
[0037] In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
[0038] With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
[0039] In embodiments, resilient members 70 may compensate (e.g., via flexing, deforming, etc.) for forces on the side member 60, such as lateral forces that may move the side member 60 out of alignment with the support member 40. Additionally or alternatively, the resilient members 70 may be configured to compensate for different orientations (e.g., angles) of the side member 60 relative to the support member 40. For example, the resilient members 70 may be configured to maintain the position of the support member 40 relative to the track 30 with different positions of the side member 60. The resilient members 70 may prevent and/or limit deflection of the support member 40 relative to the track 30 when subjected to forces from the side member 60. In embodiments, the resilient members 70 may keep the support member 40 centered and/or aligned with the track 30 while the support member 40 moves along the track 30, which may facilitate proper locking of the cam 46, the anchoring components 47, and/or the locking component 48 even if the side member 60 is not be parallel to the track 30. The resilient members 70 may limit misalignment and/or avoid disconnection between the support member 40 and the track 30. The resilient members 70 may keep the support member 40 substantially parallel to the track 30 for different angles of the side member 60. The resilient members 70 may be configured to maintain a substantially parallel alignment between the support member 40 and the track 30 when the side member 60 is not substantially parallel to the support member 40 and/or the track 30.
[0040] In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
[0041] In embodiments, such as generally shown in
[0042] In embodiments, the support member 40 may move along the connector 100 (and/or the connector 100 may move within the cassette). The resilient member 70 may include a length L.sub.2 and may deform and/or flex with movement of the support member 40 such that the resilient member length L.sub.2 is equal to the first distance D.sub.1 between the side member 60 and the support member 40 (e.g., a resilient member 70 may deform to remain in contact with a support member 40 and/or a side member 60). The support assembly 20 may include a first position which may be a design position. In a design position (see, e.g.,
[0043] In the design position, a first side 72 of a resilient member 70 may have a radius R.sub.1. In the second position, the first side 72 may have a radius R2. The radius R.sub.1 of the resilient member 70 in the design position may be smaller than the radius R.sub.2 of the resilient member 70 in the second position (e.g., the resilient member 70 may include a greater degree of deformation in the second position than in the design position). A resilient member 70 may, for example and without limitation, compensate for a wide range of positions and/or orientations of the side member 60 relative to the support member 40 while maintaining a connection of the support member 40 with the track 30.
[0044] In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
[0045] With embodiments, the second support member 240 and/or the second side member 260 may be substantially parallel to the second track 230. The side member 60 may or may not be substantially parallel to the second side member 260. The second support member 240 may be connected with the second side member 260 and the second track 230 such that movement of the second support member 240 in the lateral direction is substantially prevented. Additionally or alternatively, angular misalignment between the second side member 260, the second support member 240, and the second track 230 may be substantially prevented. For example, the second support member 240 may be connected to the second side member 260 substantially without play, at least in a lateral direction. The support member 40 may or may not include resilient members 70 compensating for lateral movement of the second side member 260 relative to the second support member 240. The second support member 240 and the second side member 260 may be connected (e.g., fixed and/or rigidly connected) such as not to move laterally with respect to each other.
[0046] In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
[0047] With embodiments, the first aperture 270 may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example, the first aperture 270 may be generally circular and/or rounded. The first aperture 270 may include a diameter larger than a diameter of the first connector 272, which may permit relative movement between the support member 240 and the second side member 260, at least to some degree, in the Z and/or X direction.
[0048] In embodiments, the second aperture 280 may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example, the second aperture 280 may be generally oval-shaped and/or elongated such that a width of the second aperture 280 is greater than a diameter of the second connector 282, which may permit relative movement of the second support member 240 and the second side member 260, at least to some degree, in the X direction.
[0049] In embodiments, movement (e.g., lateral and/or angular) of the second side member 260 may be compensated for by the resilient members 70 connected to the side member 60 and/or the support member 40. The resilient members 70 may compensate for different lateral positions of the side member 60 relative to the support member 40, and/or the second support member 240 may be configured to substantially prevent lateral movement of the second side member 260 relative to the second support member 240.
[0050] Various 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 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 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 embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the 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.
[0051] Reference throughout the specification to 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 embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases 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 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.
[0052] 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's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of embodiments.
[0053] 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 and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. The use of e.g. in the specification is to be construed broadly and is 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 intended to be inclusive unless such a construction would be illogical.
[0054] 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.
[0055] It is intended that 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.