WO2025128356A1 - Bladder tail paired with trim - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus comprises a sheet including a plurality of bladders and associated tubing defining fluid flow paths to the plurality of bladders, and at least one tail extending from the sheet to a distal end. The at least one tail comprises one or more portions of at least some of the fluid flow paths. A trim cover is associated with the sheet. The flap extends from the trim cover and overlaps at least a portion of the at least one tail. The flap and the at least one tail wrap around a seat member and position the distal end relative to a housing associated with a fluid source.

Description

BLADDER TAIL PAIRED WITH TRIM

CROSS-REFERENCE RELATED TO APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Unites States Provisional Application No. 63/610,268 which was filed on December 14, 2023, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Seats may include lumber/bolster valves and massage valves that are configured in a valve arrangement. The valves inflate or deflate associated fluid bladders in the seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat assembly schematically showing the bladder sheet and tail assembly wrapping around the seat back.

[0004] Figure 2A is a perspective rear view of an example seat back trim cover and bladder sheet.

[0005] Figure 2B is a real' view of the seat back trim cover and bladder sheet of Figure 2A.

[0006] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a distal end of a tail from the bladder sheet of Figures 2A-2B.

[0007] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of connectors connecting a flap of the trim cover to a seat back.

[0008] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the distal end of one of the tails overlapping the trim cover as attached to the seat back.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well- known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0010] One or more” includes a function being performed by one element, a function being performed by more than one element, e.g., in a distributed fashion, several functions being performed by one element, several functions being performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0011] It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0012] The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0013] As used herein, the term “if’ is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context. [0014] It should be understood that terms such as “about,” “substantially,” and “generally” arc not intended to be boundarylcss terms, and should be interpreted consistent with the way one skilled in the art would interpret those terms.

[0015] This disclosure relates to a tail from a bladder sheet and a portion of a trim cover that are wrapped around a seat back frame to position a connecting end of the tail relative to a valve housing.

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a seat assembly 10 according to one example embodiment. The seat assembly 10 may be utilized as a vehicle seat assembly 10 for seating in a vehicle, such as an automobile, an aircraft, a watercraft, or any other seating environment. The seat assembly 10 includes a seat bottom 12, which may be adapted to be mounted for motor-driven adjustable translation in a fore and aft direction and in an up and down direction of a vehicle. The seat assembly 10 includes a seat back 14, which may be pivotally connected to the seat bottom 12 to extend generally upright relative to the seat bottom 12 for pivotal adjustment relative to the seat bottom 12. It should be understood that this is just one example of a seat configuration, and that other configurations could also be utilized.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, a bite-line 16 or separation area is located between the seat back 14 and the seat bottom 12. In one example, the seat back 14 includes side frame members 18 and at least one laterally extending cross frame member 20 extending between the side frame members 18. In one example, the cross frame member 20 is positioned adjacent to the bite-line 16.

[0018] Figures 2A-B illustrate a bladder sheet 22 with a plurality of bladders 24, e.g., expandable cells, and associated tubing 26 that define fluid flow paths to the plurality of bladders 24. In one example, the bladders 24 are used for lumbar or massage purposes. One or more tails 28 extend from the bladder sheet 22 to connect to a valve bank 30 (Figure 1). An actuator assembly 32, schematically shown in Figure 1, controls inflation of the bladders 24 via the valve bank 30. The actuator assembly 32 may include a compressor or pneumatic pump connected to the valve bank 30 to provide a source of fluid to the bladders 24. A seat control module associated with the seat assembly 10, and is identified generally as a controller 34. In one example, the controller 34 regulates compressed air into and out of the bladders 24 in the seat assembly 10. The controller 34 and actuator assembly 32 may be installed in the seat back 14, as shown, or installed under the seat, or anywhere suitable in the vehicle. Further, the controller 34 and actuator assembly 32 may be one unit or separate units from each other.

[0019] The controller 34 may include a processing unit and non-transitory memory for executing various control strategies. The processing unit can be a custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), or generally any device for executing software instructions. The memory can include any one or combination of volatile memory elements and/or nonvolatile memory elements. The processing unit can be programmed to execute one or more programs stored in the memory. The programs may be stored in the memory as software code, for example. The programs stored in the memory may include one or more additional or separate programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions associated with controlling the valve bank. While shown as a single controller, the controller 34 may be comprised of one or more controllers. The controller 34 may also be in communication with, and responsive to instructions from, another controller.

[0020] In one example shown in Figures 2A-2B, the bladder sheet 22 includes one or more tails 28 that extend downwardly from an outer peripheral edge of the sheet 22. In the example shown there is at least a first set of bladders 24a and a second set of bladders 24b. Each set of bladders 24a, 24b includes associated tubing 26a, 26b, with each set of tubing 26a, 26b being associated with one tail 28a, 28b. In one example, the sheet 22 is positioned on one side of the seat back 14 and a trim cover 36 is position to overlap the sheet 22. The trim cover 36 can comprise one or more layers of various types of materials. In one example, a flap 38 extends from a bottom edge of the trim cover 36 and is associated with the one or more tails 28a, 28b. The flap 38 can be an integral extension of material from the trim cover 36 or can be a separately attached piece of material. The tails 28a, 28b and the flap 38 are wrapped around a seat back frame to position a connecting end of the tails 28a, 28b relative to a housing of the valve bank 30.

[0021] In one example, the sheet 22 is comprised of one or more layers of material integrally formed together as a single piece structure. In one example, the sheet 22 is comprised of a plastic material such as Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) material; however, other types of material could also be used. In one example, the sheet 22 and the tails 28a, 28b comprise a unitary body, e.g., a single-piece, monolithic body. In one example, each tail 28a, 28b is associated with one set of bladders 24a, 24b and comprises a discrete reduced strip portion that extends to a distal end that is separate from distal ends of other tails. [0022] The bladders 24 are also integrally formed within the sheet, and in one example, comprise pneumatic cells that arc selectively inflatable and dcflatablc. The associated tubing 26 is also integrally formed within the sheet 22, and in one example, comprises discrete/defined elongated open areas formed within the sheet that define fluid flow paths to the plurality of bladders 24. In one example, the fluid flow paths comprise pneumatic routes to connect each bladder 24 to an air source via the valve bank 30.

[0023] In one example, each tail 28a, 28b comprises a reduced width portion, e.g. a naiTow strip portion as compared to an overall width of the sheet 22, which extends from one edge of the sheet 22. Each tail 28a, 28b extends from the sheet 22 to a distal end 40 (Figure 3). Each tail 28a, 28b comprises one or more portions of at least some of the fluid flow paths. In other words, the tails 28a, 28b comprise distal end portions of the tubing 26 that are to be extended to connect to the valve housing of the valve bank 30. In one example, the flap 38 overlaps at least a portion of the tails 28a, 28b, and the flap and the tails wrap around, (e.g., at least partially surround) a seat member such as a seat back frame member, for example. The distal ends 40 of the tails 28a, 28b are then extended to connect to the valve bank 30.

[0024] In one example, the trim cover 36 extends over the sheet 22 on an occupant facing side of the seat back 14 and the flap 38 is routed through the bite-line 16 between the seat back 14 and the seat bottom 12. In one example, the flap 38 includes one or more connectors 42 and the flap 38 guides the one or more tails 28a, 28b around the seat back frame member to connect the connectors 42 to the seat back 14 and hold the trim cover 36 in place. In one example, the seat back frame member is the cross frame member 20, which comprises a bar body that extends in a lateral direction across the seat back 14. During the step of guiding, the flap 38 protects the tails 28a, 28b such that the flap 38 is positioned between the tails 28a, 28b and the cross frame member 20. In one example, the connectors 42 extend from a peripheral edge of the flap 38 and comprise a coupling body to grip or grasp a mount structure, e.g. the cross frame member 20. Once the flap 38 has guided the tails 28a, 28b through the bite-line 16 and around the cross frame member 20, the connectors 42 are secured to the cross frame member 20 to hold the trim cover 36 in place.

[0025] In one example, the connectors 42 include a hook member comprising a curved engagement member or grasping/gripping member (Figure 2B). In one example, the connectors 42 comprise J-connectors that attach the trim cover 36 to frame member 20 as shown in Figure 4. When the flap 38 of the trim cover 36 is attached to the frame member 20, the flap 38 and associated connectors 42 are directly between the tails 28a, 28b and the frame member 20 as shown in Figure 5. This protects the tails 28a, 28b from being damaged as they arc routed through the seat to attach to the valve bank 30 located on a rear side of the seat back 14.

[0026] In one example shown in Figure 3, the one or more portions of at least some of the fluid flow paths in the tails 28a, 28b comprise a plurality of tubes 44, e.g., discrete open channels, that extend to distal ends that are associated with a first connector interface 46. In one example, the first connector interface 46 comprises a tube pneumatic coupler that mates with a second connector interface 48, e.g., housing pneumatic coupler, associated with the valve housing of the valve bank 30 as shown in Figure 1.

[0027] In one example, the valve bank 30 is positioned on an opposite side of the seat back 14 from the bladder sheet 22. The tails 28a, 28b extend from the sheet 22 to the respective distal end 40 that includes the first connector interface 46. The flap 38 guides the tails 28a, 28b around the frame member 20 and positions the distal ends 40 such that the first connector interface 46 is connectable to the second connector interface 48 associated with the valve bank 30.

[0028] In one example, a method includes guiding a tail from a massage bladder sheet around a seat back frame via a trim cover and securing the flap to the seat back. For example, the method includes steps comprising: positioning a sheet adjacent a seating structure, the sheet including a plurality of bladders and associated tubing defining fluid flow paths to the plurality of bladders; extending at least one tail from the sheet, the at least one tail extending to a distal end and comprising one or more portions of at least some of the fluid flow paths; positioning a trim cover relative to the sheet, wherein the trim cover includes a flap; guiding the at least one tail around a seat member associated with the seating structure with the flap to position the distal end relative to a housing associated with a fluid source; and securing the flap to the seat member.

[0029] The method may also include any of the following steps either alone or in any combination thereof. In one example, the method includes extending the at least one tail from one edge of sheet, the at least one tail comprising a reduced width compared to an overall width of the sheet.

[0030] In one example, the method includes the at least one tail comprising a plurality of tails, and includes extending each tail from an edge of the sheet, and associating each tail with one set of bladders from the plurality of bladders. [0031] In one example, the method includes a seat assembly comprising a seat bottom and a scat back extending upright relative to the scat bottom, and includes extending the trim cover over the sheet on an occupant side of the seat back and routing the flap through a bite-line between the seat back and the seat bottom.

[0032] In one example, the method includes the flap comprising at least one connector, and includes using the flap to guide the at least one tail around a seat back frame member such that the flap is positioned between the at least one tail and the seat back frame member, and securing the flap to the seat back frame member with the at least one connector.

[0033] In one example, the method includes associating a first connector with the distal end of the at least one tail, associating a second connector with the housing, and connecting the first connector and second connector to each other.

[0034] In one example, an apparatus may include a sheet having a plurality of bladders and associated tubing defining fluid flow paths to the plurality of bladders; at least one tail extending from the sheet to a distal end, the at least one tail comprising one or more portions of at least some of the fluid flow paths; a trim cover associated with the sheet; and a flap extending from the trim cover and overlapping at least a portion of the at least one tail, wherein the flap and the at least one tail wrap around a seat member and position the distal end relative to a housing associated with a fluid source.

[0035] The apparatus may also include any of the following features either alone or in any combination thereof. In one example, the apparatus may have the sheet and the at least one tail comprise a unitary body.

[0036] In one example, the apparatus may have the at least one tail extending from one edge of sheet and have a reduced width compared to an overall width of the sheet.

[0037] In one example, the apparatus may have the at least one tail comprising a plurality of tails extending from an edge of the sheet, and wherein each tail is associated with one set of bladders from the plurality of bladders.

[0038] In one example, the apparatus may have a seat assembly comprising a seat bottom and a seat back extending upright relative to the seat bottom, and wherein the trim cover extends over the sheet on an occupant side of the seat back and the flap that is routed through a bite-line between the seat back and the seat bottom. [0039] In one example, the apparatus may have the flap including at least one connector, and wherein the flap guides the at least one tail around a scat back frame member such that the flap is positioned between the at least one tail and the seat back frame member with the at least one connector being secured to the seat back frame member.

[0040] In one example, the apparatus may have the at least one connector comprising a hook member.

[0041] In one example, the apparatus may have the one or more portions of at least some of the fluid flow paths in the at least one tail comprising a plurality of tubes that extend to distal ends that are associated with a first connector interface that mates with a second connector interface associated with a valve housing.

[0042] In one example, an assembly comprises: a seat bottom; a seat back extending upright relative to the seat bottom; a sheet positioned on an occupant side of the seat back, the sheet comprising a plurality of bladders and associated tubing defining fluid flow paths to the plurality of bladders; a valve housing positioned on an opposite side of the seat back from the sheet; at least one tail extending from the sheet to a distal end with a first connector, the at least one tail comprising one or more portions of at least some of the fluid flow paths; a trim cover associated with the sheet; and a flap extending from the trim cover and overlapping a least a portion of the at least one tail, wherein the flap and the at least one tail extend through a bite-line between the seat bottom and seat back, wrap around a seat frame member, and position the distal end of the at least one tail such that the first connector is connectable to a second connector associated with the valve housing.

[0043] The assembly may also include any of the following features either alone or in any combination thereof. In one example, the assembly may have the sheet and the at least one tail comprising a unitary body.

[0044] In one example, the assembly may have the at least one tail extending from one edge of sheet and have a reduced width compared to an overall width of the sheet.

[0045] In one example, the assembly may have the at least one tail comprising a plurality of tails extending from an edge of the sheet, and wherein each tail is associated with one set of bladders from the plurality of bladders.

[0046] In one example, the assembly may have the flap including at least one connector, and wherein the flap guides the at least one tail around the seat frame member such that the flap is positioned between the at least one tail and the seat frame member with the at least one connector being secured to the scat frame member.

[0047] In one example, the assembly may have the at least one connector comprising a hook member.

[0048] The subject disclosure provides for a massage connection that stays with the foam/trim assembly on a front of a seat back and that is routed via the trim's frame connection. The subject disclosure thus provides a way to route the massage bladder tail without going through the foam itself or getting damaged from brushing against the seat frame. Further, the flap/connection interface remains positioned between the tails and the seat back frame member to continue to protect the tails from damage.

[0049] Although the different examples have the specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another one of the examples. In addition, the various figures accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show certain details of a particular component or arrangement.

[0050] One of ordinary skill in this art would understand that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and non-limiting. That is, modifications of this disclosure would come within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a sheet including a plurality of bladders and associated tubing defining fluid flow paths to the plurality of bladders; at least one tail extending from the sheet to a distal end, the at least one tail comprising one or more portions of at least some of the fluid flow paths; a trim cover associated with the sheet; and a flap extending from the trim cover and overlapping at least a portion of the at least one tail, wherein the flap and the at least one tail wrap around a seat member and position the distal end relative to a housing associated with a fluid source.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sheet and the at least one tail comprise a unitary body.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one tail extends from one edge of sheet and has a reduced width compared to an overall width of the sheet.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one tail comprises a plurality of tails extending from an edge of the sheet, and wherein each tail is associated with one set of bladders from the plurality of bladders.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, including a seat assembly comprising a seat bottom and a seat back extending upright relative to the seat bottom, and wherein the trim cover extends over the sheet on an occupant side of the seat back and the flap that is routed through a bite-line between the seat back and the seat bottom.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the flap includes at least one connector, and wherein the flap guides the at least one tail around a seat back frame member such that the flap is positioned between the at least one tail and the seat back frame member with the at least one connector being secured to the seat back frame member.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one connector comprises a hook member.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more portions of at least some of the fluid flow paths in the at least one tail comprise a plurality of tubes that extend to distal ends that are associated with a first connector interface that mates with a second connector interface associated with a valve housing.

9. A method comprising: positioning a sheet adjacent a seating structure, the sheet including a plurality of bladders and associated tubing defining fluid flow paths to the plurality of bladders; extending at least one tail from the sheet, the at least one tail extending to a distal end and comprising one or more portions of at least some of the fluid flow paths; positioning a trim cover relative to the sheet, wherein the trim cover includes a flap; guiding the at least one tail around a seat member associated with the seating structure with the flap to position the distal end relative to a housing associated with a fluid source; and securing the flap to the seat member.

10. The method of claim 9, including extending the at least one tail from one edge of sheet, the at least one tail comprising a reduced width compared to an overall width of the sheet.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one tail comprises a plurality of tails, and including extending each tail from an edge of the sheet, and associating each tail with one set of bladders from the plurality of bladders.

12. The method of claim 9, including a seat assembly comprising a seat bottom and a seat back extending upright relative to the seat bottom, and including extending the trim cover over the sheet on an occupant side of the seat back and routing the flap through a bite-line between the seat back and the seat bottom.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the flap includes at least one connector, and including using the flap to guide the at least one tail around a seat back frame member such that the flap is positioned between the at least one tail and the seat back frame member, and securing the flap to the scat back frame member with the at least one connector.

14. The method of claim 9, associating a first connector with the distal end of the at least one tail, associating a second connector with the housing, and connecting the first connector and second connector to each other.

15. An assembly comprising: a seat bottom; a seat back extending upright relative to the seat bottom; a sheet positioned on an occupant side of the seat back, the sheet comprising a plurality of bladders and associated tubing defining fluid flow paths to the plurality of bladders; a valve housing positioned on an opposite side of the seat back from the sheet; at least one tail extending from the sheet to a distal end with a first connector, the at least one tail comprising one or more portions of at least some of the fluid flow paths; a trim cover associated with the sheet; and a flap extending from the trim cover and overlapping a least a portion of the at least one tail, wherein the flap and the at least one tail extend through a bite-line between the seat bottom and seat back, wrap around a seat frame member, and position the distal end of the at least one tail such that the first connector is connectable to a second connector associated with the valve housing.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the sheet and the at least one tail comprise a unitary body.

17. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the at least one tail extends from one edge of sheet and has a reduced width compared to an overall width of the sheet.

18. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the at least one tail comprises a plurality of tails extending from an edge of the sheet, and wherein each tail is associated with one set of bladders from the plurality of bladders.

19. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the flap includes at least one connector, and wherein the flap guides the at least one tail around the scat frame member such that the flap is positioned between the at least one tail and the seat frame member with the at least one connector being secured to the seat frame member.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the at least one connector comprises a hook member.