Vehicle seat assembly having a vehicle occupant sensing system and a seat cushion insert positioned therein

• US 7,172,244 B2
• Filed: 07/02/2004
• Issued: 02/06/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/26/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Young, Oliver, Ali, Asad
• Primary Examiner(s): Nelson, Jr.; Milton
• Application Number:
  US10/884,838
• Publication Number:
  US 20040262963A1
• Time in Patent Office: 949 Days
• Field of Search: 297/217.3, 297/216.1, 297/452.18, 297/463.1, 297/452.55, 297/452.26
• US Class Current: 297/217.3
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/002 Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon detection means responsive to presence or absence of children B60N2/266
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/4142 for controlling activation of safety devices, e.g. airbag systems electrical circuits for triggering safety arrangements in case of vehicle accidents B60R21/015

Abstract

A vehicle seat assembly that includes a seat cushion having at least one recess disposed thereon. The vehicle seat assembly also has a plurality of sensor assemblies, each including a base and an upper slide member. The upper slide member is supported for movement toward and away from the base in response to a condition of the seat cushion. Additionally, the vehicle seat assembly includes at least one seat cushion insert disposed within the recess of the seat cushion.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat assembly comprising:

a seat pan having a middle section and a plurality of bolsters disposed on the periphery of said middle section;

a seat cushion operatively supported by said seat pan and having at least one recess disposed thereon;

a plurality of sensor assemblies, each including a base and an upper slide member, said upper slide member supported for movement toward and away from said base in response to a condition of said seat cushion; and

at least one seat cushion insert disposed within said recess of said seat cushion and over said middle section of said seat pan, wherein at least one of said upper slide members engages said seat cushion insert.

2. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said seat cushion insert includes at least one indent adapted to receive at least one of said upper slide members.

3. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said recess is disposed on a lower surface of said seat cushion.

4. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said recess is disposed on a middle portion of said seat cushion.

5. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said seat cushion insert is made out of polyurethane foam.

6. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said seat cushion insert includes a forward portion and a rear portion, and said forward portion is disposed at a positive angle relative said rear portion of said seat cushion insert.

7. A vehicle seat assembly as set forth in claim 6, wherein said forward portion includes at least one indent defining an axis that is generally perpendicular to said rear portion of said seat cushion insert.