GB2339683A

GB2339683A - A seat

Info

Publication number: GB2339683A
Application number: GB9913257A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dennis John William Bilson; Janet Mary Mercer
Original assignee: MG Rover Group Ltd
Current assignee: MG Rover Group Ltd
Priority date: 1998-06-17
Filing date: 1999-06-09
Publication date: 2000-02-09
Also published as: GB9812949D0; GB9913257D0

Description

2339683 A SEAT The present invention relates to a seat and more

particularly to a seat for use within a motor vehicle.

In the modem world, there is a desire to distinguish initially uniform products in order to express individuality. Thus, with regard to massproduced products such as motor vehicles there is a desire, by the owners and occupiers of those vehicles, to personalise their vehicle in comparison with owners of similar vehicles. Consequently, lifestyle variable features and limited edition vehicles are now common within the motor trade.

Within a motor vehicle a substantial proportion of the interior visible surface is constituted by the seating. Unfortunately, in order to limit manufacturing complexity, motor vehicle manufacturers must determine acceptable but limited combinations of seating material normally with reference to body colour along with trim level. Thus, although the manufacturer attempts to provide a purchaser of a motor vehicle with a range of options to allow distinction, that range of options is inherently limited and fixed for the lifetime of the vehicle.

Obviously, seat covers can be provided over a seat to alter its texture and colour but these are difficult and time consuming to install. Furthermore, seat covers are relatively expensive and normally specific to a particular type of vehicle seat.

Ideally, an owner of a motor vehicle should be able to vary, in accordance with mood, Season or functional requirement, the seating within their vehicle. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a seat for a motor vehicle which can achieve these variations.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a seat for a motor vehicle, the seat comprising a base and a back squab, said base and/or said back squab including fastening means associated with a reception area, the fastening means and the reception area being arranged to receive and secure at least one occupant bespoke component to allow a multiplicity of seat configurations with respective distinct occupant bespoke components for each such seat configuration in order to render that seat functional within a motor vehicle.

Preferably, the reception area is recessed and may include pockets for storage, etc.

The fastening means may be of a press-stud or a hook and fleece (Velcro RTM) type fastener combination or a zip fastener or a laced fastener or an interference fit to secure the bespoke component to its respective reception area.

The bespoke component may be a cushion or a papoose type storage netting or simple material covering for the reception area. The bespoke component may have a reciprocal shape to the reception area. Furthermore, the bespoke component may be washable or be suitable for dry-cleaning along with reversible or otherwise easily maintained within the vehicle.

The bespoke component may have a therapeutic effect upon the driver through shape, temperature, smell or vibration.

Finally, the bespoke component may provide functionality within the vehicle through engagement with the reception area. Thus, the bespoke component may provide a child seat or bolster for a small occupant or a cup/bottle/container support for the driver/occupant of the vehicle.

Typically, the bespoke component will be made from a covered foam element but, alternatively, may be inflatable or produced from padding, etc.

The bespoke component may achieve some de-humidification for the cabin of a vehicle including the seat through the provision of a hydroscopic nature. Such hydroscopic nature can be provided by the bespoke component structure and/or appropriate choice of material(s). The bespoke component may also be air permeable or made electrically anti- static through similar means.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure I is a schematic front view of a seat without bespoke component; Figure 2 is a front schematic elevation of a seat including bespoke components; Figure 3 is a schematic side elevation of a seat without bespoke components; Figure 4 is a schematic side elevation of a seat including bespoke components; Figure 5 is a schematic side elevation of a seat including a child seat bespoke component; and Figure 6 is a schematic side elevation of a seat including a bespoke component for cup or bottle retention.

In the drawing, various embodiments of the present invention are depicted. Referring to Figures I to 4 in order to describe the basic format of the present invention, it will be seen that a seat 1 comprises a base 2 and a back squab 3. Normally, the base 2 and back squab 3 will be hinged to allow pivoting about a perpendicular relationship for occupant comfort.

In accordance with the present invention, the seat I through base 2 and squab 3 respectively includes reception areas 4, 5. These reception areas 4, 5 are arranged to securely accommodate occupant bespoke components 6, 7, 8.

The bespoke components 6, 7, 8 are secured to the reception areas 4, 5 through an appropriate fastening mechanism. Thus, press-studs or a hook and fleece (Velcro) combination or zips or clips or lacing or an interference fit can be used to secure these components 6, 7, 8 in their respective reception area 4, 5. With each bespoke component 6, 7 associated with its respective reception area 4, 5, the seat I is in a functional state to receive an occupant within a motor vehicle.

The bespoke components 6, 7,.8 are determined by the occupant for association with each reception area 4, 5. Thus, the occupant can choose both the colour and the configuration of the seat 1. By such means, the interior of any vehicle in which the seat I is located can be varied to the liking of an occupant of that vehicle.

Typically, the bespoke component 6, 7, 8 will be a cushion type insert into each recessed reception area 4, S. Thus, these cushion bespoke components 6, 7, 8 will provide an acceptable seat 1 for an occupant. However, specifically in accordance with the present invention, through choice of a particular cushion, the level of comfort and colour co ordination within the vehicle may be varied to be consistent with occupant taste.

Thes cushion components 6, 7, 8 may be reversible in order that the colour combinations can be changedas required by the occupant.

In this simple embodiment of the present invention depicted in figures I to 4, it will be appreciated that provision of detachable cushion bespoke components 6, 7, 8 will allow these components 6, 7, 8 to be washed when soiled through accidental spillage or normal wear and tear. In such circumstances, the interior of the vehicle and in particular the seating should remain relatively clean and fresh over a longer time period of vehicle operation.

The components 6, 7, 8 may be arranged to present a surface below, consistent with or, as illustrated, above the level of the base 2 or squab 3 about each respective reception area 4, 5.

As an alternative to providing a simple cushion insert as an bespoke component 6, 7, 8, it will be appreciated that more functional components could be used, particularly with regard to a rear reception area 5 to the squab 3. Thus, the bespoke component 8 could be netting or a papoose type insert to provide storage within the vehicle. Alternatively, the bespoke component could take the form of a therapeutic device which may be preheated i.e.

microwave heated or include a heating/cooling mechanism (battery operated or powered through appropriate coupling with the vehicle electrical harness) or a vibration mechanism in order to improve occupant comfort.

The bespoke component could be impregnated with an appropriate aroma source desired 5 by the vehicle occupant. It will also be understood that the bespoke component could dehumidify the vehicle cabin in order to facilitate anti-fogging and misting of windows. Thus, the bespoke component could have a hydroscopic nature through its structure and/or through choice of materials. Furthermore, the bespoke component could be air permeable and/or have an electrically anti-static nature through appropriate choice of structure and/or materials 10 to improve occupant comfort.

I It will be appreciated that a vehicle manufacturer upon original production will provide at least one set of bespoke components 6, 7, 8 for delivery. However, the vehicle owner may subsequently purchase a wide range of bespoke components either from that manufacturer or others in order to augment the available range of style and functional configurations acceptable within the vehicle. However, it is preferred that the reception areas 4, 5 are recessed or sunk into their respective base 2 or squab 3 in order to ensure sufficient fastening' retention of the bespoke components 6, 7, 8. In such circumstances, either the bespoke component 6, 7, 8, or the combination of several inserts to form the components 6, 7, 8, will normally have a reciprocal shape to the reception area 4, 5. Furthermore, a combination of fastening means could be used in order to provide robust retention of the bespoke component 6, 7 within its respective reception area 4, 5. Thus, a hook and fleece fastening combination could be combined with an interference arrangement comprising a drawstring tightened about the periphery of the reception area 4, 5.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate, although a single central reception area 4, 5 for a respective base 2 and a squab 3 are illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, in alternative embodiments of the present invention several reception areas could be provided in each base 2 or squab 3 with bespoke components which are fastened resiliently to the base 2 and/or the squab 3 but also to each other to provide significant and acceptable integration strength to constitute a seat for use within a motor vehicle.

In addition to lifestyle variation through appropriate choice of bespoke component 6, 7, 8 it will be understood that replacement of damaged, wom or soiled components 6, 7, 8 may be effected in accordance with the present invention. Thus, the acceptable life of a vehicle seat may be extended.

With regard to motor vehicles, there is a continuous problem in the provision of features which are only required for occasional use. For example, a child seat or small occupant bolster or' cup holder or suitable means for transportation of bottles/awkward items in shopping, etc.

In Figure 5, an embodiment of the present invention is depicted in which a bespoke component 9 is illustrated which takes the form of a child seat bolster. It will be appreciated that a small child within a seat 1 generally designed for an adult is inappropriately presented within that seat I for safe retardation by seat belts in a collision and, as a result of such angular presentation of that seat belt, can be relatively uncomfortable. Thus, there is a requirement to provide a bolster for a child within that seat 1. In the present invention, the child seat or bolster bespoke component 9 engages reception areas 4, 5 in both the base 2 and the back squab 3 with sufficient resilience for robust combination. However, when the child has left the vehicle, the component 9 can be readily removed and the seat 1 brought back to its adult configuration with normal bespoke components 6, 7 as described above.

A further alternative embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Figure 6 where a bespoke component 27 again engages reception areas 4, 5 of respective base 2 and squab 3 in order to provide for accommodation of a bottle or cup within the seat 1. Thus, temporary resilient storage or presentation of the bottle 20 or cup 29 is achieved. Again, the bespoke component 27 is resiliently secured within the seat 1 but can be readily removed when no longer required. It will also be understood that a lid for the bespoke component 27 may be associated with it in order to accornmodate in particular bottles 28 and to facilitate thermal insulation for the bottle 28 as required.

It will be understood that a bespoke component could also be specified for other awkward items or articles along with documents, maps etc.

With more substantial bespoke components 9 or 27, it will be appreciated that, when made from a foam or padding or similar solid material, storage when not required may be inconvenient, particularly within the vehicle. Thus, these more substantial components 9, 27 along witli cushion type components 6, 7, if desired, can be made inflatable.

When a child seat or bottle storage is required, the respective component 9 or component 27 will be inflated and located within the seat I as required. Once a child seat or bottle retention is no longer required this inflatable component 9, 27 will simply be deflated and stored appropriately within the vehicle, i.e. the glovebox or door bin/trays.

It will be appreciated that the reception areas 4, 5 may include flaps for storage of papers, etc., in a concealed location within the vehicle. Such concealment could be achieved through arrangement of the flap or other storage means inwards and against the reception area with the exterior of the bespoke component then belying the presence of the flap/storage means therebeneath.

Claims

-8CLAIMS

1 A seat for a motor vehicle, the seat comprising a base and a back squab, said base and/or said back squab including fastening means associated with a reception area, the fastening means and the reception area being arranged to receive and secure an occupant bespoke component to allow a multiplicity of configurations for that seat with a respective occupant bespoke component for each such configuration to provide a functional seat.

2. A seat as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the reception areas are recesses within the base or the back squab.

3. A seat as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the reception area includes a flap for document storage.

4. A seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fastening means includes pressstuds and/or zip fastenings and/or lace fastenings and/or interference fastenings between the reception area and its respective occupant bespoke component.

5. A seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bespoke components include a cushion for augmentation upon the reception area to provide the functional seat.

6. A seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bespoke component includes a papoose or netting construction for article storage within the seat.

7. A seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bespoke components are washable.

8. A seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bespoke component is reversible for alternate association with the reception area within the seat.

9. A seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one bespoke component is therapeutic to an occupant of the seat.

10. A seat as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the bespoke component with therapeutic effect is heatable or coolable or vibratable.

11. A seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bespoke component constitutes a child seat bolster or small occupant seat bolster.

12. A seat as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the bespoke component constitutes a bottle or cup retention arrangement.

13. A seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bespoke component is inflatable.

14. A seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bespoke component is impregnated with an aroma source.

15. A seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bespoke component includes hydroscopic means to de-humidify a vehicle cabin in which the seat is located.

16. A seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bespoke component includes means to render that component to have an electrically anti-static nature.

17. A seat as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

18. A motor vehicle including a seat as claimed in any preceding claim.