초록 ▼

A molded seat that is formed from plastic and has improved strength and attachment mechanisms. The seat includes a seat back and a seat pan, both of which are constructed from a plastic material. The universal seat also includes an articulated recliner that is connected to both the seat back and the

A molded seat that is formed from plastic and has improved strength and attachment mechanisms. The seat includes a seat back and a seat pan, both of which are constructed from a plastic material. The universal seat also includes an articulated recliner that is connected to both the seat back and the seat pan. The articulated recliner includes high-strength sheath portions into which plastic bayonets from the seat pan and the seat back are inserted. The use of the articulated recliner results in a seat having improved strength. In addition, the combination of the sheaths of the articulated recliner in conjunction with the bayonets of the seat back and seat pan help eliminate the need for additional attachment mechanisms, thereby making the universal seat easier to manufacture and install.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A universal seat comprising: a seat back having at least one bayonet; a seat pan having at least one bayonet; and an articulated recliner having at least two sheaths; wherein the at least one seat back bayonet is inserted into one sheath of the articulated recliner and

The invention claimed is: 1. A universal seat comprising: a seat back having at least one bayonet; a seat pan having at least one bayonet; and an articulated recliner having at least two sheaths; wherein the at least one seat back bayonet is inserted into one sheath of the articulated recliner and the at least one seat pan bayonet is inserted into the other sheath of the articulated recliner; wherein the seat back and the seat pan each comprise a thermoplastic material. 2. The universal seat of claim 1, wherein the seat back and the seat pan each comprise the same thermoplastic material. 3. The universal seat of claim 1, wherein the seat back and the seat pan each comprise different thermoplastic materials. 4. The universal seat of claim 1, wherein the seat back, the seat pan, or both comprise a thermoplastic material selected from polycarbonate/ABS blend, blends of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene, blends of polyphenylene ether/polyamide, blends of polycarbonate/polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), PBT and impact modifier, a long fiber reinforced thermoplastic, or a combination including at least one of the foregoing materials. 5. The universal seat of claim 1, wherein the seat back comprises a material selected from glass-fiber reinforced PBT or a long fiber-reinforced polyamide. 6. The universal seat of claim 1, wherein the seat pan comprises a material selected from a polycarbonate, a polybutylene terephthalate, a PC/PBT blend with an impact modifier, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing. 7. The universal seat of claim 1, wherein the articulated recliner comprises a material selected from steel, aluminum, magnesium, highly reinforced composites, thermoplastic reinforced laminates, or a combination including at least one of the foregoing materials. 8. The universal seat of claim 1, wherein the at least one seat back bayonet, the at least one seat pan bayonet, or both are solid. 9. The universal seat of claim 1, further comprising a lumbar support attached to the seat back. 10. The universal seat of claim 1, wherein the articulated recliner includes at least one sheath that is closed. 11. The universal seat of claim 1, wherein the articulated recliner includes at least one sheath that is partially open. 12. The universal seat of claim 1, wherein the seat pan includes structural segments that are fixed to a rail on a vehicle floor to secure the seat pan. 13. The universal seat of claim 1, wherein the seat pan includes structural segments that are fixed directly to a vehicle floor. 14. The universal seat of claim 1, further comprising at least one secondary support structure located on the seat back, the seat pan, or both, wherein the at least one secondary support structure comprises a "J"-shaped extension integrally formed with the seat back, the seat pan, or both and designed to surround at least a portion of the articulated recliner sheath.