IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,208,717
Granted Patent B2
US 12,208,717 · App. 18/053,889 · Granted Jan 28, 2025

Seat for a vehicle

Inventor: Daniel Martin Taylor (Modena, IT)
Assignee: FERRARI S.p.A.
B60N2/70B60N2/646
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,208,717
App. No.
18/053,889
Granted
Jan 28, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

A seat for a vehicle comprising a bearing structure, which is elastically deformable, is divided into a cushion and a backrest and is obtained by means of a foam having a net-like structure. The bearing structure of the cushion has: an outer zone, which extends along the entire periphery of the cushion and has a first bearing capacity; and an inner zone, which extends at the centre, is completely surrounded—on all sides—by the outer zone and has a second bearing capacity smaller than the first bearing capacity.

Claims (92)

1. A seat ( 1 ) for a vehicle comprising a bearing structure ( 5 ) divided into an elastically deformable cushion ( 2 ) and a backrest ( 3 ),

the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the cushion ( 2 ) comprising:

a foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam outer zone is substantially U-shaped, and extends at least along a rear and lateral periphery of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a first bearing capacity (P 1 );

a foam inner zone ( 9 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) extends at about a centre of the cushion, and is surrounded at least by the foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 10 ) has a second bearing capacity (P 2 ) smaller than the first bearing capacity (P 1 ); and

a first foam insert ( 10 ) completely arranged within the foam inner zone ( 9 ) at the centre of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a third bearing capacity (P 3 ) smaller than the second bearing capacity (P 2 )

wherein the foam outer zone ( 8 ) of the cushion ( 2 ) extends along an entire periphery of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a closed shape surrounding the foam inner zone ( 9 ) on all sides.

2. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein:

the second bearing capacity (P 2 ) ranges from 55% to 85% of the first bearing capacity (P 1 ); and

the first bearing capacity (P 1 ) ranges from 7.5 to 10.0 kPa and the second bearing capacity (P 2 ) ranges from 5.4 to 6.6 kPa.

3. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the first foam insert ( 10 ) at least partially has a truncated cone-shape, which reduces a size thereof moving away from backrest ( 3 ).

4. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the foam outer zone ( 8 ) comprises two separate ribs ( 12 ), which extend within the foam inner zone ( 9 ) and a flank part of the first foam insert ( 10 ).

5. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein:

the third bearing capacity (P 3 ) ranges from 75% to 90% of the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); and

the second bearing capacity (P 2 ) ranges from 5.4 to 6.6 kPa and the third bearing capacity (P 3 ) ranges from 4.5 to 5.5 kPa.

6. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the cushion ( 2 ) further comprises two second foam inserts ( 11 ), which are separate from one another and are arranged next to one another completely within the foam inner zone ( 9 ), wherein the two second foam inserts are located between the first foam insert ( 10 ) and the backrest ( 3 ) and have a fourth bearing capacity (P 4 ) smaller than the third bearing capacity (P 3 ).

7. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 6 , wherein each of the two second foam inserts ( 11 ) has a rectangular shape.

8. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 6 , wherein:

the fourth bearing capacity (P 4 ) ranges from 60% to 72% of the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); and

the second bearing capacity (P 2 ) ranges from 5.4 to 6.6 kPa and the fourth bearing capacity (P 4 ) ranges from 3.6 to 4.4 kPa.

9. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the foam outer zone ( 8 ) of the cushion ( 2 ) is U-shaped, and is open towards a front of the cushion ( 2 ) and surrounds the foam inner zone ( 9 ) at a back and sides thereof.

10. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the cushion ( 2 ) further comprises an outer contour zone ( 19 ) that is U-shaped, surrounds the foam inner zone ( 9 ) and the foam outer zone ( 8 ) at a front and sides thereof, and has a seventh bearing capacity (P 7 ) higher than the first bearing capacity (P 1 ), and laterally defines a pair of side panels that provide lateral containment to the cushion ( 2 ).

11. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 10 , wherein:

the seventh bearing capacity (P 7 ) ranges from 110% to 170% of the first bearing capacity (P 1 ); and

the seventh bearing capacity (P 7 ) ranges from 11.0 to 13.0 kPa.

12. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the cushion ( 2 ) comprises a cover ( 13 ) covering top surfaces of both the foam outer zone ( 8 ) and the foam inner zone ( 9 ), and has a fifth bearing capacity (P 5 ) smaller than the second bearing capacity (P 2 ).

13. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 12 , wherein:

the fifth bearing capacity (P 5 ) ranges from 25% to 40% of the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); and

the second bearing capacity (P 2 ) ranges from 5.4 to 6.6 kPa and the fifth bearing capacity (P 5 ) ranges from 1.6 to 2.4 kPa.

14. A seat ( 1 ) for a vehicle comprising a bearing structure ( 5 ), divided into an elastically deformable cushion ( 2 ) and a backrest ( 3 );

the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the cushion ( 2 ) comprising: a foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam outer zone is substantially U-shaped, and extends at least along a rear and lateral periphery of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a first bearing capacity (P 1 ); a foam inner zone ( 9 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) extends at about a centre of the cushion, and is surrounded at least by the foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) has a second bearing capacity (P 2 ) smaller than the first bearing capacity (P 1 ); and a first foam insert ( 10 ), is completely arranged within the foam inner zone ( 9 ), is at the centre of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a third bearing capacity (P 3 ) smaller than the second bearing capacity (P 2 );

the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the backrest ( 3 ) comprising

a foam outer zone ( 14 ) having a shape of an upside-down “U” relative to ground extending along a periphery of the backrest ( 3 ) and has at least a sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ) having a value between the first bearing capacity (P 1 ) and the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); and

a foam inner zone ( 15 ) extending at about the centre of the backrest ( 3 ) surrounded on three sides by the outer zone ( 14 ), wherein the foam inner zone has a side that borders the cushion ( 2 ) and has a fourth bearing capacity (P 4 ) smaller than the sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ) and the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); and a headrest integral to the foam outer zone ( 14 ) and having the sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ).

15. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 14 , wherein:

the fourth bearing capacity (P 4 ) ranges from 55% to 80% of the sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ); and

the fourth bearing capacity (P 4 ) ranges from 3.6 to 4.4 kPa and the sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ) ranges from 5.5 to 7.0 kPa.

16. A seat ( 1 ) for a vehicle comprising a bearing structure ( 5 ), divided into an elastically deformable cushion ( 2 ) and a backrest ( 3 );

the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the cushion ( 2 ) comprising: a foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam outer zone is substantially U-shaped, and extends at least along a rear and lateral periphery of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a first bearing capacity (P 1 ); a foam inner zone ( 9 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) extends at about a centre of the cushion, and is surrounded at least by the foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) has a second bearing capacity (P 2 ) smaller than the first bearing capacity (P 1 ); and a first foam insert ( 10 ), is completely arranged within the foam inner zone ( 9 ), is at the centre of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a third bearing capacity (P 3 ) smaller than the second bearing capacity (P 2 );

the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the backrest ( 3 ) comprising: a foam outer zone ( 14 ) having a shape of an upside-down “U” relative to ground, extending along a periphery of the backrest ( 3 ) and having has at least a sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ) having a value between the first bearing capacity (P 1 ) and the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); a foam inner zone ( 15 ) extending at about the centre of the backrest ( 3 ), is surrounded on three sides by the outer zone ( 14 ), wherein the foam inner zone has a side that the cushion ( 2 ) and has a fourth bearing capacity (P 4 ) smaller than the sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ) and the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); and a third foam insert ( 16 ) arranged at the centre within the outer zone ( 14 ) and above the inner zone ( 15 ) and having the second bearing capacity (P 2 ) smaller than the sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ).

17. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 16 , wherein the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the backrest ( 3 ) comprises two fourth foam inserts ( 17 ) arranged on opposite sides of the foam inner zone ( 15 ) between the foam inner zone ( 15 ) and the foam outer zone ( 14 ) and have the second bearing capacity (P 2 ) smaller than the sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ).

18. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 16 , wherein:

the second bearing capacity (P 2 ) ranges from 85% to 95% of the sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ); and

the second bearing capacity (P 2 ) ranges from 5.4 to 6.6 kPa and the sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ) ranges from 5.5 to 7.0 kPa.

19. A seat ( 1 ) for a vehicle comprising a bearing structure ( 5 ), divided into an elastically deformable cushion ( 2 ) and a backrest ( 3 );

the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the cushion ( 2 ) comprising: a foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam outer zone is substantially U-shaped, and extends at least along a rear and lateral periphery of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a first bearing capacity (P 1 ); a foam inner zone ( 9 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) extends at about a centre of the cushion, and is surrounded at least by the foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) has a second bearing capacity (P 2 ) smaller than the first bearing capacity (P 1 ); and a first foam insert ( 10 ), is completely arranged within the foam inner zone ( 9 ), is at the centre of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a third bearing capacity (P 3 ) smaller than the second bearing capacity (P 2 );

the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the backrest ( 3 ) comprising: a foam outer zone ( 14 ) having a shape of an upside-down “U” relative to ground, extending along a periphery of the backrest ( 3 ) and having has at least a sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ) having a value between the first bearing capacity (P 1 ) and the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); a foam inner zone ( 15 ) extending at about the centre of the backrest ( 3 ), is surrounded on three sides by the outer zone ( 14 ), wherein the foam inner zone has a side that the cushion ( 2 ) and has a fourth bearing capacity (P 4 ) smaller than the sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ) and the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); and two fourth twin inserts ( 17 ), which are separate from one another and arranged on the opposite sides of the foam inner zone ( 15 ) between the foam inner zone ( 15 ) and the foam outer zone ( 14 ) and have the second bearing capacity (P 2 ).

20. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 19 , wherein the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the backrest ( 3 ) comprises two fifth twin foam inserts ( 18 ), which are separate from one another, and arranged on the opposite sides of the foam inner zone ( 15 ) between the foam inner zone ( 15 ) and the foam outer zone ( 14 ), wherein the two fifth twin foam inserts ( 18 ) are located above the fourth foam inserts ( 17 ) and have the third bearing capacity (P 3 ) smaller than the second bearing capacity (P 2 ).

21. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 20 , wherein:

the second bearing capacity (P 2 ) ranges from 75% to 90% of the third bearing capacity (P 3 ); and

the second bearing capacity (P 2 ) ranges from 5.4 to 6.6 kPa and the third bearing capacity (P 3 ) ranges from 4.5 to 5.5 kPa.

22. A seat ( 1 ) for a vehicle comprising a bearing structure ( 5 ), divided into an elastically deformable cushion ( 2 ) and a backrest ( 3 );

the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the cushion ( 2 ) comprising: a foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam outer zone is substantially U-shaped, and extends at least along a rear and lateral periphery of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a first bearing capacity (P 1 ); a foam inner zone ( 9 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) extends at about a centre of the cushion, and is surrounded at least by the foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) has a second bearing capacity (P 2 ) smaller than the first bearing capacity (P 1 ); and a first foam insert ( 10 ), is completely arranged within the foam inner zone ( 9 ), is at the centre of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a third bearing capacity (P 3 ) smaller than the second bearing capacity (P 2 );

the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the backrest ( 3 ) comprising: a foam outer zone ( 14 ) having a shape of an upside-down “U” relative to ground, extending along a periphery of the backrest ( 3 ) and having has at least a sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ) having a value between the first bearing capacity (P 1 ) and the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); and a foam inner zone ( 15 ) extending at about the centre of the backrest ( 3 ), is surrounded on three sides by the outer zone ( 14 ), wherein the foam inner zone has a side that the cushion ( 2 ) and has a fourth bearing capacity (P 4 ) smaller than the sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ) and the second bearing capacity (P 2 ), wherein the foam outer zone ( 14 ) of the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the backrest ( 3 ) has two different bearing capacities: an upper part of the foam outer zone ( 14 ) has the sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ) while a lower part of the foam outer zone ( 14 ) has the first bearing capacity (P 1 ) higher than the sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ).

23. A seat ( 1 ) for a vehicle comprising a bearing structure ( 5 ), divided into an elastically deformable cushion ( 2 ) and a backrest ( 3 );

the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the cushion ( 2 ) comprising: a foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam outer zone is substantially U-shaped, and extends at least along a rear and lateral periphery of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a first bearing capacity (P 1 ); a foam inner zone ( 9 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) extends at about a centre of the cushion, and is surrounded at least by the foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) has a second bearing capacity (P 2 ) smaller than the first bearing capacity (P 1 ); and a first foam insert ( 10 ), is completely arranged within the foam inner zone ( 9 ), is at the centre of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a third bearing capacity (P 3 ) smaller than the second bearing capacity (P 2 );

the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the backrest ( 3 ) comprising: a foam outer zone ( 14 ) having a shape of an upside-down “U” relative to ground, extending along a periphery of the backrest ( 3 ) and having has at least a sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ) having a value between the first bearing capacity (P 1 ) and the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); a foam inner zone ( 15 ) extending at about the centre of the backrest ( 3 ), is surrounded on three sides by the outer zone ( 14 ), wherein the foam inner zone has a side that the cushion ( 2 ) and has a fourth bearing capacity (P 4 ) smaller than the sixth bearing capacity (P 6 ) and the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); and two contour zones ( 20 ) laterally delimiting the foam outer zone ( 14 ), and wherein the two contour zones ( 20 ) have a seventh bearing capacity (P 7 ), which is greater than the sixth bearing capacity (P 2 ), and rise from the backrest ( 3 ) to define two side panels that provide lateral containment to the backrest ( 3 ).

24. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 23 , wherein:

the seventh bearing capacity (P 7 ) ranges from 110% to 170% of the first bearing capacity (P 1 ); and

the seventh bearing capacity (P 7 ) ranges from 11.0 to 13.0 kPa.

25. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , further comprising an upholstery layer ( 6 ) overlaying the backrest ( 3 ), wherein the upholstery layer ( 6 ) is configured to provide two spaced apart twin through windows ( 7 ) to expose) internal backrest structure ( 3 ) lying underneath.

26. A seat ( 1 ) for a vehicle comprising a bearing structure ( 5 ), divided into an elastically deformable cushion ( 2 ) and a backrest ( 3 ), the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the cushion ( 2 ) comprising:

a foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam outer zone is substantially U-shaped, and extends at least along a rear and lateral periphery of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a first bearing capacity (P 1 );

a foam inner zone ( 9 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) extends at about a centre of the cushion, and is surrounded at least by the foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) has a second bearing capacity (P 2 ) smaller than the first bearing capacity (P 1 ); and

a first foam insert ( 10 ), is completely arranged within the foam inner zone ( 9 ), is at the centre of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a third bearing capacity (P 3 ) smaller than the second bearing capacity (P 2 );

wherein the first foam insert ( 10 ) at least partially has a truncated cone-shape, which reduces a size thereof moving away from backrest ( 3 ).

27. A seat ( 1 ) for a vehicle comprising a bearing structure ( 5 ), divided into an elastically deformable cushion ( 2 ) and a backrest ( 3 ), the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the cushion ( 2 ) comprising:

a foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam outer zone is substantially U-shaped, and extends at least along a rear and lateral periphery of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a first bearing capacity (P 1 );

a foam inner zone ( 9 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) extends at about a centre of the cushion, and is surrounded at least by the foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) has a second bearing capacity (P 2 ) smaller than the first bearing capacity (P 1 ); and

a first foam insert ( 10 ), is completely arranged within the foam inner zone ( 9 ), is at the centre of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a third bearing capacity (P 3 ) smaller than the second bearing capacity (P 2 );

wherein the foam outer zone ( 8 ) comprises two separate ribs ( 12 ), which extend within the foam inner zone ( 9 ) and a flank part of the first foam insert ( 10 ).

28. A seat ( 1 ) for a vehicle comprising a bearing structure ( 5 ), divided into an elastically deformable cushion ( 2 ) and a backrest ( 3 ), the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the cushion ( 2 ) comprising:

a foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam outer zone is substantially U-shaped, and extends at least along a rear and lateral periphery of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a first bearing capacity (P 1 );

a foam inner zone ( 9 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) extends at about a centre of the cushion, and is surrounded at least by the foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) has a second bearing capacity (P 2 ) smaller than the first bearing capacity (P 1 );

a first foam insert ( 10 ), is completely arranged within the foam inner zone ( 9 ), is at the centre of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a third bearing capacity (P 3 ) smaller than the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); and

two second foam inserts ( 11 ), which are separate from one another and are arranged next to one another completely within the foam inner zone ( 9 ), wherein the two second foam inserts are located between the first foam insert ( 10 ) and the backrest ( 3 ) and have a fourth bearing capacity (P 4 ) smaller than the third bearing capacity (P 3 ).

29. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 28 , wherein each of the two second foam inserts ( 11 ) has a rectangular shape.

30. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 28 , wherein:

the fourth bearing capacity (P 4 ) ranges from 60% to 72% of the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); and

the second bearing capacity (P 2 ) ranges from 5.4 to 6.6 kPa and the fourth bearing capacity (P 4 ) ranges from 3.6 to 4.4 kPa.

31. A seat ( 1 ) for a vehicle comprising a bearing structure ( 5 ), divided into an elastically deformable cushion ( 2 ) and a backrest ( 3 ), the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the cushion ( 2 ) comprising:

a foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam outer zone is substantially U-shaped, and extends at least along a rear and lateral periphery of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a first bearing capacity (P 1 );

a foam inner zone ( 9 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) extends at about a centre of the cushion, and is surrounded at least by the foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) has a second bearing capacity (P 2 ) smaller than the first bearing capacity (P 1 );

a first foam insert ( 10 ), is completely arranged within the foam inner zone ( 9 ), is at the centre of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a third bearing capacity (P 3 ) smaller than the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); and

an outer contour zone ( 19 ) that is U-shaped, surrounds the foam inner zone ( 9 ) and the foam outer zone ( 8 ) at a front and sides thereof, and has a seventh bearing capacity (P 7 ) higher than the first bearing capacity (P 1 ), and laterally defines a pair of side panels that provide lateral containment to the cushion ( 2 ).

32. The seat ( 1 ) according to claim 31 , wherein:

the seventh bearing capacity (P 7 ) ranges from 110% to 170% of the first bearing capacity (P 1 ); and

the seventh bearing capacity (P 7 ) ranges from 11.0 to 13.0 kPa.

33. A seat ( 1 ) for a vehicle comprising a bearing structure ( 5 ), divided into an elastically deformable cushion ( 2 ) and a backrest ( 3 ), the bearing structure ( 5 ) of the cushion ( 2 ) comprising:

a foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam outer zone is substantially U-shaped, and extends at least along a rear and lateral periphery of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a first bearing capacity (P 1 );

a foam inner zone ( 9 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) extends at about a centre of the cushion, and is surrounded at least by the foam outer zone ( 8 ), wherein the foam inner zone ( 9 ) has a second bearing capacity (P 2 ) smaller than the first bearing capacity (P 1 );

a first foam insert ( 10 ), is completely arranged within the foam inner zone ( 9 ), is at the centre of the cushion ( 2 ) and has a third bearing capacity (P 3 ) smaller than the second bearing capacity (P 2 ); and

wherein it is provided an upholstery layer ( 6 ) overlaying the backrest ( 3 ), wherein the upholstery layer ( 6 ) is configured to provide two spaced apart twins through windows ( 7 ) to expose internal backrest structure ( 3 ) lying underneath.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 14, 2024
From: TAYLOR, DANIEL MARTIN
To: FERRARI S.P.A.
Reel/Frame 068886/0331 →
Priority Claims (1)
IT 102021000029159 · Nov 18, 2021 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20230150408A1 · May 18, 2023
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