US 11,667,223 B2
Compliant edge frame bolster for suspension seating
Craig Martin Oomen, Lowell, MI (US); Samuel Smith, Allendale, MI (US); Manfred Mueller, Nuremberg (DE); Michael Long, Sparta, MI (US); Kelly Washburn, Middleville, MI (US); and Robert A. Bratty, Stanton, MI (US)
Assigned to Illinois Tool Works Inc., Glenview, IL (US)
Appl. No. 17/265,464
Filed by Illinois Tool Works Inc., Glenview, IL (US)
PCT Filed Aug. 1, 2019, PCT No. PCT/US2019/044695
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date Feb. 2, 2021,
PCT Pub. No. WO2020/028680, PCT Pub. Date Feb. 6, 2020.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/714,172, filed on Aug. 3, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2021/0291709 A1, Sep. 23, 2021
Int. Cl. B60N 2/70 (2006.01); B60N 2/68 (2006.01)
CPC B60N 2/7011 (2013.01) [B60N 2/686 (2013.01); B60N 2/7017 (2013.01); B60N 2/7094 (2013.01)] 24 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A vehicle seat, comprising:
a support structure;
a seat surface; and
a molded polymeric frame, the frame having a flange having a series of slits, each including a greatest length, an edge region having a perimeter and formed at an outer end of the flange, and a compliant edge bolster formed outwardly of the edge region,
wherein the flange extends away from the seat surface,
wherein the seat surface is mounted to the frame,
wherein the frame is mounted to the support structure,
wherein the greatest length of each slit extends parallel to the perimeter,
wherein at least a portion of the edge region is flexible, and
wherein the series of slits is located between the support structure and the compliant edge bolster.