Indian Patents. 266047:A VEHICLE SEAT

Title of Invention	A VEHICLE SEAT
Abstract	A vehicle seat “V” comprising, a hard material base 1 with a horizontal portion 2 and having a downward depending sidewall 3; The sidewall 3 includes a step 14 around its periphery, the said step defining a horizontal ledge 15 with an upwardly facing surface.

Full Text	FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Act, 2005 & The Patents Rules, 2003 As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2005 PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION (See section 10 and rule 13) TITLE OF THE INVENTION A vehicle seat INVENTOR Name : Nationality : Address Ramtirthkar Raghunandan Anant and Pathak Mahesh Damodar both Indian Nationals Bajaj Auto Limited, Akurdi, Pune 411035, Maharashtra, India APPLICANTS Name : Nationality : Address Bajaj Auto Limited Indian Company Akurdi, Pune 411035, Maharashtra, India PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION The following specification describes the invention.: FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to a vehicle seat. PRIOR ART A vehicle seat particularly in a two wheeled vehicle consists of a hard material base that has a horizontal portion and an endless sidewall tapering down from the horizontal portion at the periphery. The horizontal portion is provided with air vents there through and dampers at the bottom surface thereof. A cushioning material covers the upper surface of the seat base, including the sidewall. Thus the entire external surface of the base is covered with cushioning material. A material cover is tightly stretch wrapped over the cushion pad and around the base with its edge extending onto the inner surface of the sidewall and secured thereto. As the cushioning material pad covers the entire outer surface of the base, it will provide a generally smooth surface with no sharp lines or edges being visible. The peripheral edge of the cushioning material pad is free at the edge of the lower sidewall and there are possibilities of the pad shifting on the base during manufacture. Therefore, consistency and uniformity cannot be maintained during mass production of the seat. There are also possibilities of the pad shifting or sagging (that is dropping below the lower edge of the sidewall) in use thereby deforming the seat and adversely affecting the overall appearance and rigidity of the seat. Finally, as the cushioning material pad covers the entire outer surface of the base, increased quantity of the pad is required for the seat thereby increasing the material cost of the seat. OBJECTS OF INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide a vehicle seat, which maintains consistency and uniformity of features during mass production of the seat. An object of the invention is to provide a vehicle seat, which is resistant to sagging and deformation in use. An object of the invention is to provide a vehicle seat with improved aesthetics. 2 An object of the invention is to provide a vehicle seat, with a lower material cost of the cushioning material. An object of the invention is to provide a vehicle seat, which comprises at least one pocket underneath. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION According to the invention, there is provided a vehicle seat consisting of a hard material base comprising a horizontal portion and having a downward depending sidewall. The sidewall includes a step around its periphery, the step defining a horizontal ledge with an upwardly facing surface. Preferably, the sidewall is inwardly tapered downwardly from the outer periphery of the ledge. A cushioning material pad is mounted onto the top surface of the base with its peripheral edge firmly located against the ledge of the step. A material cover is tightly stretch wrapped over the material pad and around the base with its edge extending onto the inner surface of the sidewall and secured thereto. Because the cushioning material abuts the ledge, but does not cover it, a discontinuity in the surface is created, this discontinuity providing a relatively sharp line or edge, such aesthetic not being observable in the prior-art. Preferably, the cushioning material pad comprises foam. Preferably, the material cover comprises a rexine or a material of equivalent properties. The following is a detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts a cross section of a prior art seat with cushion pad material mounted on the outer surface of the hard material base with a material cover stretch wrapped 3 over the cushion pad and around the base with its edge extending onto the inner surface of the sidewall and secured thereto. Figure 2 is cross section of the vehicle seat according to one embodiment of the invention. Figures 3 and 4 are top and bottom isometric views of the seat depicted in figure 2. Figures 5 and 6 are end views of the seat depicted in figure 2. The vehicle seat "S", according to the prior art, as illustrated in Figure 1 consists of a hard material base 1 with a horizontal portion 2 and an endless sidewall 3 tapering down from the horizontal portion 2 at the periphery. A cushioning material 4 covers the upper surface of the seat base, including the sidewall. Thus the entire upper surface of the base is covered with cushioning material. A material cover 5 is tightly stretch wrapped over the cushion pad 4 and around the base with its edge extending onto the inner surface of the sidewall and secured thereto. The peripheral edge 6 of the cushioning material pad is free at the edge of the lower sidewall 7. The vehicle seat "V", according to the invention, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6 consists of a hard material base 11 that is oval shaped (as an example) and made of a suitable hard material that is preferably plastic moulded. The base comprises a horizontal portion 12 and an endless downward depending sidewall 13 from the horizontal portion. The sidewall includes a step 14 around its periphery, the step defining a horizontal ledge 15 with an upwardly facing surface and a downwardly tapered surface 26 on the outer periphery of the sidewall. A cushioning material pad 16, preferably comprising foam, is mounted on to the top surface of the base with its edge firmly located against the ledge 15 of the step 14. A material cover 17, preferably comprising rexine, is tightly stretch wrapped over the 4 material pad and around the base with its edge extending onto the inner surface of the sidewall and secured thereto. The method of securing is well known and hence is not marked. Because the cushioning material abuts the ledge 15, but does not cover it, a discontinuity in the surface is created, this discontinuity providing a relatively sharp line or edge 18, such aesthetic not being observable in the prior-art. The contour of the horizontal portion of the seat base corresponds to the surface contour of the mating part on vehicle (not shown) where the seat is to be fitted. Downward projections 19 on the bottom surface of the material base fit into the corresponding recesses in the storage compartment (not shown) that is mounted on the vehicle frame below the seat and abuts the sidewall of the storage box so as to prevent foreign bodies such as dust entering the storage compartment. The horizontal portion is provided with air vents 20 and 21 there through and dampers 22 at the bottom surface thereof. The horizontal portion is further provided with a pocket 23 at the bottom surface thereof, that has access openings 24 and 25. Articles in the pocket can be taken out by accessing them through the openings 24 and 25. According to this embodiment of the invention, the edge of the cushioning material pad abuts the ledge without covering it. It is hence firmly located against the step around the sidewall on the top surface of the base reducing possibility of displacement or shifting of the cushioning material pad during the manufacture of the seat. Therefore, consistency and uniformity of features is maintained in mass production of the seat. In addition, the possible deformation or sagging (that is dropping below the lower edge of the sidewall) of the seat foam pad over a period of continuous use is reduced. The seat would maintain its rigid appearance. Further, as the cushioning material pad only abuts the ledge and does not cover it, the quantum of cushioning material in the pad is reduced, hence reducing cost. 5 The outer periphery of the step , the joining edge of the cushioning material pad at the step and downwardly tapered surface on the outer periphery of the sidewall form a continuous sharp edge around the periphery of the seat giving an improved aesthetic look to the seat. The pocket underneath the seat provides space for carrying articles like newspapers, vehicle documents or the like. The air vents provide exit passage for air trapped in the cushioning material pad. The dampers absorb shocks and vibrations during riding of the vehicle so as to give comfort to the rider sitting on the seat. The size, dimensions and contour of the material base, the step at the periphery and the ledge and the cushioning pad may vary. The contour of the horizontal portion of the base can vary depending upon the respective locating area of the vehicle frame. The downward projections are optional and may not required if there is no storage box at the bottom of the seat. The seat can be for any vehicle and the base need not be oval shaped. The base can be of any other geometry. There can be more than one pocket underneath the seat. Such variations of the invention are to be construed and understood to be obvious to those skill in the art and within the scope of the invention. Dated this 10th day of April 2006 (Prita Madan) of Khaitan & Co Agent for the Applicants 6

Full Text

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970)
As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Act, 2005
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2005
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
A vehicle seat

INVENTOR
Name :
Nationality : Address

Ramtirthkar Raghunandan Anant and Pathak Mahesh
Damodar
both Indian Nationals
Bajaj Auto Limited, Akurdi, Pune 411035,
Maharashtra, India

APPLICANTS
Name :
Nationality : Address

Bajaj Auto Limited
Indian Company
Akurdi, Pune 411035, Maharashtra, India

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification describes the invention.:

FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a vehicle seat.
PRIOR ART
A vehicle seat particularly in a two wheeled vehicle consists of a hard material base that has a horizontal portion and an endless sidewall tapering down from the horizontal portion at the periphery. The horizontal portion is provided with air vents there through and dampers at the bottom surface thereof. A cushioning material covers the upper surface of the seat base, including the sidewall. Thus the entire external surface of the base is covered with cushioning material. A material cover is tightly stretch wrapped over the cushion pad and around the base with its edge extending onto the inner surface of the sidewall and secured thereto. As the cushioning material pad covers the entire outer surface of the base, it will provide a generally smooth surface with no sharp lines or edges being visible. The peripheral edge of the cushioning material pad is free at the edge of the lower sidewall and there are possibilities of the pad shifting on the base during manufacture. Therefore, consistency and uniformity cannot be maintained during mass production of the seat. There are also possibilities of the pad shifting or sagging (that is dropping below the lower edge of the sidewall) in use thereby deforming the seat and adversely affecting the overall appearance and rigidity of the seat. Finally, as the cushioning material pad covers the entire outer surface of the base, increased quantity of the pad is required for the seat thereby increasing the material cost of the seat.
OBJECTS OF INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a vehicle seat, which maintains consistency and uniformity of features during mass production of the seat.
An object of the invention is to provide a vehicle seat, which is resistant to sagging and deformation in use.
An object of the invention is to provide a vehicle seat with improved aesthetics.
2

An object of the invention is to provide a vehicle seat, with a lower material cost of the cushioning material.
An object of the invention is to provide a vehicle seat, which comprises at least one pocket underneath.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided a vehicle seat consisting of a hard material base comprising a horizontal portion and having a downward depending sidewall. The sidewall includes a step around its periphery, the step defining a horizontal ledge with an upwardly facing surface.
Preferably, the sidewall is inwardly tapered downwardly from the outer periphery of the ledge. A cushioning material pad is mounted onto the top surface of the base with its peripheral edge firmly located against the ledge of the step. A material cover is tightly stretch wrapped over the material pad and around the base with its edge extending onto the inner surface of the sidewall and secured thereto.
Because the cushioning material abuts the ledge, but does not cover it, a discontinuity in the surface is created, this discontinuity providing a relatively sharp line or edge, such aesthetic not being observable in the prior-art.
Preferably, the cushioning material pad comprises foam.
Preferably, the material cover comprises a rexine or a material of equivalent properties.
The following is a detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 depicts a cross section of a prior art seat with cushion pad material mounted on the outer surface of the hard material base with a material cover stretch wrapped
3

over the cushion pad and around the base with its edge extending onto the inner surface of the sidewall and secured thereto.
Figure 2 is cross section of the vehicle seat according to one embodiment of the invention.
Figures 3 and 4 are top and bottom isometric views of the seat depicted in figure 2.
Figures 5 and 6 are end views of the seat depicted in figure 2.
The vehicle seat "S", according to the prior art, as illustrated in Figure 1 consists of a hard material base 1 with a horizontal portion 2 and an endless sidewall 3 tapering down from the horizontal portion 2 at the periphery.
A cushioning material 4 covers the upper surface of the seat base, including the sidewall. Thus the entire upper surface of the base is covered with cushioning material. A material cover 5 is tightly stretch wrapped over the cushion pad 4 and around the base with its edge extending onto the inner surface of the sidewall and secured thereto.
The peripheral edge 6 of the cushioning material pad is free at the edge of the lower sidewall 7.
The vehicle seat "V", according to the invention, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6 consists of a hard material base 11 that is oval shaped (as an example) and made of a suitable hard material that is preferably plastic moulded. The base comprises a horizontal portion 12 and an endless downward depending sidewall 13 from the horizontal portion. The sidewall includes a step 14 around its periphery, the step defining a horizontal ledge 15 with an upwardly facing surface and a downwardly tapered surface 26 on the outer periphery of the sidewall.
A cushioning material pad 16, preferably comprising foam, is mounted on to the top surface of the base with its edge firmly located against the ledge 15 of the step 14. A material cover 17, preferably comprising rexine, is tightly stretch wrapped over the
4

material pad and around the base with its edge extending onto the inner surface of the sidewall and secured thereto. The method of securing is well known and hence is not marked.
Because the cushioning material abuts the ledge 15, but does not cover it, a discontinuity in the surface is created, this discontinuity providing a relatively sharp line or edge 18, such aesthetic not being observable in the prior-art.
The contour of the horizontal portion of the seat base corresponds to the surface contour of the mating part on vehicle (not shown) where the seat is to be fitted. Downward projections 19 on the bottom surface of the material base fit into the corresponding recesses in the storage compartment (not shown) that is mounted on the vehicle frame below the seat and abuts the sidewall of the storage box so as to prevent foreign bodies such as dust entering the storage compartment. The horizontal portion is provided with air vents 20 and 21 there through and dampers 22 at the bottom surface thereof.
The horizontal portion is further provided with a pocket 23 at the bottom surface thereof, that has access openings 24 and 25. Articles in the pocket can be taken out by accessing them through the openings 24 and 25.
According to this embodiment of the invention, the edge of the cushioning material pad abuts the ledge without covering it. It is hence firmly located against the step around the sidewall on the top surface of the base reducing possibility of displacement or shifting of the cushioning material pad during the manufacture of the seat. Therefore, consistency and uniformity of features is maintained in mass production of the seat.
In addition, the possible deformation or sagging (that is dropping below the lower edge of the sidewall) of the seat foam pad over a period of continuous use is reduced. The seat would maintain its rigid appearance.
Further, as the cushioning material pad only abuts the ledge and does not cover it, the quantum of cushioning material in the pad is reduced, hence reducing cost.
5

The outer periphery of the step , the joining edge of the cushioning material pad at the step and downwardly tapered surface on the outer periphery of the sidewall form a continuous sharp edge around the periphery of the seat giving an improved aesthetic look to the seat.
The pocket underneath the seat provides space for carrying articles like newspapers, vehicle documents or the like. The air vents provide exit passage for air trapped in the cushioning material pad. The dampers absorb shocks and vibrations during riding of the vehicle so as to give comfort to the rider sitting on the seat.
The size, dimensions and contour of the material base, the step at the periphery and the ledge and the cushioning pad may vary. The contour of the horizontal portion of the base can vary depending upon the respective locating area of the vehicle frame. The downward projections are optional and may not required if there is no storage box at the bottom of the seat. The seat can be for any vehicle and the base need not be oval shaped. The base can be of any other geometry. There can be more than one pocket underneath the seat. Such variations of the invention are to be construed and understood to be obvious to those skill in the art and within the scope of the invention.
Dated this 10th day of April 2006
(Prita Madan)
of Khaitan & Co
Agent for the Applicants
6

A VEHICLE SEAT

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