Vehicle seat with adjustable support system

Abstract

A seating structure is provided for use with an elastomeric membrane with an edge portion. A carrier member is also provided having a central opening. The edge portion of the elastomeric membrane is connected to the carrier member and covering the central opening. A metal support frame is connected the carrier member. The seating structure may also include an elastomeric headrest and one or more covers for the seat and backrest.

1 . A headrest for supporting the head of a user, the headrest comprising: 
 a carrier member having a central opening;    an elastomeric membrane having an edge portion connected to the carrier member and covering the central opening.    
   
   
       2 . The headrest of  claim 1  wherein the elastomeric membrane is molded to the carrier member.  
   
   
       3 . The headrest of  claim 1  wherein the carrier member is contoured.  
   
   
       4 . The headrest of  claim 3  further comprising a support bracket.  
   
   
       5 . The headrest of  claim 4  wherein the support bracket is height adjustable.  
   
   
       6 . The headrest of  claim 5  wherein the elastomeric membrane is stretched.  
   
   
       7 . The headrest of  claim 6  further comprising a seating element connected to the support bracket.  
   
   
       8 . The headrest of  claim 7  wherein the elastomeric membrane is formed from multifilament yarn strands and monofilament strands.  
   
   
       9 . The headrest of  claim 8  wherein the multifilament yarn strands extend generally from a top to a bottom of the headrest and the monofilament strands extend generally from a first side to a second side of the headrest.  
   
   
       10 . A seating structure comprising: 
 an elastomeric membrane having an edge portion;    a carrier member having a central opening, the edge portion of the elastomeric membrane being connected to the carrier member and covering the central opening; and    a metal support frame connected to the carrier member.    
   
   
       11 . The seating structure of  claim 10  wherein the elastomeric membrane is molded to the carrier member.  
   
   
       12 . The seating structure of  claim 11  further comprising a fastener used to secure the carrier member to the support frame.  
   
   
       13 . The seating structure of  claim 12  wherein the carrier member is contoured.  
   
   
       14 . The seating structure of  claim 13  wherein the elastomeric membrane is formed from multifilament yarn strands and monofilament strands.  
   
   
       15 . The seating structure of  claim 14  wherein the membrane is generally see-through.  
   
   
       16 . The seating structure of  claim 15  wherein the membrane forms a portion of a backrest and a seat.  
   
   
       17 . The seating structure of  claim 16  wherein the frame includes an opening generally corresponding to the opening of the carrier.  
   
   
       18 . The seating structure of  claim 17  wherein the seating structure is secured to a base.  
   
   
       19 . The seating structure of  claim 18  wherein the seating structure is movable along the base.  
   
   
       20 . A seating structure comprising: 
 a seat and backrest;    a first elastomeric membrane and a second elastomeric membrane each having an edge portion, the first elastomeric membrane being connected to the seat and the second elastomeric membrane being connected to the backrest;    a first cover connected to one of the seat and the backrest.    
   
   
       21 . The seating structure of  claim 20  wherein a second cover is connected to the other of the seat and the backrest.  
   
   
       22 . The seating structure of  claim 21  wherein the first cover and the second cover are attached at pivot points.  
   
   
       23 . The seating structure of  claim 21  further comprising a fastener for connecting the first and second covers to the seat and the backrest.  
   
   
       24 . The seating structure of  claim 23  wherein the fastener is a bolt.  
   
   
       25 . The seating structure of  claim 26  wherein the membrane forms a portion of a seat.  
   
   
       26 . The seating structure of  claim 25  wherein the cover is perforated.  
   
   
       27 . The seating structure of  claim 26  wherein the first cover is connected to the seat and covers only a portion of the seat.