Automotive seat cushion pan

Abstract

In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to an automotive seat cushion pan comprising a cushion pan portion having a cushion receiving surface and a side shield portion integral with the cushion pan portion, the cushion pan portion and the integral side shield portion being made of plastic.

1 . An automotive seat cushion pan comprising: 
 a cushion pan portion having a cushion receiving surface and a plurality of rim portions at least partially transverse to the cushion receiving surface; and    a side shield portion distinct from the plurality of rim portions and formed integrally with the cushion pan portion, the side shield portion being substantially adjacent at least one of the rim portions, the cushion pan portion and the integral side shield portion being made of a material comprising plastic.    
   
   
       2 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of rim portions comprise a first elongated rim portion integral with the cushion pan portion and a second elongated rim portion integral with the cushion pan portion and wherein the first and second rim portions are positioned on opposite sides of the cushion receiving surface of the cushion pan portion.  
   
   
       3 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 2  wherein the first rim portion and the second rim portion have portions that extend longitudinally beyond the cushion receiving surface.  
   
   
       4 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 3  wherein the portions of the first and second rim portions that extend beyond the cushion receiving surface are adapted to be attached to an automotive seat frame.  
   
   
       5 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 3  wherein the side shield portion is substantially adjacent to at least one of the rim portions and wherein the side shield portion extends along the cushion pan portion for a length that is at least a substantial portion of the length of the substantially adjacent rim portion.  
   
   
       6 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 5  wherein the length of the side shield portion is greater than the length of the substantially adjacent rim portion.  
   
   
       7 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 5  wherein the side shield portion extends around a portion of a front edge of the cushion pan portion.  
   
   
       8 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 1  wherein the plastic comprises a glass filled polypropylene.  
   
   
       9 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 1  wherein the cushion pan portion is adapted to receive at least one control component.  
   
   
       10 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 9  wherein the cushion pan portion further comprises a bracket to receive the at least one control component.  
   
   
       11 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 1  wherein the side shield portion is adapted to receive at least one control component.  
   
   
       12 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 11  wherein the side shield portion comprises an opening that permits a control component to protrude through the side shield.  
   
   
       13 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 1  wherein the cushion pan portion is adapted to receive at least one control component and the side shield portion is adapted to receive at least one control component.  
   
   
       14 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 1  wherein the side shield portion is adapted to bear a load of at least 200 lbs.  
   
   
       15 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 14  wherein the side shield portion comprises integrally molded ribs.  
   
   
       16 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 1  wherein the automotive seat cushion pan is adapted to receive upholstery.  
   
   
       17 . An automotive seat cushion pan comprising: 
 a cushion pan portion having a cushion receiving surface;    a side shield portion integral with the cushion pan portion, the cushion pan portion and the integral side shield portion being made of a material comprising plastic; and    an elongated bridge for receiving upholstery, the elongated bridge extending between and connecting the cushion pan portion and the side shield portion, the bridge having a key way for receiving and retaining a portion of the upholstery.    
   
   
       18 . The automotive seat cushion of  claim 17  wherein the key way is adapted to receive a wire attached to the upholstery.  
   
   
       19 . (canceled)  
   
   
       20 . An automotive seat assembly comprising: 
 a seat back frame;    a seat back cushion disposed on the seat back frame;    a seat back cover covering the seat back cushion and the seat back frame;    a seat bottom frame;    a seat bottom cushion disposed on the seat bottom frame; and    a seat bottom cover covering the seat bottom cushion and the seat bottom frame;    wherein the seat back frame is connected to the seat bottom frame; and    wherein the seat bottom frame includes a plastic automotive seat cushion pan comprising a cushion receiving surface, a plurality of rim portions transverse to the cushion receiving surface, and a plastic side shield portion distinct from the plurality of rim portions and formed integrally with the cushion pan portion, the side shield portion being disposed substantially adjacent at least one of the rim portions.    
   
   
       21 . The automotive seat cushion pan of  claim 17  wherein key way extends throughout substantially an entire length of the bridge.