阅读说明：本技术 用于车辆的转台总成 (Turntable assembly for vehicle ) 是由 ***·里达·巴库什 拉胡尔·阿罗拉 乔纳森·安德鲁·莉娜 马科斯·席尔瓦·康拉德 于 2019-06-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开提供了“用于车辆的转台总成”。一种用于车辆的转台总成,包括：联接到支撑结构的基座；包括横向轨道、纵向轨道和对角轨道的轨道网络；以及锁定机构,其联接到所述基座并且能够在与所述支撑结构的接合位置和脱离位置之间致动。(The present disclosure provides a "turntable assembly for a vehicle. A turntable assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a base coupled to the support structure; a track network comprising transverse tracks, longitudinal tracks and diagonal tracks; and a locking mechanism coupled to the base and actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position with the support structure.)

1. A turntable assembly for a vehicle, comprising:

a base coupled to the support structure;

a track network comprising transverse tracks, longitudinal tracks, and diagonal tracks; and

a locking mechanism coupled to the base and actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position with the support structure.

2. The turntable assembly for a vehicle of claim 1, further comprising:

a closure panel positioned as a top surface of the turntable assembly.

3. The turntable assembly for a vehicle of claim 1, further comprising:

a collar engaged with at least one of the base and the support structure to provide a low friction surface for rotational movement of the turntable assembly.

4. The turntable assembly for a vehicle of claim 3, further comprising:

a rotation mechanism comprising a motor and a plurality of rollers, wherein the rollers passively rotate when the rotation mechanism imparts rotational motion to the turret assembly.

5. The turntable assembly for a vehicle of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more seat assemblies coupled to the network of tracks.

6. The turntable assembly for a vehicle of claim 5, wherein said one or more seat assemblies are coupled to said network of tracks by a track, and wherein said seat assemblies are horizontally actuatable along said track relative to said network of tracks.

7. The turntable assembly for a vehicle of claim 1, wherein said network of tracks converges on a plurality of connecting plates spaced around the periphery of said base.

8. A vehicle having a turntable assembly for a vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a turntable assembly for a vehicle.

Background

Vehicles are often provided with a plurality of seats to support a user. Conventional seats typically have the ability to adjust the horizontal position of the seat to accommodate users of various heights and comfort preferences. However, seats in vehicles require additional solutions to enable a greater degree of customization by the user.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a turntable assembly for a vehicle includes a base coupled to a support structure. The track network includes transverse tracks, longitudinal tracks, and diagonal tracks. A locking mechanism is coupled to the base and is actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position with the support structure.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

the turntable for the vehicle further includes a closure panel positioned as a top surface of the turntable assembly;

the turntable for the vehicle further comprises a collar engaged with at least one of the base and the support structure to provide a low friction surface for rotational movement of the turntable assembly;

the turntable for a vehicle further comprises a rotation mechanism comprising a motor and a plurality of rollers, wherein the rollers are passively rotated when the rotation mechanism imparts rotational motion to the turntable assembly;

the carousel for a vehicle further comprises one or more seat assemblies coupled to the network of tracks;

one or more seat assemblies are coupled to the track network by a track, wherein the seat assemblies are actuatable horizontally relative to the track network along the track; and

the network of tracks converges on a plurality of webs spaced around the periphery of the base.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a turntable assembly for a vehicle includes a base coupled to a support structure. The network of tracks converges on a plurality of webs spaced around the periphery of the base. A locking mechanism is coupled to the base and is actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position with the support structure.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

the track network comprises transverse tracks, longitudinal tracks and diagonal tracks;

the turntable assembly for the vehicle further comprises a closure panel positioned as a top surface of the turntable assembly;

the turntable assembly for a vehicle further comprises a collar engaged with at least one of the base and the support structure to provide a low friction surface for rotational movement of the turntable assembly.

The turret assembly for a vehicle further comprises a rotation mechanism comprising a motor and a plurality of rollers, wherein the rollers rotate passively when the rotation mechanism imparts rotational motion to the turret assembly;

the turret assembly for the vehicle further comprises one or more seat assemblies coupled to the track network;

one or more seat assemblies are coupled to the track network by a track, wherein the seat assemblies are actuatable horizontally relative to the track network along the track; and

the network of tracks converges on a plurality of webs spaced around the periphery of the base.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a turntable assembly for a vehicle includes a support structure and a base coupled to the support structure. The collar engages the base to provide a low friction surface for rotational movement of the turntable assembly. The closure panel is positioned as a top surface of the turntable assembly. The track network includes transverse tracks, longitudinal tracks, and diagonal tracks. The network of tracks converges on a plurality of webs spaced around the periphery of the base. A locking mechanism is coupled to the base and is actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position with the support structure.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

the turret assembly for a vehicle further comprises a rotation mechanism comprising a motor and a plurality of rollers, wherein the rollers rotate passively when the rotation mechanism imparts rotational motion to the turret assembly;

the turret assembly for the vehicle further comprises one or more seat assemblies coupled to the track network;

one or more seat assemblies are coupled to the track network by a track, wherein the seat assemblies are actuatable horizontally relative to the track network along the track; and

the one or more seating assemblies include a first seating assembly and a second seating assembly, wherein the first and second seating assemblies remain parallel to each other regardless of the rotational position of the swivel assembly.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a turntable assembly mounted in a vehicle, illustrating a rearward orientation, according to one example;

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a turntable assembly according to one example, showing a support structure, a base, and a plurality of seat assemblies;

FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective view of the turntable assembly showing the underside of the base according to one example;

FIG. 3 is a profile view of a track from a track network receiving rails according to one example;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a turntable assembly showing a seat assembly coupled to a track network according to one example;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a turntable assembly showing a track network and a plurality of connection plates according to one example;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a turntable assembly showing a layout of a track network according to one example;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIA-VIIA of FIG. 6, illustrating the locking mechanism in an unlocked configuration, according to an example;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIA-VIIA of FIG. 6, illustrating the locking mechanism in a locked configuration, according to one example;

FIG. 8A is a top view of a locking mechanism showing a T-bolt interacting with a slot to define an unlocked configuration according to one example; and is

Fig. 8B is a top view of the locking mechanism showing the T-bolt interacting with the slot to define a locked configuration, according to one example.

Detailed Description

For purposes of the description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the orientation as in fig. 1. It is to be understood, however, that the concepts may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a turntable assembly for a vehicle. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the specification and the drawings.

As used herein, the term "and/or," when used to list two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B and/or C, the composition may contain: only A; only B; only C; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B and C.

In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The use of the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, herein, is not intended to exclude the presence of other similar elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a component.

The term "about" as used herein means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not, nor need to be, exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller as desired: reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error, etc., and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not the numerical value or range endpoint in this specification is expressed as "about," the numerical value or range endpoint is intended to include two embodiments: one is modified by "about" and one is not modified by "about". It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint

As used herein, the terms "substantially", "substantially" and variations thereof are intended to indicate that the feature being described is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to mean a planar or near-planar surface. Further, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may mean that the values are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

The terms "the", "a" or "an", as used herein, mean "at least one", and should not be limited to "only one", unless expressly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring to fig. 1-8B, a vehicle is generally designated by the numeral 20. In various examples, the vehicle 20 may be a motor vehicle. The turntable assembly 24 for the vehicle 20 includes a base 28, the base 28 being coupled to a support structure 32 of the vehicle 20. A track network 36 is provided that may include transverse tracks 40, longitudinal tracks 44, and diagonal tracks 48. The locking mechanism 52 is coupled to the base 28 and is actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position with the support structure 32.

Referring again to fig. 1, the vehicle 20 is equipped with one or more seat assemblies 56 coupled to the track network 36. Vehicle 20 may also include a seat assembly 56, seat assembly 56 not coupled to either track network 36 or turntable assembly 24. For example, one or more seating assemblies 56 may be disposed within the vehicle 20 at a location that is forward of the vehicle and/or rearward of the turntable assembly 24. The support structure 32 may be coupled to the underbody 60 and/or the frame of the vehicle 20. Alternatively, the support structure 32 may be integrally formed in the underbody 60. Thus, loads experienced by the turret assembly 24, whether from a crash event (vehicle-to-vehicle collision, road hazard, vehicle-to-object collision, etc.) or occupant weight, are transferred to the underbody 60 of the vehicle 20. Support structure 32 may be sized to fit within a lateral distance between a pair of rear wheel wells 64 such that a plurality of turntable assemblies 24 may be mounted within a compartment 68 of vehicle 20. For example, the turret assembly 24 may be mounted in a compartment 68 of the vehicle 20 that is capable of holding three rows of seat assemblies 56. Accordingly, the turntable assembly 24 may be mounted as a first row seat assembly 56, a second row seat assembly 56, and/or a third row seat assembly 56. Regardless of the number of disc assemblies 24 employed in a given vehicle 20, the discs 24 are configured to provide the entire row of seat assemblies 56 with various rotational positions to enable an occupant to assume rotational positions that make talking easier, allowing the occupant to view the scenery outside of the vehicle 20 from the side, front, or rear windows, etc. The rotational position of turntable assembly 24 may also be used to facilitate access to compartment 68.

Referring now to fig. 2A and 2B, the support structure 32 may have a generally rectangular shaped outer portion 72 and a generally circular inner portion 76. Outer portion 72 and inner portion 76 may be provided with walls 80, walls 80 defining the perimeter of the shape of outer portion 72 and inner portion 76. The height of the wall 80 generally corresponds to the thickness of the remaining components of the turntable assembly 24 such that a substantially flat and continuous surface is provided in the area of the outer portion 72 and/or the inner portion 76. In various examples, at least one of the walls 80 of the inner portion 76 may define a locking hole 84, the locking hole 84 receiving a locking pin 88. The locking pin 88 forms at least a part of the locking mechanism 52. The turret assembly 24 may be equipped with a plurality of locking mechanisms 52 to help distribute shock and weight loads. The support structure 32 is provided with a floor hole 92 for fastening or mounting the support structure 32 to the underbody 60 of the vehicle 20. Thus, the support structure 32 is fixed relative to the underbody 60.

Referring again to fig. 2A and 2B, the base 28 defines a raised portion 96 and a recessed portion 100. The difference in height between the raised portion 96 and the recessed portion 100 provides an area within the surface area of the base 28 where components may be mounted with sufficient clearance from other components to prevent interference between the components and to present a flat surface of the turntable assembly 24 to a user. The components mounted within the recessed portion 100 include at least a portion of one or more locking mechanisms 52 and one or more rotation mechanisms 104. The rotary mechanism 104 may include a motor 108 and a rotor 112. The motor 108 may be mounted within the recessed portion 100 proximate a motor aperture 116 defined by the base 28. A drive shaft of the motor 108 may extend downward from the motor 108 to couple with the rotor 112. The motor aperture 116 may include openings in the raised portion 96 and the recessed portion 100 of the base 28. Thus, the rotor 112 may be substantially contained within the opening in the recessed portion 100 and extend partially laterally through the opening in the raised portion 96. By so arranging the motor 108 and rotor 112, a substantial portion of the rotary mechanism 104 is contained within and protected by the structure of the base 28 defined by the recessed portion 100. The engagement edge 120 of the rotor 112 may extend transversely at least partially through the opening in the raised portion 96 to engage the inner surface of the wall 80 of the inner portion 76 of the support structure 32. The engagement edge 120 transfers rotational motion imparted to the rotor 112 by the motor 108 to the base 28 by causing rotational motion of the base 28 relative to the support structure 32. A plurality of rollers 124 may also be provided to distribute the weight of the carousel assembly 24 during rotational movement and when the carousel assembly 24 is stationary. The plurality of rollers 124 are passive rollers and are not actively driven by a motor. It is contemplated that the plurality of rollers 124 may be actively driven by a motor, however, the complexity and weight of the turret assembly 24 may increase to an undesirable level. A plurality of rollers 124 may be mounted on the underside of the raised portion 96, and the raised portion 96 may thus be configured to receive the plurality of rollers 124 in a manner that provides sufficient clearance between the surfaces of the underside of the raised portion 96 such that binding of the plurality of rollers 124 is prevented. In various examples, the plurality of rollers 124 may be coupled to the raised portion 96 via axle pins that pass through axle pin holes 128 provided in the raised portion 96. The axle pin defines an axis of rotation for a single roller 124 of the plurality of rollers 124. In some examples, the recessed portion 100 of the base 28 is provided with a central portion 132, the central portion 132 having a generally convex profile or a generally concave profile. In such an example, the central portion 132 of the base 28 may engage with a complementary portion on the support structure 32 to help maintain the positioning of the base 28 and the base 28 relative to the support structure 32.

With further reference to fig. 2A and 2B, a collar 136 is engaged with at least one of the base 28 and the support structure 32. Collar 136 may provide a low friction surface for rotational movement of turntable assembly 24. For example, the collar 136 may engage the base 28 such that the collar 136 substantially covers the upper surface or top side of the raised portion 96. Collar 136 may additionally extend over the gap between base 28 and wall 80 of inner portion 76 to prevent debris, cargo items, heels, fingers, etc. from entering turntable assembly 24. Accordingly, the components of the turret assembly 24, particularly the moving components, are protected from foreign objects while also minimizing harm to the user or occupants. The gap between the base 28 and the wall 80 of the inner portion 76 may be due to manufacturing tolerances and/or tolerances that prevent binding of the base 28 when performing the rotational movement. Collar 136 may be made of a low friction material including, but not limited to, a composite material and/or a polymer. The collar 136 may include a vertical section 140 and a horizontal section 144. The vertical section 140 may taper towards a center point of the collar 136 such that a lower extremity of the vertical section 140 is radially inward from an upper extremity of the vertical section 140. In some examples, collar 136 engages an inner surface of raised portion 96. Thus, providing the vertical section 140 with a taper ensures a tight fit and retention of the collar 136 while allowing for manufacturing tolerances.

With further reference to fig. 2A and 2B, closure panel 148 is positioned as a top surface of carousel assembly 24. The closure panel 148 defines a plurality of rail holes 152. The rail holes 152 are parallel to each other. In the depicted example, there are four rail holes 152, which represent two pairs of rail holes 152. Each pair of rail holes 152 is configured to allow a corresponding pair of rails 156 to pass through. The pair of rails 156 receive structure on the seat assembly 56 that is slidably coupled to the rails 156 and is horizontally actuatable along the rails 156. The guide rails 156 may be coupled to the rail network 36 (see fig. 4 and 5). Thus, the seat assembly 56 may be actuated in a horizontal direction relative to the track network 36 along the rails 156. In other words, the rail 156 is fixed relative to the network of tracks 36. However, the seat assembly 56 is movable relative to the track 156.

Referring to fig. 3, rail network 36 receives rail 156. The rails and rails 156 that make up the rail network 36 are generally U-shaped when cut, as shown in fig. 3. In one example, the guide rail 156 is associated with the longitudinal rail 44. For simplicity, the relationship between the rail 156 and the rail network 36 is discussed with reference to the longitudinal rails 44; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Thus, the guide rail 156 may be associated with the lateral track 40 and/or the diagonal track 48 without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. The tracks of the track network 36 are defined by a central region 160, the central region 160 being generally planar along a horizontal plane. The central region 160 is flanked symmetrically on either side by a first inclined portion 164 and a second inclined portion 168. The guide rail 156 is defined by a central region 172, which central region 172 symmetrically flanks on either side a first angled section 176, a second angled section 180, and an arcuate end 184. The central region 172 of the guide rail 156 corresponds to the central region 160 of the longitudinal rail 44. The first and second inclined portions 164, 168 of the longitudinal rail 44 correspond to the first and second inclined sections 176, 180, respectively, of the guide rail 156. The arcuate end 184 of the rail 156 defines an end region of the rail 156. The arcuate end 184 may serve as a retention and coupling feature for the portion of the seat assembly 56 that engages the track 156. For example, such a coupling feature on the seat assembly 56 may be configured with a profile that matingly engages the arcuate end 184 such that the upturned portion of the coupling feature fits between the inner surface of the arcuate end 184 and the adjacent surface of the second angled section 180 on both sides of the rail 156. The longitudinal rail 44 follows the contour of the guide rail 156 and the height of the second inclined portion 168 of the longitudinal rail 44 substantially corresponds to the height of the second inclined section 180 of the guide rail 156. Thus, during horizontal impact loads to the vehicle 20, the turntable assembly 24, the seat assembly 56, the longitudinal rails 44, and/or the rails 156, the rails 156 are laterally retained within the longitudinal rails 44 and prevent the rails 156 from unintentionally disengaging from the longitudinal rails 44.

Referring now to fig. 4 and 5, in some examples, the outer portion 72 of the support structure 32 may be generally circular in shape. Additionally, the space between the wall 80 of the outer portion 72 and the inner portion 76 of the support structure 32 may be larger than the space depicted above in fig. 2A and 2B. The central portion 132 of the base 28 may be provided as a base aperture 188, the base aperture 188 being defined by the recessed portion 100 of the base 28. The base aperture 188 can receive a raised platform 192 of the support structure 32. The raised platform 192 extends through the base aperture 188 and may, in one aspect, serve as a retaining feature for maintaining a desired position of the base 28 relative to the support structure 32. The raised platform 192 may include a rollover edge around the perimeter or circumference of the raised platform 192 that may engage the base aperture 188 in a snap-fit manner. For example, lowering the base aperture 188 onto the raised platform 192 and providing sufficient pressure to the base 28 may result in transient and reversible deformation of the rollover edge. Then, once the base 28 and the base aperture 188 have passed over the flip edge, the flip edge re-assumes the desired position and size by expanding over the top surface of the base 28 immediately adjacent the base aperture 188. Thus, raised platform 192 may also provide at least some vertical retention to base 28. The interaction between the central portion 132 and the support structure 32 or the interaction between the raised platform 192 and the base aperture 188 may be the only coupling between the base 28 and the support structure 32 such that rotational freedom of the base 28 relative to the support structure 32 is maintained.

Referring to fig. 6, the longitudinal rail 44 defines rail coupling holes 196, the rail coupling holes 196 for securing the rail 156 to the longitudinal rail 44. The track network 36 may be provided with built-in crush zones at each connection between individual tracks. For example, the junction or inflection point between the diagonal tracks 48 and the lateral tracks 40 or longitudinal tracks 44 is configured to absorb at least some impact energy that may be generated during a collision event (such as a vehicle-to-vehicle or vehicle-to-object collision event). Thus, when a crash event intrudes into turntable assembly 24 and begins to deform turntable assembly 24, the connection or point at which diagonal tracks 48 intersect with lateral tracks 40 and longitudinal tracks 44 causes impact energy to be directed to an intermediate point along the length of diagonal tracks 48, causing diagonal tracks 48 to bend or collapse at the intermediate point. This collapsing or impact absorption is applicable not only to the diagonal track 48 closest to the point of impact, but also to the diagonal track 48 directly opposite the point of impact. Additionally, diagonal rails 48 positioned in offset relation to the line of impact (e.g., diagonal rails 48 to the right and left of the transverse rail 40 in fig. 6) may absorb impact energy by deforming at intermediate points along their length as the impact energy is transferred across the turntable assembly 24. Thus, the transverse rails 40 and the longitudinal rails 44 separating the seat assembly 56 and the associated occupant may maintain their structural integrity during a crash event such that the occupant of the seat assembly 56 is prevented from experiencing the full force of the crash event.

Referring again to fig. 6, the track network 36 is concentrated on a plurality of connection plates 200. The webs 200 are spaced around the perimeter of the base 28. Track network 36 is coupled to connection plate 200 by connection plate fastener holes 204. Arrow 208 specifies the direction of travel of vehicle 20. The most common position of the turntable assembly 24 is considered to be when an occupant of the seat assembly 56 is facing forward or rearward in the cabin 68 of the vehicle 20. Additionally, frontal and rear-end collisions tend to have a greater likelihood of greater energy transfer (e.g., higher velocity, more direct than tangential force, etc.). Thus, the front and rear connector plates 200 have a greater number of rail networks 36 converged thereon to increase the energy absorption potential in these areas. In contrast, side impact events tend to occur at lower speeds (e.g., ground street speeds) than the possible speeds at which head-on and rear-end collisions occur (e.g., highway or interstate speeds). Thus, connection plates 200 located at the sides of carousel 24 corresponding to the sides of vehicle 20 converge thereon fewer tracks from track network 36. However, the network of tracks 36 converging on web 200 at the front and rear of turntable assembly 24 facilitates energy absorption upon experiencing a crash event that exceeds the energy absorption capability of diagonal tracks 48 at the sides of turntable assembly 24.

With further reference to FIG. 6, in the event of a side impact, such as the left side 210 of the turntable assembly 24, the diagonal tracks 48 on the connection plates 200 that converge on the left side 210 begin to deform at an intermediate point along their length. As the impact continues to penetrate the sides of the vehicle 20, impact energy may begin to be transferred into one or more of the transverse tracks 40 and/or diagonal tracks 48 converging on the web 200 at the front and/or rear of the turret assembly 24. The transfer of impact energy into diagonal tracks 48 at the front and/or rear of turntable assembly 24 can occur before, during, and/or after the transfer of impact energy into transverse tracks 40. As impact energy is transferred along the left and right width of the turntable assembly 24, the diagonal tracks 48 on the web 200 that converge on the right side 212 of the turntable assembly 24 may begin to deform. Once all of the diagonal rails 48 have deformed, the transverse rails 40 begin to deform at an intermediate point along their length if impact energy still must be dissipated. In the event that impact energy remains after the transverse rails 40 have been deformed, the longitudinal rails 44 may begin to deform. The simulated crash events discussed above are for exemplary purposes only. The simulated crash events discussed above are not limiting. Of course, an impact event may occur in many different ways, and thus the above-described impact event is intended only as an example of the design and intent behind the structure discussed and described with respect to turntable assembly 24.

Referring now to fig. 7A-8B, a locking mechanism 52 is shown according to an additional or alternative example. In other words, the locking mechanism 52 depicted in these figures may be used in conjunction with the locking mechanism 52 described above with reference to fig. 2A and 2B, or the locking mechanism 52 depicted in these figures may be used as an alternative to the locking mechanism 52 described above with reference to fig. 2A and 2B. The locking mechanism 52 depicted herein engages the web locking holes 216 of one or more of the webs positioned in the web 200 (see fig. 6). The locking mechanism 52 includes a T-bolt 220. The T-bolt 220 is defined by a vertical member 224 and a cross member 228. The cross member 228 is mounted in a substantially perpendicular relationship to an upper end 232 of the upright member 224. The bolt pin 236 may be coupled to a lower end 240 of the vertical member 224. Alternatively, bolted pin 236 may be provided as a separate component from T-bolt 220, and T-bolt 220 may be selectively engaged with bolted pin 236 when turntable assembly 24 reaches a predetermined position (e.g., forward, rearward, or sideways) defining a rotational position. Actuating the T-bolt 220 between the unlocked configuration (fig. 7A) and the locked configuration (fig. 7B) may be accomplished by at least one of rotation and vertical movement of the T-bolt 220 relative to the turntable assembly 24. For example, the bolt pin 236 may engage a slot 244 in the support structure 32 and/or the underbody 60. When the T-bolt 220 is positioned above the slot 244 or substantially co-located with the slot 244, the transition between the unlocked configuration (FIG. 8A) and the locked configuration (FIG. 8B) may be accomplished by rotating the T-bolt 220 ninety degrees (90) or one-quarter turn.

According to various examples of the present disclosure, the turret assembly 24 may be provided with a plurality of locking position configurations that specify a given rotational position. For example, two locked position configurations may be employed, and may specify a forward facing orientation of the seat assembly 56 and a rearward facing orientation of the seat assembly 56. Alternatively, three locking position configurations may be employed, and may specify a forward facing orientation of the seat assembly 56, a rearward facing orientation of the seat assembly 56, and a side facing orientation of the seat assembly 56. Further, four locking position configurations may be employed, and may specify a forward facing orientation of the seat assembly 56, a rearward facing orientation of the seat assembly 56, a right facing orientation of the seat assembly 56, and a left facing orientation of the seat assembly 56. It is contemplated that a greater number of locking position configurations may be used without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. However, it is estimated that the forward, rearward and side facing orientations are likely to be the largest cross-sectional orientation most sought by the user. The seat assembly 56 may include one or more seat assemblies 56, such as a first seat assembly and a second seat assembly. Regardless of the rotational position of the pan assembly 24, the first and second seat assemblies may remain parallel to each other.

It may be beneficial to fabricate the base 28 from a composite material so that complex structures can be molded into the base 28, rather than attempting to machine the complex structures into a material that requires more time and energy to manipulate, such as steel. While it is within the scope of the present disclosure to fabricate the base 28 from a material that requires more time and energy to manipulate, it may be time and energy saving to utilize composite materials instead, which may mold complex structures that are easily achieved with composite materials. Various composite materials may be used. In one example, a fiberglass composite material may be used to make the base 28, such as a fiberglass sheet molding composite material. The base 28 may have a thickness between about 1 millimeter (1mm) and about 10 millimeters (10mm), a thickness between about 2 millimeters (2mm) and about 9mm (9mm), a thickness between about 3 millimeters (3mm) and about 8 millimeters (8mm), a thickness between about 4 millimeters (4mm) and about 7 millimeters (7mm), a thickness between about 5 millimeters (5mm) and about 6 millimeters (6mm), and/or combinations or ranges thereof. For example, the base 28 may have a thickness of about 1 millimeter (1mm), a thickness of about 2mm (2mm), a thickness of about 3mm (3mm), a thickness of about 4mm (4mm), a thickness of about 5mm (5mm), a thickness of about 6mm (6mm), a thickness of about 7mm (7mm), a thickness of about 8mm (8mm), a thickness of about 9mm (9mm), a thickness of about 10mm (10mm), and/or combinations or ranges thereof.

The rail network 36 may be made of an extrudable metal. For example, the rail network 36 may be extruded aluminum having a thickness between about 2 millimeters (2mm) and about 9 millimeters (9mm), between about 3 millimeters (3mm) and about 8 millimeters (8mm), between about 4 millimeters (4mm) and about 7 millimeters (7mm), between about 5 millimeters (5mm) and about 6 millimeters (6mm), and/or combinations or ranges thereof. For example, the track network 36 may be about 2 millimeters (2mm) thick, about 3mm (3mm) thick, about 4mm (4mm) thick, about 5mm (5mm) thick, about 6mm (6mm) thick, about 7mm (7mm) thick, about 8mm (8mm) thick, about 9mm (9mm) thick, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. The connection plate 200 may be made of a metal material. For example, the connection plate 200 may be made of aluminum. In some examples, the thickness of the connection plate 200 may be about 1.0mm, about 1.5mm, about 2.0mm, about 2.5mm, about 3.0mm, about 3.5mm, about 4.0mm, about 4.5mm, about 5.0mm, about 5.5mm, about 6.0mm, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. Thus, in various examples, rotating disk 24 may be a hybrid fiberglass and aluminum structure.

Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the concepts disclosed herein. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the concepts described and the construction of the other components are not limited to any particular materials. Other exemplary embodiments of the concepts disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials, unless otherwise indicated herein.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms: coupled, etc.) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are connected directly or indirectly to each other. Such a connection may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical), and any additional intermediate members may be integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such connections may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or other elements of the connectors or systems may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or components of the system may be constructed of any of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this innovation. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It is understood that any described process or step within a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

According to the present invention, there is provided a turntable assembly for a vehicle, having: a base coupled to the support structure; a track network comprising transverse tracks, longitudinal tracks and diagonal tracks; and a locking mechanism coupled to the base and actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position with the support structure.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a closure panel positioned as a top surface of the turntable assembly.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a collar engaged with at least one of the base and the support structure to provide a low friction surface for rotational movement of the turntable assembly.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a rotation mechanism comprising a motor and a plurality of rollers, wherein the rollers passively rotate when the rotation mechanism imparts rotational motion to the turret assembly.

The invention also features, according to one embodiment, one or more seat assemblies coupled to the network of tracks.

According to one embodiment, the one or more seat assemblies are coupled to the network of tracks by a track, and wherein the seat assemblies are actuatable horizontally along the track relative to the network of tracks.

According to one embodiment, the network of tracks converges on a plurality of webs spaced around the perimeter of the base.

According to the present invention, there is provided a turntable assembly for a vehicle, having: a base coupled to the support structure; a network of tracks converging on a plurality of webs spaced around a perimeter of the base; and a locking mechanism coupled to the base and actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position with the support structure.

According to one embodiment, the track network comprises transverse tracks, longitudinal tracks and diagonal tracks.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a closure panel positioned as a top surface of the turntable assembly.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a collar engaged with at least one of the base and the support structure to provide a low friction surface for rotational movement of the turntable assembly.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a rotation mechanism comprising a motor and a plurality of rollers, wherein the rollers passively rotate when the rotation mechanism imparts rotational motion to the turret assembly.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: one or more seat assemblies coupled to the network of tracks.

According to one embodiment, the one or more seat assemblies are coupled to the network of tracks by a track, and wherein the seat assemblies are actuatable horizontally along the track relative to the network of tracks.

According to one embodiment, the network of tracks converges on a plurality of webs spaced around the perimeter of the base.

According to the present invention, there is provided a turntable assembly for a vehicle, having: a support structure; a base coupled to the support structure; a collar engaged with the base to provide a low friction surface for rotational movement of the turntable assembly; a closure panel positioned as a top surface of the turntable assembly; a network of tracks comprising transverse tracks, longitudinal tracks, and diagonal tracks, wherein the network of tracks converges on a plurality of webs spaced around a perimeter of the base; and a locking mechanism coupled to the base and actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position with the support structure.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a rotation mechanism comprising a motor and a plurality of rollers, wherein the rollers passively rotate when the rotation mechanism imparts rotational motion to the turret assembly.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: one or more seat assemblies coupled to the network of tracks.

According to one embodiment, the one or more seat assemblies are coupled to the network of tracks by a track, and wherein the seat assemblies are actuatable horizontally along the track relative to the network of tracks.

According to one embodiment, the one or more seating assemblies include a first seating assembly and a second seating assembly, and wherein the first seating assembly and the second seating assembly remain parallel to each other regardless of the rotational position of the swivel assembly.