CN106985721B

CN106985721B - Independent pad extension with optimal leg opening angle

Info

Publication number: CN106985721B
Application number: CN201611110750.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乔纳森·安德鲁·莱恩; 马克·席尔瓦·康德拉德; 约翰·韦恩·亚兰松; 丹尼尔·费雷蒂; 迈克尔·科里奇
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2015-12-08
Filing date: 2016-12-06
Publication date: 2022-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-06
Also published as: RU2721430C2; MX2016016033A; CN106985721A; DE102016123645A1; RU2016146710A; RU2016146710A3

Abstract

A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat frame having a longitudinal centerline and a seat H point along the centerline. A first extendable element is disposed on the front portion of the seat frame along a first side of the centerline and is operable between extended and retracted positions. A second extendable element, adjacent and independent of the first extendable element, is disposed on the front portion of the seat frame along a second, opposite side of the centerline and is operable between extended and retracted positions. The first and second extendable elements each extend forward from the seat H point at a lateral angle of between 5 and 10 degrees relative to the centerline.

Description

Independent pad extension with optimal leg opening angle

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a vehicle seat assembly and, more particularly, to a vehicle seat assembly including a separate pad extension having an optimal leg opening angle.

Background

Modern vehicle seats are becoming more and more comfortable as designers have better understood human ergonomics, posture and comfort. Vehicle seat assemblies including a vehicle seat back and comfort features in the vehicle seat may provide improved comfort and increased durability for a wide range of vehicle rides for the driver and passengers. Further, various sizes and shapes of drivers and passengers may prove challenging when providing a vehicle seat assembly. Accordingly, vehicle seat assemblies including components optimized to accommodate different sizes and body shapes of drivers and passengers, as well as the desired postures and sitting postures of those drivers and passengers, have become increasingly important.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly includes a vehicle seat assembly including a seat frame having a longitudinal centerline and a seat H point along the centerline. A first extendable element is disposed on the front portion of the seat frame along a first side of the centerline and is operable between extended and retracted positions. A second extendable element, adjacent and independent of the first extendable element, is disposed on the front portion of the seat frame along a second, opposite side of the centerline and is operable between extended and retracted positions. The first and second extendable elements each extend forward from the seat H point at a lateral angle of between 5 and 10 degrees relative to the centerline.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly includes a vehicle seat assembly including a seat frame having a longitudinal centerline and a seat H point along the centerline. The first leg support is pivotally connected to the front portion of the seat frame, and the first leg support includes a first extendable element extending forward from the seat H point along a first side of the centerline at a lateral angle of between 5 and 10 degrees relative to the centerline. The second leg support is independent of the first leg support and is pivotally connected with the front portion of the seat frame. The second leg support includes a second extendable element extending forward from the seat H point along a second opposite side of the centerline at a lateral angle of between 5 and 10 degrees relative to the centerline.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly includes a vehicle seat assembly including a seat frame having a longitudinal centerline and a seat H point along the centerline. The first and second adjacent and independently extendable elements extend forward from the seat H point at a lateral angle of between 5 to 10 degrees relative to and on opposite sides of the centerline.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention 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 perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seat assembly of the present invention disposed in a vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the vehicle seat assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective exploded view of a seat of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective exploded view of a portion of the seat of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective exploded view of a portion of the seat of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 3 with the first and second leg supports in retracted and lowered positions;

FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of the leg support of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is a partial side cross-sectional elevational view taken at line IX-IX showing the leg support of FIG. 8 in a retracted position;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly of the present invention with one of the leg supports in the lowered position;

FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of the leg support of FIG. 10 with one of the leg supports in a lowered position;

FIG. 11 is a partial side elevational cross-sectional view taken at line XI-XI of FIG. 10A, showing one of the leg supports in an extended position;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the vehicle seat assembly of the present invention with one of the leg supports in a raised position;

FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of the leg supports of FIG. 12 with one of the leg supports in a raised position;

FIG. 13A is a partial side elevational cross-sectional view taken at XIIIA-XIIIA of the leg support of FIG. 12A in a raised position;

FIG. 13B is a partial side elevational cut-away view of the leg support of FIG. 13A after moving from the raised position to the lowered position; and

FIG. 13C is a partial side elevational cut-away view of the leg support of FIG. 13B after being moved to the raised position and the retracted position.

Detailed Description

For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in fig. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention 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.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 generally designates a vehicle seat assembly having a seat frame 12. The first leg support 14 is pivotally connected to a front portion 16 of the seat frame 12. First leg support 14 is operable between raised and lowered positions. A first extendable element 20 is provided on the first leg support 14 and is operable between extended and retracted positions. The second leg support 22 is adjacent and independent of the first leg support 14 and is pivotally connected with the front portion 16 of the seat frame 12. Second leg support 22 is operable between raised and lowered positions. A second extendable element 24 is provided on the second leg support 22 and is operable between extended and retracted positions.

Referring again to fig. 1 and 2, the vehicle seat assembly 10 generally includes a seat 30 and a seat back 32 having a head restraint 34 supported on the seat 30. The seat back 32 is pivotally connected to the seat 30 such that the seat back 32 is movable between upright and reclined positions. A head restraint 34 is operatively connected to the seat back 32 and is also positioned in various positions relative to the seat back 32 to support the head and neck of the driver or passenger. The seat frame 12 includes first and second side members 40, 42 (fig. 4) supported on legs 44 (fig. 5). A transversely extending frame member 43 (fig. 5) extends between the first and second side members 40, 42. The leg 44 is operatively connected to a seat track slide assembly 46 that is secured to a floor 45 of a vehicle 49.

Referring now to fig. 3 and 4, the vehicle seat assembly 10 is generally configured to apply selective support to the underside of the legs of a driver or passenger. Specifically, as shown in fig. 3, each leg of the driver or passenger may be independently supported by the first and second leg supports 14, 22. First and second leg supports 14, 22 are movable between raised and lowered positions and between extended and retracted positions to modify the effective seating area 48 of seat 30 and optimize the fit of the size, shape, posture and sitting posture of the driver or passenger.

As further shown in fig. 4, the longitudinal centerline (labeled C) of the seat frame 12 functionally defines the separation between the first and second

extendable elements

20, 24. The first and second

extendable elements

20, 24 each extend forward from the seat point H (labeled H) at a lateral angle a relative to the centerline C. The first and second

extendable elements

20, 24 preferably extend forward at an angle a transverse to the centerline C and forward from point H to provide better leg support and comfort on the exterior of the occupant's thighs that naturally conform to the position of the human occupant's natural legs being open. This leg opening angle is maintained in the stowed and deployed positions for optimum comfort in all use positions. The inventors of the present invention have determined that the angle alpha should be between 5 and 10 degrees, preferably about 5 degrees, from the point of the seat H along the centerline C of the seat frame 12. It has been unexpectedly found that the separation between the first and second

extendable elements

20, 24 at such an angle a provides for reduced muscle strain and improved comfort of the leg and thigh support. Thus, the extendable leg supports 14, 22, wherein the opening angle α is precisely set about 5 to 10 degrees (optimally at about 5 degrees) transverse to the centerline C and forward of the point H of the seat frame 12 on each side of the centerline C, provide better leg support and comfort.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the vehicle seat assembly 10 includes a seat base 50 supported on the seat frame 12. The interface element 52 is positioned between the seat frame 12 and the seat base 50. The seat base 50 is disposed rearward of the first and second leg supports 14, 22 and forward of the seat back 32. The interface member 52 includes a pivot rod 54 extending between first and

second sides

56, 58 of the interface member 52. In addition, the rear portion of the interface element 52 includes a frame engaging member 59 that secures the interface element 52 to the seat frame 12. The pivot rod 54 also includes first and second support mounts 60, 62 that support the first and second leg supports 14, 22, respectively. The first and second support bases 60, 62 are operatively connected to first and

second motors

64, 66. The first motor 64 is operatively connected to the slide 70 and the drive shaft 72. The drive shaft 72 is capable of laterally translating the support body 74 between extended and retracted positions. The first support base 60 is configured to rotate the first leg support 14 about the pivot rod 54 between raised and lowered positions, as discussed in further detail herein. Similarly, the second motor 66 is operatively connected to the slide 80 and the drive shaft 82. Drive shaft 82 is capable of laterally translating a support body 84 of second leg support 22 between an extended position and a retracted position. The second support mount 62 is configured to rotate the second leg support 22 between raised and lowered positions.

Referring again to fig. 5, the interface element 52 includes a suspension frame 90 disposed thereon. The suspension frame 90 is configured to provide adequate support for the suspension elements 92 and the seat cushion 94. Thus, the suspension frame 90 includes a shape that primarily complements the shape of the seat cushion 94. Specifically, the suspension frame 90 includes a body 96 defining an aperture 98, the aperture 98 configured to receive the suspension element 92 supporting the seat cushion 94. Meanwhile, first and

second wings

100, 102 extend from the main body 96 and are configured to support first and

second side pads

104, 106 of the seat cushion 94. The seat cushion 94 is supported above the suspension frame 90 and protected by the fabric 110. It is contemplated that the facing 110 may be any of a variety of materials, including conventional textiles as well as leather, vinyl, and the like. The transverse seat bracket 112 is positioned below the first and second leg supports 14, 22 and is connected to the seat frame 12. The lateral seat bracket 112 helps guide the first and second leg supports 14, 22 between various positions and, at the same time, provides additional rigidity to the seat frame 12 of the vehicle seat assembly 10. The lateral seat bracket 112 also includes a shield that protects the front portion 16 of the vehicle seat assembly 10 and is aesthetically pleasing.

Referring now to fig. 6 and 7, the first and second leg supports 14, 22 will be discussed in further detail. The first and second leg supports 14, 22 are configured to engage an interface element 52 of the vehicle seat assembly 10. Specifically, the first and second support bases 60, 62 are pivotally connected with the pivot rod 54, and the pivot rod 54 is rotatably or fixedly connected with the interface element 52 of the vehicle seat assembly 10. The first and

second support feet

60, 62 are operable about the pivot rod 54 between raised and lowered positions. The first and

second motors

64, 66 of the first and second leg supports 14, 22 are positioned on the first and second support bases 60, 62, respectively. The first and

second motors

64, 66 are operatively connected to drive

shafts

72, 82, respectively. Each

drive shaft

72, 82 includes a helical gear 120 (fig. 9) disposed thereon. Helical gear 120 allows first and second leg supports 14, 22 to translate linearly between extended and retracted positions, as described below.

Referring again to fig. 6 and 7, each of the first and second leg supports 14, 22 includes a sliding assembly 122. The

support bodies

74, 84 are configured to engage the sliding assembly 122. The

support bodies

74, 84 of the first and second leg supports 14, 22 include receiving slots 124 configured to receive a portion of the slide assembly 122. Each receiving slot 124 includes an enlarged recess 126 configured to receive the slider 13 on the slide assembly 122. The slider 130 is linearly translated between the forward and rearward positions by the helical gear 120. The slider 130 is configured to engage the enlarged recess 126, thereby connecting the

support body

74 or 84 with the slider assembly 122. As described in further detail below, when the slider 130 is in the rearward position, the associated

leg support

14 or 22 is in the retracted position. Similarly, when the slider 130 is in the forward position, the associated

leg support

14 or 22 is in the extended position.

Referring again to fig. 6 and 7, each

support body

74, 84 is generally configured to be coupled to a flexible member 140 disposed thereon. The flexible member 140 includes an open matrix 142 of flexible apertures 144 that provide additional comfort and flexibility to the driver or passenger. At the same time, the flex hole 144 provides some breathability in the first and second leg supports 14, 22 of the vehicle seat assembly 10. The flexible element 140 is positioned on top of the

support body

74 or 84 and covered by a protective wrap 146. The protective wrap 146 is covered by a leg support panel 148 and a padding layer 150. Leg support panels 148 and padding layer 150 protect protective wrap 146 and flexible member 140. As shown in fig. 7, each

support body

74, 84 includes a plurality of engagement pins 154 that secure the flexible element 140 to the

support body

74, 84. Each of the first and second support bases 60, 62 of the first and second leg supports 14, 22, respectively, includes a rearwardly extending flange 160 extending on an opposite side from the main body 162 of the first and second support bases 60, 62. The rearwardly extending flange 160 is connected to a tension spring 164 that is connected to a mounting bracket 166. The tension spring 164 biases the associated

support base

60 or 62 to the raised position. It is generally contemplated that the support body 74 of the first leg support 14 and the support body 84 of the second leg support 22 may be movable to the raised and lowered positions by an actuation assembly operatively connected to a motor. Alternatively, adjustment of the first and second leg supports 14, 22 may be performed manually through a gear system, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring now to fig. 8 and 8A, the vehicle seat assembly 10 is shown with the first and second leg supports 14, 22 moved to an initial position. In the initial position, the first and second leg supports 14, 22 are in a retracted position and also in a lowered position. In this initial position, the seating area 48 of the seat 30 is not enlarged. Thus, the seating area 48 is generally configured to support a smaller sized driver or passenger. In the event that the driver or passenger has a larger size and desires to change the effective seating area 48 of the vehicle seat assembly 10, then the first and second leg supports 14, 22 may be independently raised and independently extended, preferably at an optimal lateral angle α of between 5 and 10 degrees relative to the centerline C.

Referring now to fig. 10 and 10A, in the illustrated embodiment, second leg support 22 has translated to an extended position. To move the second leg support 22 to the extended position, the driver or passenger will simply engage a toggle switch on the seat 30 that is operatively connected to the second motor 66. The second motor 66 is then activated, which rotates the drive shaft 82 connected to the helical gear 120. As the helical gear 120 rotates, the support body 84 of the second leg support 22 is pushed outward away from the seat base 50. At the same time, the first leg support 14 remains in position and does not move. In the event that the driver or passenger also desires the first leg support 14 to move to the extended position, the driver or passenger may engage in the same action to actuate the first motor 64, which then forces the support body 74 of the first leg support 14 outward in a manner similar to that described above with reference to the second leg support 22.

As shown in fig. 11, when the helical gear 120 rotates, the slider 130 starts to move relative to the helical gear 120. Specifically, when the second motor 66 is operated in the first direction, the helical gear 120 rotates such that the threads of the helical gear 120 push the internal threads of the slider 130, which translates the slider 130 and the second leg support 22 away from the seat base 50 (corresponding to the extended position of the second leg support 22). When the second motor 66 is operated in the second direction, the helical gear 120 rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction such that the slider 130 is pulled toward the seat base 50 (corresponding to the retracted position of the second leg support 22).

Referring now to fig. 12 and 12A, the vehicle seat assembly 10 is shown with the second leg support 22 in a raised position. In the raised position, the second leg support 22 is better positioned to hold or support the underside of the driver's or passenger's leg when the leg is not extended. The second leg support 22 moves to the raised position under the force of the tension spring 164 alone or under the force of the tension spring 164 and a motor operatively connected to the second support base 62 that urges the second leg support 22 to the raised position. The first leg support 14 operates in substantially the same manner. It is noted that the first and second leg supports 14, 22 can be in a lowered position, a raised position, or any position therebetween. However, the first and second leg supports 14, 22 may be placed in different locations. For example, first leg support 14 may be in a lowered position and second leg support 22 may be in a raised position, as shown in fig. 12A. Further, at the same time, first and second leg supports 14, 22 may be in an extended or retracted position regardless of the raised or lowered position of first and second leg supports 14, 22. Further, the first and second leg supports 14, 22 may be placed in the retracted position or the extended position simultaneously. Alternatively, the first and second leg supports 14, 22 may be positioned differently. For example, first leg support 14 may be in a lowered position and a retracted position, while second leg support 22 may be in an extended position and a raised position.

As illustrated, in the embodiment shown in fig. 13A and 13B, the second support base 62 of the second leg support 22 on which the second motor 66 is positioned is rotated upward (clockwise). As generally described above, movement of the second leg support 22 by the second support base 62 may occur by the force of a tension spring 164 connecting the rearwardly extending flange 160 to a mounting bracket 166 in the seat 30, by a motor 66 operatively connected with the second support base 62 to rotate the second support base 62 between raised and lowered positions, or by a motor 66 supplemented by a tension spring 164 extending between the rearwardly extending flange 160 and the mounting bracket 166. As shown in fig. 13C, it should be understood that first and second leg supports 14, 22 may be in a raised or lowered position, or any position therebetween, and simultaneously in an extended or retracted position. Fig. 13C shows second leg support 22 in a raised position and a retracted position. Movement of first and second leg supports 14, 22 between the raised and lowered positions is independent of movement of first and second leg supports 14, 22 between the extended and retracted positions.

A vehicle seat assembly as disclosed herein includes first and second independently movable leg supports configured to provide independent support for the legs of a driver or passenger. For example, it is common for the driver to have the right leg of the driver in an extended position to actuate the pedal. Meanwhile, particularly in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission that does not require manipulation of a clutch pedal, the left leg of the driver can be retracted to provide comfort to the driver. The vehicle seat assembly 10 as disclosed herein may allow for additional support under the right leg of the driver, thereby minimizing the likelihood that the driver's endurance will be compromised over long travels. The vehicle seat 10 assembly as disclosed herein also provides additional comfort when the leg support can be specifically moved and adjusted to conform to a preferred seating style of a specific driver or passenger.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the configurations and other components of the invention described are not limited to any particular material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can be made of a variety of materials, unless the invention is otherwise specified.

For the purposes of this invention, the term "coupled" (in all its forms, now, made, past, etc.) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are directly or indirectly joined to each other. Such engagement 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 elements formed integrally with each other or with the two components as a unitary body. Unless otherwise specified, such engagement 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 invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail herein, 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 elements or other elements of the connector or system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the components and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed of any of a variety of different materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a variety of different colors, textures, and combinations thereof. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. 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 to be understood that any described process or steps in a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The example structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

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

Claims

1. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising:

a seat frame having a longitudinal centerline and a seat H point along the centerline;

a first extendable element disposed on a front portion of the seat frame along a first side of the centerline and operable between an extended position and a retracted position; and

a second extendable element adjacent to and independent of the first extendable element, the second extendable element being disposed on a front portion of the seat frame along a second, opposite side of the centerline and being operable between extended and retracted positions;

the first and second extendable elements each extend forward from the seat H point at a lateral angle of between 5 and 10 degrees relative to the centerline.

2. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second extendable elements each extend forward from the seat point H at a lateral angle of about 5 degrees relative to the centerline.

3. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the first extendable element is disposed on top of a first leg support operatively connected to the first rotatable support base by a first slide assembly, and wherein the second extendable element is disposed on top of a second leg support operatively connected to the second rotatable support base by a second slide assembly.

4. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 3, further comprising:

a pivot rod pivotally connecting each of the first and second leg supports to the seat frame.

5. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 4, further comprising:

a motor disposed proximate to the first leg support and configured to pivot the first leg support about the pivot rod between a raised position and a lowered position.

6. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 4 wherein the first and second leg supports are spring biased to a raised position.

7. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 6 wherein the first leg support includes a rearwardly extending flange connected with a tension spring that biases the first leg support to the raised position.

8. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

first and second flexible elements extending over the first and second extendable elements, respectively.

9. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a seat base disposed rearward of the first and second extendable elements.

10. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising:

a first leg support pivotally connected with the front portion of the seat frame, the first leg support including a first extendable element extending forward from the seat H point along a first side of the centerline at a lateral angle of between 5 to 10 degrees relative to the centerline; and

a second leg support independent of the first leg support and pivotally connected with the front portion of the seat frame, the second leg support including a second extendable element extending forward from the seat H point along a second opposite side of the centerline at a lateral angle of between 5 and 10 degrees relative to the centerline.

11. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 10 wherein the first and second extendable elements each extend forward from the seat point H at a lateral angle of about 5 degrees relative to the centerline.

12. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 10, further comprising:

a flexible element disposed on each of the first and second leg supports and a pivot rod extending behind the first and second leg supports, the pivot rod pivotally connecting each of the first and second leg supports to the seat frame.

13. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 10, further comprising:

a first slide assembly and a second slide assembly, wherein the first slide assembly connects the first leg support to a first rotatable support base and the second slide assembly connects the second leg support to a second rotatable support base.

14. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 13, further comprising:

first and second motors disposed proximate the seat frame and configured to translate the first and second leg supports between extended and retracted positions, respectively.

15. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 10 wherein the first and second leg supports are spring biased to a raised position.

16. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 10 wherein each of the first and second leg supports includes a rearwardly extending flange connected with a tension spring that biases the first and second leg supports to a raised position.

17. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising:

first and second adjacent and independently extendable elements extending forward from the seat point H at a lateral angle of between 5 to 10 degrees relative to and on opposite sides of the centerline.

18. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 17 wherein the first and second extendable elements extend forward from the seat point H at a lateral angle of about 5 degrees relative to the centerline.

19. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 17 wherein the extendable element comprises a flexible element disposed thereon.

20. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 19 wherein the flex element includes an open matrix of flex holes and a rounded front portion.