CN117124943A - Adjustment mechanism for seat assembly components - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides "adjustment mechanisms for seat assembly components". A seat assembly has a seat assembly frame including a seat frame and a seat back frame. The seat assembly includes an extension member coupled to the seat frame and movable between an extended position relative to the seat frame and a compressed position relative to the seat frame in response to an actuation force, and the extension member includes an end fixedly coupled to the seat frame and an end coupled to an adjustment device disposed on the seat frame.

Description

Adjustment mechanism for seat assembly components

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a seat assembly for a vehicle.

Background

The seat assembly may include components that are movable between different positions to accommodate different seat assembly requirements. Improved movable components for seat assemblies are desirable.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a seat assembly is provided. The seat assembly includes a seat assembly frame including a seat frame and a seat back frame. The seat assembly also includes an extension member coupled to the seat frame and movable between an extended position relative to the seat frame and a compressed position relative to the seat frame in response to an actuation force, the extension member including an end fixedly coupled to the seat frame and an end coupled to an adjustment device disposed on the seat frame.

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

-the adjustment means comprise a guide member provided at a rear portion of the seat frame;

-the extension member is movable between a primary position in the guide member when the extension member is in the extended position and a secondary position in the guide member when the extension member is in the compressed position;

-the end fixedly coupled to the seat frame is provided at a front portion of the seat frame along a curved plate;

-the guide member comprises an oblong structure having a channel through which the extension member slides when the extension member moves between the extended position and the compressed position;

-the adjustment device comprises a bracket rotatably coupled to the front portion of the seat frame and configured to receive an end of the extension member;

-the end of the extension member fixedly coupled to the seat frame is provided at a rear portion of the seat frame;

-the bracket is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending transversely to the extension member;

-the carriage is rotatable between an initial position defined by the extension member in the extended position and a final position defined by the extension member in the compressed position;

-the bracket comprises a stop member configured to abut a structural component of a seat to limit rotation of the bracket in the final position;

-the structural component comprises a seat leg;

-the bracket comprises a first link and a second link, wherein each of the first link and the second link is pivotably coupled to the seat frame at a pivotable coupling defined by the axis of rotation, and wherein the first link and the second link each extend outwardly from the pivotable coupling;

-the extension member is coupled to the first link, and wherein the stop member is coupled to the second link; and/or

-the actuation force comprises a force exerted by the seat back on the seat when the seat back is in a flat position.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly is provided. The vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat and movable between an upright position and a folded position, and the vehicle seat assembly includes: a pair of extension members each coupled to the front and rear portions of the seat frame and configured to move from an extended position to a compressed position in response to an actuation force provided on the pair of extension members by the seat back in the folded position; and a pair of adjustment devices disposed on opposite lateral sides of the seat frame and at one of the front portion or the rear portion of the seat frame, wherein the pair of adjustment devices are coupled to the pair of extension members, wherein the pair of extension members in the extended position define a pair of bolsters.

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

-the pair of adjustment means comprises a pair of guides mounted to the seat frame, and wherein the pair of extension members slide into each of the pair of guides in a first direction in response to the actuation force being applied to the pair of extension members, and wherein the pair of extension members slide out of each of the pair of guides in a second direction in response to the actuation force being removed from the pair of extension members;

-the pair of extension members comprises a cushion wire; and/or

-the pair of adjustment means comprises a pair of brackets provided on opposite sides of the seat frame and pivotably coupled to the seat frame at pivotable couplings defined by a rotation axis extending transversely to the pair of adjustment means, and wherein the pair of extension members are coupled to the pair of brackets such that application of an actuation force on the pair of extension members in the extended position causes the pair of brackets to rotate about the rotation axis from an initial position to a final position, thereby moving the pair of extension members from the extended position to the compressed position.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat includes a seat frame including opposing first and second portions. The vehicle seat further includes an extension member extending between the first portion of the seat frame and the second portion of the seat frame and having an end fixedly coupled to the first portion of the seat frame and an end rotatably coupled to a rotation member disposed about a pivotable coupling disposed on the second portion of the seat frame, wherein the rotation member disposed about the pivotable coupling rotates between an initial position and a final position as the extension member moves between an extended position and a compressed position.

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

-the first portion of the seat frame comprises a rear portion of the seat frame, wherein the second portion of the seat frame comprises a front portion of the seat frame, and wherein the extension member comprises a cushion support.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present 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 right side perspective view of a seat assembly having an extension member disposed in a guide member in an extended position in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a right side elevational view of the seat assembly with the extension member disposed in the guide member in the extended position and the extension member disposed in the guide member in the compressed position in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a right side elevation view of a guide member according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a left side perspective view of a seat assembly having an extension member disposed in a guide member in an extended position in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a right side perspective view of a portion of a seat assembly having an extension member and a bracket in an extended position in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a portion of a seat assembly having an extension member and a bracket in a compressed position in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of a seat assembly having a seat back in a folded position, an extension member in a compressed position, and a bracket in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a portion of a seat assembly having an extension member and a bracket in a compressed position in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and is also provided with

Fig. 8 is a right side elevation view of the seat assembly with the seat back in an upright position and the extension member in an extended position and with the seat back in a folded position in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The vehicle seat assembly 10 may be described from the vantage point of an occupant seated in the seat assembly 10 with reference to the vehicle seat assembly 10 described below and shown in the drawings. The side of the seat assembly 10 that is disposed to the right of the seated occupant may be referred to as the right side of the seat assembly 10. The side of the seat assembly 10 that is disposed to the left of the seated occupant may be referred to as the left side of the seat assembly 10.

Referring to fig. 1-8, a seat assembly 10 includes a seat assembly frame 14. The seat assembly frame 14 includes a seat frame 18 and a seat back frame 22. The extension member 26 is coupled to the seat frame 18 and is movable between an extended position a relative to the seat frame 18 and a compressed position B relative to the seat frame 18 in response to an actuation force f. The extension member 26 includes an end fixedly coupled to the seat frame 18 and an end coupled to an adjustment device provided on the seat frame 18.

Customers desire that the vehicle be available for a variety of purposes. Accordingly, it is advantageous to configure the vehicle seat assembly 10 to use vehicle space in a variety of ways. The seat assembly 10 including the extension member 26 may be configured in a variety of ways. The seat assembly 10 may include a seat back 54 and a seat 50 having an extension member 26 that may define the bolsters 42 of the seat 50. The cushion 42 may stabilize the movement of a seated occupant during use of the vehicle. The extension member 26 defining the cushion 42 may be in the extended position a when the seat back 54 is in the upright position E. The extension member 26 may be compressed when the seat back 54 is moved from the upright position E to the folded position F to form the load floor 46. When the seat back 54 is in the folded position F, the extension member 26 may be in the compressed position B. The extension member 26 is movable from the compressed position B to the extended position a as the seat assembly 10 moves from the folded position F to the upright position E. In the extended position a, the extension member 26 defines a cushion 42 that creates a comfortable seating space for an occupant.

Referring to fig. 1, a seat assembly 10 may include a seat assembly frame 14. The seat assembly frame 14 may include a seat frame 18 and a seat back frame 22. The seat back panel 66 may be disposed on the back of the seat back frame 22. The seat back panel 66 may define the load floor 46 when the seat back 54 is in the folded position F. The seat back panel 66 may provide support for the seat back cushion 62 disposed in the seat back frame 22. The tether 70 may be disposed in the seat back panel 66. The seat panel 68 may be positioned in the seat frame 18. The seat panel 68 may provide support for the seat cushion 58 disposed above the seat panel 68. The seat assembly 10 may be mounted to the vehicle floor 74 using a rear mount 78 and a front mount 82. The rear mounts 78 may be disposed on opposite sides of a crossbar 86 that extends near the bite line of the seat 50. The bite line may refer to a position where the seat 50 and the seatback 54 are brought together. The seat assembly 10 may include a front mount 82 positioned below a front portion 94 of the seat frame 18. The front mount 82 may include seat legs 98 that may extend away from the seat frame 18 and toward the vehicle floor 74.

Referring to fig. 1-3, the seat assembly 10 may include a pair of opposing extension members 26 disposed on opposite sides of the seat frame 18. In the example shown, the seat frame 18 includes a pair of opposing side brackets 102, a front cross member 106, and a rear cross member 110. The seat frame 18 may include a front portion 94 and a rear portion 90. The end 30 of each of the extension members 26 may be fixedly coupled to each of the opposing side brackets 102. The end 34 of each of the extension members 26 may be coupled to an adjustment device 38 disposed on each of the side brackets 102. In the example shown, the adjustment device 38 may include a guide member 38A. The guide member 38A may be referred to as a guide. The extension member 26 may be disposed in either the extended position a or the compressed position B. The pair of extension members 26 may slide into the guide member 38A in the first direction 114 in response to an actuation force F being applied to the pair of extension members 26. The pair of extension members 26 may slide out of the guide member 38A in the second direction 118 in response to removal of the actuation force f. The extension member 26 may be movable between a primary position I in the guide member 38A when the extension member 26 is in the extended position a and a secondary position J in the guide member 38A when the extension member 26 is in the compressed position B. The fixed end 30 of each of the pair of extension members 26 may be coupled to a front plate 122 extending along the front cross member 106. Each of the pair of extension members 26 may be disposed along the front plate 122. The front plate 122 may be curved. The front panel 122 may provide a comfortable surface for supporting the lower leg of an occupant. The front panel 122 may include an inwardly extending portion 126 that may be bent under the seat 50.

With continued reference to fig. 1-3, the guide member 38A may have an oblong configuration. The guide member 38A may include an internal passage 130 having a variable diameter 134. The diameter D1 of the interior channel 130 at a location closer to the front portion 94 of the seat frame 18 may be greater than the diameter D2 of the interior channel 130 at a location further from the front portion 94 of the seat frame 18. The variable diameter 134 between a position closer to the front portion 94 of the seat frame 18 and a position further from the front portion 94 of the seat frame 18 may guide the extension member 26 downward and toward the seat as the extension member 26 moves from the extended position a to the compressed position B in response to the actuation force F. Additionally, the interior channel 130 may include an upper portion 138 that extends along a downward slope 142 from the front portion of the seat frame 18 to the rear portion 90 of the seat frame 18. The downward slope 142 may be advantageous for compressing the extension member 26. It should be appreciated that the guide member 38A may have a structure other than that shown. For example, the guide member 34A may be integrated into the side brackets 102 of the seat frame 18 or other portions of the seat frame 18. The guide member 38A may comprise a guide sleeve.

With continued reference to fig. 1-3, the extension member 26 may be made of metal, a composite material, or another material. The metal extension member 26 may comprise spring steel. The extension member 26 may be rigid or flexible. The extension member 26 may include a cushion wire, which may be made of steel. The cushion wire may also be made of composite materials, carbon fiber and epoxy blends, or other materials. The material of the guide member 34A and the material of the cushion wire may be selected to minimize friction between the guide member 34A and the cushion wire. The extension member 26 may include a cushion support. The internal channel 130 of the guide member 34A can be of various shapes (e.g., rectangular). Extension member 26 may have various shapes (e.g., rectangular) compatible with internal channel 130.

Referring again to fig. 1-3, the location of the pair of guide members 34A and the pair of extension members 26 on the side brackets 102 of the seat frame 18 may be advantageous because the extension members 26 may be disposed on the side brackets 102 prior to attaching the side brackets 102 to the front cross member 106 and the rear cross member 110 during assembly of the seat frame 18. In addition, the positions of the pair of guide members 34A and the pair of extension members 26 on the side brackets 102 may form the bolsters 42 on the sides of the seat 50, so that the bolsters 42 may stabilize the seated occupant or the cargo provided on the seat 50.

With continued reference to fig. 1-3, the actuation force f exerted on the extension member 26 to move the extension member 26 from the extended position a to the compressed position B may include a force exerted by cargo placed on the seating surface. The actuation force F applied to the extension member 26 to move the extension member 26 from the extended position a to the compressed position B may be a force applied by the seat back 54 to the seat 50 when the seat back 54 is in the folded position F. See, for example, fig. 6 and 8.

Referring to fig. 4-8, a vehicle seat 50 includes a seat frame 18 having opposed first and second portions. The vehicle seat 50 includes an extension member 26 extending between a first portion of the seat frame 18 and a second portion of the seat frame 18. The extension member 26 has an end fixedly coupled to a first portion of the seat frame 18 and an end rotatably coupled to a rotational member 38B disposed about a pivotable coupling 154 disposed on a second portion of the seat frame 18. The rotating member 38B disposed about the pivotable coupling 154 is rotatable between an initial position M and a final position N as the extension member 26 moves between the extended position a and the compressed position B. If the rotational member 38B is in the initial position M, the seat leg 98 may be in the first position Q. If the swivel member 38B is in the final position N, the seat leg 98 may be in the second position R. The seat leg 98 is rotatable about an axis of rotation 162 or another axis of rotation substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 162 between a first position Q and a second position R of the seat leg 98. The seat leg 98 is rotatable about the rotation axis 164 between a first position Q and a second position R of the seat leg 98. In the example shown, the first portion of the seat frame 18 may include the rear portion 90 of the seat frame 18 and the second portion of the seat frame 18 may include the front portion 94 of the seat frame 18. The extension member 26 may comprise a flat strip. In the example shown, the rotating member 38B includes a bracket 150.

Referring to fig. 4, one end 30 of the extension member 26 may be fixedly coupled to the rear portion 90 of the side bracket 102. The other end 34 of the extension member 26 may be fixedly coupled to a rotating member 38B disposed at a pivotable coupling 154 between the rotating member 38B and the side bracket 102. The rotating member 38B may include a bracket 150. Cradle 150 may be rotatable about an axis of rotation 162 that extends through pivotable link 154 and front portion 94 of seat frame 18. The axis of rotation 162 may be transverse to the extension member 26. In the example shown, the bracket 150 includes a first link 166 and a second link 170. The first link 166 and the second link 170 each extend outwardly from the pivotable coupling 154. The first link 166 includes a pin 174. The extension member 26 may be coupled to a pin 174. The second link 170 includes a pin 178. A flange 182 may extend from the pin 178.

With continued reference to fig. 4, the flange 182 may extend laterally away from the second link 170 and in a direction toward the bottom of the seat 50. The flange 182 may abut structural components of the seat 50 to limit rotation of the bracket 150 in the initial position M and the final position N. In the example shown, the structural components include seat legs 98. The flange 182 may be referred to as a stop member. The flange 182 may include a variety of other shapes, configurations, and structures in addition to the rectangular shape of the flange 182 shown. In various aspects of the present disclosure, flange 182 may be mounted on seat leg 98 or another structure at a location such that first link 166 or second link 170 of bracket 150 abuts flange 182 in initial position M and final position N of bracket 150 to substantially limit rotation of bracket 150. The bracket 150 may be positioned on the side bracket 102 to minimize interference of the bracket 150 with a seated occupant and to provide room for rotation of the bracket 150. The extension member 26 is shown in the extended position a.

Referring to fig. 5, the bracket 150 is shown disposed on the outside of the side bracket 102. The brackets 150 may be disposed adjacent to the side brackets 102. Bracket 150 may include a first link 166 and a second link 170. The pin 174 may extend from the first link 166. The extension member 26 may be disposed about a pin 174 extending from the first link 166. The extension member 26 may have several bends 190. The flat strips may be metal, composite, or epoxy with carbon fibers. The metal extension member 26 may comprise spring steel. The second link 170 may include a pin 178 for securing a flange 182 to the second link 170. The flange 182 may be disposed adjacent the seat leg 98 of the seat assembly 10.

With continued reference to fig. 5, the stent 150 may have a variety of configurations and shapes in addition to those shown. Bracket 150, including first link 166 and second link 170, may be an integral part. See fig. 6. The bracket 150 including the first and second links 166 and 170 may include separate parts, such as separate first and second links 166 and 170. The bracket 150 may have a rounded shape.

Referring to fig. 6, the seat assembly 10 is shown with the seat back 54 in the folded position F. In the folded position F, the seat back panel 66 may serve as the load floor 46 upon which cargo may be disposed. If the seat back 54 is in the folded position F, the seat back 54 may apply an actuation force F to the seat 50 to move the extension member 26 from the extended position A to the compressed position B, thereby moving the bracket 150 from the initial position M to the final position N. In one example, the seat back frame 22 may be disposed substantially parallel to the seat frame 18 in the folded position F. The flange 182 may be disposed against the seat leg 98 when the bracket 150 is in the initial position M and the final position N.

Referring to fig. 7, flange 182 is shown disposed against seat leg++.

Referring to fig. 8, the seat assembly 10 may be positioned with the seat back 54 in the upright position E and the seat back 54 in the folded position F. Extension member 26 may be positioned in an extended position a and a compressed position B. The cradle 150 may be positioned in an initial position M and a final position N.

Referring to fig. 1-8, the vehicle seat assembly 10 may include a seat back 54 pivotally coupled to the seat 50 and movable between an upright position E and a folded position F. The seat assembly 10 may include a pair of extension members 26 each coupled to the front portion 94 and the rear portion 90 of the seat frame 18 and configured to move from the extended position a to the compressed position B in response to an actuation force f provided on the pair of extension members 26. The seat assembly 10 may include a pair of adjustment devices 34 disposed on opposite lateral sides of the seat frame 18 and at one of the front portion 94 or the rear portion 90 of the seat frame 18. The pair of adjustment devices 34 may be coupled to the pair of extension members 26.

Referring to fig. 1-8, it should be appreciated that after removal of the actuation force f, the extension member 26 may be biased in a variety of ways to return from the compressed position B to the extended position a. Additionally, the adjustment device 38 may include a biasing mechanism that may store energy as the extension member 26 moves from the extended position a to the compressed position B and may release energy as the extension member 26 moves from the compressed position B to the extended position a.

With reference to fig. 1-8, it will be appreciated that powered actuation may be used to move the extension member 26 between the extended position a and the compressed position B. The powered actuator for moving the extension member 26 between the extended position a and the compressed position may include a cable actuator. Powered actuation may be used to move the extension member 26 between the compressed position B and the extended position a. The power actuator for moving the extension member 26 between the compressed position B and the extended position a may include a cable actuator.

It should be appreciated that the extension member 26 may have different cross-sectional areas and shapes along its length. Extension member 26 may include sections of various materials and sizes.

It should be appreciated that the extension member 26 and the adjustment device 34 may be positioned on the seat frame 18 in various orientations. For example, the extension member and adjustment device may be positioned laterally across the seat frame to form a lateral cushion. For example, the extension member and adjustment device may be positioned diagonally across the seat frame to form a diagonal cushion.

It should be appreciated that the extension member 26 and the adjustment device 34 may be positioned on the seat back frame 22 in various orientations. For example, the extension member and adjustment device may be positioned longitudinally along the seat back frame to form a longitudinal cushion. The extension member and the adjustment device may be positioned laterally across the seat back frame to form a lateral cushion. In addition, the extension member and the adjustment device may be positioned diagonally across the seat back frame to form a diagonal cushion.

Various advantages can be obtained by using the present disclosure. The extension member 26 and adjustment device 34 may be incorporated into the seat assembly frame 14 to allow for varying the size of the bolsters 42. Movement of the extension member 26 to the compressed position B when the actuation force F is provided on the extension member 26 may allow the seat back 54 to form a flat load floor 46 when the seat back 54 is in the folded position F. Utilizing the seat assembly 10 with the extension member 26 in the extended position a may provide comfort and support to an occupant of the seat assembly 10.

Aspects of the present disclosure are also disclosed in co-pending application 84312780 entitled Support Assembly for Seating Assembly by ford world technology, inc., the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

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

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a seat assembly having: a seat assembly frame, the seat assembly frame comprising: a seat frame; a seat back frame; an extension member coupled to the seat frame and movable between an extended position relative to the seat frame and a compressed position relative to the seat frame in response to an actuation force, and comprising: fixedly coupled to an end of the seat frame; and an end coupled to an adjustment device disposed on the seat frame.

According to one embodiment, the adjustment device comprises a guide member provided at a rear portion of the seat frame.

According to one embodiment, the extension member is movable between a primary position in the guide member when the extension member is in the extended position and a secondary position in the guide member when the extension member is in the compressed position.

According to one embodiment, the end fixedly coupled to the seat frame is disposed at a front portion of the seat frame along a curved plate.

According to one embodiment, the guide member comprises an oblong structure having a channel through which the extension member slides when moving between the extended position and the compressed position.

According to one embodiment, the adjustment device includes a bracket rotatably coupled to the front portion of the seat frame and configured to receive an end of the extension member.

According to one embodiment, the end of the extension member fixedly coupled to the seat frame is disposed at a rear portion of the seat frame.

According to one embodiment, the support is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending transversely to the extension member.

According to one embodiment, the bracket is rotatable between an initial position defined by the extension member in the extended position and a final position defined by the extension member in the compressed position.

According to one embodiment, the bracket comprises a stop member configured to abut a structural component of the seat to limit rotation of the bracket in the final position.

According to one embodiment, the structural component comprises a seat leg.

According to one embodiment, the bracket comprises a first link and a second link, wherein each of the first link and the second link is pivotably coupled to the seat frame at a pivotable coupling defined by the rotational axis, and wherein the first link and the second link each extend outwardly from the pivotable coupling.

According to one embodiment, the extension member is coupled to the first link, and wherein the stop member is coupled to the second link.

According to one embodiment, the actuation force comprises a force exerted by the seat back on the seat when the seat back is in a flat position.

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat assembly having: a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat and movable between an upright position and a folded position, and the vehicle seat assembly comprising: a pair of extension members each coupled to the front and rear portions of the seat frame and configured to move from an extended position to a compressed position in response to an actuation force provided on the pair of extension members by the seat back in the folded position; a pair of adjustment devices disposed on opposite lateral sides of the seat frame and at one of the front portion or the rear portion of the seat frame, wherein the pair of adjustment devices are coupled to the pair of extension members, wherein the pair of extension members in the extended position define a pair of bolsters.

According to one embodiment, the pair of adjustment means comprises a pair of guides mounted to the seat frame, and wherein the pair of extension members slide into each of the pair of guides in a first direction in response to the actuation force being applied to the pair of extension members, and wherein the pair of extension members slide out of each of the pair of guides in a second direction in response to the actuation force being removed from the pair of extension members.

According to one embodiment, the pair of extension members includes a cushion wire.

According to one embodiment, the pair of adjustment means comprises a pair of brackets provided on opposite sides of the seat frame and pivotably coupled to the seat frame at pivotable couplings defined by an axis of rotation extending transversely to the pair of adjustment means, and wherein the pair of extension members are coupled to the pair of brackets such that application of an actuation force on the pair of extension members in the extended position causes the pair of brackets to rotate about the axis of rotation from an initial position to a final position, thereby moving the pair of extension members from the extended position to the compressed position.

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat having: a seat frame, the seat frame comprising: opposing first and second portions; an extension member extending between the first portion of the seat frame and the second portion of the seat frame and having an end fixedly coupled to the first portion of the seat frame and an end rotatably coupled to a rotation member disposed about a pivotable coupling disposed on the second portion of the seat frame, wherein the rotation member disposed about the pivotable coupling rotates between an initial position and a final position as the extension member moves between an extended position and a compressed position.

According to one embodiment, the first portion of the seat frame comprises a rear portion of the seat frame, wherein the second portion of the seat frame comprises a front portion of the seat frame, and wherein the extension member comprises a cushion support.

Claims (15)

1. A seat assembly, the seat assembly comprising:

a seat assembly frame, the seat assembly frame comprising:

a seat frame; and

a seat back frame;

an extension member coupled to the seat frame and movable between an extended position relative to the seat frame and a compressed position relative to the seat frame in response to an actuation force, and comprising:

fixedly coupled to an end of the seat frame; and

is coupled to an end of an adjustment device disposed on the seat frame.

2. The seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the adjustment device includes a guide member disposed at a rear portion of the seat frame.

3. A seat assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said extension member is movable between a primary position in said guide member when said extension member is in said extended position and a secondary position in said guide member when said extension member is in said compressed position.

4. A seat assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said end fixedly coupled to said seat frame is disposed at a front portion of said seat frame along a curved plate.

5. A seat assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said guide member includes an oblong structure having a channel through which said extension member slides as said extension member moves between said extended position and said compressed position.

6. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjustment device includes a bracket rotatably coupled to a front portion of the seat frame and configured to receive an end of the extension member.

7. The seat assembly of claim 6, wherein the end of the extension member fixedly coupled to the seat frame is disposed at a rear portion of the seat frame.

8. The seat assembly of claim 7 wherein the bracket is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending transverse to the extension member.

9. A seat assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said bracket is rotatable between an initial position defined by said extension member in said extended position and a final position defined by said extension member in said compressed position.

10. The seat assembly of claim 9, wherein the bracket includes a stop member configured to abut a structural component of a seat to limit rotation of the bracket in the final position.

11. The seat assembly of claim 10 wherein the structural member comprises a seat leg.

12. The seat assembly of claim 11, wherein the bracket includes a first link and a second link, wherein each of the first link and the second link is pivotably coupled to the seat frame at a pivotable coupling defined by the axis of rotation, and wherein the first link and the second link each extend outwardly from the pivotable coupling.

13. The seat assembly of claim 12 wherein the extension member is coupled to the first link, and wherein the stop member is coupled to the second link.

14. The seat assembly of claim 13 wherein the actuation force comprises a force exerted by the seat back on the seat when the seat back is in a flat position.

15. A vehicle incorporating a seat assembly as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 14.