US20200346571A1 - Leg support system for seating assembly - Google Patents
Leg support system for seating assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200346571A1 US20200346571A1 US16/400,155 US201916400155A US2020346571A1 US 20200346571 A1 US20200346571 A1 US 20200346571A1 US 201916400155 A US201916400155 A US 201916400155A US 2020346571 A1 US2020346571 A1 US 2020346571A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- support member
- assembly
- bracket
- seating assembly
- seat
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000000153 supplemental effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 86
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 22
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 22
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012552 review Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/90—Details or parts not otherwise provided for
- B60N2/995—Lower-leg-rests, e.g. calf-rests
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/005—Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles, e.g. dismountable auxiliary seats
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D1/00—Control of position, course or altitude of land, water, air, or space vehicles, e.g. automatic pilot
- G05D1/02—Control of position or course in two dimensions
- G05D1/021—Control of position or course in two dimensions specially adapted to land vehicles
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle seating assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seating assembly that includes a leg support mechanism.
- Vehicle seating assemblies may include mechanisms that provide leg support, Mechanisms for supporting passenger legs in a variety of positions may be disposed in a vehicle seating assembly. Mechanisms for supporting passenger legs may be adaptable to passenger preferences and body types.
- a vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a base member with a support member pivotably coupled to the seat and rotationally, movable between first and second positions.
- a bracket assembly is disposed between the support member and the base member and is coupled to an actuator.
- a supplemental support member is coupled to the bracket assembly and the support member. The supplemental support member is translationally movable relative to the support member between a retracted position and a fully, extended position.
- a vehicle seating assembly including a seat, a base member, and a bracket assembly coupled to a panel secured to the base member.
- the bracket assembly includes a rotating bracket and a lever with a support member pivotably coupled to the seat and selectively positionable in a stored position, a fully deployed position, and an intermediate deployed position between the stored position and the fully deployed position.
- the bracket assembly extends between an actuator and the support member. The actuator is selectively engageable to position the support member in a stored position, a fully deployed position, and an intermediate deployed position between the stored position and the fully deployed position.
- a leg support system includes a seat and a base member.
- the support member is pivotably coupled to a forward portion of the seat and is positionable between a first position and a second position.
- a supplemental support member is slidably coupled to the support member and is movable between a retracted position and a fully extended position.
- a bracket assembly is partially disposed between the seat and the base member and includes a lever pivotably coupled to a bracket.
- the lever is coupled to the support member and the supplemental support member.
- the bracket is coupled to an actuator.
- the actuator is selectively operable to move the support member between the first and second positions, and the actuator is selectively operable to move the supplemental support member between the retracted and the fully extended positions.
- FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a portion of a vehicle having a plurality of vehicle seating assemblies in a first configuration
- FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a portion of a vehicle having a plurality of vehicle seating assemblies in a second configuration
- FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a floor of a vehicle including a plurality of vehicle seating assemblies and a track assembly;
- FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of a seating assembly with a support member positioned in a stored position, a fully deployed position, and an intermediate deployed position;
- FIG. 5 is a left side perspective view of a seating assembly with a support member positioned in a stored position, a fully deployed position, and an intermediate deployed position;
- FIG. 6 is right side elevational view of a seat with a support member in a stored position and a supplemental support member in a retracted position;
- FIG. 6A is an exploded view of the circle that represents a path that the second pivot point of the bracket moves along;
- FIG. 7 is a right side elevational view of a seat with a support member in an intermediate deployed position and a supplemental support member in a retracted position;
- FIG. 7A is an exploded view of the support member in a stored position, a first intermediate deployed position, a second intermediate deployed position, a third intermediate deployed position, and a fully deployed position;
- FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of a seat with a support member in a fully deployed position and a supplemental support member in a fully extended position;
- FIG. 8A is an exploded view of the supplemental support member in a retracted position, a first intermediate extended position, a second intermediate extended position, a third intermediate extended position, and a fully extended position;
- FIG. 9 is a right perspective view of an actuator and a toothed bracket
- FIG. 10 is a left perspective view of a toothed wheel and a toothed bracket
- FIG. 11 is a right side perspective view of a base member
- FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the support member and the supplemental support member in a retracted position, according to an example
- FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the support member and the supplemental support member of FIG. 12 in an extended position;
- FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the support member with a bottom panel and the supplemental support member in a retracted position, according to an example
- FIG. 15 is a cut-away view of the support member with a bottom panel and the supplemental support member taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 14 with the supplemental support member in a retracted position;
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the support member with a bottom panel and the supplemental support member taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 14 with the supplemental support member in a retracted position;
- FIG. 17 is an assembly view of the leg support system.
- the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the concepts as oriented in FIG. 1 with respect to the vehicle 18 .
- the concepts may, assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.
- 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.
- a vehicle seating assembly 10 may be described from the vantage point of a passenger 12 seated in the seating assembly 10 .
- the side of a seating assembly 10 disposed on a right side of a seated passenger 12 may be referred to as a right side or a first side of the seating assembly 10 .
- the side of a seating assembly 10 disposed on a left side of a seated passenger 12 may be referred to as a left side or a second side of the seating assembly 10 .
- a vehicle seating assembly 10 may include various features for providing movability of the vehicle seating assembly 10 .
- the vehicle seating assembly 10 may include a track assembly 14 for translating the vehicle seating assembly 10 fore and aft within the vehicle 18 .
- the track assembly 14 may be a long track assembly 14 or a short track assembly 14 for full or partial movement of the seating assembly 10 within the vehicle 18 , respectively.
- the seating assembly 10 may further include a platform 22 extending between tracks 26 of the track assembly 14 .
- the platform 22 and the track assembly 14 may be integrated into the vehicle underbody frame 30 to provide structural stiffness and side-impact performance.
- the platform 22 may include cross-members 34 configured to allow the structural stiffness needed for side-impact performance to move with the seating assembly 10 , allowing the seating assembly 10 to be moved into various positions while maintaining structural support. Further, the platform 22 may also include a universal attachment system 38 to allow various seating assemblies 10 to couple with the platform 22 including, for example, rotating seating assemblies (not shown). Also, a seating assembly 10 may have a base member 42 that may be a module that may be received by the universal attachment system 38 of the platform 22 . The platform 22 may include extendable, or widening, cross-members 34 that may be adjustable to configure the platform 22 to receive base members 42 of various widths that may correspond to seating assemblies 10 of various widths.
- a vehicle underbody frame 30 having a plurality of seating assemblies TO.
- the vehicle underbody frame 30 may include a floor panel 46 configured to support the plurality of seating assemblies 10 .
- the vehicle underbody frame 30 may further include a front area 50 and a rear area 54 .
- One or more of the plurality of seating assemblies 10 may be configured as the movable vehicle seating assembly 10 .
- the vehicle 18 may be any type of vehicle, for example, a car, a truck, a van, or other vehicle. It is also contemplated that the vehicle 18 may be an autonomous vehicle. Additionally, it is contemplated that the concept set forth in this disclosure may be utilized in the front area 50 of the vehicle 18 as well as the rear area 54 of the vehicle 18 , depending on the configuration of the vehicle 18 .
- a portion of the plurality of seating assemblies 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown positioned within the front area 50 of the vehicle 18 with one or more of the plurality of seating assemblies 10 being configured as a movable vehicle seating assembly 10 . Another portion of the plurality of seating assemblies 10 may be positioned elsewhere within the vehicle 18 .
- the plurality of seating assemblies 10 are operably coupled to the floor panel 46 of the vehicle 18 by track assemblies 34 . Any one of the plurality of seating assemblies 10 may be configured as a movable vehicle seating assembly 10 .
- the vehicle seating assemblies 10 may be translatable along the respective track assembly 14 between a first position of the seating assembly 10 ( FIG. 1 ) and a second position of the seating assembly 10 ( FIG. 2 ).
- the vehicle seating assemblies 10 may be rotatable relative to the platform 22 using a swivel assembly (not shown). Where the vehicle seating assemblies 10 are rotatable, the vehicle seating assemblies may further be movable between a forward facing position within the vehicle 18 ( FIG. 1 ) and a rearward facing position within the vehicle 18 ( FIG. 2 ).
- the seating assembly 10 may include a seat 60 and a seatback 64 .
- the seat 60 may be disposed above the base member 42 .
- a linkage assembly 58 for securing the seat 60 to the base member 42 may be disposed between the seat 60 and the base member 42 .
- Passengers 12 may desire a seating assembly 10 with features that increase passenger 12 comfort.
- Such features may include a leg support system 56 for supporting passenger 12 legs.
- the leg support system 56 may be conveniently stored below the seat 60 and deployed in various positions to suit the individual needs of a passenger 12 . As such, passenger 12 comfort may be increased.
- a leg support system 56 may be at least partially disposed between the seat 60 and the base member 42 .
- the leg support system 56 may include a support member 66 , a supplemental support member 128 , a bracket assembly 120 for moving the support member 66 and the supplemental support member 128 , and a rotational assembly 136 for driving the bracket assembly 120 .
- the support member 66 may be pivotably coupled to the seat 60 .
- the seatback 64 may be pivotally coupled to the seat 60 .
- a headrest 68 may be coupled to the seatback 64 .
- the seating assembly 10 may include covers 72 positioned on either side of the seating assembly 10 .
- a floor cover 76 may be positioned above and parallel to the floor panel 46 and may be configured to conceal the track assembly 14 .
- the floor cover 76 may define a plurality of slots 80 .
- the plurality of slots 80 may be defined over the tracks 26 of the track assembly 14 , such that the platform 22 may extend at least partially, through the plurality of slots 80 to couple to the track assembly 14 .
- Each of the slots 80 may be defined to have a length selected to allow movement of the seating assembly 10 between the first position of the seating assembly 10 ( FIG. 1 ) and the second position of the seating assembly 10 ( FIG. 2 ).
- the floor cover 76 may further conceal a cutout 84 of the floor panel 46 ,
- the cutout 84 may be configured to house the track assembly 14 .
- the cutout 84 may include front and rear walls 88 , 92 and sidewalls 96 , 100 .
- the sidewalls 96 , 100 may be spaced apart and may frame a void 104 of the cutout 84 .
- the track assembly 14 may be positioned within the void 104 .
- the platform 22 may at least partially be positioned within the void 104 and the track assembly 14 .
- the track assembly 14 may include guides 108 positioned on first and second sides of the seating assembly 10 and operably coupled with the cutout 84 .
- the guides 108 may be positioned in pairs.
- Each guide 108 may be operably coupled with one of the sidewalls 96 , 100 , such that the track assembly 14 is recessed within the cutout 84 , as the seating assembly 10 is translated between the first position of the seating assembly 10 ( FIG. 1 ) and the second position of the seating assembly 10 ( FIG. 2 ).
- a vehicle seating assembly 10 may include a seat 60 , a base member 42 , and a support member 66 .
- the support member 66 may be pivotably coupled to the seat 60 and rotationally movable between a first position and a second position.
- the first position of the support member 66 may be a stored position A
- the second position of the support member 66 may be a fully deployed position B.
- the support member 66 may include a bracket assembly 120 disposed between the support member 66 and the base member 42 .
- the bracket assembly 120 may be coupled to an actuator 124 .
- a supplemental support member 128 may be coupled to the bracket assembly 120 and the support member 66 .
- the supplemental support member 128 may be translationally movable relative to the support member 66 between a retracted position a and a fully extended position b.
- a seating assembly 10 is shown with a seat 60 and a seatback 64 .
- the support member 66 may be pivotally coupled to the front portion 60 a of the seat 60 at pivot point 132 .
- a rotational assembly 136 (see FIGS. 9 and 10 ) and a bracket assembly 120 (see FIGS. 6-8 ) may move the support member 66 between a stored position A and a fully deployed position B.
- the rotational assembly 136 and the bracket assembly 120 may also position the support member 66 in an intermediate deployed position (for example, A 1 , A 2 , A 3 ).
- the supplemental support member 128 is shown in the retracted position a, a second intermediate retracted position a 2 , and a fully extended position b.
- a seat belt 140 is shown disposed on the seating assembly 10 .
- FIG. 5 a perspective view is shown of the seating assembly 10 of FIG. 4 .
- the seating assembly 10 is shown with a seat 60 and a seatback 64 .
- the support member 66 is shown in the stored position A, an intermediate deployed position (for example, A 2 ), and a fully deployed position B.
- a hinge assembly 252 may be disposed between the seat 60 and the support member 66 .
- the hinge assembly 252 may define an axis that extends through the pivot points 132 .
- trim 264 may be disposed over the seat 60 , the seatback 64 , and the support member 66 .
- the support member 66 and the supplemental support member 128 may be arranged in a variety of positions to suit passenger 12 preferences.
- the leg support system 56 is shown with the support member 66 in a stored position A.
- a cross-sectional view is shown of the base member 42 , a linkage assembly 58 , and a seat frame assembly 152 .
- the seat frame assembly 152 may include a seat pan 156 .
- the linkage assembly 58 may include a first linkage arm 160 and a second linkage arm 164 that may be pivotably coupled to the seat pan 156 and the base member 42 .
- a plate 168 may be coupled to the base member 42 and the seat frame assembly 152 .
- the actuator 124 and the bracket assembly 120 may be mounted to the plate 168 .
- the bracket assembly 120 may include a bracket 172 and a lever 176 .
- the bracket 172 may include a first pivot point 172 a .
- the bracket 172 may be coupled to the plate 168 at the first pivot point 172 a .
- the bracket 172 may include a second pivot point 172 b .
- the bracket 172 may be coupled to the lever 176 at the second pivot point 172 b .
- the first pivot point 172 a may be fixed.
- the second pivot point 172 b may be movable.
- the bracket 172 may be pivotably coupled to the lever 176 .
- the lever 176 may include a first pivot point 176 a and a second pivot point 176 b .
- the second pivot point 172 b of the bracket 172 may share an axis with the first pivot point of 176 a of the lever 176 .
- the second pivot point 176 b of the lever 176 may share an axis IV (see FIG. 12 ) with a pivot point 182 disposed through the engagement member 180 of the support member 66 .
- the lever 176 may be disposed between the bracket 172 and the support member 66 .
- the support member 66 is shown in a first position A.
- the first position A may be referred to as a substantially vertical position.
- the supplemental support member 128 is shown in the retracted position a.
- the support member 66 may be transverse to an underbody frame 30 .
- the support member 66 may abut a first side 42 a of the base member 42 and a second side 42 b (not shown, see FIG. 11 ) of the base member 42 .
- the support member 66 may be generally parallel to the longitudinal front edge of the first side 42 a of the base member 42 and a longitudinal front edge of the second side 42 b of the base member 42 . As such, the support member 66 may be efficiently stored below the seat 60 .
- a superimposed circle 190 shows a path 194 the second pivot point 172 b of the bracket 172 may follow as the bracket 172 rotates around a fastener disposed through the first pivot point 172 a of the bracket 172 and the plate 168 .
- the circumference 198 of the circle 190 may provide a path 194 that the second pivot point 172 b may travel along to move the support member 66 between a stored position A and a fully deployed position B and to move the supplemental support member 128 between the retracted position a and the fully extended position b.
- the path 194 may include a first portion 194 a and a second portion 194 b .
- a location 202 may be disposed at the top of the circle 190 .
- Location 202 may be between the first portion 194 a of the path 194 and the second portion 194 b of the path 194 .
- movement of the arm of the bracket 172 may switch from an upward motion to a downward motion.
- the support member 66 may move from the stored position A to the fully deployed position B.
- the support member 66 may remain in the fully deployed position B, and the supplemental support member 128 may move from the retracted position a to the fully extended position b.
- the second supplemental member 128 may move from the fully extended position b to the retracted position a.
- the support member 66 may move from the fully deployed position B to the stored position A. As such, positioning of the support member 66 and the supplemental support member 128 may be explained by referring to the path 194 of the arm of the bracket 172 .
- the leg support system 56 is shown with the support member 66 in the fully deployed position B and the supplemental support member 128 in the retracted position a.
- the support member 66 is shown in the fully deployed position B.
- the supplemental support member 128 is shown in the retracted position a.
- the second pivot point 172 b is on the top of the circle 190 at location 202 .
- FIG. 7A an exploded view of the support member 66 is shown in the stored position A, the first intermediate deployed position A 1 , the second intermediate deployed position A 2 , and the third intermediate deployed position A 3 , and the fully deployed position B.
- An angle ⁇ B may be disposed between a centerline of the support member 66 in the substantially vertical position ( FIGS. 6, 7 ) and a centerline of the support member 66 in a fully deployed position B.
- An angle ⁇ B may be disposed between a centerline of the support member 66 in the substantially vertical position ( FIGS. 6, 7 ) and a centerline of the support member 66 in an intermediate deployed position (for example, A 1 , A 2 , A 3 ) or a fully deployed position B.
- the support member 66 may be arranged in many positions to suit individual passenger 12 preferences.
- the support member 66 is shown in the fully deployed position B.
- the supplemental support member 128 is shown in the retracted position a and the fully extended position b.
- the second pivot point 172 b is on the second portion 194 b of the path 194 around the circle 190 .
- the supplemental support member 128 is shown in the retracted position a, the first intermediate extended position a 1 , the second intermediate extended position a 2 , the third intermediate extended position a 3 , and the fully extended position b.
- the supplemental support member 128 may be positioned to suit various passenger 12 leg lengths.
- the actuator 124 and the bracket 172 are shown.
- the actuator 124 and the bracket 172 may be mounted to the plate 168 with a mounting piece 210 and fasteners 214 .
- the actuator 124 may be a rotary actuator 124 that drives a toothed wheel 222 that may be coupled to the actuator 124 ,
- the teeth 226 on the toothed wheel 222 and the teeth 226 on the toothed portion 218 of the bracket 172 may form a toothed interface 230 .
- the actuator 124 in combination with the toothed wheel 222 , may move the bracket 172 between various positions defined by the teeth 226 of the bracket 172 .
- the various positions may correspond to at least the stored position A, the first intermediate deployed position A 1 , the second intermediate deployed position A 2 , the third intermediate deployed position A 3 , and the fully deployed position B for the support member 66 .
- the various positions may correspond to at least the retracted position a, the first intermediate retracted position a 1 , the second intermediate retracted position a 2 , the third intermediate retracted position a 3 , and the fully extended position b for the supplemental support member 128 .
- a predetermined fixed position of the bracket 172 may correspond to at least the stored position A, the first intermediate deployed position A 1 , the second intermediate deployed position A 2 , the third intermediate deployed position A 3 , and the fully deployed position B of the support member 66 .
- a predetermined fixed position of the bracket 172 may corresponded to at least the retracted position a, the first intermediate extended position a 1 , the second intermediate extended position a 2 , the third intermediate extended position a 3 , and the fully extended position b.
- the rotational assembly 136 may also be described as a rack (toothed portion 218 of bracket 172 ) and pinion (toothed wheel 222 ) system.
- the plurality of teeth 226 on the bracket 172 may correspond to predetermined support member 66 positions and predetermined supplemental support member 128 positions.
- the rotational assembly 136 and the bracket assembly 120 may be designed to fit between the first side portion 42 a of the base member 42 and the second side portion 42 b of the base member 42 .
- the support member 66 may include an end wall 240 designed to be positioned next to the front portion 60 a of the seat 60 .
- the support member 66 may also include a first sidewall 244 and a second sidewall 248 .
- a hinge assembly 252 may be disposed on the end wall 240 .
- the hinge assembly 252 may include a channel for receiving one or more pins for pivotably coupling the hinge assembly 252 to a front portion 60 a of the seat 60 .
- the supplemental support member 128 may include a cover 256 .
- Trim 264 may be disposed over the support member 66 and the supplemental support member 128 .
- the trim 264 that may be disposed over the support member 66 and the supplemental support member 128 may match the trim 264 that may be disposed over the seat 60 and the seatback 64 . See FIG. 5 .
- the supplemental support member 128 is shown fully nested in the support member 66 . In the retracted position a, the supplemental support member 128 is shown between the first and second sidewalls 244 , 248 and adjacent to the end wall 240 .
- the supplemental support member 128 may include an engagement member 180 .
- the engagement member 180 may include a first engagement member 180 a and a second engagement member 180 b .
- the first engagement member 180 a and the second engagement member 180 b may be pivotably coupled to the lever 176 of the bracket assembly 120 .
- the first engagement member 180 a and the second engagement member 180 b may include holes 268 for receiving one or more pins or other fasteners for coupling the first engagement member 180 a and the second engagement member 180 b to the pivot point 176 b of the lever 176 .
- An axis IV may extend through the holes 268 in the first and second engagement members 180 a , 180 b .
- the holes 268 in the first and second engagement members 180 a , 180 b may define the axis IV.
- the first engagement member 180 a and the second engagement member 180 b may receive a fastener for securing the first engagement member 180 a and the second engagement member 180 b to the supplemental support member 128 .
- the supplemental support member 128 may include two elongated recesses 272 .
- a guide member 276 may be disposed in one or more of the elongated recesses 272 , The guide member 276 may be fixed to the support member 66 proximate the end wall 240 of the support member 66 .
- the supplemental support member 128 may be slidably coupled to the guide member 276 .
- FIG. 13 the example of the support member 66 and the supplemental support member 128 shown in FIG. 12 is shown with the supplemental support member 128 in a fully extended position b.
- the guide member 276 supports the supplemental support member 128 .
- the supplemental support member 128 is shown partially nested in the support member 66 in FIG. 13 .
- the supplemental support member 128 may be covered in a trim 264 that may match a trim 264 that may cover the seating assembly 10 .
- Nubs 280 disposed on the forward wall 284 of the supplemental support member 128 may provide places for securing trim 264 to the supplemental support member 128 .
- FIG. 14 an example of the support member 66 and an example of the supplemental support member 128 are shown.
- the example of the support member 66 shown in FIG. 12 includes a bottom panel 288 .
- the supplemental support member 128 is shown in the retracted position a.
- the bottom panel 288 may include a first slot 292 and a second slot 296 .
- the first and second engagement members 180 a , 180 b may be disposed in the respective first and second slots 292 , 296 .
- the first and second engagement members 180 a , 180 b may move within the first and second slots 292 , 296 as the supplemental support member 128 slides between the retracted position a and the fully extended position b.
- the guide member 276 is shown in the support member 66 .
- FIG. 15 shows a cut-away perspective view of the support member 66 shown in FIG. 14 .
- the guide member 276 is shown in the support member 66 .
- FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the support member 66 and the supplemental support member 128 shown in FIG. 15 .
- the guide member 276 is shown disposed in the supplemental support member 128 .
- the support member 66 and the supplemental support member 128 may be designed to save space and to efficiently fit below the seat 60 .
- the bracket assembly 120 may include the bracket 172 and the lever 176 .
- the support member 66 may be coupled to the lever 176 .
- the supplemental support member 128 may be nested in the support member 66 in the stored position A.
- a cover 256 may be disposed over the supplemental support member 128 ,
- the supplemental support member 128 may include a first engagement member 180 a and a second engagement member 180 b .
- a rotational assembly 136 for driving the bracket assembly 120 is also shown.
- a passenger may manually actuate the leg support system by pressing controls that may be physically attached to the vehicle.
- a passenger may also actuate the leg support system by using a wireless communication (for example, a key fob).
- the leg support system may be programmed with the preferred settings of a passenger.
- the support member 66 and the supplemental support member 128 may be made of a composite material.
- the support member 66 , supplemental support member 128 , bracket assembly 120 , and rotational assembly 136 disclosed herein may be used in conjunction with various seating assemblies.
- the leg support system 56 may be used with the vehicle seating assembly disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/386,760, filed on Apr. 17, 2019, entitled Adjustable Seat, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- leg support system 56 A passenger 12 may adjust the support member 66 and the supplemental support member 128 to suit individual preferences.
- the leg support system 56 may be conveniently disposed below the seat 60 .
- the leg support system 56 may be used with the track assembly 14 of the vehicle 18 .
- the term “coupled” in all of its forms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc. generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature, unless otherwise stated.
- 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, connector or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or numeral of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied.
- the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. 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.
Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle seating assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seating assembly that includes a leg support mechanism.
- Vehicle seating assemblies may include mechanisms that provide leg support, Mechanisms for supporting passenger legs in a variety of positions may be disposed in a vehicle seating assembly. Mechanisms for supporting passenger legs may be adaptable to passenger preferences and body types.
- According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a base member with a support member pivotably coupled to the seat and rotationally, movable between first and second positions. A bracket assembly is disposed between the support member and the base member and is coupled to an actuator. A supplemental support member is coupled to the bracket assembly and the support member. The supplemental support member is translationally movable relative to the support member between a retracted position and a fully, extended position.
- Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure can include any one or a combination of the following features:
-
- in the first position, the support member is in a substantially vertical position transverse to an underbody frame;
- in the first position, the support member is positioned at a first angle between a substantially vertical line along a front portion of the seat and a centerline support member;
- in the second position, the support member is positioned at a second angle between a substantially vertical line along the front portion of the seat and a centerline of the support member;
- the first position includes a stored position;
- the second position includes a fully deployed position;
- the support member is positionable in a plurality of intermediate deployed positions between the stored position and the fully deployed position;
- the supplemental support member is fully nested within the support member in the retracted position;
- the supplemental support member is partially nested within the support member in the fully extended position;
- a guide member is disposed in the support member;
- an engagement member is disposed on the supplemental support member and is pivotably coupled to the bracket assembly;
- the bracket assembly comprises a rotating bracket coupled to the actuator and a lever pivotably coupled to the rotating bracket;
- the lever is pivotably coupled to the engagement member; and
- the engagement member includes a first engagement member and a second engagement member.
- According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly including a seat, a base member, and a bracket assembly coupled to a panel secured to the base member. The bracket assembly includes a rotating bracket and a lever with a support member pivotably coupled to the seat and selectively positionable in a stored position, a fully deployed position, and an intermediate deployed position between the stored position and the fully deployed position. The bracket assembly extends between an actuator and the support member. The actuator is selectively engageable to position the support member in a stored position, a fully deployed position, and an intermediate deployed position between the stored position and the fully deployed position.
- Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure can include any one or a combination of the following features:
-
- a telescoping supplemental support member is disposed within the support member and is selectively positionable in a retracted position, a fully extended position, and an intermediate extended position between the retracted position and the fully extended position;
- an elongated guide member is disposed in the support member, wherein the telescoping supplemental support member is slidably coupled to a channel in the elongated guide member, and slides along the elongated guide member between the retracted position and the fully extended position; and
- toothed interface is between the actuator and the bracket assembly.
- According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a leg support system includes a seat and a base member. The support member is pivotably coupled to a forward portion of the seat and is positionable between a first position and a second position. A supplemental support member is slidably coupled to the support member and is movable between a retracted position and a fully extended position. A bracket assembly is partially disposed between the seat and the base member and includes a lever pivotably coupled to a bracket. The lever is coupled to the support member and the supplemental support member. The bracket is coupled to an actuator. The actuator is selectively operable to move the support member between the first and second positions, and the actuator is selectively operable to move the supplemental support member between the retracted and the fully extended positions.
- Embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure can include any one or a combination of the following features:
-
- the support member is rotatable about a pivot point disposed at a front portion of the seat;
- in the first position, the support member is positioned in a substantially vertical position between the pivot point and an underbody frame;
- in the second position, the support member is disposed at an approximately 30 degree to approximately 70 degree angle from the first position;
- a toothed wheel is coupled to the actuator;
- wherein the toothed wheel and the toothed portion of the bracket form a toothed interface; and
- the leg support system is disposed in a vehicle seating assembly.
- 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.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a portion of a vehicle having a plurality of vehicle seating assemblies in a first configuration; -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a portion of a vehicle having a plurality of vehicle seating assemblies in a second configuration; -
FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a floor of a vehicle including a plurality of vehicle seating assemblies and a track assembly; -
FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of a seating assembly with a support member positioned in a stored position, a fully deployed position, and an intermediate deployed position; -
FIG. 5 is a left side perspective view of a seating assembly with a support member positioned in a stored position, a fully deployed position, and an intermediate deployed position; -
FIG. 6 is right side elevational view of a seat with a support member in a stored position and a supplemental support member in a retracted position; -
FIG. 6A is an exploded view of the circle that represents a path that the second pivot point of the bracket moves along; -
FIG. 7 is a right side elevational view of a seat with a support member in an intermediate deployed position and a supplemental support member in a retracted position; -
FIG. 7A is an exploded view of the support member in a stored position, a first intermediate deployed position, a second intermediate deployed position, a third intermediate deployed position, and a fully deployed position; -
FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of a seat with a support member in a fully deployed position and a supplemental support member in a fully extended position; -
FIG. 8A is an exploded view of the supplemental support member in a retracted position, a first intermediate extended position, a second intermediate extended position, a third intermediate extended position, and a fully extended position; -
FIG. 9 is a right perspective view of an actuator and a toothed bracket; -
FIG. 10 is a left perspective view of a toothed wheel and a toothed bracket; -
FIG. 11 is a right side perspective view of a base member; -
FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the support member and the supplemental support member in a retracted position, according to an example; -
FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the support member and the supplemental support member ofFIG. 12 in an extended position; -
FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the support member with a bottom panel and the supplemental support member in a retracted position, according to an example; -
FIG. 15 is a cut-away view of the support member with a bottom panel and the supplemental support member taken along line XV-XV ofFIG. 14 with the supplemental support member in a retracted position; -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the support member with a bottom panel and the supplemental support member taken along line XVI-XVI ofFIG. 14 with the supplemental support member in a retracted position; and -
FIG. 17 is an assembly view of the leg support system. - For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the concepts as oriented in
FIG. 1 with respect to thevehicle 18. However, it is to be understood 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. - With reference to the
vehicle seating assembly 10 described below and shown in the attached figures, avehicle seating assembly 10 may be described from the vantage point of a passenger 12 seated in theseating assembly 10. The side of aseating assembly 10 disposed on a right side of a seated passenger 12 may be referred to as a right side or a first side of theseating assembly 10. The side of aseating assembly 10 disposed on a left side of a seated passenger 12 may be referred to as a left side or a second side of theseating assembly 10. - Referring to
FIGS. 1-3 , avehicle seating assembly 10 may include various features for providing movability of thevehicle seating assembly 10. Thevehicle seating assembly 10 may include atrack assembly 14 for translating thevehicle seating assembly 10 fore and aft within thevehicle 18. Thetrack assembly 14 may be along track assembly 14 or ashort track assembly 14 for full or partial movement of theseating assembly 10 within thevehicle 18, respectively. Theseating assembly 10 may further include aplatform 22 extending betweentracks 26 of thetrack assembly 14. Theplatform 22 and thetrack assembly 14 may be integrated into thevehicle underbody frame 30 to provide structural stiffness and side-impact performance. Theplatform 22 may include cross-members 34 configured to allow the structural stiffness needed for side-impact performance to move with theseating assembly 10, allowing theseating assembly 10 to be moved into various positions while maintaining structural support. Further, theplatform 22 may also include auniversal attachment system 38 to allowvarious seating assemblies 10 to couple with theplatform 22 including, for example, rotating seating assemblies (not shown). Also, aseating assembly 10 may have abase member 42 that may be a module that may be received by theuniversal attachment system 38 of theplatform 22. Theplatform 22 may include extendable, or widening, cross-members 34 that may be adjustable to configure theplatform 22 to receivebase members 42 of various widths that may correspond toseating assemblies 10 of various widths. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , avehicle underbody frame 30 is shown having a plurality of seating assemblies TO. Thevehicle underbody frame 30 may include afloor panel 46 configured to support the plurality ofseating assemblies 10. Thevehicle underbody frame 30 may further include afront area 50 and arear area 54. One or more of the plurality ofseating assemblies 10 may be configured as the movablevehicle seating assembly 10. It is contemplated that thevehicle 18 may be any type of vehicle, for example, a car, a truck, a van, or other vehicle. It is also contemplated that thevehicle 18 may be an autonomous vehicle. Additionally, it is contemplated that the concept set forth in this disclosure may be utilized in thefront area 50 of thevehicle 18 as well as therear area 54 of thevehicle 18, depending on the configuration of thevehicle 18. - A portion of the plurality of
seating assemblies 10 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 is shown positioned within thefront area 50 of thevehicle 18 with one or more of the plurality ofseating assemblies 10 being configured as a movablevehicle seating assembly 10. Another portion of the plurality ofseating assemblies 10 may be positioned elsewhere within thevehicle 18. The plurality ofseating assemblies 10 are operably coupled to thefloor panel 46 of thevehicle 18 bytrack assemblies 34. Any one of the plurality ofseating assemblies 10 may be configured as a movablevehicle seating assembly 10. Thevehicle seating assemblies 10 may be translatable along therespective track assembly 14 between a first position of the seating assembly 10 (FIG. 1 ) and a second position of the seating assembly 10 (FIG. 2 ). Additionally, thevehicle seating assemblies 10 may be rotatable relative to theplatform 22 using a swivel assembly (not shown). Where thevehicle seating assemblies 10 are rotatable, the vehicle seating assemblies may further be movable between a forward facing position within the vehicle 18 (FIG. 1 ) and a rearward facing position within the vehicle 18 (FIG. 2 ). - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , theseating assembly 10 may include aseat 60 and aseatback 64. Theseat 60 may be disposed above thebase member 42. Alinkage assembly 58 for securing theseat 60 to thebase member 42 may be disposed between theseat 60 and thebase member 42. - Passengers 12 may desire a
seating assembly 10 with features that increase passenger 12 comfort. Such features may include aleg support system 56 for supporting passenger 12 legs. Theleg support system 56 may be conveniently stored below theseat 60 and deployed in various positions to suit the individual needs of a passenger 12. As such, passenger 12 comfort may be increased. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , aleg support system 56 may be at least partially disposed between theseat 60 and thebase member 42. With reference toFIGS. 3, 6-10, and 17 , theleg support system 56 may include asupport member 66, asupplemental support member 128, abracket assembly 120 for moving thesupport member 66 and thesupplemental support member 128, and arotational assembly 136 for driving thebracket assembly 120. With reference again toFIG. 3 , thesupport member 66 may be pivotably coupled to theseat 60. Theseatback 64 may be pivotally coupled to theseat 60. Aheadrest 68 may be coupled to theseatback 64. According to various examples, theseating assembly 10 may includecovers 72 positioned on either side of theseating assembly 10. - With continued reference to
FIG. 3 , afloor cover 76 may be positioned above and parallel to thefloor panel 46 and may be configured to conceal thetrack assembly 14. Thefloor cover 76 may define a plurality ofslots 80. The plurality ofslots 80 may be defined over thetracks 26 of thetrack assembly 14, such that theplatform 22 may extend at least partially, through the plurality ofslots 80 to couple to thetrack assembly 14. Each of theslots 80 may be defined to have a length selected to allow movement of theseating assembly 10 between the first position of the seating assembly 10 (FIG. 1 ) and the second position of the seating assembly 10 (FIG. 2 ). - The
floor cover 76 may further conceal acutout 84 of thefloor panel 46, Thecutout 84 may be configured to house thetrack assembly 14. Thecutout 84 may include front andrear walls sidewalls void 104 of thecutout 84. Thetrack assembly 14 may be positioned within thevoid 104. In various examples, theplatform 22 may at least partially be positioned within thevoid 104 and thetrack assembly 14. Thetrack assembly 14 may includeguides 108 positioned on first and second sides of theseating assembly 10 and operably coupled with thecutout 84. Theguides 108 may be positioned in pairs. Eachguide 108 may be operably coupled with one of thesidewalls track assembly 14 is recessed within thecutout 84, as theseating assembly 10 is translated between the first position of the seating assembly 10 (FIG. 1 ) and the second position of the seating assembly 10 (FIG. 2 ). - Referring to
FIGS. 1-16 , avehicle seating assembly 10 may include aseat 60, abase member 42, and asupport member 66. Thesupport member 66 may be pivotably coupled to theseat 60 and rotationally movable between a first position and a second position. In one example, the first position of thesupport member 66 may be a stored position A, and the second position of thesupport member 66 may be a fully deployed position B. Thesupport member 66 may include abracket assembly 120 disposed between thesupport member 66 and thebase member 42. Thebracket assembly 120 may be coupled to anactuator 124. Asupplemental support member 128 may be coupled to thebracket assembly 120 and thesupport member 66. Thesupplemental support member 128 may be translationally movable relative to thesupport member 66 between a retracted position a and a fully extended position b. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , aseating assembly 10 is shown with aseat 60 and aseatback 64. Thesupport member 66 may be pivotally coupled to thefront portion 60 a of theseat 60 atpivot point 132. A rotational assembly 136 (seeFIGS. 9 and 10 ) and a bracket assembly 120 (seeFIGS. 6-8 ) may move thesupport member 66 between a stored position A and a fully deployed position B. Therotational assembly 136 and the bracket assembly 120 (seeFIGS. 6-8 ) may also position thesupport member 66 in an intermediate deployed position (for example, A1, A2, A3). Thesupplemental support member 128 is shown in the retracted position a, a second intermediate retracted position a2, and a fully extended position b. Aseat belt 140 is shown disposed on theseating assembly 10. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , a perspective view is shown of theseating assembly 10 ofFIG. 4 . Theseating assembly 10 is shown with aseat 60 and aseatback 64. Thesupport member 66 is shown in the stored position A, an intermediate deployed position (for example, A2), and a fully deployed position B. Referring toFIGS. 5 and 12 , ahinge assembly 252 may be disposed between theseat 60 and thesupport member 66. Thehinge assembly 252 may define an axis that extends through the pivot points 132. Referring again toFIG. 5 , trim 264 may be disposed over theseat 60, theseatback 64, and thesupport member 66. As such, thesupport member 66 and thesupplemental support member 128 may be arranged in a variety of positions to suit passenger 12 preferences. - With reference to
FIG. 6 , theleg support system 56 is shown with thesupport member 66 in a stored position A. A cross-sectional view is shown of thebase member 42, alinkage assembly 58, and aseat frame assembly 152. Theseat frame assembly 152 may include aseat pan 156. Thelinkage assembly 58 may include afirst linkage arm 160 and asecond linkage arm 164 that may be pivotably coupled to theseat pan 156 and thebase member 42. Aplate 168 may be coupled to thebase member 42 and theseat frame assembly 152. Theactuator 124 and thebracket assembly 120 may be mounted to theplate 168. Thebracket assembly 120 may include abracket 172 and alever 176. Thebracket 172 may include afirst pivot point 172 a. Thebracket 172 may be coupled to theplate 168 at thefirst pivot point 172 a. Thebracket 172 may include asecond pivot point 172 b. Thebracket 172 may be coupled to thelever 176 at thesecond pivot point 172 b. Thefirst pivot point 172 a may be fixed. Thesecond pivot point 172 b may be movable. - With continuing reference to
FIG. 6 , thebracket 172 may be pivotably coupled to thelever 176. Thelever 176 may include afirst pivot point 176 a and asecond pivot point 176 b. Thesecond pivot point 172 b of thebracket 172 may share an axis with the first pivot point of 176 a of thelever 176. Thesecond pivot point 176 b of thelever 176 may share an axis IV (seeFIG. 12 ) with apivot point 182 disposed through theengagement member 180 of thesupport member 66. Thelever 176 may be disposed between thebracket 172 and thesupport member 66. Thesupport member 66 is shown in a first position A. The first position A may be referred to as a substantially vertical position. Thesupplemental support member 128 is shown in the retracted position a. Thesupport member 66 may be transverse to anunderbody frame 30. In the stored position, thesupport member 66 may abut afirst side 42 a of thebase member 42 and asecond side 42 b (not shown, seeFIG. 11 ) of thebase member 42. In the stored position A, thesupport member 66 may be generally parallel to the longitudinal front edge of thefirst side 42 a of thebase member 42 and a longitudinal front edge of thesecond side 42 b of thebase member 42. As such, thesupport member 66 may be efficiently stored below theseat 60. - With reference to
FIGS. 6-8 , the movement of thesupport member 66 and thesupplemental support member 128 may be described with reference to apath 194 that the arm of thebracket 172 follows. Asuperimposed circle 190 shows apath 194 thesecond pivot point 172 b of thebracket 172 may follow as thebracket 172 rotates around a fastener disposed through thefirst pivot point 172 a of thebracket 172 and theplate 168. The circumference 198 of thecircle 190 may provide apath 194 that thesecond pivot point 172 b may travel along to move thesupport member 66 between a stored position A and a fully deployed position B and to move thesupplemental support member 128 between the retracted position a and the fully extended position b. Thepath 194 may include afirst portion 194 a and asecond portion 194 b. Alocation 202 may be disposed at the top of thecircle 190.Location 202 may be between thefirst portion 194 a of thepath 194 and thesecond portion 194 b of thepath 194. Atlocation 202, movement of the arm of thebracket 172 may switch from an upward motion to a downward motion. - With continuing reference to
FIG. 6A , as thesecond pivot point 172 b moves along thefirst portion 194 a of thepath 194 in the direction shown by arrow II, thesupport member 66 may move from the stored position A to the fully deployed position B. As thesecond pivot point 172 b moves along thesecond portion 194 b of thepath 194 in the direction shown by arrow II, thesupport member 66 may remain in the fully deployed position B, and thesupplemental support member 128 may move from the retracted position a to the fully extended position b. - With reference to
FIG. 6A , as thesecond pivot point 172 b moves along thesecond portion 194 b of thepath 194 in the direction shown by arrow III, the secondsupplemental member 128 may move from the fully extended position b to the retracted position a. As thesecond pivot point 172 b moves along thefirst portion 194 a of thepath 194 in the direction shown by arrow III, thesupport member 66 may move from the fully deployed position B to the stored position A. As such, positioning of thesupport member 66 and thesupplemental support member 128 may be explained by referring to thepath 194 of the arm of thebracket 172. - With reference to
FIG. 7 , theleg support system 56 is shown with thesupport member 66 in the fully deployed position B and thesupplemental support member 128 in the retracted position a. Thesupport member 66 is shown in the fully deployed position B. Thesupplemental support member 128 is shown in the retracted position a. When thesupport member 66 is in the fully deployed position B and thesupplemental support member 128 is in the retracted position a, then thesecond pivot point 172 b is on the top of thecircle 190 atlocation 202. Referring toFIG. 7A , an exploded view of thesupport member 66 is shown in the stored position A, the first intermediate deployed position A1, the second intermediate deployed position A2, and the third intermediate deployed position A3, and the fully deployed position B. An angle αB may be disposed between a centerline of thesupport member 66 in the substantially vertical position (FIGS. 6, 7 ) and a centerline of thesupport member 66 in a fully deployed position B. An angle αB may be disposed between a centerline of thesupport member 66 in the substantially vertical position (FIGS. 6, 7 ) and a centerline of thesupport member 66 in an intermediate deployed position (for example, A1, A2, A3) or a fully deployed position B. As such, thesupport member 66 may be arranged in many positions to suit individual passenger 12 preferences. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , thesupport member 66 is shown in the fully deployed position B. Thesupplemental support member 128 is shown in the retracted position a and the fully extended position b. When thesupport member 66 is in the fully deployed position B and thesupplemental support member 128 is in the fully extended position b, then thesecond pivot point 172 b is on thesecond portion 194 b of thepath 194 around thecircle 190. In the exploded view ofFIG. 8A , thesupplemental support member 128 is shown in the retracted position a, the first intermediate extended position a1, the second intermediate extended position a2, the third intermediate extended position a3, and the fully extended position b. As such, thesupplemental support member 128 may be positioned to suit various passenger 12 leg lengths. - With reference now to
FIGS. 9 and 10 , theactuator 124 and thebracket 172 are shown. Theactuator 124 and thebracket 172 may be mounted to theplate 168 with a mountingpiece 210 andfasteners 214. Theactuator 124 may be arotary actuator 124 that drives atoothed wheel 222 that may be coupled to theactuator 124, Theteeth 226 on thetoothed wheel 222 and theteeth 226 on thetoothed portion 218 of thebracket 172 may form atoothed interface 230. - Referring to
FIGS. 9 and 10 , theactuator 124, in combination with thetoothed wheel 222, may move thebracket 172 between various positions defined by theteeth 226 of thebracket 172. The various positions may correspond to at least the stored position A, the first intermediate deployed position A1, the second intermediate deployed position A2, the third intermediate deployed position A3, and the fully deployed position B for thesupport member 66. The various positions may correspond to at least the retracted position a, the first intermediate retracted position a1, the second intermediate retracted position a2, the third intermediate retracted position a3, and the fully extended position b for thesupplemental support member 128. - Referring again to
FIGS. 9 and 10 , when theactuator 124 is not activated to rotate, then thebracket 172 may stay in a fixed position relative to thetoothed wheel 222. A predetermined fixed position of thebracket 172 may correspond to at least the stored position A, the first intermediate deployed position A1, the second intermediate deployed position A2, the third intermediate deployed position A3, and the fully deployed position B of thesupport member 66. Similarly, a predetermined fixed position of thebracket 172 may corresponded to at least the retracted position a, the first intermediate extended position a1, the second intermediate extended position a2, the third intermediate extended position a3, and the fully extended position b. Therotational assembly 136 may also be described as a rack (toothed portion 218 of bracket 172) and pinion (toothed wheel 222) system. As such, the plurality ofteeth 226 on thebracket 172 may correspond topredetermined support member 66 positions and predeterminedsupplemental support member 128 positions. - Referring to
FIG. 11 , thebase member 42 is shown. Therotational assembly 136 and thebracket assembly 120 may be designed to fit between thefirst side portion 42 a of thebase member 42 and thesecond side portion 42 b of thebase member 42. - Referring to
FIGS. 12-16 , detailed views of thesupport member 66 and thesupplemental support member 128 are shown. An example of thesupport member 66 and thesupplemental support member 128 is shown. Thesupplemental support member 128 is shown in the retracted position a. Thesupport member 66 may include anend wall 240 designed to be positioned next to thefront portion 60 a of theseat 60. Thesupport member 66 may also include afirst sidewall 244 and asecond sidewall 248. Ahinge assembly 252 may be disposed on theend wall 240. Thehinge assembly 252 may include a channel for receiving one or more pins for pivotably coupling thehinge assembly 252 to afront portion 60 a of theseat 60. Thesupplemental support member 128 may include acover 256. Trim 264 may be disposed over thesupport member 66 and thesupplemental support member 128. The trim 264 that may be disposed over thesupport member 66 and thesupplemental support member 128 may match the trim 264 that may be disposed over theseat 60 and theseatback 64. SeeFIG. 5 . - With continued reference to
FIG. 12 , thesupplemental support member 128 is shown fully nested in thesupport member 66. In the retracted position a, thesupplemental support member 128 is shown between the first andsecond sidewalls end wall 240. Thesupplemental support member 128 may include anengagement member 180. Theengagement member 180 may include afirst engagement member 180 a and asecond engagement member 180 b. Thefirst engagement member 180 a and thesecond engagement member 180 b may be pivotably coupled to thelever 176 of thebracket assembly 120. Thefirst engagement member 180 a and thesecond engagement member 180 b may includeholes 268 for receiving one or more pins or other fasteners for coupling thefirst engagement member 180 a and thesecond engagement member 180 b to thepivot point 176 b of thelever 176. An axis IV may extend through theholes 268 in the first andsecond engagement members holes 268 in the first andsecond engagement members first engagement member 180 a and thesecond engagement member 180 b may receive a fastener for securing thefirst engagement member 180 a and thesecond engagement member 180 b to thesupplemental support member 128. Thesupplemental support member 128 may include twoelongated recesses 272. Aguide member 276 may be disposed in one or more of theelongated recesses 272, Theguide member 276 may be fixed to thesupport member 66 proximate theend wall 240 of thesupport member 66. Thesupplemental support member 128 may be slidably coupled to theguide member 276. - Referring to
FIG. 13 , the example of thesupport member 66 and thesupplemental support member 128 shown inFIG. 12 is shown with thesupplemental support member 128 in a fully extended position b. In the fully extended position b, theguide member 276 supports thesupplemental support member 128. Thesupplemental support member 128 is shown partially nested in thesupport member 66 inFIG. 13 . Thesupplemental support member 128 may be covered in a trim 264 that may match a trim 264 that may cover theseating assembly 10.Nubs 280 disposed on theforward wall 284 of thesupplemental support member 128 may provide places for securingtrim 264 to thesupplemental support member 128. - Referring to
FIG. 14 , an example of thesupport member 66 and an example of thesupplemental support member 128 are shown. The example of thesupport member 66 shown inFIG. 12 includes abottom panel 288. Thesupplemental support member 128 is shown in the retracted position a. Thebottom panel 288 may include afirst slot 292 and asecond slot 296. The first andsecond engagement members second slots second engagement members second slots supplemental support member 128 slides between the retracted position a and the fully extended position b. Theguide member 276 is shown in thesupport member 66. -
FIG. 15 shows a cut-away perspective view of thesupport member 66 shown inFIG. 14 . Theguide member 276 is shown in thesupport member 66. -
FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of thesupport member 66 and thesupplemental support member 128 shown inFIG. 15 . Theguide member 276 is shown disposed in thesupplemental support member 128. As such, thesupport member 66 and thesupplemental support member 128 may be designed to save space and to efficiently fit below theseat 60. - Referring to
FIG. 17 , an assembly view of theleg support system 56 is shown. Thebracket assembly 120 may include thebracket 172 and thelever 176. Thesupport member 66 may be coupled to thelever 176. Thesupplemental support member 128 may be nested in thesupport member 66 in the stored position A. Acover 256 may be disposed over thesupplemental support member 128, Thesupplemental support member 128 may include afirst engagement member 180 a and asecond engagement member 180 b. Arotational assembly 136 for driving thebracket assembly 120 is also shown. - A passenger may manually actuate the leg support system by pressing controls that may be physically attached to the vehicle. A passenger may also actuate the leg support system by using a wireless communication (for example, a key fob). The leg support system may be programmed with the preferred settings of a passenger.
- In various examples, the
support member 66 and thesupplemental support member 128 may be made of a composite material. In various examples, thesupport member 66,supplemental support member 128,bracket assembly 120, androtational assembly 136 disclosed herein may be used in conjunction with various seating assemblies. For example, theleg support system 56 may be used with the vehicle seating assembly disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/386,760, filed on Apr. 17, 2019, entitled Adjustable Seat, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. - A variety of advantages may be achieved by use of the
leg support system 56. A passenger 12 may adjust thesupport member 66 and thesupplemental support member 128 to suit individual preferences. Theleg support system 56 may be conveniently disposed below theseat 60. Theleg support system 56 may be used with thetrack assembly 14 of thevehicle 18. - 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 understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and 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 understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described concepts, and other components, is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the concepts disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
- For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature, unless otherwise stated.
- It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are 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, connector or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or numeral of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. 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 will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes 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.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/400,155 US10843612B1 (en) | 2019-05-01 | 2019-05-01 | Leg support system for seating assembly |
CN202010370110.2A CN111873880A (en) | 2019-05-01 | 2020-04-30 | Leg support system for a seat assembly |
DE102020111898.8A DE102020111898A1 (en) | 2019-05-01 | 2020-05-01 | LEG SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR SEAT ASSEMBLY |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/400,155 US10843612B1 (en) | 2019-05-01 | 2019-05-01 | Leg support system for seating assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20200346571A1 true US20200346571A1 (en) | 2020-11-05 |
US10843612B1 US10843612B1 (en) | 2020-11-24 |
Family
ID=72839329
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/400,155 Active US10843612B1 (en) | 2019-05-01 | 2019-05-01 | Leg support system for seating assembly |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US10843612B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN111873880A (en) |
DE (1) | DE102020111898A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11634048B2 (en) * | 2019-01-15 | 2023-04-25 | Nhk Spring Co., Ltd. | Vehicle seat |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11148571B2 (en) * | 2019-11-25 | 2021-10-19 | Ford Global Technology, Llc | Vehicle seating assembly having a lower leg support |
Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US156004A (en) * | 1874-10-13 | Improvement in foot-rests for chairs | ||
US945928A (en) * | 1909-01-04 | 1910-01-11 | Edwin Fowler | Reclining-chair. |
US1553689A (en) * | 1924-09-22 | 1925-09-15 | Hill Jacob Aaron | Adjustable rocking-chair |
US2563629A (en) * | 1946-04-19 | 1951-08-07 | Heywood Wakefield Co | Vertically swinging adjustable leg and foot rest |
US2571080A (en) * | 1945-11-27 | 1951-10-09 | Heywood Wakefield Co | Combination leg rest and reclining seat for vehicles |
US5259664A (en) * | 1992-04-14 | 1993-11-09 | David Cottle | Extendable/retractable foot/leg rest for a wheelchair |
US6517160B2 (en) * | 2000-03-17 | 2003-02-11 | Ciar S.P.A | Extensible footrest, particularly for armchairs, sofas and the like |
US6685271B1 (en) * | 2003-03-26 | 2004-02-03 | Horng Jiun Chang | Chair support device having movable foot pedal |
US20050012377A1 (en) * | 2003-07-16 | 2005-01-20 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Seat apparatus for vehicle |
US8474076B2 (en) * | 2011-02-04 | 2013-07-02 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Adjustable foot section for a patient support apparatus |
US9463717B2 (en) * | 2014-06-26 | 2016-10-11 | Wan-Yu Li | Rotatable vehicle seat frame assembly |
US20180304791A1 (en) * | 2017-04-20 | 2018-10-25 | Dae Won San Up Co., Ltd | Leg-rest for Vehicle |
US10322044B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2019-06-18 | Stryker Corporation | Medical support apparatus |
US10421549B2 (en) * | 2015-05-20 | 2019-09-24 | Recaro Aircraft Seating Gmbh & Co. Kg | Flight passenger seating device |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NL91234C (en) | 1954-07-08 | |||
US9295333B2 (en) | 2014-06-25 | 2016-03-29 | Wan-Yu Li | Foldable leg rest |
JP6794812B2 (en) | 2016-12-12 | 2020-12-02 | トヨタ紡織株式会社 | Air conditioning sheet |
-
2019
- 2019-05-01 US US16/400,155 patent/US10843612B1/en active Active
-
2020
- 2020-04-30 CN CN202010370110.2A patent/CN111873880A/en active Pending
- 2020-05-01 DE DE102020111898.8A patent/DE102020111898A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US156004A (en) * | 1874-10-13 | Improvement in foot-rests for chairs | ||
US945928A (en) * | 1909-01-04 | 1910-01-11 | Edwin Fowler | Reclining-chair. |
US1553689A (en) * | 1924-09-22 | 1925-09-15 | Hill Jacob Aaron | Adjustable rocking-chair |
US2571080A (en) * | 1945-11-27 | 1951-10-09 | Heywood Wakefield Co | Combination leg rest and reclining seat for vehicles |
US2563629A (en) * | 1946-04-19 | 1951-08-07 | Heywood Wakefield Co | Vertically swinging adjustable leg and foot rest |
US5259664A (en) * | 1992-04-14 | 1993-11-09 | David Cottle | Extendable/retractable foot/leg rest for a wheelchair |
US6517160B2 (en) * | 2000-03-17 | 2003-02-11 | Ciar S.P.A | Extensible footrest, particularly for armchairs, sofas and the like |
US6685271B1 (en) * | 2003-03-26 | 2004-02-03 | Horng Jiun Chang | Chair support device having movable foot pedal |
US20050012377A1 (en) * | 2003-07-16 | 2005-01-20 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Seat apparatus for vehicle |
US8474076B2 (en) * | 2011-02-04 | 2013-07-02 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Adjustable foot section for a patient support apparatus |
US10322044B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2019-06-18 | Stryker Corporation | Medical support apparatus |
US9463717B2 (en) * | 2014-06-26 | 2016-10-11 | Wan-Yu Li | Rotatable vehicle seat frame assembly |
US10421549B2 (en) * | 2015-05-20 | 2019-09-24 | Recaro Aircraft Seating Gmbh & Co. Kg | Flight passenger seating device |
US20180304791A1 (en) * | 2017-04-20 | 2018-10-25 | Dae Won San Up Co., Ltd | Leg-rest for Vehicle |
US10479251B2 (en) * | 2017-04-20 | 2019-11-19 | Dae Won San Up Co., Ltd. | Leg-rest for vehicle |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11634048B2 (en) * | 2019-01-15 | 2023-04-25 | Nhk Spring Co., Ltd. | Vehicle seat |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE102020111898A1 (en) | 2020-11-05 |
US10843612B1 (en) | 2020-11-24 |
CN111873880A (en) | 2020-11-03 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9187012B2 (en) | Pivoting and reclining vehicle seating assembly | |
CN106042991B (en) | Vehicle seat with extendable pad and thigh support | |
US9616776B1 (en) | Integrated power thigh extender | |
CN107284293B (en) | Decorative tensioning slider mechanism for articulated thigh extensions | |
US10625646B2 (en) | Articulating mechanical thigh extension composite trim payout linkage system | |
US9242581B2 (en) | Automatic presentable swiveling seat | |
US4685729A (en) | Retractable console for an automotive vehicle seat | |
US10046681B2 (en) | Articulating mechanical thigh extension composite trim payout linkage system | |
JP4499109B2 (en) | Vehicle seat system with entry / exit positions and loading floor positions | |
CN107599899B (en) | Folding and reclining rear seat system | |
CN108725268A (en) | With the vehicle for rotating inward seat | |
US20150130247A1 (en) | Articulating head restraint | |
CN211032283U (en) | Vehicle with a steering wheel | |
US10843612B1 (en) | Leg support system for seating assembly | |
CN112140955A (en) | Adjustable seat assembly | |
US20120153699A1 (en) | Headrest Support Rod | |
US9586506B2 (en) | Rear seat cushion with H-point articulation | |
US9545886B2 (en) | Cargo tray assembly for a vehicle | |
US11097642B2 (en) | Vehicle seating assembly leg support with bladder | |
US11951883B2 (en) | Stow to floor seat assembly | |
US10940776B2 (en) | Adjustable seat | |
US10596935B2 (en) | Vehicle seat | |
JP2008284950A (en) | Seat device for vehicle | |
KR20230011579A (en) | Seat for vehicle | |
KR19980021055A (en) | Headrest structure of car chair |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CASEY, CAROL DIANE;LINE, JOHNATHAN ANDREW;BERRY, S. M. AKBAR;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20190425 TO 20190501;REEL/FRAME:049046/0115 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |