Foldable seat cushions

Abstract

Vehicle seating arrangement (10) for a vehicle, comprising: a backrest (11) and a seat (14); and Cushions (20) extending laterally either from the backrest (11) or the seat (14) and comprising the following: a static advantage (22); a pillow (24); a dynamic projection (26) arranged between the static projection (22) and the cushion (24), wherein the dynamic projection (26) is operationally coupled either to the backrest (11) or the seat (14); a folding feature (30) arranged between the dynamic projection (26) and the static projection (22) and which can be operated between folded and unfolded states (32, 34); and a control (40) which is operationally coupled to the folding feature (30) and can be operated to move the folding feature (30) between the folded and unfolded states (32, 34), thereby moving the dynamic projection (26) in relation to the static projection (22), thereby setting an angle of the cushion (24) in relation to the backrest (11) or the seat (14), characterized by the fact that a distal end (29) of the dynamic projection (26) is slidably engaged with a connector (25) which is operationally engaged with the dynamic projection (26).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a vehicle seating arrangement for a vehicle and in particular to a vehicle seating arrangement with foldable seat cushions.

[0002] Seat cushions are generally configured to provide supplemental support for the back and hips of a vehicle occupant.

[0003] DE 10 2008 029 339 A1 discloses a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, which includes an adjustable element on a cushioned area. This element, which can be adjusted by the occupant during normal operation, allows the seat contour to be changed and can be automatically moved into a protective configuration before or during a collision of the motor vehicle. US 6 129 419 A discloses a vehicle seat with a seat back that is articulated to a seat cushion. DE 60 2004 009 810 T2 discloses an ergonomic support device for a transport vehicle seat. JP 2010 - 260 486 A discloses a vehicle seat device in which the degree of support provided by the lateral support elements of a seat can be adjusted. EP 1 564 066 A1 also discloses a vehicle seat.

[0004] One aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle seating arrangement for a vehicle comprising a backrest and a seat. The cushions extend laterally from either the backrest or the seat and have a static projection, a cushion, and a dynamic projection located between the static projection and the cushion. The dynamic projection is operationally coupled to either the backrest or the seat. A folding feature is located between the dynamic projection and the static projection and can be operated between folded and unfolded states. A control is operationally coupled to the folding feature and can be operated to move the folding feature between the folded and unfolded states, thereby moving the dynamic projection relative to the static projection and changing the angle of the cushion relative to the backrest or the seat.the seat is adjusted.

[0005] Another aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle seating arrangement for a vehicle with a backrest and a seat. The cushions extend laterally from either the backrest or the seat and have a static projection. A dynamic projection is operationally coupled to the static projection via a hinge arrangement. An inflatable bladder is arranged between the dynamic projection and the static projection and can be operated between inflated and deflated states by means of a pump. A control unit is operationally coupled to the pump.

[0006] A further aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle seating arrangement for a vehicle with a backrest and a seat. The cushions extend laterally from either the backrest or the seat and have a static projection. A dynamic projection is operationally coupled to the static projection via a hinge arrangement. A wedge is arranged between the dynamic projection and the static projection and can be moved between retracted and extended positions by means of an electric motor. A control unit is operationally coupled to the electric motor.

[0007] A further aspect of the present invention involves a vehicle seating arrangement with cushions extending laterally from the seat, backrest, and upper backrest. The cushions are configured to make contact with a vehicle occupant when in the folded position. The cushions provide support and minimize occupant movement during vehicle motion. This allows the occupant to enjoy a safe driving experience. The cushions can be connected to a vehicle bus that determines and anticipates road conditions and cornering to provide the best driving experience. Furthermore, the cushions are moved to the unfolded position at the user's command to facilitate easy entry and exit for the vehicle occupant.

[0008] These and other aspects, tasks and features of the present invention will be understood and noted by the person skilled in the art upon closer examination of the following description, claims and attached drawings.

[0009] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a planar top view of a vehicle seating arrangement according to the present invention; Fig. 2 a perspective side view of a vehicle seating arrangement according to the present invention; Fig. 3 a cross-sectional plan view along line A of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 2 in an unfolded state; Fig. 4 a cross-sectional plan view along line A of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 2 in a folded state; Fig. 5 a cross-sectional front elevation along line B of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 2 in the unfolded state; and Fig. 6 a cross-sectional front elevation along line B of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 2 in the folded position.

[0010] For the purposes of this description, the terms "top", "bottom", "right", "left", "back", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and derived terms shall refer to the invention in relation to its orientation in Fig. 1. However, it will be understood that the invention can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are simply exemplary embodiments of the concepts according to the invention, as defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical properties with respect to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0011] In relation to Fig. Reference numeral 10, as used in references 1 to 4, generally denotes a vehicle seating arrangement for use in a vehicle cabin 8 and comprises a lower backrest 12 and a seat 14. The cushions 20 extend laterally from either the seat backrest 11 or the seat 14 and have a static projection 22, a cushion 24, and a dynamic projection 26 located between the static projection 22 and the cushion 24. The dynamic projection 26 is operationally coupled to either the backrest 11 or the seat 14. A folding feature 30 is located between the dynamic projection 26 and the static projection 22 and can be operated between a folded state 32 and an unfolded state 34.A control unit 40 is operationally coupled to the folding feature 30 and can be operated to move the folding feature 30 between the folded state 32 and the unfolded state 34, thereby moving the dynamic projection 26 relative to the static projection 22. Accordingly, the angle of the cushion 24 is adjusted relative to either the backrest 11 or the seat 14.

[0012] With renewed reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the vehicle seating arrangement 10 within the vehicle cabin 8. The vehicle seating arrangement 10 can be a seat for a driver, for a passenger, a rear bucket seat, a rear row of seats, or any other vehicle seat. The vehicle seating arrangement 10 has a backrest 11, which includes a lower backrest 12 and an upper backrest 17, a seat 14, and several cushions 20, which are arranged on the backrest 12, the seat base 14, and the upper backrest 17, respectively. The vehicle seating arrangement 10 has a rear surface 18. Furthermore, the vehicle seating arrangement 10 can also have a headrest 15, which is operationally connected to the rear surface 18 of the vehicle seating arrangement 10 via a support 19. The vehicle seating arrangement 10 also has a vehicle seat frame 11 ( Fig. 3 to 6), which is configured to provide structural support for the vehicle seat assembly 10 and a rigid backplate. The vehicle seat assembly 10 is supported by rail assemblies 13. The cushions 20 can be arranged laterally on the seat 14, the lower backrest 12, or the upper backrest 17. In the illustrated embodiment, Fig. 2 The seat 14, the lower backrest 12 and the upper backrest 17 each have cushions 20 extending from side sections thereof.

[0013] Regarding the embodiment from Fig. 3 and Fig. The cushions 20 of the backrest 11 are configured to provide lateral support for a vehicle occupant. The cushions 20 are arranged on each side of the cushion 24. The cushion is configured to provide a comfortable seating surface for the occupant. The cushion 24 conceals the cushions 20 from view and prevents them from being felt by the occupant when they are seated in the vehicle seating arrangement 10. The cushion 24 also provides the vehicle seating arrangement 10 with a uniform appearance and feel.

[0014] In the embodiment from Fig. 3 and Fig. The cushions 20 are typically arranged adjacent to a recess 16 located behind the cushion 24. The cushions 20 also feature the static projection 22 and the dynamic projection 26. A hinge assembly 28 operationally couples the dynamic projection 26 to the vehicle seat assembly 10. The cushions 20, together with the static projection 22 and the dynamic projection 26, are generally made of a polymer material configured to support the weight of an occupant while seated in the vehicle. A more rigid material, such as steel, may be used, as desired by an average person skilled in the art, to provide additional support.

[0015] With renewed reference to the embodiment from Fig. 3 and Fig. As mentioned above, the dynamic projection 26 is arranged between the static projection 22 and the cushion 24. As shown, the static projection 22 and the dynamic projection 26 have an arcuate cross-section. However, the static projection 22 and the dynamic projection 26 can also assume other configurations. The dynamic projection 26 of the cushion 20 has a distal end 29 that engages with a connector 25. The connector 25 is located behind the cushion 24 and provides a solid surface for the dynamic projection 26 to engage with the cushion 20. The connector 25 can be elastic or otherwise flexible to absorb the forces associated with the movement of the dynamic projection 26 from the unfolded state 34 to the folded state 32, as well as the force exerted on the cushion 24 by an occupant during travel.Furthermore, a space 31 is arranged adjacent to the connector 25. The connector 25 can engage in the space 31 during folding from the unfolded state 34 to the folded state 32. The dynamic projection 26 is for moving the pads 20 between an operating position ( Fig. 4) and a non-deployment position ( Fig. 3) configured. The cushions 20 in turn interact with and support the occupant's body during driving and cornering.

[0016] In the embodiment from Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The dynamic advantage of 26 from the non-playing position ( Fig. 3) to the deployment position ( Fig. 4) moves when the folding feature 30 is moved from the unfolded state 34 to the unfolded state 32. The folding feature 30 is generally located between the dynamic projection 26 and the static projection 22. The control 40 can be operationally coupled to the folding feature 30. The control 40 moves the folding feature 30 from the unfolded state 34 ( Fig. 3) to the folded state 32 ( Fig. 4) and from the folded state 32 to the unfolded state 34. If the folding feature 30 is in the folded state 32 ( Fig. 4) The distal end 29 of the dynamic projection 26 is moved relative to the static projection 22. Correspondingly, the cushion 20 is moved by the dynamic projection 26. The cushion 20 moves toward and away from the back and side of an occupant to provide increased or decreased support for the occupant. This flapping can be controlled by the controller 40 or by a vehicle bus 42 ( Fig. 2) be provided to anticipate curves and cornering maneuvers before the vehicle moves forward.

[0017] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the folding feature 30 can be one of many different folding features, including an inflatable bladder 46 ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 4), of a wedge 50 ( Fig. 5 and Fig. 6), a worm gear control 38 or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto. In the embodiment from Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 The folding feature 30 is configured as an inflatable bladder 46. The inflatable bladder 46 can be made of an elastic material such that an outer surface of the bladder 46 is smooth, or of another material, including but not limited to a material that folds or retracts accordion-like while in the unfolded state 34. The inflatable bladder 46 is operationally coupled to a pump 44 configured to inflate the bladder 46 and causes the dynamic projection 26 to fold into the folded state 32 ( Fig. 4) is moved. The pump 44 can also be configured to deflate the bladder 46 to the unfolded state 34. The bladder 46 can be activated by a preset user condition or by the controller 40. In addition, the vehicle bus 42, which monitors the vehicle's speed and steering, can be operationally coupled to the controller 40, which activates the inflation of the inflatable bladder 46 when the predetermined speed and / or steering movement has been fulfilled by the vehicle bus 42.

[0018] In relation to Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows another embodiment of a folding feature 30 comprising the wedge 50 and the worm gear control 38. The wedge 50 has a first end 52 and a second end 54 and is arranged between the dynamic projection 26 and the static projection 22. The first end 52 of the wedge 50 is wider than the second end 54 of the wedge 50. This configuration helps to provide adequate movement of the dynamic projection 26 when the wedge 50 moves from an unfolded state 55 ( Fig. 5) to a folded state 57 ( Fig. 6) moved. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable wedge 50 is operationally coupled to the worm gear control 38, which can be operationally coupled to an electric motor 36. The worm gear control 38 extends through an opening 27 in the dynamic projection 26.

[0019] With renewed reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 The folding feature 30 is designed to move the cushions 20 between deployed and unused positions. During operation, the user activates the control 40 to activate the electric motors 36. By activating the electric motors 36, the electric motors 36 rotate the worm gear 58, causing the wedge 50 to move outwards or inwards on the worm gear 58 between retracted and extended states. When the wedge 50 moves outwards on the worm gear 58, the cushions 20 are moved into the unused position ( Fig. 5) moves. When the worm gear 58 is moved in the opposite direction, the wedge 50 is pulled towards the motor 36, which pushes the dynamic projection 26 and the static projection 22 apart, thus moving the cushions 20 to their operating position.

[0020] One will also understand that the folding feature 30 from Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 can be activated automatically, depending on the preferred settings specified by the vehicle manufacturer or user. In particular, the user can configure the folding feature 30 to operate when the vehicle reaches a predetermined speed or when cornering at a predetermined speed. In this case, the cushions 20 provide the user with additional support.

[0021] With reference to the embodiments from Fig. 3 to 6 also consider that the folding feature 30 moves the cushions 20 between the deployed and non-deployed positions by pivoting the cushions 20 relative to the pillow 24. The cushions 20 and the pillow 24 are connected via a flexible material that allows the cushions 20 to move relative to the pillow 24.

[0022] Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will understand that the design of the described invention and other components is not limited to a specific material. Other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can be formed from many different materials, unless otherwise described herein.

[0023] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the direct or indirect connection of two components (electrical or mechanical) to one another. Such a connection may be fixed or movable. Such a connection may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate elements, formed as a single unit with each other or integrally with the two components. Such a connection may be permanent or detachable or releasable unless otherwise specified.

[0024] It is also important to note that the design and arrangement of the elements of the invention, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are only illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who read this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in size, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, assembly arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter presented.For example, elements depicted as being formed in one piece may actually be constructed from multiple parts, or elements depicted as being formed from multiple parts may actually be formed in one piece. The functionality of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise modified, the length or width of the structures and / or elements, connecting elements, or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be altered. It should be noted that the elements and / or arrangements of the system may be constructed in many different colors, textures, and combinations of many different materials that provide sufficient strength or resistance to aging. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of protection of these innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can be made to the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other embodiments without departing from the inventive concept of the present innovations.

[0025] It is understood that any described processes or steps within described processes can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of protection of the present invention. The exemplary disclosed structures and processes serve for illustration purposes and are not to be interpreted as limiting.

[0026] It will be understood that variations and modifications to the above-mentioned structure and methods can be made without deviating from the concepts of the present invention, and it will further be understood that such concepts are to be understood as being covered by the following claims, unless these claims expressly state otherwise by their language.

Claims

[1] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) for a vehicle, comprising: a backrest (11) and a seat (14); and Cushions (20) extending laterally either from the backrest (11) or the seat (14) and comprising the following: a static advantage (22); a pillow (24); a dynamic projection (26) arranged between the static projection (22) and the cushion (24), wherein the dynamic projection (26) is operationally coupled either to the backrest (11) or the seat (14); a folding feature (30) arranged between the dynamic projection (26) and the static projection (22) and which can be operated between folded and unfolded states (32, 34); and a control (40) which is operationally coupled to the folding feature (30) and can be operated to move the folding feature (30) between the folded and unfolded states (32, 34), thereby moving the dynamic projection (26) in relation to the static projection (22), thereby setting an angle of the cushion (24) in relation to the backrest (11) or the seat (14), characterized by , that a distal end (29) of the dynamic projection (26) is slidably engaged with a connector (25) which is operationally engaged with the dynamic projection (26). [2] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 1, further comprising: a hinge arrangement (28) which operationally couples the dynamic projection (26) either to the backrest (11) or the seat (14). [3] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the static projection (22) and the dynamic projection (26) are operationally coupled to the backrest (11) at a recess (16) defined in the backrest (11) or the seat (14). [4] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the static projection (22) and / or the dynamic projection (26) has an arc-shaped cross-section. [5] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (40) is operationally coupled to a vehicle bus (42) which monitors the speed and steering of the vehicle, and wherein the control unit (40) causes the inflation of an inflatable bladder (46) when a predetermined speed and steering movement has been fulfilled by the vehicle bus (42). [6] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the folding feature (30) has an inflatable bladder (46) arranged between the dynamic projection (26) and the static projection (22). [7] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the folding feature (30) has a movable wedge (50) arranged between the dynamic projection (26) and the static projection (22). [8] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) for a vehicle, comprising: a backrest (11) and a seat (14); and Cushions (20) extending laterally either from the backrest (11) or the seat (14) and comprising the following: a static advantage (22); a dynamic projection (26) which is operationally coupled to the static projection (22) via a hinge arrangement (28); a wedge (50) which is arranged between the dynamic projection (26) and the static projection (22) and which can be operated between retracted and extended states via an electric motor (36); and a control unit (40) which is operationally coupled to the electric motor (36). [9] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to claim 8, wherein the electric motor (36) is operationally coupled to a worm gear (58) which is operationally coupled to the wedge (50). [10] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to claim 9, wherein the worm gear (58) extends through an opening (27) in the dynamic projection (26). [11] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to claim 8, wherein the wedge (50) has a first end (52) and a second end (54), wherein the first end (52) is wider than the second end (54). [12] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 11, wherein the control (40) is manually adjustable by an occupant. [13] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to claim 8, wherein the static projection (22) and / or the dynamic projection (26) has an arc-shaped cross-section. [14] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (40) is operationally coupled to a vehicle bus (42) which monitors the speed and steering of the vehicle, and wherein the control unit (40) retracts the wedge (50) when either a predetermined speed or a steering movement has been fulfilled by the vehicle bus (42). [15] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 8, further comprising: a cushion (24) that engages with the dynamic projection (26).

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