Deployable footrest

Abstract

Provided is a deployable footrest assembly for a seat. The deployable footrest assembly includes a footrest that is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the footrest presenting a first surface for a seat occupant to place their feet when in the deployed position, wherein the footrest is capable of bending about an upright structural support for the seat such that the footrest bends about the structural support when in the stowed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a deployable footrest, and more particularly, to a deployable footrest that can bend around an upright structural support of a seat. Background Art

[0002] Known seats can have footrests. However, it is desirable to be able to selectively stow the footrest in a manner that does not affect the utility of the seat. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a seat assembly including a seat and a deployable footrest assembly. The deployable footrest assembly includes a footrest that is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and when the footrest is in the deployed position, a first surface is presented for a passenger of the seat to place their feet. The footrest is capable of bending around an upright structural support for the seat such that when the footrest is in the stowed position, it bends around the structural support.

[0004] The footrest may have a proximal end that is closest to the seat when in the deployed position and a distal end that is farthest from the seat when in the deployed position. The footrest may be configured to rotate between the stowed position and the deployed position such that, for example, when in the stowed position, the proximal end of the footrest may move to a position below the distal end of the footrest. The footrest may be movable such that when in the stowed position, the first surface of the footrest faces the structural support.

[0005] The footrest assembly may further include a support mechanism that is connected to the footrest and attachable to the seat assembly including the seat and the structural support. The support mechanism may include an arm. A first end of the arm may be rotatably connectable to the seat assembly. The arm is capable of rotating relative to the seat assembly about an axis parallel to the lateral direction of the seat. A second end of the arm may be rotatably connected to the footrest. The footrest is capable of rotating relative to the arm about an axis parallel to the lateral direction of the seat. Rotation of the footrest relative to the arm may be limited by respective abutting surfaces on the footrest and the arm that may engage when the footrest is in the deployed position.

[0006] The support mechanism may include a linkage configured to cause rotation of the arm relative to the seat assembly to cause rotation of the footrest relative to the arm, for example, by means of a four bar link type mechanism or any other type of linkage. The support mechanism may include a first actuator configured to rotate the arm relative to the seat assembly. The support mechanism may include a second actuator configured to rotate the footrest relative to the arm.

[0007] The deployable footrest assembly may also include a controller, for example, to control the components of the deployable footrest assembly. The controller may be configured to selectively actuate the first actuator. The controller may be further configured to selectively actuate the second actuator. The controller may be further configured to actuate the first actuator and the second actuator when moving the footrest between the stowed position and the deployed position. The first actuator and the second actuator may actuate at least a portion of their strokes simultaneously.

[0008] The footrest may have a midline that extends from a proximal end of the footrest closest to the seat when in the deployed position to a distal end farthest from the seat when in the deployed position. The midline may be included in the sagittal plane of the seat. The footrest may bend about one or more bending axes that are generally parallel to or coincide with the midline. The footrest may bend about multiple bending axes, for example, to form a curve when bent. As the footrest moves between the deployed position and the stowed position, the footrest may bend about the bending axes.

[0009] The footrest may be configured to be generally flat when in the deployed position. The footrest may be configured not to bend beyond the deployed position. The footrest may include one or more surfaces configured to limit bending movement beyond the deployed position.

[0010] The footrest may be deployed to a planar configuration by gravity. Additionally or alternatively, the deployable footrest assembly may include a mechanism configured to move the footrest to a bent configuration. The mechanism may be activated by the movement of the footrest into the stowed position. The mechanism may include a cable that, when retracted, causes the footrest to move to the bent configuration. The mechanism may be activated by an actuator.

[0011] The first surface may be padded. The footrest may include a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface may not be padded. The seat assembly may be a vehicle seat assembly.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly is provided. The vehicle seat assembly includes a seat and a deployable footrest assembly. The deployable footrest assembly includes a footrest movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the footrest presenting a first surface for placing the feet when in the deployed position, wherein the footrest is capable of bending about an upright structural support for the seat such that the footrest bends about the structural support when in the stowed position.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method of stowing a footrest for a seat is provided. The method includes moving the footrest from an extended position, where the footrest presents a first surface for a seat occupant to place their feet, to a stowed position; and bending the footrest about an upright structural support for the seat such that the footrest is bent about the structural support when in the stowed position. The method may further include straightening the footrest and moving the footrest to the extended position.

[0014] To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, only certain features related to one or more aspects or embodiments of the invention are described. However, it should be understood that, where technically feasible, features described as related to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used in conjunction with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

[0015] Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate these and other aspects, objects, and features of the invention by studying the following specification, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1a is a front perspective view of a seat assembly having a deployable footrest in a first stowed position according to one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 1b is a front perspective view of a seat assembly having a deployable footrest in a second intermediate position;

[0019] Figure 1c is a front perspective view of a seat assembly having a deployable footrest in a third intermediate position;

[0020] Figure 1d is a front perspective view of a seat assembly having a deployable footrest in a fourth extended position;

[0021] Figure 2a is a side schematic view of a seat assembly having a footrest in a stowed position;

[0022] Figure 2b is a side schematic view of a seat assembly having a footrest in an intermediate position;

[0023] Figure 2c is a side schematic view of a seat assembly having a footrest in an extended position;

[0024] Figure 3a is a schematic end view of a footrest in a bent configuration;

[0025] Figure 3b is a schematic end view of a footrest in an intermediate configuration;

[0026] Figure 3c is a schematic end view of a footrest in a planar configuration;

[0027] Figure 4a is a schematic plan view of a footrest in a curved configuration arranged according to the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4b is a schematic plan view of a footrest in an intermediate configuration arranged according to the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figure 4c is a schematic plan view of a footrest in a planar configuration arranged according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Reference is made to Figures 1a - 1d , the present disclosure relates to a deployable footrest assembly 10 for a seat 20. The deployable footrest assembly 10 and the seat 20 may form part of a seat assembly 30. The footrest assembly 10 includes a footrest 12 that is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. Figures 1a - 1d Illustrates the progression of the footrest 12 from the stowed position ( Figure 1a shown in) to the deployed position (shown in Figure 1d ). Figure 1b and 1c illustrate intermediate positions between the stowed and deployed positions.

[0031] The footrest 12 is bendable and is in a curved configuration when in the stowed position (as Figure 1a shown) and in a planar configuration when in the deployed position (as Figure 1d shown). The seat assembly 30 may include an upright structural support 40 that supports the seat 20. The footrest 12 may bend around the structural support 40 when in the stowed position.

[0032] The footrest 12 includes a first surface 14 on which an occupant of the seat 20 can place their feet. The footrest 12 can be movable such that, in the stowed position, the first surface 14 of the footrest 12 faces the structural support 40. In order for the first surface 14 to face the structural support 40, the footrest 12 can rotate between a stowed position and a deployed position. For example, the footrest 12 can have a proximal end 12a that is closest to the seat 20 when in the deployed position and a distal end 12b that is furthest from the seat 20 when in the deployed position, and the proximal end 12a can move to a position below the distal end 12b when the footrest 12 is in the stowed position. In other words, as the footrest 12 rotates from the deployed position to the stowed position, the proximal end 12a can move downward relative to the distal end 12b.

[0033] When in the deployed position, the proximal end 12a of the footrest 12 can be adjacent to - for example, in contact with - the seat 20. Additionally or alternatively, when in the deployed position, the footrest 12 can form an extension of the seat 20, for example in order to provide an ergonomic surface to support the occupant's calves and / or feet.

[0034] The first surface 14 of the footrest 12 can be padded, for example, to provide a soft surface for the occupant of the seat to place their feet or calves. The footrest 12 can include a second surface 16 opposite the first surface 14. In contrast to the first surface 14, the second surface 16 can be unpadded. When the footrest 12 is in the stowed position, the second surface 16 can be flush with a surrounding portion of the seat assembly 30.

[0035] Now referring Figures 2a - 2c , the footrest assembly 10 can further include a support mechanism 50 configured to connect the footrest 12 to the seat assembly 30. The support mechanism 50 includes an arm 52 that is elongate and has a first end 52a and a second end 52b. The first end 52a is rotatably connected to the seat assembly 30. For example, the first end 52a of the arm 52 can be - for example, at or towards the top of the structural support - rotatably connected to the structural support 40. The arm 52 can rotate relative to the seat assembly 30 about an axis parallel to the lateral direction of the seat 20. The arm 52 can be rotatably connected to the footrest 12 at or near the second end 52b of the arm. In particular, the arm 52 and the footrest 12 can be rotatably connected at a point that is rearward from the proximal end 12a of the footrest 12. For the first end, the arm 52 can rotate relative to the footrest 12 about an axis parallel to the lateral direction of the seat 20.

[0036] The support mechanism 50 can include a first actuator 54 configured to rotate the arm 52 relative to the seat assembly 30. For example, the first actuator 54 can be a linear actuator. One end of the first actuator 54 can be connected to the structural support 40, and the other end of the first actuator can be connected to the arm 52. Thus, the extension and retraction of the first actuator can rotate the arm 52 relative to the seat assembly 30. Figures 2a - 2c Illustrates the gradual rotation of the arm 52 as the first actuator extends. Although Figures 2a - 2c Shown the actuator 54 as a linear actuator, it is also conceivable that the actuator can take another form, for example, a rotary motor or any other type of actuator.

[0037] The support mechanism 50 can further include a second actuator 56 configured to rotate the footrest 12 relative to the arm 52. As shown, the second actuator 56 can be a linear actuator with one end connected to the arm 52 and the other end connected to the footrest 12. The second actuator 56 is connected to the proximal end 12a of the footrest 12 closer to the footrest 12 than the arm 52. The second actuator 56 can also be connected to the arm 52 through a protrusion 53 extending from the arm 52, such that the second actuator can be connected to the arm 52 at a point spaced from the longitudinal axis of the arm. The protrusion 53 can improve the leverage of the second actuator 56. As the second actuator 56 retracts, the footrest 12 rotates away from the arm 52. Thus, the arm 52 and the footrest 12 can be moved from a stowed position, where the arm 52 and the footrest 12 are configured to be at an acute angle relative to each other, to a deployed position, where the arm 52 and the footrest 12 are at a non-acute angle (e.g., an obtuse angle). Figures 2a - 2c Illustrates the progression of the rotation of the footrest 12 relative to the arm 52 from the stowed position to the deployed position. Although Figures 2a - 2c Shown the second actuator 56 as a linear actuator, it is also conceivable that the second actuator can be a rotary actuator, such as a motor or any other type of actuator.

[0038] In an alternative arrangement, the support mechanism 50 can include a linkage configured to cause rotation of the footrest relative to the arm in response to rotation of the arm relative to the seat assembly. For example, such a linkage can include a four-bar linkage type mechanism or any other type of linkage. In this way, the second actuator 56 can be omitted, and the first actuator 54 can drive the rotation of the arm relative to the seat assembly and the rotation of the footrest relative to the arm.

[0039] The rotation of the footrest 12 relative to the arm 52 can be restricted by respective abutment surfaces 15, 55 on the footrest and the arm, which can engage when the footrest is in the deployed position. The engagement of the abutment surfaces 15, 55 can prevent the footrest from rotating beyond the deployed position.

[0040] Continuing to refer to Figures 2a - 2c , the deployable footrest assembly 10 may further include a controller 60 to control the components of the deployable footrest assembly. The controller 60 may be operably connected to the first actuator 54 to selectively actuate the first actuator. In the case where a second actuator 56 is provided, the controller 60 may also be operably connected to the second actuator to selectively actuate the second actuator. The controller 60 may be operably connected to a user input device 62 with which an occupant of the seat 20 may interact to select a desired position of the footrest 12.

[0041] The controller 60 may be configured to actuate the first actuator 54 and the second actuator 56 to move the footrest 12 between a stowed position and a deployed position. In particular, the controller 60 may control the movement of the arm 52 and the footrest 12 to allow the footrest assembly to move between the deployed position and the stowed position. For example, the first actuator 54 and the second actuator 56 may be actuated at a suitable rate and / or simultaneously for at least a portion of their stroke such that the footrest 12 does not impact the underside of the seat 20.

[0042] Now referring to Figures 3a - 3c and FIGS. 4a - 4c, the footrest 12 will be described in more detail. As described above, the footrest 12 may be in a curved configuration (as shown in Figure 3a and Figure 4a ) and a generally planar configuration (as shown in Figure 3c and 4c ). Figure 3b and 4b depict an intermediate configuration between the curved configuration and the planar configuration. Figures 4a - 4c depicts a plan view of the footrest 12 as the footrest moves from the curved configuration to the planar configuration and corresponding to the views shown in Figures 3a - 3c respectively.

[0043] The footrest 12 may include a plurality of elongate elements 70 that extend from a proximal end 12a of the footrest to a distal end 12b. Each elongate element may be rotatably connected to an adjacent elongate element among the elongate elements. The plurality of elongate elements may be arranged side - by - side. Thus, the footrest 12 may be bent about a plurality of bending axes to form a curve when bent.

[0044] The footrest 12 may include a first layer 72 on a first side of the elongate element 70. The first layer 72 may provide a first surface 14. The first layer may include a wear-resistant—such as a cushion—material. In a similar manner, the footrest 12 may include a second layer 74 on a second side of the elongate element 70. The second layer 74 may provide a second surface 16. The first and / or second layer 72, 74 may expand and / or contract as the footrest 12 moves between the curved and planar configurations. The first and / or second layer may be attached to each or a particular one of the plurality of elongate elements 70.

[0045] Each elongate element 70 may include an upper adjacent side surface 70a that may be configured to be adjacent to each other when the footrest is in the curved configuration. Additionally, when the footrest 12 is moved away from the curved configuration, the upper adjacent surfaces 70a may move apart. Additionally or alternatively, each elongate element 70 may include a lower adjacent side surface 70b that may be adjacent when the footrest 12 is in the planar configuration. Additionally, when the footrest 12 is moved away from the planar configuration, the lower adjacent surfaces 70b may move apart.

[0046] Each elongate element 70 may include a pair of upper adjacent surfaces 70a on opposite sides of the elongate element, each upper adjacent surface 70a facing an adjacent elongate element 70. Similarly, each elongate element 70 may include a pair of lower adjacent surfaces 70b on either side of the elongate element, each lower adjacent surface facing an adjacent elongate element 70. The lower adjacent surfaces 70b of a particular elongate element 70 may be substantially parallel to each other. In this way, the adjacency of the lower adjacent surfaces 70b may limit the rotation of the elongate element 70 beyond the planar configuration. In contrast, the upper adjacent surfaces 70a of a particular elongate element 70 may be non-parallel—such as tapered—such that the upper adjacent surfaces 70a are adjacent when the footrest is in the curved configuration.

[0047] The elongate elements 70 may be rotatably connected to each other in sequence by means of couplings 70c. In particular, the elongate element 70 may be rotatably connected to an adjacent elongate element 70 at the transition between the upper and lower adjacent surfaces 70a, 70b.

[0048] The widths of the elongate elements 70 may be the same or may vary. In the example shown, the elongate elements 70 at the lateral edges of the footrest 12 may be wider than the elongate elements away from the lateral edges. In this way, the footrest 12 may form a "U" shape when bent.

[0049] The footrest 12 may also include first and second cable portions 76a, 76b. The first and second cable portions 76a, 76b may pass through a continuous elongate member 70 in the elongate member 70. In particular, the first and second cable portions 76a, 76b may pass through an upper region of the elongate member 70 that includes an upper adjacent surface 70a. The first cable portion 76a may be disposed on a first lateral side of the footrest 12, and the second cable portion 76b may be disposed on a second lateral side of the footrest 12. The first and second cable portions 76a, 76b may extend laterally, for example, from the midpoint of the footrest to the lateral end of the footrest. The first and second cable portions 76a, 76b may slidably pass through the elongate member 70. The distal ends of the first and second cable portions 76a, 76b may be connected to the elongate member 70 at the lateral ends of the footrest. The first and second cable portions 76a, 76b may emerge together in a central elongate member 70', in which the first and second cable portions may extend in the longitudinal direction of the elongate member 70'. The central elongate member 70' may correspond to Figure 2a the portion of the footrest 12 depicted in -c.

[0050] The first and second cable portions 76a, 76b may be connected to a third actuator 78 configured to selectively pull the first and second cable portions 76a, 76b. For example, the third actuator 78 may include a motor having a spool 79 around which the first and second cable portions 76a, 76b or further cable portions 76c connected to the first and second cable portions are wound. The first and second cable portions 76a, 76b and / or further cable portions 76c may pass through the arm 52 and extend into the seat assembly 30, for example, into the support structure 40. The third actuator 78 may then be disposed in the support structure 40.

[0051] Rotation of the motor may pull the first and second cable portions 76a, 76b. When the pivot points between the first and second cable portions 76a, 76b and the adjacent elongate member 70 are spaced apart, the pulling force causes the footrest 12 to move to a bent configuration. Conversely, unwinding the spool 79 may allow the footrest 12 to move to a planar configuration. As the footrest 12 moves to the deployed position, the footrest assembly 10 may move the footrest 12 to the planar configuration at least partially by gravity. As the footrest 12 moves to the deployed position, the third actuator 78 may gradually unwind the first and second cable portions 78a, 78b (or further cable portions 78c) to provide a smooth transition as gravity pushes the footrest into a generally planar configuration. When it is desired to move the footrest 12 to the stowed position, the third actuator 78 may be activated to move the footrest 12 to the bent configuration. The third actuator 78 may be operably connected to the controller 60 and activated by the controller at an appropriate time.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the present invention has been described by way of example with reference to one or more examples, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and alternative examples can be constructed without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0053] It should be understood that changes and modifications can be made to the above structure without departing from the concept of the present invention, and further it should be understood that these concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless these claims are expressly stated otherwise by their language.

Claims

1. A seat assembly, comprising: A seat; An upright structure support for supporting the seat; and A deployable footrest assembly, comprising: A footrest movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the footrest presenting a first surface for placement of the feet of an occupant of the seat when in the deployed position; Wherein the footrest is capable of bending about the upright structure support for the seat such that the footrest bends about the upright structure support when in the stowed position.

2. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the footrest has a proximal end closest to the seat when in the deployed position and a distal end farthest from the seat when in the deployed position, and wherein the footrest is configured to rotate between the stowed position and the deployed position such that when in the stowed position, the proximal end of the footrest moves to a position below the distal end of the footrest.

3. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the footrest is movable such that the first surface of the footrest faces the upright structure support when in the stowed position.

4. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the footrest assembly further comprises a support mechanism, the support mechanism being connected to the footrest and attachable to the seat assembly including the seat and the upright structure support.

5. The seat assembly according to claim 4, wherein the support mechanism comprises an arm, a first end of the arm being rotatably connectable to the seat assembly and a second end of the arm being rotatably connected to the footrest.

6. The seat assembly according to claim 5, wherein rotation of the footrest relative to the arm is limited by respective abutting surfaces on the footrest and the arm that engage when the footrest is in the deployed position.

7. The seat assembly according to claim 5, wherein the support mechanism comprises a linkage configured to cause rotation of the footrest relative to the arm in response to rotation of the arm relative to the seat assembly.

8. The seat assembly according to claim 5, wherein the support mechanism comprises a first actuator configured to rotate the arm relative to the seat assembly.

9. The seat assembly according to claim 8, wherein the support mechanism comprises a second actuator configured to rotate the footrest relative to the arm, wherein the deployable footrest assembly further comprises a controller configured to selectively actuate the first actuator and the second actuator, wherein the controller is further configured to actuate the first actuator and the second actuator when moving the footrest between the stowed position and the deployed position, and wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are actuated simultaneously for at least a portion of their strokes.

10. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the footrest has a centerline that extends from a proximal end of the footrest that is closest to the seat when in the deployed position to a distal end that is farthest from the seat when in the deployed position, and the footrest bends about one or more bending axes that are generally parallel to or coincide with the centerline.

11. The seat assembly according to claim 10, wherein the footrest bends about a plurality of the bending axes so as to form a curve when bent, and wherein as the footrest moves between the deployed position and the stowed position, the footrest bends about the bending axes.

12. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the footrest is configured to be generally flat when in the deployed position.

13. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the footrest is configured not to bend beyond the deployed position.

14. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the footrest is deployed to a planar configuration by gravity.

15. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the deployable footrest assembly includes a mechanism configured to move the footrest to a bent configuration, and wherein the mechanism is activated by movement of the footrest into the stowed position.

16. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first surface is padded, and wherein the footrest includes a second surface opposite the first surface that is not padded.

17. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the seat is a vehicle seat.

18. A vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat; an upright structure support for supporting the seat ； and a deployable footrest assembly including: a footrest movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the footrest presenting a first surface for placing feet when in the deployed position; wherein the footrest is capable of bending about the upright structure support for the seat such that the footrest bends about the upright structure support when in the stowed position.

19. A method of stowing a footrest for a seat assembly, the seat assembly being the seat assembly according to any one of claims 1-17, the method comprising: moving the footrest from a deployed position to a stowed position, the footrest presenting a first surface for an occupant of the seat to place feet when in the deployed position; and bending the footrest about the upright structure support for the seat such that the footrest bends about the upright structure support when in the stowed position.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: straightening the footrest; and moving the footrest to the deployed position.

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