Seat assembly

Abstract

A seat assembly includes a first support and a second support, the first support and the second support being spaced apart from each other. The seat assembly includes a seat bottom, the seat bottom being between the first support and the second support. The seat assembly includes a bridge, the bridge being deployable to a deployed position. The bridge in the deployed position is spaced apart from the seat bottom. The bridge in the deployed position is supported on the first support and the second support and extends from the first support to the second support. The seat assembly includes an inflatable device, the inflatable device being supported by the bridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle seats, and more particularly to a vehicle seat assembly. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle may include a restraint system to restrain a seat occupant during a vehicle impact event. The restraint system may be, for example, a seat belt system, an airbag system, or any other suitable restraint system. Some vehicles may include a variety of different restraint systems that operate in conjunction with one another, or independently of one another. Summary of the invention

[0003] A seat assembly includes a first support and a second support, the first support and the second support being spaced apart from each other. The seat assembly includes a seat bottom, the seat bottom being between the first support and the second support. The seat assembly includes a bridge, the bridge being deployable to a deployed position. The bridge in the deployed position is spaced apart from the seat bottom. The bridge in the deployed position is supported on the first support and the second support and extends from the first support to the second support. The seat assembly includes an inflatable device, the inflatable device being supported by the bridge.

[0004] The bridge may be rotatable relative to the first support between an undeployed position and the deployed position. In the deployed position, the bridge may be releasably lockable to the second support.

[0005] The first support may include a slot, and the bridge in the undeployed position may be received in the slot.

[0006] During deployment of the bridge into the deployed position, the bridge may be designed to be withdrawn from the slot and moved towards the second support.

[0007] The inflatable device may be inflatable from the bridge in a direction away from the seat bottom.

[0008] The seat assembly may include a second inflatable device supported by the bridge. The second inflatable device may be inflatable toward the seat bottom.

[0009] The seat assembly may include a knee restraint supported by the bridge. The knee restraint may be deployable to a deployed position. The knee restraint in the deployed position may be forward of the seat bottom.

[0010] The knee restraint may be rolled into the bridge.During deployment of the knee restraint, the knee restraint may be designed to unfold to the deployed position.

[0011] During deployment of the knee restraint, the knee restraint may be configured to inflate to an inflated position.

[0012] The first support may include a first track, and the second support may include a second track. The first track and the second track may face each other.

[0013] The bridge may be engageable with the first track and the second track and lockable with the second track.

[0014] The seat assembly may include a knee restraint supported by the bridge. The knee restraint may be engageable with the first track and the second track and deployable along the first track and the second track.

[0015] The bridge may include a cavity, and the inflatable device in an uninflated position may be received in the cavity.

[0016] The seat assembly may include a second inflatable device and a knee restraint. The second inflatable device and the knee restraint may be received in the cavity.

[0017] The seat bottom may extend from the first support to the second support.

[0018] The bridge may include a base and a cover having a first end rotatably attached to the base and a second end detachably attached to the base.

[0019] During inflation of the inflatable device, the cover may be designed to rotate and stop at a predetermined position, and the inflatable device in the inflated position may abut the cover at the predetermined position.

[0020] The seat assembly may include a seat back supported by the seat bottom. The bridge in the deployed position may be spaced apart from the seat back.

[0021] The bridge may be rigid relative to the inflatable device.

[0022] The bridge may have a first end and a second end spaced from the first end. The first end may include a locking mechanism, and the second end may include a rotation mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1is a cutaway perspective view of a vehicle including four seat assemblies.

[0024] Figure 2A is a perspective view of one of the seat assemblies in an early stage of bridge deployment.

[0025] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the seat assembly in an early stage of bridge deployment.

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the seat assembly in an advanced stage of bridge deployment.

[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the seat assembly with an occupant and the bridge in a deployed position.

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of a portion of.

[0029] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the seat assembly and the knee restraint in the deployed position.

[0030] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a knee restraint and a second support.

[0031] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the seat assembly during a vehicle impact with the knee restraint in a deployed position and the inflatable device in an inflated position.

[0032] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of a portion of. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, a seat assembly 20 is generally shown. The seat assembly 20 includes a first support 22 and a second support 24 that are spaced apart from each other. The seat assembly 20 includes a seat bottom 26 between the first support 22 and the second support 24. The seat assembly 20 includes a bridge 32 that is deployable to a deployed position. The bridge 32 in the deployed position is spaced apart from the seat bottom 26. The bridge 32 in the deployed position is supported on the first support 22 and the second support 24 and extends from the first support 22 to the second support 24. The seat assembly 20 includes an inflatable device 34 supported by the bridge 32.

[0034] The seat assembly 20 may replace the need for other restraint systems in the vehicle, such as a seat belt system and / or other air bag systems on the seat assembly 20. By being supported by the bridge 32, the inflatable device 34 may be positioned to receive a seat occupant and limit movement of the seat occupant during a vehicle impact.

[0035] refer to Figure 1 , a vehicle 40 is generally shown. The vehicle 40 may be, for example, an autonomous vehicle. For example, the vehicle 40 may include a computer that controls the operation of the vehicle in an autonomous mode, a semi-autonomous mode, and / or a non-autonomous mode. For purposes of this disclosure, an autonomous mode is defined as a mode in which each of vehicle propulsion, braking, and steering is controlled by a computer; in a semi-autonomous mode, a computer controls one or two of vehicle propulsion, braking, and steering; and in a non-autonomous mode, an operator controls vehicle propulsion, braking, and steering.

[0036] The vehicle 40 may include a passenger compartment 94 to accommodate occupants of the vehicle 40, if any. The passenger compartment 94 may include any suitable arrangement of one or more seat assemblies 20. As an example, the passenger compartment 94 may include one or more seat assemblies 20 in a front row disposed in front of the passenger compartment 94 and one or more seat assemblies 20 in a rear row disposed behind the front row. The passenger compartment 94 may also include a third row of seats (not shown) in the rear of the passenger compartment 94. Figure 1 , four seat assemblies 20 are shown, however, the vehicle 40 may include any suitable number of seat assemblies 20 in any suitable locations and orientations.

[0037] The vehicle 40 may include a floor 42. The seat assembly 20 may be supported on the floor 42. The seat assembly 20 may be rotatable relative to the floor 42, for example, the seat assembly 20 may be rotatably supported on the floor 42. For example, the seat assembly 20 may face in a vehicle forward direction, such as Figure 1 As shown, the seat assembly 20 may face any suitable direction, such as a vehicle rearward direction, a vehicle lateral direction, etc. Alternatively, the seat assembly 20 may be fixed to the floor 42 , ie, not able to rotate relative to the floor 42 .

[0038] refer to Figures 2A to 3 , the seat assembly 20 may include a seat back 28, a seat bottom 26, a head restraint 30, and the first support 22 and the second support 24. The head restraint 30 may be supported by the seat back 28 and may be stationary or movable relative to the seat back 28. The seat back 28 may be supported by the seat bottom 26 and may be stationary or movable relative to the seat bottom 26. The seat back 28, the seat bottom 26, and / or the head restraint 30 may be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom. Specifically, the seat back 28, the seat bottom 26, and / or the head restraint 30 themselves may be adjustable, in other words, the adjustable components within the seat back 28, the seat bottom 26, and / or the head restraint 30 may be adjustable and / or adjustable relative to each other.

[0039] The seat assembly 20 may include at least one frame (not shown). For example, the seat bottom 26, the seat back 28, the head restraint 30 and / or the first support 22 and the second support 24 may include a frame (not shown). The seat assembly 20 may include a cover (not numbered) supported on the frame. The frame may include a tube, a beam, etc. The frame may be formed of any suitable plastic material, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composite (organic sheet), etc. As another example, some or all parts of the frame may be formed of suitable metals, such as steel, aluminum, etc. The cover may include a facing and a pad. The facing may be formed of cloth, leather, artificial leather, or any other suitable material. The pad may be sewn into a plate surrounding the frame. The pad may be between the cover and the frame and may be formed of foam or any other suitable material.

[0040] Continue to refer Figures 2A to 3 , the first support 22 and the second support 24 may be spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the seat bottom 26. For example, the seat bottom 26 may extend from the first support 22 to the second support 24, that is, may contact both the first support 22 and the second support 24. As another example, the seat bottom 26 may be coupled to the first support 22 and the second support 24 through an intermediate member. Alternatively, the first support 22 and the second support 24 may be spaced apart from the seat bottom 26 on opposite sides of the seat bottom 26.

[0041] The first support 22 and the second support 24 may be spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the seat back 28. For example, the seat back 28 may extend from the first support 22 to the second support 24, that is, may contact both the first support 22 and the second support 24. As another example, the seat back 28 may be coupled to the first support 22 and the second support 24 through an intermediate member. Alternatively, the first support 22 and the second support 24 may be spaced apart from the seat back 28 on opposite sides of the seat back 28.

[0042] The first support 22 and the second support 24 may have substantially similar or identical shapes and sizes to each other, or the first support 22 and the second support 24 may have shapes and sizes that are different from each other. For example, although the first support 22 and the second support 24 are shown as having generally rectangular cross-sections, the first support 22 and the second support 24 may have any suitable cross-sections.

[0043] The first support 22 and the second support 24 may be separate and distinct from the seat bottom 26 and / or the seat back 28. Alternatively, the first support 22 and the second support 24 may be integral with the seat bottom 26 and / or the seat back 28, i.e., the first support 22 and the second support 24 may be a single component with the seat bottom 26 and / or the seat back 28. The first support 22 and the second support 24 may be incorporated into other features of the vehicle 40, such as the floor 42, A-pillars, B-pillars, C-pillars, doors, armrests, center consoles, etc.

[0044] The first support 22 may include a first track 44, and the second support 24 may include a second track 46. The first track 44 and the second track 46 may face each other. That is, the first track 44 may be on a surface of the first support 22 that generally faces the seat bottom 26, and the second track 46 may be on a surface of the second support 24 that generally faces the seat bottom 26. The first track 44 and the second track 46 may have substantially similar or identical properties to each other, such as length, width, depth, shape, positioning, etc. Alternatively, the first track 44 and the second track 46 may have different properties from each other, such as length, width, depth, shape, positioning, etc.

[0045] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the first support 22 may include a slot 48, and the bridge 32 in the undeployed position may be received in the slot 48, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 For example, the slot 48 may be defined by the first support 22, and may have a shape and size that is slightly larger than the shape and size of the bridge 32. The bridge 32 may be slidably engaged with the slot 48, i.e., the bridge 32 may be movable relative to the slot 48 and the first support 22. For example, the first support 22 may include a track (not shown) or any other suitable mechanism along the slot 48, and the bridge 32 may be slidably engaged with the track or other suitable mechanism.

[0046] The bridge 32 may be a Figure 1 The unexpanded position shown is expanded to Figures 4 to 6 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9As described above, in the non-deployed position, the bridge 32 can be received in the slot 48. In the deployed position, the bridge 32 can extend from the first support 22 to the second support 24, and the bridge 32 can be releasably locked to the second support 24. For example, the bridge 32 can have a first end 62 and a second end 64 spaced apart from the first end 62. The first end 62 can include a locking mechanism 74, and the second support 24 can include a second locking mechanism 76. The locking mechanism 74 and the second locking mechanism 76 can be designed to engage and lock with each other in the deployed position. For example, the locking mechanism 74 can be a convex locking mechanism, and the second locking mechanism 76 can be a concave locking mechanism designed to receive the locking mechanism 74. Alternatively, the second locking mechanism 76 can be a convex locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism 74 can be a concave locking mechanism designed to receive the second locking mechanism 76. The locking mechanism 74 and the second locking mechanism 76 can be of any suitable type and can include magnets, electromagnets, spring-loaded latches, sliding bolts, pull latches, etc.

[0047] The bridge 32 may be rotatable relative to the first support 22 between an undeployed position and a deployed position, such as Figures 2A to 4 Specifically, when the bridge 32 is retracted in the slot 48, the slot 48 prevents the bridge 32 from rotating relative to the first support 22, and when extended from the slot 48, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the bridge 32 can rotate relative to the first support 22. For example, the second end 64 of the bridge 32 can include a rotation mechanism 78. The rotation mechanism 78 can be, for example, a hinge or any suitable rotation mechanism.

[0048] As an example, the bridge 32 may be manually extendable / retractable from the slot 48 and rotatable relative to the first support 22. Alternatively or additionally, the bridge may be automatically extendable / retractable and rotatable relative to the first support 22, such as by using a motor.

[0049] refer to Figure 4 In the deployed position, the bridge 32 may be engageable with the first track 44 and the second track 46 and lockable with the second track 46. For example, the second track 46 may include a second locking mechanism 76 that is designed to engage and lock with the locking mechanism 74. The first track 44 and the second track 46 may be configured to receive the bridge 32, that is, the height of the first track 44 and the second track 46 may be slightly greater than the height of the bridge 32, and the bridge 32 may be designed to engage with the first track 44 and the second track 46.

[0050] refer to Figures 2A to 4, the bridge 32 may include a top surface 66 and a bottom surface 68 opposite the top surface 66. In the deployed position, the bottom surface 68 may generally face the seat bottom 26, and the top surface 66 may generally face away from the seat bottom 26. The top surface 66 and the bottom surface 68 may be generally flat, and the top surface 66 may receive various items, such as a laptop computer, a notebook computer, an arm 86 of an occupant 80, etc. Alternatively, the top surface 66 and the bottom surface 68 may be configured in any suitable manner.

[0051] refer to Figure 4 , the bridge 32 in the deployed position can be spaced apart from the seat bottom 26, and the bridge 32 in the deployed position can be spaced apart from the seat back 28. An occupant 80 can be seated in the seat assembly 20. The occupant 80 can be between the bridge 32 and the seat bottom 26, and the occupant 80 can be between the bridge 32 and the seat back 28.

[0052] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 , the bridge 32 may include a base 58 and a cover 60. The cover 60 may have a first end 70 rotatably attached to the base 58 and a second end 72 removably attached to the base 58. For example, the first end 70 may be rotatably attached to the base 58 via a hinge or any suitable rotatable mechanism, and the second end 72 may be removably attached to the base 58 by any suitable mechanism, such as a tear seam, a latch, a magnet, etc.

[0053] refer to Figure 5 , the bridge 32 may include a cavity 56. The cavity 56 may be defined by a base 58 and a cover 60. For example, the cavity 56 may be filled with any suitable material, such as foam, cloth, etc., or the cavity may not be filled with any material.

[0054] refer to Figures 5 to 9 , the seat assembly 20 may include a knee restraint 38 supported by the bridge 32. The knee restraint 38 may be deployed to a deployed position, such as Figure 6 As shown. The knee restraint 38 in the deployed position can be in front of the seat bottom 26. For example, the seat bottom 26 can include a front end 50 spaced apart from the seat back 28, i.e., where the legs 84 of the occupant 80 hang, and the seat bottom 26 is between the knee restraint 38 and the seat back 28 when the knee restraint 38 is in the deployed position. The knee restraint 38 can include an inflatable chamber 92. As another example, the knee restraint 38 can be substantially solid. In such an example, the knee restraint 38 can include a slat that deploys when the knee restraint 38 moves to the deployed position. The knee restraint 38 can be formed of any suitable material, such as steel, aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, woven polymer, etc.

[0055] Continue to refer Figures 5 to 9 In the undeployed position, the knee restraint 38 may be rolled into the bridge 32. Figure 5 As shown, the knee restraint 38 in the undeployed position can be received in the cavity 56. As another example, in the undeployed position, the knee restraint 38 can be folded into the bridge 32. Alternatively, the knee restraint 38 can be supported by the bridge 32 in any suitable manner.

[0056] The knee restraint 38 may be engageable with the first track 44 and the second track 46 and deployable along the first track 44 and the second track 46. For example, Figure 7 As shown, the knee restraint may include an engagement member 52, and the second track 46 may include a second engagement member 54. The second engagement member 54 may be slightly larger than the engagement member 52, and the second engagement member 54 may be designed to receive the engagement member 52.

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, the engagement member 52 may be a male engagement member and the second engagement member 54 may be a female engagement member designed to receive the engagement member 52. Alternatively, the second engagement member 54 may be a male engagement member and the engagement member 52 may be a female engagement member designed to receive the second engagement member 54. The engagement between the knee restraint 38 and the first track 44 may be substantially similar or the same as the above-described engagement between the knee restraint 38 and the second track 46. Alternatively, the engagement between the knee restraint 38 and the first track 44 may be different than the above-described engagement between the knee restraint 38 and the second track 46.

[0058] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the inflatable device 34 can be supported by the bridge 32. The inflatable device 34 can be supported by the bridge 32. Figures 1 to 6 Inflate to the uninflated position shown. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The inflatable device 34 in the uninflated position can be accommodated in the cavity 56, as shown. Figure 5 The inflatable device 34 may be inflated from the bridge 32 in a direction away from the seat bottom 26. For example, the inflatable device 34 may be inflated in a direction generally toward the seat back 28 and / or the head restraint 30. The inflatable device 34 may include an inflation chamber 88.

[0059] The bridge 32 may be rigid relative to the inflatable device 34. For example, the inflatable device 34 may be more flexible than the bridge 32, i.e., the bridge 32 may be substantially inflexible and the inflatable device 34 may be more flexible than the bridge 32. The bridge 32 may be formed of any suitable material, such as steel, aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, woven polymer, etc.

[0060] refer to Figure 5 and Fig. 9 , the seat assembly 20 may include a second inflatable device 36 supported by the bridge 32. The second inflatable device 36 may be inflated from an uninflated position to an inflated position. In the uninflated position, the second inflatable device 36 may be contained in the cavity 56. The second inflatable device 36 may be inflated toward the seat bottom 26, such as toward the legs 84 of the occupant 80. The second inflatable device 36 may include an inflation chamber 90.

[0061] The inflatable device 34 and the second inflatable device 36 can be formed of a braided polymer or any other material. As an example, the inflatable device 34 and the second inflatable device 36 can be formed of a braided nylon yarn, such as nylon 6-6. Other examples include polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyester, etc. The braided polymer can include a coating, such as silicone, neoprene, polyurethane, etc. For example, the coating can be polysilicone. The inflatable device 34 and the second inflatable device 36 can be formed of the same material or different materials.

[0062] As another example, the vehicle 40 may include a seat belt system (not shown) that operates in conjunction with, separately from, complementary to, or in addition to the seat assembly 20. The vehicle 40 may include various air bags (not shown) that operate in conjunction with, separately from, complementary to, or in addition to the seat assembly 20.

[0063] With reference to the foregoing, the operation of the seat assembly 20 will now be described. The vehicle 40 may prohibit an occupant from placing the vehicle 40 in a driving mode until the bridge 32 is in the deployed position. Alternatively, the bridge 32 may move to the deployed position when the vehicle 40 senses an impending vehicle impact via a sensor (e.g., a radar sensor, a scanning laser rangefinder, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device, and an image processing sensor such as a camera).

[0064] The bridge 32 may be deployed upon sensing an impending vehicle impact, before the vehicle 40 is set to a driving mode, or at any suitable time. During deployment of the bridge 32 to the deployed position, the bridge 32 may be designed to be withdrawn from the slot 48 and moved toward the second support 24, such as Figures 2A to 4The bridge 32 can be pulled out by the occupant 80, or the bridge 32 can be automatically pulled out of the slot 48 by, for example, a motor, a spring, etc. Similarly, the bridge 32 can be manually moved toward the second support 24 by the occupant 80, or the bridge 32 can be automatically moved toward the second support 24 by, for example, a motor, a spring, etc.

[0065] refer to Figures 4 to 6 The knee restraint 38 may be deployed in response to a sensed vehicle impact. During deployment of the knee restraint 38, the knee restraint 38 may be designed to unfold to a deployed position, such as Figure 6 For example, during deployment of the knee restraint 38, the knee restraint 38 may engage the first track 44 and the second track 46 and deploy along the first track 44 and the second track 46, i.e., the knee restraint 38 may generally follow the direction of the first track 44 and the second track 46. The bridge 32 may include a tear seam, a latch, etc., through which the knee restraint 38 may pass during deployment of the knee restraint 38.

[0066] Continue to refer Figures 4 to 6 During deployment of the knee restraint 38, the knee restraint 38 may be designed to inflate to the inflated position. For example, an inflator (not shown) may fill the inflation chamber 92 of the knee restraint 38 with an inflation medium, such as a gas, and may cause the knee restraint 38 to deploy along the first track 44 and the second track 46.

[0067] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the inflatable device 34 and / or the second inflatable device 36 may be inflated to the inflated position before, after, or simultaneously with the deployment of the knee restraint 38. The inflatable device 34 and / or the second inflatable device 36 may be inflated to the inflated position when the vehicle 40 senses an impending vehicle impact via a sensor (e.g., a radar sensor, a scanning laser rangefinder, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device, and an image processing sensor such as a camera). At least one inflator (not shown) may fill the inflatable chambers 88, 90 with an inflation medium such as a gas.

[0068] Continue to refer Figure 8 and Fig. 9During the inflation of the inflatable device 34, the cover 60 can be designed to rotate and stop at a predetermined position, and the inflatable device 34 in the inflated position abuts the cover 60 at the predetermined position. For example, the inflation of the inflatable device 34 can apply a force to the cover 60 and can cause the second end 72 of the cover 60 to disengage from the base 58. The cover 60 can then be rotated around the first end 70 and stop at a predetermined position. The cover 60 can stop at a predetermined position by, for example, a stopper, a hinge design, or any suitable mechanism. At the predetermined position, the inflatable device 34 can apply a force on the underside of the cover 60, and the cover 60 can apply an opposite force on the inflatable device 34 by a stopper or other suitable mechanism.

[0069] The second inflatable device 36 may be inflated to the inflated position before, after, or simultaneously with the deployment of the knee restraint 38 and the inflation of the inflatable device 34. The bridge 32 may include a tear seam, latch, etc. through which the second inflatable device 36 passes during inflation of the second inflatable device 36.

[0070] During a vehicle impact, if Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the inflatable device 34 can receive and restrain the head 82 of the occupant 80, the second inflatable device 36 can receive and restrain the top of the legs 84 of the occupant 80 (i.e., the thighs), and the knee restraint 38 can receive and restrain the front of the legs 84 of the occupant 80 (i.e., the knees and shins).

[0071] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than limitation. In view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible, and the present disclosure can be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

[0072] According to the present invention, a seat assembly is provided, which comprises: a first support and a second support, the first support and the second support being spaced apart from each other; a seat bottom, the seat bottom being between the first support and the second support; a bridge-like member, the bridge-like member being capable of being unfolded to a unfolded position, the bridge-like member being spaced apart from the seat bottom in the unfolded position, the bridge-like member being supported on the first support and the second support and extending from the first support to the second support in the unfolded position; and an inflatable device, the inflatable device being supported by the bridge-like member.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the bridge is rotatable relative to the first support between a undeployed position and the deployed position, and in the deployed position the bridge is releasably locked to the second support.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the first support comprises a slot and the bridge in the undeployed position is received in the slot.

[0075] According to one embodiment, during deployment of the bridge into the deployed position, the bridge is designed to be withdrawn from the slot and moved towards the second support.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the inflatable device is inflatable from the bridge in a direction away from the seat bottom.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the above invention also features a second inflatable device supported by the bridge, the second inflatable device being capable of inflating toward the seat bottom.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a knee restraint supported by the bridge, the knee restraint being deployable to a deployed position in which the knee restraint is forward of the seat bottom.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the knee restraint is rolled into the bridge and, during deployment of the knee restraint, the knee restraint is designed to unfold into the deployed position.

[0080] According to one embodiment, during deployment of the knee restraint, the knee restraint is designed to inflate to an inflated position.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the first support comprises a first rail and the second support comprises a second rail, the first rail and the second rail facing each other.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the bridge is engageable with the first rail and the second rail and is lockable with the second rail.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the above invention also features a knee restraint supported by the bridge, the knee restraint being engageable with and deployable along the first and second rails.

[0084] According to one embodiment, said bridge comprises a cavity and said inflatable device in the uninflated position is housed in said cavity.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the above invention also features a second inflatable device and a knee restraint, the second inflatable device and the knee restraint being housed in the cavity.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the seat bottom extends from the first support to the second support.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the bridge includes a base and a cover having a first end rotatably attached to the base and a second end detachably attached to the base.

[0088] According to one embodiment, during inflation of the inflatable device, the cover is designed to rotate and stop at a predetermined position, and the inflatable device in the inflated position abuts against the cover at the predetermined position.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a seat back supported by the seat bottom, wherein the bridge in the deployed position is spaced apart from the seat back.

[0090] According to one embodiment, said bridge is rigid relative to said inflatable device.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the bridge has a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end, the first end includes a locking mechanism, and the second end includes a rotation mechanism.

Claims

1. A seat assembly, comprising: a first support and a second support, the first support and the second support being spaced apart from each other, wherein the first support includes a first track and the second support includes a second track, the first track and the second track facing each other; a seat bottom between the first support and the second support; a bridge deployable to a deployed position in which the bridge is spaced apart from the seat bottom and in which the bridge is supported on and extends from the first support to the second support; and an inflatable device supported by the bridge; The seat assembly also includes a knee restraint supported by the bridge, the knee restraint being engageable with and deployable along the first track and the second track. 2 . The seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bridge is rotatable relative to the first support between an undeployed position and the deployed position, and in the deployed position the bridge is releasably locked to the second support. 3 . The seat assembly of claim 2 , wherein the first support includes a slot, and the bridge in the non-deployed position is received in the slot.

4. The seat assembly of claim 3, wherein during deployment of the bridge to the deployed position, the bridge is configured to be withdrawn from the slot and moved toward the second support.

5. The seat assembly of claim 1 further comprising a knee restraint supported by the bridge, the knee restraint deployable to a deployed position wherein the knee restraint is forward of the seat bottom. 6 . The seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bridge is engageable with the first track and the second track and lockable with the second track.

7. The seat assembly of claim 1 wherein said bridge includes a cavity and said inflatable device in an uninflated position is received in said cavity.

8. The seat assembly of claim 7 further comprising a second inflatable device and a knee restraint, said second inflatable device and said knee restraint being received in said cavity.

9. The seat assembly of claim 1 further comprising a second inflatable device supported by the bridge, the second inflatable device being inflatable toward the seat bottom.

10. The seat assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inflatable device is inflatable from the bridge member in a direction away from the seat bottom.

11. The seat assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the seat bottom extends from the first support to the second support.

12. The seat assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a seat back supported by the seat bottom, wherein the bridge in the deployed position is spaced apart from the seat back.

13. The seat assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the bridge is rigid relative to the inflatable device.

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