Adjustable seat cushion insert

Abstract

A vehicle includes a seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion, a cushion insert frame rotatably coupled to the seat cushion, and a locking device for engaging the cushion insert frame to the seat cushion and for disengaging the cushion insert frame from the seat cushion to allow adjustment of an angle of the cushion insert frame relative to the seat cushion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seat assembly in a vehicle, and in particular to a mechanism for adjusting a seat cushion insert of the seat assembly. Background Art

[0002] A seat in a vehicle typically includes a seat cushion and a seat back. The seat cushion is a single component with non-moving parts. A person sitting in the seat may wish to adjust the cushion insert. For example, because seats are typically designed with a one-size-fits-all feature, some people may feel uncomfortable with the seat unless the seat can be adjusted. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a mechanism for adjusting the cushion insert of a seat to improve comfort for a range of people and allow for proper installation of a child seat. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one exemplary embodiment, a seat assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion, a cushion insert frame rotatably coupled to the seat cushion, and a locking device for engaging the cushion insert frame to the seat cushion and for disengaging the cushion insert frame from the seat cushion to allow adjustment of the angle of the cushion insert frame relative to the seat cushion.

[0004] In addition to one or more features described herein, the seat cushion includes a bracket having a hole, and the cushion insert frame includes a barrel and a belt, the barrel having a pin and a spring, the spring applying a biasing force to the barrel to engage the pin in the hole, and the belt for applying a reaction force on the barrel to resist the biasing force to disengage the pin from the hole. The barrel is arranged at the end of a rod connected to the cushion insert frame, and the spring is arranged between the barrel and the end of the rod. The seat assembly also includes a motor for applying a reaction force on the belt. The seat cushion includes a bracket having a hole, and the cushion insert frame includes a lever arm hingedly attached to the cushion insert frame, a spring applying a biasing force to the lever arm to engage the pin of the lever arm in the hole, and a belt for applying a reaction force on the lever arm to resist the biasing force to disengage the pin from the hole. The spring is arranged between the end of the rod connected to the cushion insert frame and the lever arm. The seat assembly also includes a motor for applying a reaction force on the belt. The seat assembly also includes a horizontal bar attached to the vehicle floor and a latch hingedly attached to the cushion insert frame, the latch including at least a first recess and a second recess for receiving the horizontal bar and a handle for locking the latch in place. The seat assembly also includes a horizontal bar attached to the cushion insert frame and a latch hingedly attached to the vehicle floor, the latch including at least a first recess and a second recess for receiving the horizontal bar and a handle for locking the latch in place. The locking device is provided at the front end of the cushion insert frame.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a seat cushion, a cushion insert frame rotatably coupled to the seat cushion, and a locking device for engaging the cushion insert frame to the seat cushion and for disengaging the cushion insert frame from the seat cushion to allow adjustment of the angle of the cushion insert frame relative to the seat cushion.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the seat cushion includes a bracket with a hole, and the cushion insert frame includes a barrel and a belt, the barrel has a pin and a spring, the spring applies a biasing force to the barrel to engage the pin in the hole, and the belt is used to apply a reaction force on the barrel to resist the biasing force to disengage the pin from the hole. The barrel is arranged at the end of a rod connected to the cushion insert frame, and the spring is arranged between the barrel and the end of the rod. The vehicle also includes a motor for applying a reaction force at the belt. The seat cushion includes a bracket with a hole, and the cushion insert frame includes a lever arm hingedly attached to the cushion insert frame, a spring applying a biasing force to the lever arm to engage the pin of the lever arm in the hole, and a belt for applying a reaction force on the lever arm to resist the biasing force to disengage the pin from the hole. The spring is arranged between the end of the rod connected to the cushion insert frame and the lever arm. The vehicle also includes a motor for applying a reaction force at the belt. The vehicle also includes a horizontal bar attached to the vehicle floor and a latch hingedly attached to the mat insert frame, the latch including at least a first recess and a second recess for receiving the horizontal bar and a handle for locking the latch in place. The vehicle also includes a horizontal bar attached to the mat insert frame and a latch hingedly attached to the vehicle floor, the latch including at least a first recess and a second recess for receiving the horizontal bar and a handle for locking the latch in place. The locking device is provided at the front end of the mat insert frame.

[0007] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, from the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 A vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0010] Figure 2 shows a side view of a seat assembly of a vehicle in an illustrative embodiment;

[0011] Figure 3 showing a perspective view of a seat cushion of a seat assembly;

[0012] Figure 4showing a front view of the adjustment mechanism of the seat cushion in a first position;

[0013] Figure 5 showing a front view of the adjustment mechanism of the seat cushion in a second position;

[0014] Figure 6 showing a front view of the locking device in a locked configuration;

[0015] Figure 7 showing a front view of the locking device in an unlocked configuration;

[0016] Figure 8 showing a front view of a locking embodiment in an alternative device in a locked configuration;

[0017] Fig. 9 showing a front view of a locking embodiment in an alternative device in an unlocked configuration;

[0018] Fig.10 showing a front view of an articulated locking device for an adjuster mechanism in a locked configuration;

[0019] Fig.11 showing a front view of the articulated locking device in an unlocked configuration;

[0020] Fig.12 shows a front view of an articulated locking embodiment in an alternative device, wherein the locking device is in a locked configuration;

[0021] Fig.13 showing a front view of the articulated locking device in an unlocked configuration;

[0022] Fig.14 shows a side view of a seat cushion depicting a first latch mechanism for changing the height of a cushion insert;

[0023] Fig.15 showing a front view of a first latch mechanism in a first configuration;

[0024] Fig.16 showing a front view of the first latch mechanism in a second configuration;

[0025] Fig.17 showing a side view of a second latch mechanism for changing the height of a mat insert;

[0026] Fig.18 showing a front view of the second latch mechanism in a first configuration; and

[0027] Fig.19 A front view of the second latch mechanism is shown in a second configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 1 shows a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported by a plurality of wheels 14. A power system 16, such as an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or a hybrid system, is operatively connected to the plurality of wheels 14 to drive the plurality of wheels 14. The body 12 defines a passenger compartment 18 inside the body 12, and one or more doors 20 are provided for passengers to enter and exit the passenger compartment 18. A plurality of rows of seat assemblies 22 are positioned in the passenger compartment 18.

[0030] Figure 2 A side view 200 of a seat assembly 22 in an illustrative embodiment is shown. The seat assembly 22 includes a seat cushion 202 and a seat back 206 attached to a floor 204 of the vehicle 10. The seat cushion 202 is attached to the floor 204 via a seat mount 203. The seat cushion 202 includes a cushion insert 208 that can be tilted relative to the seat cushion 202. The cushion insert 208 is coupled to the seat cushion 202 at a hinge 210 located at a rear end 212 of the seat cushion 202. An adjuster mechanism 214 attaches the cushion insert 208 to a front end 216 of the seat cushion 202. The adjuster mechanism 214 is attached to the cushion insert 208 and allows the front end of the cushion insert 208 to engage and / or disengage from the front end 216 of the seat cushion 202. When disengaged, the cushion insert 208 can rotate about the hinge 210 to adjust the angle of the cushion relative to the seat cushion 202.

[0031] Figure 3 A perspective view 300 of the seat cushion 202 is shown with the cushion insert 208 removed. The seat cushion 202 includes a right cushion 302 and a left cushion 304, where "right" and "left" correspond to the reference frame of a person sitting in the seat assembly 22. A cushion insert frame 306 is hingedly attached to the seat cushion 202 at a rear end via fasteners 308. The cushion insert frame 306 includes a right beam 312 and a left beam 314 attached to a front beam 316. Openings 310 in the right beam 312 and the left beam 314 allow the fasteners 308 to hingedly attach the back of the cushion insert frame 306 to the right cushion 302 and the left cushion 304. The adjuster mechanism 214 is shown as being located at the front of the cushion insert frame 306.

[0032] Figure 4A front view 400 of the adjuster mechanism 214 of the seat cushion 202 in a first position is shown. The seat cushion 202 includes a right bracket 402 as part of the right cushion 302 and a left bracket 404 as part of the left cushion 304. Each of the right bracket 402 and the left bracket 404 includes a plurality of holes arranged vertically or along the circumference of a circle, the origin of the circle being at the fastener 308. For illustrative purposes, a first right hole 406a and a second right hole 408a are shown in the right bracket 402, and a first left hole 406b and a second left hole 408b are shown in the left bracket 404. The second right hole 408a is higher than the first right hole 406a, and the second left hole 408b is higher than the first left hole 406b. The first right hole 406a is aligned with the first left hole 406b along a horizontal line, and the second right hole 408a is aligned with the second left hole 408b along a horizontal line.

[0033] The adjuster mechanism 214 includes a locking device 410 for engaging and disengaging the right bracket 402 and the left bracket 404. The locking device 410 includes a rod 412 attached to the pad insert 208 or the pad insert frame 306 via a support 414. The rod 412 is placed horizontally and, in the first position of the pad, is aligned with the opposite holes (e.g., the first right hole 406a and the first left hole 406b). The right cylinder 416a (or right cover) is disposed at the right end 418a of the rod 412 and includes a right spring 420a, which applies a biasing force that biases the right cylinder away from the right end. The right cylinder 416a includes a right pin 422a at its outer surface end for insertion into the hole (e.g., the first right hole 406a) of the right bracket 402.

[0034] Similarly, the left cylinder 416b (or left cover) is disposed at the left end 418b of the rod 412 and includes a left spring 420b that applies a biasing force that biases the second cylinder away from the second end. The left cylinder 416b includes a left pin 422b at its outer surface end for insertion into a hole (e.g., the first left hole 406b) of the left bracket 404.

[0035] In the first position, the cushion insert 208 is in a "down" position relative to the seat cushion 202. The right pin 422a is disposed within the first right hole 406a, and the left pin 422b is disposed within the first left hole 406b.

[0036] Figure 5 A front view 500 of the adjuster mechanism 214 of the seat cushion 202 is shown in a second position. In the second position, the cushion insert 208 is in an "up" position relative to the seat cushion 202. The right pin 422a is disposed within the second right hole 408a, and the left pin 422b is disposed within the second left hole 408b.

[0037] Figure 6A detailed front view 600 of the locking device 410 in a locked configuration is shown. The locking device 410 includes a strap 602 that can be pulled to disengage the locking device 410 from the right bracket 402 and the left bracket 404. The strap 602 includes a first end 604 and a second end. The strap 602 splits at the second end to form a right branch 606a and a left branch 606b. The right branch 606a is coupled to the right barrel 416a, and the left branch 606b is coupled to the left barrel 416b. The right branch 606a passes through a first guide hole 608a of the support 414, and the left branch 606b passes through a second guide hole 608b of the support 414.

[0038] exist Figure 6 , the band 602 is shown in a relaxed state, thereby allowing the right spring 420a to push the first cylinder 616a outward relative to the rod 412 to place the right pin 422a in the right hole 605a. In addition, the left spring 420b forces the left cylinder 616b outward relative to the rod 412 to place the left pin 422b in the left hole 605b.

[0039] Figure 7 A front view 700 of the locking device 410 in an unlocked configuration is shown. By pulling on the strap 602, the right branch 606a pulls the right barrel 416a inwardly against the rod 412, thereby applying a countervailing force that compresses the right spring 420a and disengages the right pin 422a from the right hole 605a. Similarly, the left branch 606b pulls the left barrel 416b inwardly against the rod 412, thereby applying a countervailing force that compresses the left spring 420b and disengages the left pin 422b from the left hole 605b.

[0040] Figure 8 A front view 800 of the locking device 410 is shown in an alternative device in a locked configuration. The first end 604 of the strap 602 is coupled to the motor 802. The motor 802 may be activated by a user-controlled switch. The locking device 410 is shown with the motor 802 in a configuration in which the strap 602 is relaxed.

[0041] Fig. 9 A front view 900 of the locking device 410 in an alternative device in an unlocked configuration is shown. The motor 802 can be activated in a first direction to pull the strap 602, thereby extracting the right pin 422a and the left pin 422b from the right hole 605a and the left hole 605b, respectively, and releasing the cushion insert frame 306 from the right bracket 402 and the left bracket 404 for adjusting the height of the cushion insert. The motor 802 can also be activated in a second direction opposite to the first direction to release or loosen the strap 602, thereby causing the right spring 420a and the left spring 420b to push the right cylinder 416a and the left cylinder 416b outward, respectively, thereby engaging the right pin 422a and the left pin 422b into the right hole 605a and the left hole 605b, respectively, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 shown.

[0042] Fig.10 A front view 1000 of an articulated locking device 1002 for an adjuster mechanism 214 in a locked configuration is shown. The articulated locking device 1002 includes a rod 412 and a support 414 for connecting the rod to a cushion insert frame 306. A right lever arm 1004a is coupled at one end to a right hinge 1006a at the right side of the cushion insert frame 306. The right lever arm 1004a includes a right pin 1008a that can be engaged to or disengaged from a right hole 605a. A right spring 1010a between the right lever arm 1004a and the right end of the rod 412 biases the right lever arm to rotate outwardly around the right hinge 1006a to engage the right pin 1008a into the right hole 605a. Similarly, a left lever arm 1004b is coupled at one end to a left hinge 1006b of the cushion insert frame 306. The left lever arm 1004b includes a left pin 1008b that can be engaged to or disengaged from the left hole 605b. A left spring 1010b between the left lever arm 1004b and the left end of the rod 412 biases the left lever arm to rotate outwardly around the left hinge 1006b to engage the left pin 1008b in the left hole 605b.

[0043] The right strap 1012a connects the free end 1014a of the right lever arm 1004a to the rotating device 1020. Similarly, the left strap 1012b connects the free end 1014b of the left lever arm 1004b to the rotating device 1020. Fig.10 As shown, the locking device is in a locked configuration, with the strap relaxed.

[0044] Fig.11 A front view 1100 of the articulated locking device 1002 in an unlocked configuration is shown. The user can manually rotate the rotating device 102 to pull the right strap 1012a and the left strap 1012b. The right strap 1012a pulls the right lever arm 1004a inward to compress the right spring 1010a and disengage the right pin 1008a from the right hole 605a. The left strap 1012b pulls the left lever arm 1004b inward to compress the left spring 1010b and disengage the left pin 1008b from the left hole 605b.

[0045] Fig.12 A front view 1200 of the articulation locking device 1002 in an alternative embodiment is shown, wherein the locking device is in a locked configuration and the rotation device 1020 is coupled to a motor 1202. The motor 1202 may be activated by a user controlled switch.

[0046] Fig.13A front view 1300 of the articulated locking device 1002 is shown in an unlocked configuration. The motor 1202 rotates the rotating device 1020 to pull the right and left straps 1012a, 1012b, thereby disengaging the right pin 1008a from the right hole 605a and the left pin 1008b from the left hole 605b.

[0047] Fig.14 A side view 1400 of the seat cushion 202 is shown, depicting a first latch mechanism 1402 for changing the seat cushion height. The first latch mechanism 1402 includes a latch 1404, which is rotatably coupled to the cushion insert frame 306 via a hinge 1406. The latch 1404 can rotate around the hinge 1406 to move in a forward and rearward direction. The latch 1404 includes a first hook 1408 and a second hook 1410 above the first hook, each hook pointing to the front of the seat cushion 202. The first hook 1408 forms a first recess 1412, and the second hook 1410 forms a second recess 1414. The ring 1416 is attached to the bottom plate 204. The latch 1404 can be pushed forward to capture the horizontal section of the ring 1416 in the first recess 1412 or the second recess 1414. The handle 1418 is used to lock and unlock the latch 1404. The handle 1418 can be placed in a first position to lock the latch 1404 in place, and in a second position to allow the latch to rotate freely about the hinge 1406. Once the pad insert 208 is adjusted to the desired height, the latch 1404 is pushed forward to capture the horizontal section of the loop 1416, and the handle 1418 is placed in the first position to lock the latch in place.

[0048] Fig.15 A front view 1500 of the first latch mechanism 1402 in a first configuration is shown. The pad insert 208 is in a "down" position, with the horizontal section 1502 of the ring 1416 located in the second recess (1414, Fig.14 ) (that is, the upper concave portion).

[0049] Fig.16 A front view 1600 of the first latch mechanism 1402 is shown in a second configuration. The pad insert 208 is in the "up" position, with the horizontal section 1502 of the ring 1416 located in the first recess (1412, Fig.14 ) (i.e., the concave portion).

[0050] Fig.17A side view 1700 of a second latch mechanism 1702 for changing the height of a cushion insert 208 is shown. The second latch mechanism 1702 includes a latch 1704 attached to the base plate 204 via a hinge 1706. The latch 1704 can rotate in a forward and rearward direction about the hinge 1706. The latch 1704 includes a first hook 1708 and a second hook 1710 above the first hook. Both hooks point to the rear of the seat cushion. The first hook 1708 forms a first recess 1712, and the second hook 1710 forms a second recess 1714.

[0051] The ring 1716 is attached to the pad insert frame 306. The latch 1704 can be pushed forward to catch the horizontal section of the ring 1716 in the first recess 1712 or the second recess 1714. The handle 1718 can be placed in a first position to lock the latch 1704 in place, and in a second position to allow the latch to rotate about the hinge 1706.

[0052] Fig.18 A front view 1800 of the second latch mechanism 1702 is shown in a first configuration. The pad insert 208 is in a "down" position. The horizontal section 1802 of the ring 1716 is located in the second recess (1714, Fig.17 ) (i.e., the upper concave portion).

[0053] Fig.19 A front view 1900 of the second latch mechanism 1702 is shown in a second configuration. The pad insert 208 is in the "up" position. The horizontal section 1802 of the ring 1716 is located in the first recess (1712, Fig.17 ) (i.e., the concave portion).

[0054] The terms "a" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or". References to "aspects" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0055] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0056] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most current standards in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0057] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0058] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A seat assembly for a vehicle, comprising: Seat cushions; a cushion insert frame rotatably coupled to the seat cushion; as well as A locking device for engaging the cushion insert frame to the seat cushion and for disengaging the cushion insert frame from the seat cushion to allow adjustment of the angle of the cushion insert frame relative to the seat cushion.

2. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The seat cushion includes a bracket having a hole, and the cushion insert frame includes a barrel and a belt, the barrel having a pin and a spring, the spring applies a biasing force against the barrel to engage the pin in the hole, and the belt is used to apply a reaction force on the barrel to resist the biasing force to disengage the pin from the hole. 3 . The seat assembly of claim 2 , wherein the cylinder is disposed at an end of a rod coupled to the cushion insert frame, and the spring is disposed between the cylinder and the end of the rod.

4. The seat assembly of claim 2 further comprising a motor for applying said reaction force at said belt.

5. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: The seat cushion includes a bracket having a hole, and the cushion insert frame includes a lever arm hingedly attached to the cushion insert frame, a spring applying a biasing force to the lever arm to engage a pin of the lever arm in the hole, and a strap for applying a reaction force on the lever arm to resist the biasing force to disengage the pin from the hole.

6. The seat assembly of claim 5, wherein: The spring is disposed between an end of a rod coupled to the mat insert frame and the lever arm.

7. The seat assembly of claim 5 further comprising a motor for applying said reaction force at said belt.

8. The seat assembly of claim 1 further comprising a horizontal bar attached to the floor of the vehicle and a latch hingedly attached to the cushion insert frame, the latch comprising at least a first recess and a second recess for receiving the horizontal bar and a handle for locking the latch in place.

9. The seat assembly of claim 1 further comprising a horizontal bar attached to the cushion insert frame and a latch hingedly attached to the floor of the vehicle, the latch comprising at least a first recess and a second recess for receiving the horizontal bar and a handle for locking the latch in place.

10. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: The locking device is provided at a front end of the mat insert frame.

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