Seat assembly with shock support

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a seating assembly with a shank support. A seating assembly includes: a seat frame; the seat bottom plate is connected with the seat frame; the supporting leg extension assembly is connected with the seat bottom plate; and a shank support assembly disposed below the leg extension assembly and translatable relative to the seat floor. The shank support assembly includes a shank support rotatable about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is translatable relative to the seat floor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a vehicle seating assembly and, more particularly, to a vehicle seating assembly including an adjustable calf support assembly. Background Art

[0002] A conventional vehicle seat may include a seat base, a seat back, and a leg support that supports a user's legs. There is a need for an enhanced support arrangement for a user's legs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a seat assembly includes a seat frame; a seat pan coupled to the seat frame; a leg extension assembly coupled to the seat pan; and a calf support assembly disposed below the leg extension assembly and translatable relative to the seat pan. The calf support assembly includes a calf support member rotatable about a rotation axis. The rotation axis is translatable relative to the seat pan.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0005] the calf support assembly comprising: at least one guide sleeve coupled to one of the seat pan and the leg extension assembly; and at least one rod coupled to the calf support and slidable through the guide sleeve;

[0006] a motor operably coupled to the at least one rod and configured to move the at least one rod through the at least one guide sleeve to translate the calf support;

[0007] - the motor is configured to translate the rotational axis relative to the leg extension assembly;

[0008] - at least one rod including a first rod disposed adjacent one side of the seat assembly and configured to engage a first guide sleeve of the at least one guide sleeve; and a second rod disposed adjacent an opposite side of the seat assembly and configured to engage a second guide sleeve of the at least one guide sleeve;

[0009] - a transverse member extending transversely between the first rod and the second rod;

[0010] - the motor is centrally arranged between the first rod and the second rod;

[0011] - a mounting element extending substantially parallel to the transverse member between the first guide sleeve and the second guide sleeve;

[0012] - the motor is arranged in the mounting member;

[0013] - the mounting member is coupled to the underside of the leg extension assembly;

[0014] an actuator disposed in the calf support and configured to drive the calf support in rotation about the rotation axis; and

[0015] - a motor configured to translate the leg extension assembly in a fore-aft direction independently of translation of the rotational axis.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a seat assembly includes: a seat frame; a seat pan coupled to the seat frame; a leg extension assembly coupled to the seat pan; a calf support operably coupled to the seat pan and pivotable about a rotation axis; and a guide sleeve disposed below the seat pan, the guide sleeve configured to receive a rod coupled to the calf support. The rod is slidable within the guide sleeve to allow translation of the rotation axis.

[0017] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0018] a motor operably coupled to the rod and configured to move the rod through the guide sleeve to translate the calf support;

[0019] - a mounting member coupled to the seat pan, wherein the guide sleeve is coupled to the mounting member;

[0020] - the motor is arranged in the mounting member;

[0021] - the motor is configured to translate the rotational axis relative to the leg extension assembly;

[0022] an actuator disposed in the calf support and configured to drive the calf support in rotation about the rotation axis; and

[0023] - a motor configured to translate the leg extension assembly in a fore-aft direction independently of translation of the rotational axis.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a seat assembly includes: a seat frame; a seat pan coupled to the seat frame; a leg extension assembly coupled to the seat pan; and a calf support assembly disposed below the seat pan. The calf support assembly includes: a first guide sleeve disposed adjacent to one side of the seat assembly; a second guide sleeve disposed adjacent to an opposite side of the seat assembly; a first rod slidably disposed in the first guide sleeve; a second rod slidably disposed in the second guide sleeve; and a calf support coupled to the first rod and the second rod and translatable relative to the seat pan. The seat assembly includes an actuator operably coupled to the first rod and the second rod and configured to move the first rod and the second rod through the first guide sleeve and the second guide sleeve to translate the calf support.

[0025] These and other features, advantages, and objectives of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the attached figure:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat assembly disposed in a vehicle;

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partially exploded perspective view of a seat assembly showing a seat subassembly and a seat frame of the seat assembly;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a top plan view of the seat subassembly;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 a bottom plan view of the seat subassembly of FIG. 1 , wherein the calf support of the seat subassembly is in a fully extended position;

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 a top plan view of the seat subassembly of FIG. 1 with the calf support in a fully deployed position;

[0032] Figure 6A yes Figure 3 a side plan view of the seat subassembly with the calf support in the rear partially deployed position and the thigh support in the rearward position;

[0033] Figure 6B yes Figure 3 a side plan view of the seat subassembly with the calf support in the rear fully deployed position and the thigh support in the forward position;

[0034] Figure 6C yes Figure 3 a side plan view of the seat subassembly of with the calf support in the forward fully deployed position and the thigh support in the forward position; and

[0035] Figure 6D yes Figure 3 A side plan view of the seat subassembly of FIG. 1 with the calf support in the forward, undeployed position and the thigh support in the rearward position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In the drawings, the depicted structural elements may or may not be drawn to scale, and certain parts may or may not be exaggerated relative to other parts for the purpose of emphasis and understanding.

[0037] For the purpose of this description, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall be used in conjunction with Figure 1 The present invention relates to the concept of orientation in the present invention. However, it should be understood that the concepts described can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly indicated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless the claims expressly state otherwise, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0038] The presently described embodiments primarily reside in a combination of method steps and apparatus components related to a seat assembly with a calf support. Accordingly, apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, with only those specific details relevant to an understanding of the disclosed embodiments being shown to avoid obscuring the disclosure with details that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings represent like elements.

[0039] As used herein, the term "and / or" when applied to a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items may be employed individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain: A alone; B alone; C alone; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0040] In this document, relational terms (such as first and second, top and bottom, etc.) are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of more constraints, an element preceded by "comprises . . . . " does not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0041] As used herein, the term "about" means that the amount, size, formula, parameter and other quantities and characteristics are not exact, nor do they need to be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as needed to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, etc. and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe the endpoints of a value or range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint mentioned. Regardless of whether the endpoints of a value or range in this specification are described as "about", the endpoints of the value or range are intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about". It should also be understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0042] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "substantially," and variations thereof are intended to indicate that the described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to indicate a planar or approximately planar surface. Additionally, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may indicate that values are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0043] Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, as used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one." Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0044] Overall reference Figures 1 to 6D , reference numeral 10 generally designates a seat assembly 10. The seat assembly 10 includes a seat frame 12 and a seat pan 14 coupled to the seat frame 12. A leg extension assembly 16 (also referred to herein as a first support assembly 16 or an upper support assembly 16) is coupled to the seat pan 14. A calf support assembly 18 (also referred to herein as a second support assembly 18 or a lower support assembly 18) is disposed below the leg extension assembly and is translatable relative to the seat pan 14. The calf support assembly 18 includes a calf support 20 that is rotatable about an axis of rotation 22. The axis of rotation 22 is translatable relative to the seat pan 14.

[0045] Generally, the present arrangement of the seat assembly 10 can provide increased spacing between the seat assembly 10 and the floor 24 of the vehicle 26 to allow for deployment of the calf support assembly 18. Furthermore, the modular arrangement of the seat pan 14 with the calf support assembly 18 and the leg extension assembly can provide increased space in the vehicle 26 in which the seat assembly 10 is disposed.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 , the seat assembly 10 can be positioned in a vehicle 26 and defines a front 28, a rear 30, a first side 32, and a second side 34 opposite the first side 32. The front-rear-side orientation can correspond to characteristics of a user sitting in the seat 38, wherein the sides 32, 34 correspond to arm positions (e.g., armrests), the front 28 refers to the front relative to the user's frontal plane, and the rear 30 refers to the rear relative to the user's frontal plane. The seat assembly 10 is coupled to the vehicle 26 via a seat frame 12, which includes a pair of slide assemblies 36 secured to the floor 24 of the vehicle 26. The seat assembly 10 includes a seat 38 and a seat back 40 on which a headrest 42 is supported. The seat back 40 is pivotally coupled to the seat 38 so that the seat back 40 can move between an upright position and a reclined position. The seat 38 includes a seat base 44 and a seat extension 46 movable relative to the seat base 44. Although in Figure 1 The lower support assembly 18 is provided on the underside 48 of the seat pan 14 and includes a calf support 20 nested beneath the seat 38. The lower support assembly 18 is movable relative to the seat 38 to support the user's lower leg. Specifically, the calf support 20 can be moved forward and rotated to support the portion of the user's leg generally below the knee (e.g., calf, ankle).

[0047] Now refer to Figure 2The seat subassembly 49, which includes the seat pan 14, the upper support assembly 16, and the lower support assembly 18, includes a spring assembly 50 positioned between the seat frame 12 and the seat bottom 44. The spring assembly 50 is disposed beneath the upholstery and / or cushioning or other finish of the seat 38 for supporting an occupant in the seat 38. The seat pan 14 includes first and second wings 52, 54 extending from a body 56 of the seat pan 14 and configured to support side bolsters of a seat cushion above the seat bottom 44. The seat cushion is supported above the spring assembly 50.

[0048] The spring assembly 50 includes one or more hooks 58 disposed at the rear portion 30 of the seat assembly 10 and configured to engage a post 60 of the seat frame 12. The seat pan 14 engages another post 60 such that the seat subassembly 49 is supported by the seat frame 12 from the floor 24 of the vehicle 26. The seat frame 12 also includes a pair of sleds 62 that engage the pair of slide assemblies 36 to allow for fore-aft translation of the seat assembly 10 relative to the floor 24.

[0049] Still refer to Figure 2 The upper support assembly 16 includes a thigh support 64 that includes a structure 66 that generally spans the width of the seat subassembly 49. A first actuation unit 68 is disposed between the thigh support 64 and the body 56 of the seat pan 14 to provide translational movement of the upper support assembly 16 in a fore-aft direction relative to the seat pan 14 and, therefore, the seat base 44. Because the structure 66 spans the width of the seat subassembly 49, the upper support assembly 16 can be configured to move between a forward position and a rearward position as a whole or as a one-piece unit. In other words, one side of the upper support assembly 16 cannot move independently relative to the other side of the upper support assembly 16. Therefore, the first actuation unit 68 can be centrally located (e.g., along the transverse centerline 70 of the seat subassembly 49) to provide balanced fore-aft movement. In another example, the first actuation unit 68 includes a plurality of actuators distributed along the width, each of which is configured to actuate one side of the upper support assembly 16.

[0050] The first actuation unit 68 can include any electromechanical actuator and / or gear transmission coupled to the first actuator 72 to allow the first actuator 72 to interact with the body 56 or structure 66. For example, the first actuator 72 can be a motor configured to drive a ball screw. The motor can be disposed in the body 56. For example, the motor can be housed in a cavity defined by the body 56 disposed on the transverse centerline 70, and the ball screw can extend into the structure 66, whereby the ball screw drives the structure 66 forward or rearward when the shaft of the motor rotates. The motor and ball screw arrangements are merely exemplary and non-limiting. Other mechanisms (such as a pneumatic system, a pulley system, or any other mechanical interface) can be disposed in the first actuation unit 68 to allow manual and / or automatic translation of the upper support assembly 16 relative to the seat pan 14.

[0051] Overall reference Figures 2 to 5 , the calf support 20 of the lower support assembly 18 includes a pad or bun 74 having a generally elongated shape. In addition, the bun 74 can define a cross-section having substantially equal or unequal lengths and depths (e.g., a square cross-section). In this example, the bun 74 has an oblong trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The bun 74 has a first surface 76 and a second surface 78 separated by an edge 80 therebetween. The bun 74 rotates about the axis of rotation 22 to move forward and backward, as will be described with respect to FIG. 6A to 6D As described, this modifies the orientation of the first surface 76 and the second surface 78 relative to the seat pan 14. For example, in the rear position ( Figure 6A and Figure 6B ), the first surface 76 faces forward and is generally in view from the front 28, while the second surface 78 faces generally upward. Figures 2 to 5 、 Figure 6C and Figure 6D ), the first surface 76 faces substantially forward and is presented in view, while the second surface 78 faces generally upward. The second surface 78 is configured to support the lower legs of a user in the seat assembly 10, such as in a reclined position of the seat assembly 10. For example, the second surface 78 can engage the lower legs of a user to lift or otherwise suspend the user's feet from the floor 24. It is contemplated that such reclining and / or suspension during use of the lower support assembly 18 may only be implemented when the vehicle 26 is stationary or otherwise not being used for travel or operation.

[0052] Overall reference Figures 2 to 6D The lower support assembly 18 also includes a slide 84 below the seat pan 14 that is coupled to the calf support 20 to position the calf support 20 in the fully undeployed position ( Figure 5 and Figure 6D ) and the fully extended position ( Figure 4 、 Figure 6B and Figure 6C ). Partially expanded position ( Figure 6A ) refers to any position between the undeployed position and the deployed position. The fully deployed position and the fully undeployed position may refer to the maximum travel of the calf support 20.

[0053] More specifically refer to Figure 4 , a slider 84 is disposed on the underside 48 of the seat pan 14. The slider 84 includes a mounting member 86 or anchor member that is secured to the seat pan 14 and extends transversely between the first side 32 and the second side 34. A first guide sleeve 88 and a second guide sleeve 90 are operably coupled to the mounting member 86 adjacent the first and second sides 34, respectively. A first rod 92 and a second rod 94 are slidably disposed within the first and second guide sleeves 88, 90 and operably coupled together via a cross member 96 extending therebetween. The mounting member 86 extends substantially parallel to the cross member 96. The cross member 96 is secured to the rods 92, 94 adjacent a first end of each rod 92, 94 so that the rods 92, 94 move in unison within the guide sleeves 88, 90. When cross member 96 holds first and second rods 92, 94 aligned at cross member 96 toward front portion 28, rods 92, 94 include a curved portion 98 at a second end of each rod 92, 94 that faces toward one another and engages or enters calf support 20 such that sliding movement of rods 92, 94 results in translation of calf support 20. It is contemplated that, although referred to as first and second rods 92, 94, first and second rods 92, 94 may be rods extending through cushion 74 ( Figure 3 ) of the common continuous connecting rod.

[0054] The slide 84 includes a second actuation unit 100 configured to drive the rods 92, 94 through the guide sleeve 90. The second actuation unit 100 includes a second actuator 102, which can include any of the mechanisms previously described with respect to the first actuator 72, but illustratively is a motor mounted 86 below the seat pan 14. For example, a base 104 can be provided on the mount 86 for supporting the second actuator 102. A transmission 106 can be provided between the second actuator 102 and the cross member 96 such that when the second actuator 102 is actuated, the transmission 106 transmits or converts the actuation into forward or rearward movement of the cross member 96 and, therefore, the calf support 20. For example, a ball screw or other transmission element can be provided to convert rotary motion into linear motion.

[0055] The second actuator 102 is positioned near the transverse centerline 70 to limit the "drawer-like movement" of the slide 84. For example, the second actuator 102 can drive the first rod 92 and the second rod 94 relatively equally between the fully undeployed position and the fully deployed position. It is contemplated that more than one second actuator 102 can be provided in the second actuation unit 100 to drive the slide 84.

[0056] In some examples, slider 84 is directly coupled to upper support assembly 16. In such examples, mounting member 86 is secured to the bottom surface of structure 66. In such examples, the travel of slider 84 can be reduced because translation of thigh support 64 between the forward and rearward positions can provide sufficient movement for calf support 20 to rotate. Therefore, in such examples, slider 84 can be omitted.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, a third actuation unit 108 is provided in the calf support 20 for driving rotation of the bolster 74 to pivotally move the calf support assembly 18 relative to the rotation axis 22, which is formed between the curved portions 98 of the rods 92 and 94. The third actuation unit 108 may include any of the mechanisms previously described with respect to the first actuation unit 68 and the second actuation unit 100. For example, the third actuator 110 may be provided in the calf support 20 such that, upon actuation, the bolster 74 rotates in the anterior-posterior direction. In another example, a manual interface (e.g., a joystick, knob, etc.) is provided to rotate the bolster 74 between the anterior and posterior positions.

[0058] Now refer to 6A to 6D , illustrates exemplary movement of the calf support 20 between deployed and non-deployed positions and between forward and rearward positions, as well as movement of the thigh support 64 between rearward and forward positions. Figure 6A , calf support 20 translates away from the fully undeployed position (eg, nested position), as shown. Figure 5 The middle cross member 96 is relative to Figure 6A During deployment of the calf support 20, the thigh support 64 may move from a rearward position to a forward position. While these movements may be independent, a controlled software routine for movement or coordinated movement established via electrical communication may enable the seat assembly 10 to recline, extend the thigh support 64, and simultaneously deploy the calf support 20.

[0059] Once the calf support 20 is fully extended ( Figure 6B), the space between the floor 24 of the vehicle 26 and the calf support 20 may be sufficient to allow for rotation of the calf support 20. Because various components (e.g., the upper support assembly 16 and the lower support assembly 18) generally provide translational movement at an oblique angle 112 relative to the floor 24 of the vehicle 26, forward movement of these components may increase clearance with the floor 24. For example, in the undeployed position, the closest potential point of contact 114 between the floor 24 and the bolster 74 may intersect the floor 24 along the rotational path. However, in the fully or partially deployed position, the closest potential point of contact 114 does not engage the floor 24 due to the radial spacing between the axis of rotation 22 and the floor 24.

[0060] like Figure 6C As shown, the calf support 20 is fully extended and in a forward position. In this position, the second surface 78 can support the user's calf. For example, the second surface 78 can be tilted relative to the floor 24 and positioned in front of the thigh support 64. Thus, a reclined position can be achieved. Figure 6D As shown, when the calf support 20 is in the forward position, it can return to the undeployed position. Thus, although referred to as "undeployed," the lower support assembly 18 can still support the user's calf when nested beneath the upper support assembly 16. In this example, the target position of the seat assembly 10 can be a non-fully reclined position because the thigh assembly is also in the rearward position.

[0061] It will be understood that changes and modifications can be made in the foregoing constructions without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it will be further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the appended claims unless the claims, by their language, expressly state otherwise.

[0062] According to the present invention, a seat assembly is provided, comprising: a seat frame; a seat pan coupled to the seat frame; a leg extension assembly coupled to the seat pan; and a calf support assembly disposed below the leg extension assembly and translatable relative to the seat pan, wherein the calf support assembly includes a calf support rotatable about a rotational axis, and wherein the rotational axis is translatable relative to the seat pan.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the calf support assembly includes at least one guide sleeve coupled to one of the seat pan and the leg extension assembly, and at least one rod coupled to the calf support and slidable through the guide sleeve.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the invention further features a motor operably coupled to the at least one rod and configured to move the at least one rod through the at least one guide sleeve to translate the calf support.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the motor is configured to translate the rotation axis relative to the leg extension assembly.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the at least one rod includes: a first rod, which is arranged adjacent to one side of the seat assembly and is configured to engage a first guide sleeve of the at least one guide sleeve; and a second rod, which is arranged adjacent to the opposite side of the seat assembly and is configured to engage a second guide sleeve of the at least one guide sleeve.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the invention is also characterized by a cross member extending transversely between the first rod and the second rod.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the motor is arranged centrally between the first rod and the second rod.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the invention is also characterized by a mounting element extending substantially parallel to the cross member between the first guide sleeve and the second guide sleeve.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the motor is arranged in the mount.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the mount is coupled to an underside of the leg extension assembly.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the invention further features an actuator disposed in the calf support and configured to drive the calf support to rotate about the rotation axis.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the invention further features a motor configured to translate the leg extension assembly in a fore-aft direction independent of translation of the rotational axis.

[0074] According to the present invention, a seat assembly is provided, comprising: a seat frame; a seat pan coupled to the seat frame; a leg extension assembly coupled to the seat pan; a calf support operably coupled to the seat pan and pivotable about a rotational axis; and a guide sleeve disposed below the seat pan, the guide sleeve being configured to receive a rod coupled to the calf support, wherein the rod is slidable within the guide sleeve to allow translation of the rotational axis.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the invention further features a motor operably coupled to the rod and configured to move the rod through the guide sleeve to translate the calf support.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by a mounting member coupled to the seat pan, wherein the guide sleeve is coupled to the mounting member.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the motor is arranged in the mount.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the motor is configured to translate the rotation axis relative to the leg extension assembly.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the invention further features an actuator disposed in the calf support and configured to drive the calf support to rotate about the rotation axis.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the invention further features a motor configured to translate the leg extension assembly in a fore-aft direction independent of translation of the rotational axis.

[0081] According to the present invention, a seat assembly is provided, which has: a seat frame; a seat bottom plate, which is connected to the seat frame; a leg extension assembly, which is connected to the seat bottom plate; a calf support assembly arranged below the seat bottom plate, the calf support assembly including: a first guide sleeve, which is arranged adjacent to one side of the seat assembly; a second guide sleeve, which is arranged adjacent to the opposite side of the seat assembly; a first rod, which is slidably arranged in the first guide sleeve; a second rod, which is slidably arranged in the second guide sleeve; and a calf support, which is connected to the first rod and the second rod and can be translated relative to the seat bottom plate; and an actuator, which is operably connected to the first rod and the second rod and is configured to move the first rod and the second rod through the first guide sleeve and the second guide sleeve to translate the calf support.

Claims

1. A seat assembly comprising: seat frame; a seat pan coupled to the seat frame; a leg extension assembly coupled to the seat pan; as well as A calf support assembly is disposed below the leg extension assembly and is translatable relative to the seat pan, wherein the calf support assembly includes a calf support rotatable about an axis of rotation, and wherein the axis of rotation is translatable relative to the seat pan.

2. The seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein the calf support assembly comprises: at least one guide sleeve coupled to one of the seat pan and the leg extension assembly; and at least one rod coupled to the calf support and slidable through the guide sleeve.

3. The seat assembly according to claim 2, further comprising: A motor is operably coupled to the at least one rod and configured to move the at least one rod through the at least one guide sleeve to translate the calf support. 4 . The seat assembly of claim 3 , wherein the motor is configured to translate the rotational axis relative to the leg extension assembly.

5. The seat assembly of claim 3 , wherein the at least one rod comprises: a first rod disposed adjacent a side of the seat assembly and configured to engage a first guide sleeve of the at least one guide sleeve; as well as A second rod is disposed adjacent an opposite side of the seat assembly and is configured to engage a second guide sleeve of the at least one guide sleeve.

6. The seat assembly according to claim 5, further comprising: A cross member extends transversely between the first rod and the second rod. 7 . The seat assembly of claim 6 , wherein the motor is centrally located between the first rod and the second rod.

8. The seat assembly according to claim 6, further comprising: A mounting member extends substantially parallel to the cross member between the first guide sleeve and the second guide sleeve.

9. The seat assembly of claim 8, wherein the motor is disposed in the mount.

10. The seat assembly of claim 8, wherein the mount is coupled to an underside of the leg extension assembly.

11. The seat assembly of claim 1 , further comprising: An actuator is disposed in the calf support and is configured to drive the calf support to rotate about the rotation axis.

12. The seat assembly of claim 11, further comprising: A motor is configured to translate the leg extension assembly in a fore-aft direction independent of translation of the rotational axis.

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