Massage product and seat assembly

Abstract

Massage products and seat assemblies are provided. The massage product comprises a frame, a massager and an air bag. And the massager is arranged in the frame. The massager comprises a massager head. The air bag is connected with the massager. The bladder is operably inflated to extend the massager head outwardly from the frame. The bladder is operably contracted to retract the massager head into the frame.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seat assembly having a massaging device and a method of operating such a massaging device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Seat assemblies can have massaging functionality. The massaging functionality can generally provide various modes and intensities to allow a user to adjust according to their personal needs and preferences. SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure relates to, but is not limited to, the following clauses.

[0004] Clause 1. A massaging product, comprising: a massaging device; and an actuator connected to the massaging device and operable to (i) extend the massaging device and (ii) retract the massaging device.

[0005] Clause 2. The massaging product of clause 1, further comprising a carriage supporting the massaging device, wherein the carriage is operable to translate the massaging device between a first position and a second position.

[0006] Clause 3. The massaging product of clause 2, further comprising a guide rail, wherein the carriage is operable to translate the massaging device between the first position and the second position by moving the carriage along the guide rail.

[0007] Clause 4. The massaging product of clause 3, wherein the guide rail is flexible relative to the carriage to conform to a non-linear profile.

[0008] Clause 5. The massaging product of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the actuator comprises a first actuator, and further comprising a second actuator, the first and second actuators connected to the massaging device and operable to (i) extend the massaging device and (ii) retract the massaging device.

[0009] Clause 6. The massaging product of clause 5, wherein the first and second actuators are connected to the massaging device along first and second regions, respectively, and are operable to inflate and deflate to extend and retract the massaging device along the first and second regions, respectively.

[0010] Clause 7. The massaging product of any of clauses 1-6, further comprising a frame, wherein the massaging device and the actuator are each attached to the frame.

[0011] Clause 8. The massage product of clause 7, wherein the actuator is operable to (i) extend the massage device outward from the frame and (ii) retract the massage device into the frame.

[0012] Clause 9. The massage product of any of clauses 7-8, wherein the massage device is pivotably secured to the frame.

[0013] Clause 10. A seat assembly comprising: the massage product of clause 7; a cushion supported on the frame; and a trim cover extending at least partially over the cushion and the massage product to provide a passenger support surface, wherein the actuator is operable to (i) extend the massage device outward from the passenger support surface and (ii) retract the massage device into the passenger support surface.

[0014] Clause 11. A method comprising: activating a massager, the massager including a massager head; and inflating a bladder such that the bladder engages the massager to extend the massager head outward from a frame.

[0015] Clause 12. The method of clause 11, further comprising translating the massager head along a path within the frame from a first area of the frame to a second area of the frame via a carriage supporting the massager head by moving the carriage along a rail.

[0016] Clause 13. The method of clause 12, further comprising deflecting the rail to conform to a non-linear profile.

[0017] Clause 14. A product comprising: a frame; a massager disposed within the frame and including a massager head; and a bladder (i) engaged with the massager, (ii) operable to inflate to extend the massager head outward from the frame, and (iii) operable to deflate to retract the massager head into the frame.

[0018] Clause 15. The product of clause 14, further comprising a carriage supporting the massager head, wherein the carriage is operable to translate the massager head from a first area of the frame to a second area of the frame.

[0019] Clause 16. The product of clause 15, further comprising a rail, wherein the carriage is operable to translate the massager head from the first area of the frame to the second area of the frame by moving the carriage along the rail.

[0020] Clause 17. The product of clause 16, wherein the rail is flexible relative to the frame to conform to a non-linear profile.

[0021] Clause 18. The product of any one of clauses 16-17, wherein the massager is pivotably secured to the frame along the guide rail.

[0022] Clause 19. The product of any one of clauses 14-18, wherein the bladder comprises a first bladder, and further comprising a second bladder, the first and second bladders (i) engaging the massager, (ii) operable to inflate to extend the massager head outward from the frame, and (iii) operable to deflate to retract the massager head into the frame, wherein the first and second bladders engage the massager along a first region of the frame and a second region of the frame, respectively.

[0023] Clause 20. The product of any one of clauses 14-19, further comprising a cushion disposed above the massager head, wherein the massager head, when operable, displaces a portion of the cushion as it advances from the frame and retracts into the frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a seat assembly including a massager;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a seat assembly and corresponding massager;

[0026] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a massager;

[0027] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in Figure 1 , showing the massager in a first configuration;

[0028] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in Figure 1 , showing the massager in a second configuration;

[0029] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in Figure 1 , showing the massager in a third configuration; and

[0030] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a method of operating a massager. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description of embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the various described embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0032] It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that various and alternative forms can be implemented. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features can be exaggerated or minimized in order to show detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments according to the disclosure.

[0033] “one or more” includes a function performed by one element, a function performed by more than one element (e.g., in a distributed manner), several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0034] It should also be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the scope of the described various embodiments. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0035] The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including,” as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0036] As used herein, the term “if’ is optionally construed to mean “when” or “when a’ or “in response to a determination” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is optionally construed to mean “upon a determination” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context.

[0037] Reference is made to Figure 1 An example of a seat assembly 10 is shown. In some embodiments, the seat assembly 10 is a vehicle seat assembly, such as for a land vehicle (e.g., an automobile, a truck, a bus, etc.) or for a non-land vehicle (e.g., an aircraft or a watercraft). For example, a seat assembly 10 for a land vehicle can be shaped and sized as a front row driver or passenger seat, a second row seat, a third row seat, or other rear row seat, and can include a bucket seat, a bench seat, or other seat style as shown. Further, the seat assembly 10 can be a non-retractable seat or a retractable seat, which can be foldable and can be retracted into a cavity in a floor of the vehicle. Further, the seat assembly 10 can be configured for non-vehicle applications, such as furniture.

[0038] In Figure 1 In the configuration shown, the seat assembly 10 includes a seat bottom 20 and a seat back 22. It is contemplated that the seat back 22 can be omitted in some configurations, such as when the seat assembly 10 is configured as a motorcycle seat or a bench.

[0039] The seat bottom 20 is configured to receive a seated occupant and to support the pelvis and thighs of the seat occupant. The seat bottom 20 includes a seat bottom frame 30, a cushion 32, and a trim cover 34.

[0040] The seat bottom frame 30 is a structure that supports the cushion 32. The seat bottom frame 30 includes one or more structural members and can be made of any suitable material, such as a metal alloy, a polymeric material, a fiber-reinforced polymeric material, or a combination thereof. In some configurations, the seat bottom frame 30 includes a panel, a seat pan, a suspension pad, or a suspension wire on which the cushion 32 is disposed.

[0041] The cushion 32 is disposed on the seat bottom frame 30. The cushion 32 is made of a compliant material that supports the seat occupant and distributes load forces from the seat occupant to the seat bottom frame 30.

[0042] The trim cover 34 covers at least a portion of the cushion 32. Further, the trim cover 34 provides one or more visible outer surfaces of the seat bottom 20. A seat occupant can rest on the trim cover 34 when seated on the seat assembly 10. The trim cover 34 is made of any suitable material or materials, such as fabric, leather, synthetic leather, vinyl, or combinations thereof. The trim cover 34 can include multiple trim panels assembled in any suitable manner, such as by fusing or stitching. The trim cover 34 is attached to the seat bottom frame 30, the cushion 32, or both. For example, the trim cover 34 can include trim attachment features that attach to the seat bottom frame 30, the cushion 32, or both, to inhibit removal of the trim cover 34 and to help the trim cover 34 conform to the contours of the seat bottom frame 30, the cushion 32, or both.

[0043] The seat back 22 is configured to support a seated occupant’s back. The seat back 22 is disposed adjacent to the seat bottom 20. For example, the seat back 22 can be disposed above the seat bottom 20 and proximate to a rear side of the seat bottom 20. The seat back 22 extends in a generally upward direction away from the seat bottom 20. In some configurations, the seat back 22 is mounted to the seat bottom 20 and can pivot relative to the seat bottom 20. In other configurations, the seat back 22 is not mounted to the seat bottom 20. For example, a vehicle seat back can be mounted to a vehicle body structure, such as in some second-row seat assemblies. The seat back 22 includes a seat back frame 40, a cushion 42, a trim cover 44, and an optional headrest 46.

[0044] The seat back frame 40 is a structure that supports the cushion 42. The seat back frame 40 includes one or more structural members and can be made of any suitable material, such as a metal alloy, a polymeric material, a fiber-reinforced polymeric material, or combinations thereof. In some configurations, the seat back frame 40 includes a panel, a floor, a suspension pad, or a suspension wire on which the cushion 42 is disposed. It is also contemplated that, in some configurations, the seat back frame 40 can be integrally formed with the seat bottom frame 30.

[0045] The cushion 42 is disposed on the seat back frame 40. The cushion 42 is made of a compliant material that supports a seat occupant and distributes load forces from the seat occupant to the seat back frame 40. It is contemplated that the cushion 42 can be integrally formed with the cushion 32 of the seat bottom 20 or can be separate from the cushion 32 of the seat bottom 20.

[0046] The trim cover 44 covers at least a portion of the cushion 42. Further, the trim cover 44 provides one or more visible outer surfaces of the seat back 22. A seat occupant can rest on the trim cover 44 when seated on the seat assembly 10. The trim cover 44 is made of any suitable material or materials (e.g., fabric, leather, synthetic leather, vinyl, or combinations thereof). The trim cover 44 can include one trim panel or multiple trim panels that are assembled in any suitable manner (e.g., by fusing or stitching). The trim cover 44 is attached to the seat back frame 40, the cushion 42, or both. For example, the trim cover 44 can include trim attachment features that are attached to the seat back frame 40, the cushion 42, or both, to inhibit removal of the trim cover 44 and to help the trim cover 44 conform to the contours of the seat back frame 40, the cushion 42, or both.

[0047] The headrest 46, if provided, is configured to support a head of a seat occupant. The headrest 46 is disposed at a top of the seat back 22, or at an end of the seat back 22 that is disposed opposite the seat bottom 20. The headrest 46 can be movable in one or more directions relative to the seat back 22, or can be integrally formed with the seat back 22. The seat assembly 10, the seat bottom 20, the seat back 22, the seat bottom frame 30, the cushion 32, the trim cover 34, the seat back frame 40, the cushion 42, and the trim cover 44 can each be referred to as a product.

[0048] Reference is made to Figures 1-6 The massager 48 is shown in more detail. The massager 48 can also be referred to as a product. The massager 48 can be disposed within a frame. The massager 48 can also be attached to such a frame. For example, the massager 48 can be disposed in and / or attached to the seat back frame 40 as shown, or can be disposed in and / or attached to the seat bottom frame 30. The massager 48 is operable to massage an occupant on the seat assembly 10. The massager 48 includes a massaging device 50 that is operable to engage and massage an occupant on the seat assembly 10. More specifically, the massaging device 50 can include one or more massager heads 52 that are operable to engage and massage an occupant on the seat assembly 10. The massager heads 52 can include rotatable cam elements that engage and massage an occupant on the seat assembly 10.

[0049] One or more actuators 54 can be connected to the massager 48. The actuators 54 can be sub-components of the massager 48 or can be considered elements separate from the massager 48. One or more actuators 54 can also be connected to the massaging device 50. The connection between the one or more actuators 54 and the massaging device 50 can be direct or can be indirect via other elements of the massager 48 (e.g., via a carriage 62 and / or a guide rail 68 discussed further below). The one or more actuators 54 are operable to extend the massager 48 and retract the massager 48. More specifically, the one or more actuators 54 are operable to engage the massager 48 to extend the massager outward from a frame (e.g., the seat back frame 40 or the seat bottom frame 30) to increase the force or pressure that the massager head 52 exerts onto an occupant on the seat assembly 10 to obtain a stronger massage sensation, and the one or more actuators 54 are operable to engage the massager 48 to retract the massager 48 inward and into the frame (e.g., the seat back frame 40 or the seat bottom frame 30) to decrease the force or pressure that the massager head 52 exerts onto an occupant on the seat assembly 10 to obtain a weaker massage sensation. In some settings (e.g., a “no massage mode”), the massager head 52 can not be engaged and can not be felt by an occupant on the seat assembly 10. This can correspond to not including a desired level of comfort of an occupant on the seat assembly 10.

[0050] The one or more actuators 54 can include one or more bladders 56 (e.g., air bladders) that engage the massager 48. The one or more bladders 56 are operable to inflate to extend the massager head 52 outward from a frame (e.g., the seat back frame 40 or the seat bottom frame 30), and the one or more bladders 56 are operable to deflate to retract the massager head 52 into the frame (e.g., the seat back frame 40 or the seat bottom frame 30).

[0051] The one or more actuators 54 can include a first actuator and a second actuator connected to the massager 48, where the first actuator and the second actuator are connected to the massager 48 along a first region 58 (e.g., a front of the seat bottom frame 30, a rear of the seat bottom frame 30, a side of the seat bottom frame 30, a top of the seat back frame 40, a bottom of the seat back frame 40, or a side of the seat back frame 40, etc.) and a second region 60 (e.g., a front of the seat bottom frame 30, a rear of the seat bottom frame 30, a side of the seat bottom frame 30, a top of the seat back frame 40, a bottom of the seat back frame 40, or a side of the seat back frame 40, etc.). Such first and second actuators are operable to respectively engage the massager 48 along the first region 58 and the second region 60 (e.g., inflate and deflate the massager 48 if the first and second actuators are bladders 56), to respectively extend the massager 48 outward from the frame (e.g., the seat back frame 40 or the seat bottom frame 30) along the first region 58 and the second region 60, and to respectively retract the massager 48 inward into the frame (e.g., the seat back frame 40 or the seat bottom frame 30) along the first region 58 and the second region 60. In some alternative configurations, the one or more actuators 54 can include only one actuator 54 (e.g., an actuator 54 positioned along a top of the seat assembly or an actuator 54 positioned along a bottom of the seat assembly 10).

[0052] A cushion (e.g., the cushion 32 or the cushion 42) and / or a trim cover (e.g., the trim cover 34 or the trim cover 44) can be disposed over the massager 48. The massager head 52, when operable, can displace a portion of the cushion (e.g., the cushion 32 or the cushion 42) and / or a portion of the trim cover (e.g., the trim cover 34 or the trim cover 44) while simultaneously advancing (e.g., extending from) and retracting into the frame (e.g., the seat back frame 40 or the seat bottom frame 30) from the frame via activation of the one or more actuators 54.

[0053] The trim cover (e.g., the trim cover 34 or the trim cover 44) can provide one or more occupant support surfaces 55 (e.g., see Figure 1 ). The one or more actuators 54 can also be operable to extend the massager device 50 outward from the occupant support surface 55 and to retract the massager device 50 into the occupant support surface 55.

[0054] The massager 48 can also include a carriage 62 that supports the massage device 50. The carriage 62 can include a shuttle that is slidable between a number of positions. The carriage 62 is operable to move or translate the massage device 50 between a first position 64 (e.g., a front of the seat bottom frame 30, a rear of the seat bottom frame 30, a side of the seat bottom frame 30, a top of the seat back frame 40, a bottom of the seat back frame 40, or a side of the seat back frame 40, etc.) and a second position 66 (e.g., a front of the seat bottom frame 30, a rear of the seat bottom frame 30, a side of the seat bottom frame 30, a top of the seat back frame 40, a bottom of the seat back frame 40, or a side of the seat back frame 40, etc.). The carriage 62 can move along a linear path or a non-linear path. The first position 64 and the second position 66 can correspond to the first zone 58 and the second zone 60, respectively, or vice versa.

[0055] The massager 48 can also include a guide rail 68. The guide rail 68 can include a guide that is operable to guide the carriage 62 between a number of positions. The guide rail 68 can include a rack. Such a rack includes teeth that are operable to engage a pinion gear 70 that is powered by an actuator 72 (e.g., an electric motor) disposed on the carriage 62. The actuator 72 and the gear 70 can be disposed more particularly within the carriage 62 (e.g., the carriage 62 can define an interior space that receives the actuator 72 and the gear 70). The carriage 62 can include two half sections 74 that are fixed to one another. Power can flow from the actuator 72 to the gear 70, which then engages the teeth on the guide rail 68 to translate the carriage 62 along the guide rail 68 between the first position 64 and the second position 66. The gear 70, or a shaft connected to the gear 70, can be connected to the massager head 52 to transfer power from the actuator 72 to the massager head 52 to impart rotational motion into the massager head 52. One or more shafts can be used instead of the guide rail 68.

[0056] The shaft or rail 68 can be flexible relative to the frame (e.g., the seat back frame 40 or the seat bottom frame 30) and / or the carriage 62 such that the rail 68 can flex relative to the frame (e.g., the seat back frame 40 or the seat bottom frame 30) and / or the carriage 62 to conform to a non-linear profile (e.g., a body profile of an occupant on the seat assembly 10). The massager 48 can be pivotably secured to the frame (e.g., the seat back frame 40 or the seat bottom frame 30) via a pivot or pin 71. More specifically, the massager 48 can be pivotably secured to such a frame (e.g., the seat back frame 40 or the seat bottom frame 30) along the rail 68 via the pivot or pin 71. The massager 48 is operable to pivot along the pin 71 between a first pivot position 73 and a second pivot position 75. In the first configuration, the pin 71 pivotably secures a bottom or lower region of the rail 68 to the seat back frame 40 (see, e.g., Figure 4 ). In the second configuration, the pin 71 pivotably secures a top or upper region of the rail 68 to the seat back frame 40 (see, e.g., Figure 5 ). In the third configuration, the rail 68 is not pivotably secured to the seat back frame 40 (see, e.g., Figure 6 ). It should be noted that the one or more actuators 54 are shown as being activated (e.g., the bladder 56 is inflated) in Figure 6 and are shown as being inactivated (e.g., the bladder 56 is deflated) in Figure 4 and Figure 5 . In the configuration in which the rail 68 is not pivotably secured to the seat back frame 40, multiple actuators 54 can be used. In the configuration in which the rail 68 is not pivotably secured to the seat back frame 40, only one actuator 54 can be used. If only one actuator 54 is used, the single actuator 54 can be positioned to engage the rail 68 at opposite ends of the rail 68 relative to the pin 71. For example, if the pin 71 is positioned at the bottom of the rail 68, the actuator 54 can be positioned to engage the top of the rail 68. As another example, if the pin 71 is positioned at the top of the rail 68, the actuator 54 can be positioned to engage the bottom of the rail 68.

[0057] A plate 69 can be connected to the rail 68. More specifically, the plate 69 can be connected to the rail 68 along a location at which one of the one or more actuators 54 engages. For example, the plate 69 can be secured to the bottom of the rail 68 and can be disposed between the rail 68 and one of the one or more actuators 54. The positioning of the plate 69 serves to increase the overall engagement surface area between the respective actuator 54 and the massager 48. More specifically, the plate 69 ensures that the actuator 54 remains engaged with the rail 68 via the plate 69 such that the actuator 54 is always able to move the rail 68 with the carriage 62 and the massager head 52.

[0058] The massager 48 can include one or more controllers 76 in communication with the one or more actuators 54 and the actuator 72. More specifically, the one or more controllers 76 can be configured to operate the one or more actuators 54 to advance and retract the massager head 52, and to operate the actuator 72 to translate the carriage 62 along the rail 68. A human-machine interface (HMI) 78 (e.g., buttons, knobs, dials, switches, touchscreens, etc.) can be in communication with the one or more controllers 76. The HMI 78 can be engaged to operate the one or more actuators 54 (e.g., to inflate or deflate the bladder 56) and the actuator 72. More specifically, the one or more controllers 76 can adjust the settings of the one or more actuators 54 in response to particular selection settings of the HMI 78 such that the massager head 52 engages an occupant on the seat assembly 10 with a desired force or pressure, and the one or more controllers 76 can adjust the settings of the actuator 72 in response to particular selection settings of the HMI 78 to rotate the massager head 52 and / or translate the carriage 62 at a desired level. The massager head 52 can be turned on or off via the HMI 78, and / or the rotational speed of the massager head 52 can be set via the HMI 78. The carriage 62 can be set to translate along the rail 68, can be set to remain stationary, and / or can be set to remain stationary at a particular location (e.g., a particular location along the seat back frame 40 or the seat bottom frame 30) via the HMI 78. In some configurations, the actuator 72 can drive both the rotation of the massager head 52 and the up-and-down travel of the carriage 62 such that the rotation of the massager head 52 and the up-and-down travel of the carriage 62 are not controlled separately, but must occur simultaneously or not simultaneously. Advantages of using one actuator 72 include less packaging space, less weight, and lower cost.

[0059] If the actuators 54 are bladders 56, a compressor or pump 80 can be utilized to deliver compressed air to the bladders 56. A valve 82 can be used to deliver compressed air to the bladders 56. More specifically, the valve 82 can open when the pump 80 operates to deliver compressed air to the bladders 56, and can close to trap air within the bladders 56 to maintain compressed air within the bladders 56. Once the valve 82 is closed and compressed air is trapped within the bladders 56, the pump 80 can be closed. The valve 82 can open when the pump 80 is closed to deflate the bladders 56. The pump 80 and the valve 82 can operate in response to a selection of a desired setting of the bladders 56 on the HMI 78. The pump 80 and the valve 82 can each be in communication with and controlled by the one or more controllers 76. The system can include one valve 82 as shown, or can include one valve for each bladder 56.

[0060] While shown as one controller, the one or more controllers 76 can be part of a larger control system and can be controlled by various other controllers. For example, a second controller 84 that operates the actuator 72 can be disposed within the carriage 62 along with the actuator 72. Thus, it should be understood that the controller 76 and one or more other controllers can be collectively referred to as a “controller” that controls various actuators in response to signals from various sensors to control the functionality of the seat assembly 10, the massager 48, and corresponding elements. The one or more controllers 76 can include a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU) in communication with various types of computer readable storage devices or media, such as non-transitory computer readable media having instructions stored thereon. The computer readable storage devices or media can include volatile and non-volatile storage in, for example, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep alive memory (KAM). KAM is persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables in the event of a power outage to the CPU. The computer readable storage devices or media can be implemented using any of a number of known memory devices such as a PROM (programmable read only memory), EPROM (erasable PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory or any other electric, magnetic, optical, or combination memory device capable of storing data, some of which represents executable instructions, that are used by the one or more controllers 76.

[0061] Control logic or functions performed by one or more controllers 76 can be represented by one or more flowcharts or similar diagrams. These diagrams provide representative control strategies and / or logic, which can be implemented using one or more processing strategies such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, multi-threading, etc. As such, various steps or functions performed in the processes shown can, in some cases, be performed in an order different than that which is illustrated, in parallel, or omitted altogether. Other steps or functions can be repeated more than as illustrated. While not always explicitly illustrated, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that one or more of the illustrated steps or functions can be repeated. Similarly, while an illustrated process can provide one preferred implementation for use of the features and advantages described herein, another process can also conform to the description as provided herein. The control logic can be implemented primarily in software by a microprocessor-based controller, such as one or more of the controllers 76. Of course, the control logic can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware in one or more controllers, depending upon the particular application. When implemented in software, the control logic can be provided in one or more computer-readable memory devices or media, having stored thereon code or instructions that are executed by a computer to control the vehicle or its subsystems. The computer-readable memory devices or media can include one or more of a number of known physical device or devices that utilize electric, magnetic, and / or optical storage to maintain the stored data in a usable manner.

[0062] Referring to Figure 7 A flowchart of a method 100 for operating the massager 48 is shown. The method 100 begins at block 102, where the massager 48, including the massager head 52, is activated. This can include causing the massager head 52 to rotate. The massager 48 can be activated by a user via the human-machine interface 78 and can be controlled by a controller (e.g., one or more of the controllers 76 or the controller 84).

[0063] Next, the method 100 moves to block 104, where one or more actuators 54 are activated or deactivated to cause the massager head 52 to advance or retract (e.g., to cause the massager head 52 to extend outward from the seat back frame 40 or the seat bottom frame 30 or to cause the massager head 52 to retract into the seat back frame 40 or the seat bottom frame 30). The one or more actuators 54 can be activated by a user via the human-machine interface 78 and can be controlled by a controller (e.g., one or more of the controllers 76 or the controller 84). The steps at block 104 can include causing one or more of the bladders 56 to inflate to cause the massager head 52 to advance or causing one or more of the bladders 56 to deflate to cause the massager head 52 to retract.

[0064] Next, the method 100 moves to block 106, where the massager head 52 is translated along a path within the frame (e.g., the seat back frame 40 or the seat bottom frame 30) via the carriage 62. The path can correspond to moving the massaging device 50 and the massager head 52 by moving the carriage 62 along the rail 68 between the first region 58 and the second region 60. The steps at block 106 can correspond to activating the actuator 70. The actuator 70 can be activated by the user via the human-machine interface 78 and can be controlled by a controller (e.g., one or more of the controllers 76 or the controller 84). The method 100 then moves to block 108, where the rail 68 is deflected to conform to a non-linear profile (e.g., a body profile of an occupant on the seat assembly 10). The force exerted by the occupant on the seat assembly 10 (e.g., the load of the occupant on the seat assembly 10) can be the force that operates to deflect the rail 68.

[0065] It should be understood that the flow diagrams herein are for purposes of illustration and explanation only, and that the method 100 should not be construed as being limited to the Figure 7 flow diagrams in the accompanying drawings. Some of the steps of the method 100 can be rearranged, while others can be left out entirely. Figure 7

[0066] It should be understood that the designations of first, second, third, fourth, etc. for any components, states, or conditions described herein can be rearranged in the claims such that they are chronologically ordered with respect to the claims. Further, it should be understood that any components, states, or conditions described herein that do not have a numerical designation can be given the designation of first, second, third, fourth, etc. in the claims if one or more of the particular components, states, or conditions are claimed.

[0067] While the example embodiments have been described above, it is not meant that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the disclosure. In this regard, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, features of the various implementations can be combined to form further implementations in accordance with the disclosure.​

Claims

1. A massaging product, characterized by, The massage product includes: a massage device; and an actuator connected to the massage device and operable to (i) extend the massage device and (ii) retract the massage device, wherein the actuator includes a first actuator, and further includes a second actuator, the first and second actuators being connected to the massage device and operable to (i) extend the massage device and (ii) retract the massage device.

2. The massaging product according to claim 1, wherein The massage product further includes a carriage supporting the massage device, wherein the carriage is operable to translate the massage device between a first position and a second position.

3. The massaging product according to claim 2, wherein The massage product further includes a guide rail, wherein the carriage is operable to translate the massage device between the first position and the second position by moving the carriage along the guide rail.

4. The massaging product according to claim 3, wherein The guide rail is flexible relative to the carriage to conform to a non-linear profile.

5. The massaging product according to claim 1, wherein The first and second actuators are connected to the massage device along first and second regions, respectively, and are operable to inflate and deflate to extend and retract the massage device along the first and second regions, respectively.

6. The massaging product according to claim 1, wherein The massage product further includes a frame, wherein the massage device and the actuator are each attached to the frame.

7. The massaging product according to claim 6, wherein The actuator is operable to (i) extend the massage device outwardly from the frame and (ii) retract the massage device into the frame.

8. The massaging product according to claim 6, wherein The massage device is pivotably secured to the frame.

9. A seat assembly characterized by, The seat assembly includes: the massage product of claim 6; a cushion supported on the frame; and a trim cover extending at least partially over the cushion and the massage product to provide a passenger support surface, wherein the actuator is operable to (i) extend the massage device outwardly from the passenger support surface and (ii) retract the massage device into the passenger support surface.

Images