Thin, flexible, composite seat cushion extension

Abstract

Vehicle seating arrangement (10), comprising: a seat (12) that defines a seating surface (14); an actuation arrangement (16); and an elongated flexible link (18) with a first end (20) pivotably connected to the seat (12) and a second end (24) operatively connected to the actuating arrangement (16), wherein the elongated flexible link (18) can pivotally move between raised and lowered positions and can also be actuated between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the elongated flexible link (18) increases the effective seat area (14), wherein the elongated flexible member (18) has first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82) with a planar cross-section.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a vehicle seat arrangement and in particular to a vehicle seat extension arrangement comprising a thin flexible composite seat cushion extension.

[0002] Modern vehicle seats are becoming increasingly comfortable as our understanding of human ergonomics, posture, and comfort grows. Seat designs incorporating comfort features in the seat back and seat itself can provide drivers and passengers with enhanced comfort and improved endurance on long journeys. Furthermore, accommodating the diverse sizes, shapes, and preferred seating styles of drivers and passengers can be challenging when designing vehicle seating configurations. Therefore, seat designs that address these differences in size, shape, posture, and preferred seating positions have become increasingly important.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2009 050 939 A1 discloses an adjustable seat assembly for a vehicle, which includes an adjustment mechanism that is functionally connected to the seat upholstery. German patent application EP 2 193 956 A1 discloses a vehicle seat capable of reducing the load exerted on an occupant sitting in the vehicle seat during a vehicle impact. German patent application DE 10 2006 037 521 A1 discloses a system for the automatic adjustment of seats, wherein the seat surface of at least one area of ​​the seat facing the user is modified by means of at least one fluid-fillable and thus volume-variable bladder. German patent application EP 0 839 478 B1 relates to a mechanism for chairs, in particular office swivel chairs, with a gas spring and a height adjustment arrangement, as well as with synchronously adjustable tilt of the seat and backrest, for which a gas spring is also used.US Patent 6,779,844 B2 discloses an ergonomic weight support device for a seat. German Patent DE 10 2007 061 329 A1 discloses a vehicle seat with a seat depth adjustment device, whereby the seat depth is adjustable.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seat arrangement according to claim 1 comprises a seat defining a seating surface and an actuating arrangement. An elongated flexible element has a first end pivotably connected to the seat and a second end operatively connected to the actuating arrangement. The elongated flexible element is pivotably movable between raised and lowered positions and can be actuated between a retracted position and an extended position. The elongated flexible element increases the effective seating surface. The elongated flexible element comprises first and second elongated flexible elements with a substantially planar cross-section.

[0005] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seat extension arrangement according to claim 7 comprises a seat defining a seating surface and an actuating arrangement. First and second elongated flexible elements are pivotably connected to the seat and are operatively connected to the actuating arrangement. The first and second elongated flexible elements have an arcuate cross-section and are actuated between a retracted position and an extended position, which increases the effective seating surface. The first and second elongated flexible elements are at least partially arranged in feed channels located in the seat.

[0006] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a seat extension arrangement according to claim 12 comprises a seat defining a seating surface and an actuating arrangement. First and second elongated flexible elements have an upper section pivotably connected to the seat and a lower section that can be moved between forward and rearward positions. First and second feed channels for receiving the first and second elongated flexible elements are arranged in the seat. The first and second elongated flexible elements can be moved between raised and lowered positions by the actuating arrangement.

[0007] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will become understandable and apparent to the person skilled in the art upon reading the following specification, claims and attached drawings.

[0008] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective top view of an embodiment of a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective top view of the vehicle seating arrangement from Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a perspective top view of an embodiment of a front section of a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in a retracted position; Fig. 3A a lateral elevation of the front section of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 3 in the withdrawn position; Fig. 4 a perspective top view of an embodiment of a front section of a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in an extended position; Fig. 4A a side view of the front section of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 4 in the extended position; Fig. 5 a front cross-sectional view along line VV from Fig. 3A; Fig. 5A a front cross-sectional view of the VA area in Fig. 5; Fig. 6 a perspective top view of another embodiment of a front section of a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in a retracted position; Fig. 6A a lateral elevation of the front section of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 6 in the withdrawn position; Fig. 7 a perspective top view of another embodiment of a front section of a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in an extended position; Fig. 7A a lateral elevation of the front section of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 7 in the extended position; Fig. 8 a perspective top view of another embodiment of a front section of a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in a retracted position; Fig. 8A a side elevation of the front section of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 8 in the withdrawn position; Fig. 9 a perspective top view of another embodiment of a front section of a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in an extended position; Fig. 9A a lateral elevation of the front section of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 9 in the extended position; Fig. 10 a perspective top view of another embodiment of a front section of a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in a retracted position; Fig. 10A a lateral elevation of the front section of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 10 in the withdrawn position; Fig. 11 a perspective top view of another embodiment of a front section of a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in an extended position; Fig. 11A a lateral elevation of the front section of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 11 in the extended position; Fig. 12 a perspective top view of another embodiment of a front section of a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in a retracted position; Fig. 12A a lateral elevation of the front section of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 12 in the withdrawn position; Fig. 13 a perspective top view of another embodiment of a front section of a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in an extended position; Fig. 13A a lateral elevation of the front section of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 13 in the extended position; Fig. 14 a perspective top view of another embodiment of a front section of a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in a retracted position; Fig. 14A a lateral elevation of the front section of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 14 in the withdrawn position; Fig. 15 a perspective top view of another embodiment of a front section of a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in an extended position; and Fig. 15A a lateral elevation of the front section of the vehicle seating arrangement Fig. 15 in the extended position.

[0009] For the purposes of the description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and their derivatives refer to the orientation of the invention as described in Fig. Figure 1 shows the relevant illustrations. It is understood, however, that the invention can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also understood that the specific devices and methods shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the invention concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical properties relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be understood as limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0010] Referring to Fig. Reference numeral 10 in 1-3A generally denotes a vehicle seating arrangement for use in a vehicle 11, which has a seat 12 defining a seating surface 14 and an actuating arrangement 16. An elongated flexible link 18 has a first end 20 connected to the seat 12 and a second end 24 operatively connected to the actuating arrangement 16. The elongated flexible link 18 is pivotably movable between a raised position and a lowered position ( Fig. 10-11) and operable between a retracted position and an extended position ( Fig. 3-9A). The elongated flexible link 18 is designed to increase the effective seating area 14.

[0011] Referring again to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The vehicle seating arrangement 10 generally has a backrest 30 which is pivotably connected to the seat 12 and can be operated between upright and reclined positions. The backrest 30 has a headrest 32 which extends from an upper section 34 and is intended to support the head of a driver or passenger in the vehicle 11. The seat 12 can be arranged on legs 36 which are operatively connected to a floor 38 of the vehicle 11. In the illustrated embodiment in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 the legs 36 are connected to a sliding arrangement 40 which allows the vehicle seating arrangement 10 to move forward and backward into a variety of positions to accommodate different sizes of drivers and passengers.

[0012] Referring again to Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 3A features an embodiment of the present invention comprising a seat frame 50 connected to the legs 36. The seat frame 50 supports the seat 12, which defines the seat surface 14. The seat surface 14 is designed to be enlarged by the driver or passenger to accommodate the back of the legs near the back of the knees. The elongated flexible link 18 is connected to the seat 12 and abuts a front section of a seat base 52, which extends behind the elongated flexible link 18 near the backrest 30. The first end 20 of the elongated flexible link 18 is fixedly or pivotably connected to the seat 12. The second end 24 of the elongated flexible link 18 is operatively connected to the actuating arrangement 16. The actuating arrangement 16 can be any of a plurality of devices, as described in more detail below.

[0013] In the embodiment used for illustrative purposes in Fig. 3 and Fig. In 3A, the actuating arrangement 16 has a roller 60 which is arranged under the seat surface 14 in the seat 12 and is operatively connected to a drive shaft 62. The drive shaft 62 is connected to a motor 64 which can be activated by the driver or passenger sitting on the seat 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated flexible link 18 can be actuated between the retracted position and the extended position. In the extended position, the elongated flexible link 18 increases the effective seat surface 14. The elongated flexible link 18 is both Fig. 3 as well as in Fig. Figure 3A shows the elongated flexible link 18 in its retracted position. It is also provided that the elongated flexible link 18 can be pivotally moved between raised and lowered positions in a front section 66 of the seat 12. In particular, the front section 66 of the seat 12 can be pivotally rotated upwards so that the elongated flexible link 18 can be pivotally moved between raised and lowered positions, as will be further disclosed below. The movement of the elongated flexible link 18 between raised and lowered positions can occur independently of whether the elongated flexible link 18 is retracted or extended. Accordingly, the vehicle seat arrangement 10 possesses exceptional versatility, which contributes to the comfort of the driver or passenger.

[0014] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4A, the elongated flexible link 18 can be extended to widen the front section 66 of the seat 12. When the front section 66 of the seat 12 extends, the effective seating area 14 of the seat 12 is increased. The elongated flexible link 18 is designed to provide substantial support for the back of the driver's or passenger's legs while remaining flexible enough to offer a comfortable seating experience. The motor 64 can be activated in such a way that the roller 60 rotates only minimally. Accordingly, the elongated flexible link 18 can be extended into a variety of different positions in front of the seat 12.A covering material 70 is arranged over the front section 66 of the seat 12 and the elongated flexible link 18 to provide the consumer with an aesthetically pleasing appearance and to protect the elongated flexible link 18 when it moves from the retracted position to the extended position and from the lowered position to the raised position. Furthermore, the front section 66 of the seat 12 has a recess 72, generally designed to accommodate the motor 64 and the roller 60 therein. A front slot 74 in the seat 12 allows the elongated flexible link 18 to extend through the slot 74 and to retract into the slot 74 when the actuating arrangement 16 is activated. In addition, the elongated flexible link 18 may have a narrow rear section (near the seat base 52) and a wide front section 66.This configuration contributes to providing a larger front section 66 of seat 12 to accommodate drivers and passengers with different leg lengths.

[0015] Now, referring to Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 5A shows an embodiment for illustrative purposes, comprising the elongated flexible link 18 with first, second, and third elongated flexible elements 80, 82, 84, which have a substantially arcuate cross-section. The arcuate cross-section gives the elongated flexible elements 80, 82, 84 a higher load-bearing capacity when the elongated flexible link 18 alternates between retracted and extended positions than if the elongated flexible elements 80, 82, 84 had a planar cross-section. It is also provided that the elongated flexible link 18 can have only one or only two elongated flexible elements. As shown above, three elongated flexible elements 80, 82, 84 are depicted. However, it is also provided that two elongated flexible elements can be present and arranged in the seat 12, essentially under the likely position of the driver's or passenger's legs.The embodiment from . Fig. Figure 5 shows the elongated flexible element 80 arranged in an inward position within the seat 12, with the elongated flexible element 82 located in the center of the seat 12 and the elongated flexible element 84 located in an outward position of the seat 12. These positions correspond to the arrangement of the elongated flexible element 80 at an inward position of the driver's or passenger's legs, with the elongated flexible element 82 arranged in an intermediate position between the driver's or passenger's legs, and the elongated flexible element 84 arranged at an outward position of the driver's or passenger's legs. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, each elongated flexible element 80, 82, 84 is arranged within the elongated flexible link 18 and surrounded by a foam 88 or other upholstery support of the seat 12. The cover material 70 is arranged over the foam 88. An upper and a lower section of the elongated flexible elements 80, 82, 84 are covered by and connected to the cover material 70. The cover material 70 can cover all of the elongated flexible elements 80, 82, 84 or a substantial portion thereof. It is also provided that the elongated flexible elements 80, 82, 84 can have a substantially planar cross-section and move through feed channels 85 which enable smooth continuous movement of the elongated flexible elements 80, 82, 84 when the seat 12 moves into the extended and retracted positions.In this case, the elongated flexible elements 80, 82, 84 likely have a thicker cross-section because the overall strength and rigidity of the elongated flexible elements 80, 82, 84 may decrease if an arc-shaped cross-section is not present. Regardless of the cross-sectional configuration of the elongated flexible elements 80, 82, 84, it is provided that the materials from which the elongated flexible elements 80, 82, 84 are made can be a metal, a polymer, etc. Although in the embodiments of . Fig. As shown in Figure 3-4A, the configurations of the elongated flexible member 18 and the elongated flexible elements 80, 82, 84 mentioned above can be used in any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0016] Now, referring to Fig. Figure 6-7A shows another embodiment of the vehicle seat arrangement 10, which includes a gear arrangement 100. The gear arrangement 100 is designed to move the elongated flexible link 18 between the retracted and extended positions in order to increase the effective seating area 14 of the seat 12. The vehicle seat arrangement 10 from Fig. 6-7A essentially functions in the same way as the vehicle seating arrangement 10, which has already been described with reference to Fig. 3-4A was described. The one in Fig. However, the embodiment shown in Figure 6-7A has a motor 102 which is operatively connected to a gearbox 104 that rotates on a drive shaft 106. The gearbox 104 engages with a sliding toothed element that moves back and forth and is operatively connected to the second end 24 of the elongated flexible link 18. When the second end 24 of the elongated flexible link 18 is pushed outwards, the effective seating area 14 increases. When the direction of the gearbox 104 is reversed, the second end 24 of the elongated flexible link 18 is drawn into the seat frame 50, thereby reducing the effective seating area 14 of the seat 12.

[0017] Now, referring to Fig. Figures 8-9A show another embodiment of the vehicle seat assembly 10, which includes a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 120. The pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 120 is designed to move the elongated flexible link 18 between the unused and used positions, corresponding to the retracted and extended positions of the seat 12. The vehicle seat assembly 10 is shown in Figures 8-9A. Fig. 8-9A essentially functions in the same way as the vehicle seating arrangement 10, which has already been described with reference to Fig. 3-4A and 6-7A were described. The ones in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 8-9A features a motor 122 that is operatively connected to a pump 124, which pushes air to the pneumatic cylinder 120. The cylinder extends a drive shaft 128, which is operatively connected to the second end 24 of the elongated flexible link 18. The air for the pneumatic cylinder 120 can be ambient air or stored air. When the second end 24 of the elongated flexible link 18 is pushed outwards, the effective seating area 14 increases. Similarly, when air is withdrawn from the pneumatic cylinder 120, the second end 24 of the elongated flexible link 18 is drawn into the seat frame 50, thereby reducing the effective seating area 14 of the seat 12. If a hydraulic system is used, hydraulic fluid is pumped from the pump 124 by means of the motor 122.The hydraulic fluid pushes the drive shaft 128, which is operatively connected to the second end 24 of the elongated flexible link 18, into an outward position. The hydraulic fluid for the hydraulic cylinder 120 would be stored in a hydraulic fluid reservoir. When the second end 24 of the elongated flexible link 18 is pushed outward, the effective seating area 14 increases. When the hydraulic fluid is withdrawn from the hydraulic cylinder 120, the second end 24 of the elongated flexible link 18 is drawn into the seat frame 50, thus reducing the effective seating area 14 of the seat 12. Now, referring to... Fig. Figures 10-11A show a further embodiment of the present invention comprising the vehicle seat arrangement 10 with a lifting arm 140 designed to raise a section of the seat frame 50. In particular, the lifting arm 140 is operatively connected to a lateral support element 142 that extends forward in the seat base 52. The lateral support element 142 is connected to the remainder of the seat frame 50 via a film hinge 146 adjacent to the lifting arm 140. The lifting arm 140 is connected to and rotated by a motor 144 to raise and lower the lateral support element 142 to provide additional leg support for a driver or passenger. As shown in Figures 10-11A, the lifting arm 140 is operatively connected to a lateral support element 142 that extends forward in the seat base 52. Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 10A shows the elongated flexible link 18 in its extended position. It is intended that the elongated flexible link 18 can be connected to each of the above with reference to Fig. The devices disclosed in 3-9A can be moved into the extended or retracted position. After the driver or passenger has moved the elongated flexible link 18 into a desired position, additional support for the back of the driver's or passenger's legs can be provided by automatic or manual activation of the lifting bracket 140. As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10A, the lifting bracket 140 is in a lowered position, so that the legs of the driver or passenger are not additionally supported.

[0018] In the embodiments used for illustrative purposes in Fig. 11 and Fig. At step 11A, the motor 144 was activated to rotate the lifting bracket 140 clockwise. Consequently, the lateral support element 142 rotates upwards, causing it to bend upwards. As the lateral support element 142 bends upwards, the cushion and the cover material 70 are also bent upwards, as can be easily seen in Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 11A shows that the lifting bracket 140 can be made of any of a variety of materials, including steel or polymer, and that the motor 144 can be mounted behind the lifting bracket 140 or in any of a variety of other positions relative to the lifting bracket 140. The lateral support element 142 can be connected to the rest of the seat frame 50 via the film hinge 146, a rod hinge, or another type of hinge. The lateral support element 142 is made of a flexible material that allows bending and deflection, as shown in Figure 11A. Fig. 11 and Fig. 11A can be seen.

[0019] Now, referring to Fig. 12 and Fig. Figure 12A shows another embodiment of a vehicle seat arrangement 10. An inner bending element 160 is provided and arranged in the seat 12. An outer bending element 162 is also provided and generally defines the front section 66 of the seat 12. First and second actuating assemblies 164 and 166 are arranged in the seat 12. The first actuating assembly 164 is operatively connected to the inner bending element 160 and is designed to raise a section of the seat 12. In the embodiment shown, the first actuating assembly 164 has a first roller 168 that is operatively connected to a drive shaft 170, which is connected to a motor 172. The inner bending element 160 wraps around the first roller 168 and the motor 172 and is connected to a rear section 173 of the seat frame 50.The second actuating arrangement 166 is arranged in the seat 12 and is designed to displace the outer bending element 162 between a retracted position and an extended position, thereby increasing the effective seating area 14 of the seat 12. As shown, the second actuating arrangement 166 has a second roller 174, which is operatively connected to a drive shaft 176, which is connected to a motor 178. As shown in . Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12A, the vehicle seat arrangement 10 is depicted such that the first actuating arrangement 164 holds the inner bending element 160 in a lowered position. Simultaneously, the second actuating arrangement 166 holds the outer bending element 162 in a retracted position, so that the effective seating area 14 of the seat 12 is not increased. The inner bending element 160 and the outer bending element 162 can have one or more flexible elements, as described above with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 5A were described. Referring to Fig. 13 and Fig. Figure 13A shows the embodiment depicted with the first actuating arrangement 164, which is activated to rotate the first roller 168 clockwise, thereby extending the inner bending element 160. As the inner bending element 160 unwinds from the first roller 168, it lifts the lateral support element 142 located in the seat 12. The lateral support element 142 is connected to the seat frame 50 via the film hinge 146 next to the rear section 173 of the inner bending element 160. When forces are applied to the lateral support element 142, the front section 66 of the seat 12 is lifted. Simultaneously, the second actuating arrangement 166 is activated, causing the second roller 174 to rotate clockwise to extend the outer bending element 162. When the outer bending element 162 expands, the front section 66 of the seat 12 is enlarged. This provides the driver or passenger with more seating surface 14.Regardless of the position of the seat 12, the outer bending element 162 is concealed by the covering material 70 and is not visible. The covering material 70 can either cover the outer bending element 162 or be wrapped around it.

[0020] Now, referring to Fig. 14 and Fig. Figure 14A shows the outer bending element 162 in the fully extended position, while the inner bending element 160 is shown in the lowered position. This particular configuration of the seat 12 is exemplary of the wide variety of potential positions that a driver or passenger could choose. It is also provided that the driver or passenger could move the inner bending element 160 to the fully raised position and that the outer bending element 162 is in the fully retracted position. It is apparent to the person skilled in the art that the actuation of the inner bending element 160 is independent of the actuation of the outer bending element 162, thus providing the driver or passenger with a multitude of positions.

[0021] Now, referring to Fig. 15 and Fig. Figure 15A shows a further embodiment of the vehicle seat arrangement 10. In particular, the outer bending element 162 is arranged similarly to that shown above with reference to Fig. as described in Figures 13-14A. However, the inner bending element 160 does not extend over the first roller 168 and the motor 172 to connect to the rear section 173 of the seat frame 50. Instead, the inner bending element 160 extends forward around the lateral support element 142 and is connected to an upper section of the seat frame 50. In the embodiment shown, the inner bending element 160 is connected to a forward-extending flange on an upper section of the seat frame 50. The Fig. 15 and Fig.The embodiment shown in Figure 15A can be used to provide simultaneous movement of the seat 12 in both the extended and raised positions. The actuation of the inner bending element 160 and the outer bending element 162 is independent of each other, allowing the driver or passenger to select a variety of positions.

[0022] It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the design of the described invention and other components is not limited to a specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can be formed from a variety of different materials, unless otherwise described herein.

[0023] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connected" (in all its forms, connect, connection, joined, etc.) generally means the direct or indirect connection of two components (electrical or mechanical) to one another. Such a connection may be stationary or movable. Such a connection may involve the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate parts formed integrally as a single body, either to each other or to the two components. Such a connection may be permanent, removable, or detachable, unless otherwise specified.

[0024] It must also be noted that the design and arrangement of the elements of the invention, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, serve only for illustration. Although only some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, the person skilled in the art reading this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ​​of parameters, fastening arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter.For example, elements shown as molded in one piece may consist of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be molded in one piece; the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise modified; the length or width of the structures and / or elements, connecting links, or other elements of the system may be varied; the type or number of adjustment positions between the elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or arrangements of the system may be constructed from a variety of different materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in a variety of different colors, textures, and combinations. Consequently, all these variations are included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, alterations and omissions may be made in the design, operating positions and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0025] It is understood that all described methods or steps within the described methods can be combined with other disclosed methods or steps for forming structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and methods disclosed herein serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted as limiting.

[0026] It is also understood that variations and modifications to the above-mentioned structures and methods can be made without deviating from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further understood that these concepts are to be covered by the following claims, unless these claims expressly state otherwise. Reference symbol list 10 Vehicle seating arrangement 11 vehicles 12 seats 14 Seating area 16 Actuation arrangement 18 flexible link 20 first end 24 second end 30 Backrest 32 Headrest 34 upper section 36 legs 38 Floor 40 Sliding arrangement 50 seat frames 52 seat base 60 rolls 62 Drive shaft 64 engine 66 front section 70 Cover material 72 In-depth study 74 slots 80 flexible element 82 flexible element 84 flexible element 85 Feed channel 88 foam 100 Gear arrangement 102 engine 104 gearboxes 106 Drive shaft 120 cylinders 122 engine 124 pump 128 Drive shaft 140 lifting brackets 142 Support element 144 engine 146 film hinge 160 inner bending element 162 outer bending element 164 first actuation arrangement 166 second actuation arrangement 168 first role 170 drive shaft 172 Engine 173 rear section 174 second role 176 Drive shaft 178 Engine

Claims

[1] Vehicle seating arrangement (10), comprising: a seat (12) that defines a seat surface (14); an actuation arrangement (16); and an elongated flexible link (18) with a first end (20) pivotably connected to the seat (12) and a second end (24) operatively connected to the actuating arrangement (16), wherein the elongated flexible link (18) can pivotally move between raised and lowered positions and can also be actuated between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the elongated flexible link (18) increases the effective seat area (14), wherein the elongated flexible member (18) has first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82) with a planar cross-section. [2] Vehicle seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82) are at least partially arranged in feed channels (85) arranged in the seat (12). [3] Vehicle seating arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising: a seat base (52) in which the elongated flexible link (18) abuts a front section of the seat base (52). [4] Vehicle seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the actuating arrangement (16) has a hydraulic cylinder (120) or a pneumatic cylinder which can be actuated between a retracted position and an extended position corresponding to the retracted and extended positions of the elongated flexible member (18). [5] Vehicle seat arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the actuating arrangement (16) has a roller (60) extending over the seat base (52), and wherein at least a part of the elongated flexible link (18) is wound around the roller (60). [6] Vehicle seating arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising: a reference material (70); and a support cushion that is at least partially arranged between the elongated flexible limb (18) and the cover material (70). [7] Vehicle seat extension arrangement, comprising: a seat (12) that defines a seat surface (14); an actuation arrangement (16); and first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82) which are pivotably connected to the seat (12) and are operatively connected to the actuating arrangement (16), wherein the first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82) have an arcuate cross-section and are actuable between a retracted position and an extended position which increases the effective seat area (14), wherein the first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82) are at least partially arranged in feed channels (85) arranged in the seat. [8] Vehicle seat extension arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the actuating arrangement (16) has a motor (64) which is operatively connected to a roller (60), and wherein the first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82) are at least partially wound around the roller (60). [9] Vehicle seat extension arrangement according to claim 7, wherein an upper section and a lower section of the first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82) are covered and connected by a covering material (70). [10] Vehicle seat extension arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82) define an elongated flexible member (18), and wherein a rear section of the elongated flexible member (18) is narrower than a front section (66) of the elongated flexible member (18). [11] Vehicle seat extension arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82) are at least partially covered by a support cushion and a cover material (70). [12] Seat extension arrangement, comprising: a seat (12) that defines a seat surface (14); an actuation arrangement (16); and first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82) with an upper section pivotally connected to the seat (12) and a lower section that can be moved between front and rear positions, first and second feed channels (85) which are arranged in the seat (12) and are designed to receive the first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82), wherein the first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82) can be moved between raised and lowered positions by the actuating arrangement (16). [13] Seat extension arrangement according to claim 12, further comprising: a support cushion that is arranged at least partially over the first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82). [14] Seat extension arrangement according to claim 12, further comprising: a third elongated flexible element (84) wherein the first elongated flexible element (80) is arranged in an inner position in the seat (12), the second elongated flexible element (82) is arranged in an intermediate position in the seat and the third elongated flexible element (84) is arranged in an outer position in the seat. [15] Seat extension arrangement according to claim 12, further comprising: a cover material (70) that is wrapped around a substantial part of the first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82). [16] Seat extension arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the actuating arrangement (16) has a motor (64), and wherein the motor (64) is designed to move the lower section of the first and second elongated flexible elements (80, 82) between the front and rear positions.

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