Self-adjusting rear seat cushion for comfort and storage

Abstract

Vehicle seating arrangement (10) which includes the following: a seat (12) which is supported on a support frame; a backrest (16) which is pivotably coupled to the seat (12) and is adjustable between an occupant support position (18) designed to support the weight of an occupant and a loading position (20) in which the backrest (16) is folded forward into a substantially horizontal position; a seat cushion (22) comprising a dynamic front part (24) and a generally static rear part (26); A joint feature (30) arranged below the front part (24) of the seat cushion (22), wherein the joint feature (30) is actuable between an extended (32) and a retracted position (34), wherein the movement into the extended position (32) results in the dynamic front part (24) of the seat cushion (22) being set into a raised position, and wherein the movement into the retracted position (34) results in the dynamic front part (24) of the seat cushion (22) being set into a lowered position, which allows the backrest (16) to fold forward into the loading position (20), characterized in that the joint feature (30) includes a polymer composite support which is elastically deformable under the weight of the backrest (16) into the retracted position when the backrest (16) is in the loading position (20), wherein the polymer composite support has a rear proximal end has,which is coupled to the support frame via a connection and has a front distal end that adjusts vertically.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a seat cushion for a vehicle and in particular to a self-adjusting rear seat cushion for a vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE REVELATION

[0002] Vehicle seating arrangements are increasingly adapted to a wide variety of vehicle environments and numerous driver and passenger preferences, with a focus on occupant comfort. These same seating arrangements often incorporate increased versatility to create additional options in terms of cargo space.

[0003] Document FR 2 875 451 A1 describes a vehicle seating arrangement comprising a seat supported on a frame, a backrest pivotally coupled to the seat and adjustable between an occupant support position designed to support the weight of an occupant and a loading position with the backrest folded forward into a substantially horizontal position, a seat cushion comprising a dynamic front section and a general static rear section, and an articulating element located beneath the front section of the seat cushion, the articulating element being operable between an extended position and a retracted position, the movement into the extended position resulting in the dynamic front section of the seat cushion being raised.and wherein the movement into the non-extended position results in the dynamic front part of the seat cushion being set into a lowered position, which allows the backrest to fold forward into this loading position.

[0004] Document US 9 050 914 B2 describes a vehicle seating arrangement comprising a seat, a backrest pivotally coupled to the seat and adjustable between an occupant support position and a cargo position, and a seat cushion comprising a front part and a rear part, the front part being vertically adjustable between a raised position, in which the backrest is in the occupant support position, and a lowered position, in which the backrest is in the cargo position.

[0005] The task is to provide greater comfort for vehicle occupants compared to the current state of the art. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0006] This problem is solved by a vehicle seating arrangement according to claim 1.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating arrangement has a seat supported on a support frame. A backrest is pivotally coupled to the seat and is adjustable between an occupant support position, designed to support the weight of an occupant, and a loading position. The backrest folds forward into a substantially horizontal position. A seat cushion comprises a dynamic front portion and a generally static rear portion. An articulating feature is arranged beneath the front portion of the seat cushion. The articulating feature is operable between an extended and a retracted position. Movement into the extended position causes the dynamic front portion of the seat cushion to be raised.Moving the seat into the retracted position causes the dynamic front part of the seat cushion to be lowered, allowing the backrest to fold forward into the loading position.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating arrangement includes a seat. A backrest is pivotally coupled to the seat and adjustable between an occupant support position and a cargo position. A seat cushion comprises a front part and a rear part. The front part is vertically adjustable between a raised position, in which the backrest is in the occupant support position, and a lowered position, in which the backrest is in the cargo position.

[0009] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating arrangement includes a seat. A backrest is pivotally coupled to the seat and adjustable between an occupant support position and a cargo position. A seat cushion includes a dynamic front section. The front section is supported by a flexible joint element that is vertically adjustable between a raised position, in which the backrest is in the occupant support position, and a lowered position, in which the backrest is in the cargo position.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating arrangement comprises a seat and a backrest pivotably coupled to the seat. The backrest is actuarially coupled between an occupant support position, in which an occupant is supported on the vehicle seating arrangement during travel, and a loading position, in which the backrest is rotated forward into a horizontal or near-horizontal position to support cargo arranged on a rear surface of the backrest. A seat cushion is positioned on the seat and includes a dynamic front portion designed to receive an upper portion of the backrest when the backrest is rotated into the horizontal or near-horizontal position.The dynamic front section provides support for the lower legs of an occupant when in the occupant support position and moves into a lowered position to accommodate the upper backrest when in the cargo position. The resulting vehicle seating arrangement provides a comfortable seat while also offering exceptional versatility that allows for easy transport of cargo within the vehicle.

[0011] These and other aspects, objectives and features of the present disclosure will become understandable and known to a person skilled in the art upon closer examination of the following description, claims and attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The drawings contain: Fig. 1 a perspective top view of an embodiment of a rear seat of a vehicle; Fig. 2 a side view of a vehicle seating arrangement with a backrest in an occupant support position and an articulated feature in an extended position; Fig. 2A a side view of a vehicle seating arrangement with a backrest in a loading position and an articulation feature in a non-extended position; Fig. 3 Another side view of a vehicle seating arrangement with a backrest in an occupant support position and an articulation feature in an extended position; Fig. 3A another side view of a vehicle seating arrangement with a backrest in a loading position and an articulating feature moving into a non-extended position; Fig. 3B another side view of a vehicle seating arrangement with a backrest in a loading position and an articulation feature in a non-extended position; Fig. 4 a side view of a vehicle seating arrangement with a backrest in an occupant support position and an articulation feature in an extended position; Fig. 5 Another side view of a vehicle seating arrangement with a backrest in a loading position and an articulation feature in a non-extended position; Fig. 6 Another side view of a vehicle seating arrangement with a backrest in an occupant support position and an articulation feature in an extended position; Fig. 7 Another side view of a vehicle seating arrangement with a backrest in a loading position and a joint feature in a non-extended position; Fig. 8 Another side view of a vehicle seating arrangement with a backrest in an occupant support position and a joint feature in an extended position; Fig. 9 Another side view of a vehicle seating arrangement with a backrest in a loading position and a joint feature in a non-extended position; Fig. 10. Another side view of a vehicle seating arrangement with a backrest in an occupant support position and an articulated feature in an extended position; and Fig. 11 Another side view of a vehicle seating arrangement with a backrest in a loading position and a joint feature in a non-extended position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0013] With reference to the generally accepted principles in the Fig. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 10, reference number 10 generally denotes a vehicle seating arrangement with a seat 12 comprising a seat frame 14. A backrest 16 is pivotally coupled to the seat 12 and is adjustable between an occupant support position 18, designed to support the weight of an occupant, and a loading position 20, in which the backrest 16 is folded forward into a substantially horizontal position. A seat cushion 22 comprises a dynamic front section 24 and a generally static rear section 26. An articulating element 30 is arranged beneath the front section 24 of the seat cushion 22. The articulating element 30 is operable between an extended position 32 and a retracted position 34. Movement into the extended position 32 causes the dynamic front section 24 of the seat cushion 22 to be moved into a raised position.A movement into the non-extended position 34 causes the dynamic front part 24 of the seat cushion 22 to be adjusted into a lowered position, which allows the backrest 16 to fold forward into the loading position 20.

[0014] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 3, the vehicle seating arrangement 10 presented here is generally designed for use as a rear seat for a vehicle. It is considered that the vehicle could be a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a van, a passenger car, etc. It is also considered that the seat frame 14 could be constructed in various ways and is not limited to the structure presented here. Furthermore, the concept presented here can be applied to bench-style seats, 40 / 60 split seats, or any other vehicle seating arrangement as would be understood by a person competent in the field. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seating arrangement 10 can also include a headrest 36, seat belt arrangements 37 and various other components commonly found in a rear seat of a vehicle.

[0015] With reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 of the illustrated embodiment includes a backrest adjustment core 40, by means of which the backrest 16 can rotate relative to the seat 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the backrest adjustment core 40 is designed to allow the backrest 16 to rotate forward into a substantially horizontal position, so that the backrest 16 is adjacent to the seat 12 and in close contact with it, and in particular with the seat cushion 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the backrest 16 includes a lower backrest 42, which is deeper than an upper backrest 44. This design is generally complementary to the seat 12. In particular, the front part 24 of the seat cushion 22 is thicker than the generally static rear part 26.

[0016] It follows that the front surface of the backrest 16 is generally conformal and complementary to the seat 12 when the backrest 16 is folded forward into a substantially horizontal position. To assist in achieving a substantially horizontal position, the joint feature 30 moves from the extended position 32 ( Fig. 2) into the non-extended position 34 ( Fig. 3) In the Fig. 2 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the joint feature 30 includes a compression spring 50. The compression spring 50 is compressed when the backrest 16 is moved into the horizontal position. It is generally considered that the weight of the backrest 16 can compress the compression spring 50. However, the compression spring 50 can be moved to the retracted position 34 by means of a motorized unit, a ratchet system, etc., designed to pull downwards the dynamic front portion 24 of the seat cushion 22, in order to provide space for the backrest 16 when it is placed in the horizontal position. It should be noted that the joint feature 30, which in this case is the compression spring 50, is generally positioned between the seat frame 14 and a dynamic element 52.The dynamic element 52 generally defines a rigid upholstery support and moves as part of the dynamic front section 24 of the seat cushion 22 when the joint feature 30 moves between the extended position 32 and the retracted position 34. The dynamic element 52 can be constructed of a flexible material, including, but not limited to, polymers, metals, etc. Furthermore, the dynamic element 52 can be coupled to the seat frame 14 by welding, epoxy, mechanical fasteners, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the dynamic element 52 is connected to the seat frame 14 at a rear connection 54. The resulting seating arrangement provides a comfortable seating surface for an occupant and can be easily converted into a cargo space if desired.

[0017] With reference to the Fig. In sections 3 to 3B, it is also considered that a lever 55, which generally defines an activation device for the vehicle seat arrangement 10, can be adjusted to lower the joint feature 30 from the extended position 32 to the retracted position 34. As shown, the lever 55 is adjusted before the backrest 16 is moved into the loading position 20. It is also generally considered that the lever 55 could be replaced by a motorized system, wherein a switch activates a motor that pulls the dynamic element 52 downwards and consequently lowers the joint feature 30 to accommodate the backrest 16 when moved into the loading position.

[0018] With reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is also considered to be the case that the vehicle seating arrangement 10 can only be used with the dynamic element 52 and the seat frame 14. As shown, the dynamic element 52 includes a front distal end 56, which is vertically adjustable, and a rear proximal end 57, which is operabically coupled to the seat frame 14 at the rear connection 54. As shown in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the dynamic element 52 and the connection of the dynamic element 52 with the seat frame 14 are such that the dynamic element 52 can be bent downwards ( Fig. 5) when the backrest 16 is moved into the horizontal position. In this case, the dynamic element 52 defines a composite support that may be constructed of polymers, metals, or both. It is considered that the dynamic element 52 can be pulled downwards by the weight of the backrest 16 or by a mechanical element, actuated manually or automatically, when an occupant wishes to move the backrest 16 into the loading position 20. It is generally considered that the dynamic element 52 may be constructed of an elastic material, such as spring steel or an elastic polymer, so that the dynamic element 52, and consequently the joint feature 30, is biased into the raised position in conjunction with the occupant support position 18.

[0019] With reference to the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 In another embodiment, one or more spring steel supports 60 can be positioned between the dynamic element 52 and the seat frame 14. It is considered that the spring steel supports 60 could be arranged directly under the dynamic element 52 and be pressed downwards under the weight of the backrest 16, or, as described earlier with reference to the [reference to the following], Fig. As noted in the embodiments shown in Figures 2-5, the spring steel supports 60 can be pressed down manually by an occupant or by an automatic system which may include a motor.

[0020] With reference to the Fig. 8 and Fig. In another embodiment, the joint feature 30 includes an air bladder 70, which is connected to a bladder pump 72 via a bladder inflation and deflation line 74. In this embodiment, the air bladder 70 can be adjusted and inflated to provide sufficient support for the front part 24 of the seat cushion 22 and to support the backs of an occupant's legs. If the occupant wishes to move the backrest 16 into the loading position 20, the occupant simply pushes the backrest 16 downwards, and the bladder pump 72 can be activated automatically or manually to allow air to exit the air bladder 70 through a valve near the air bladder 70 or through the inflation and deflation line 74. It is also considered that an occupant can adjust the height and / or stiffness of the front part 24 of the seat cushion 22 by activating the bladder pump 72.In this way, the occupant can adjust the front part 24 of the seat cushion 22 to a desired position.

[0021] With reference to the Fig. 10 and Fig.In yet another embodiment, a polymer composite support element 80 is positioned between the dynamic element 52 and the seat frame 14. The polymer composite support element 80 comprises an outer durable shell 82 surrounding a foam core with a high degree of elasticity. Furthermore, the foam core is designed to compress when the backrest 16 is folded forward into a substantially horizontal position, resulting in the backrest 16 being in the loading position 20. It is considered that the polymer composite support element 80 returns to its original shape when the backrest 16 is moved back into the occupant support position 18 to provide support for the legs of an occupant seated on the vehicle seat assembly 10.

Claims

[1] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) comprising the following: a seat (12) which is supported on a support frame; a backrest (16) which is pivotably coupled to the seat (12) and is adjustable between an occupant support position (18) designed to support the weight of an occupant and a loading position (20) in which the backrest (16) is folded forward into a substantially horizontal position; a seat cushion (22) comprising a dynamic front part (24) and a generally static rear part (26); a joint feature (30) arranged under the front part (24) of the seat cushion (22), wherein the joint feature (30) is actuable between an extended (32) and a retracted position (34), wherein the movement into the extended position (32) results in the dynamic front part (24) of the seat cushion (22) being set into a raised position, and wherein the movement into the retracted position (34) results in the dynamic front part (24) of the seat cushion (22) being set into a lowered position, which allows the backrest (16) to fold forward into the loading position (20), characterized by, that the joint feature (30) includes a polymer composite support which is elastically deformable under the weight of the backrest (16) into the non-extended position when the backrest (16) is in the loading position (20), wherein the polymer composite support has a rear proximal end which is actuatiably coupled to the support frame at a connection and a front distal end which adjusts vertically. [2] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the joint feature (30) includes a spring which is elastically deformable under the weight of the backrest (16) into the non-extended position when the backrest (16) is in the loading position. [3] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to claim 2, wherein the spring is a compression spring arranged between the seat frame and a rigid cushion support arranged under the seat cushion (22). [4] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the joint feature (30) includes a spring steel support which is elastically deformable under the weight of the backrest (16) into the non-extended position when the backrest (16) is in the loading position. [5] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the joint feature (30) includes an inflatable air bladder which inflates to move into the extended position and releases the air to move into the retracted position. [6] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the joint feature (30) moves into the non-extended position by activating an activation device. [8] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the joint feature (30) moves into the non-extended position under the weight of the backrest (16).

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