Mechanical manual leg tilting position

Abstract

Vehicle seating arrangement (10), comprising the following: a seat frame (12); a support bracket (14) rotatably coupled to the seat frame (12), wherein the support bracket (14) is also coupled to a front seat cushion tube (16) that supports a front section (18) of a vehicle seat (20); a spindle holder (22) which is operationally coupled to the seat frame (12); a position bracket (24) which has the following features: a spring-loaded piston (26) which is rotatably coupled to the spindle holder (22); and a housing (28) which is slidably coupled to the piston (26) and can be actuated between longitudinal positions, wherein the housing (28) is rotatably coupled to a clamping mounting holder (30), wherein the clamping mounting holder (30) is rigidly coupled to the support holder (14); a release rod (32) which is operationally coupled to the position clamp (24) and can be actuated between a locking position and a release position, wherein the release rod (32) is biased into the locking position; and a release handle (34) which is operationally coupled to the release rod (32) and is configured to release the release rod (32) from the locking position, thus enabling a longitudinal displacement movement of the housing (28) with respect to the piston (26); wherein the displacement movement of the housing (28) between the longitudinal positions moves the support bracket (14) between a raised and a lowered position, resulting in a vertical movement of the support bracket (14), the front seat cushion tube (16) and the front section of the vehicle seat (20).

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a vehicle seat assembly and, more particularly, to a thigh support with a mechanical manual leg tilt position for a vehicle seat assembly. BACKGROUND OF REVELATION

[0002] Modern vehicle seats are becoming increasingly comfortable with increasing understanding of ergonomics, posture, and human comfort. Vehicle seating arrangements that incorporate comfort components in the vehicle seat back and seat can provide drivers and passengers with improved comfort and increased endurance during long journeys. Furthermore, the different sizes and shapes of drivers and passengers can pose challenges for vehicle seating arrangements. Accordingly, the importance of vehicle seating arrangements that include components to accommodate different sizes and shapes of drivers and passengers, as well as the desired posture and seating position of these drivers and passengers, continues to increase.

[0003] US 3,215,386 A describes a vehicle seat assembly comprising a support bracket supporting a seat and rotatably coupled to a seat frame, and further comprising a positioning clamp having a piston rotatably coupled to the frame, a housing slidably coupled to the piston and rotatably coupled to the support bracket, and a release rod coupled to the positioning clamp that can be actuated to release the positioning clamp to allow translational movement of the housing and vertical movement of the support bracket and the seat. Further prior art relating to the background of the invention is provided by US 3,638,897 A. SUMMARY OF REVELATION

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly includes a seat frame. A support bracket is rotatably coupled to the seat frame. The support bracket is coupled to a front seat cushion tube that supports a front portion of a vehicle seat. A spindle bracket is operatively coupled to the seat frame. A position bracket has a spring-biased piston rotatably coupled to the spindle bracket. A housing is slidably coupled to the piston and operable between longitudinal positions. The housing is rotatably coupled to a clamp mounting bracket. The clamp mounting bracket is fixedly coupled to the support bracket. A release rod is operatively coupled to the position bracket and operable between a locked position and a released position. The release rod is spring-biased to the locked position.A release handle is operatively coupled to the release rod and is configured to release the release rod from a locked position, allowing longitudinal translational movement of the housing relative to the piston. Lateral movement of the housing between the longitudinal positions rotates the support bracket between raised and lowered positions, respectively, resulting in vertical movement of the support bracket, the front seat cushion tube, and the front portion of the vehicle seat.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly includes a support bracket that supports a seat and is rotatably coupled to a seat frame. A positioning bracket includes a piston coupled to the seat frame. A housing is slidably coupled to the piston and rotatably coupled to the support bracket. A release rod is coupled to the positioning bracket and is operable to release the bracket to allow lateral movement of the housing and vertical movement of the support bracket and seat.

[0006] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat thigh support assembly includes a support bracket rotatably coupled to the seat frame. A positioning bracket includes a piston rotatably coupled to the support bracket. A housing is slidably coupled to the piston and rotatably coupled to the support bracket. A release assembly is operable between a locking and a release position. Translational movement of the housing relative to the piston rotates the support bracket upward, resulting in upward movement of a seat.

[0007] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat thigh support assembly includes a support bracket rotatably coupled to the seat frame. A position bracket is provided that is biased to raise the thigh support assembly to a raised position. A lever is provided that allows a user to apply weight to the vehicle seat thigh support assembly. The vehicle seat thigh support assembly is lockable between a plurality of raised and lowered positions. The disclosed structure provides a strong and cost-effective, yet lightweight structure that provides increased comfort to an occupant.

[0008] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon a closer examination of the following description, claims, and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings show: Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle seat assembly of the present disclosure disposed in a vehicle; Fig. 2 a perspective top view of the vehicle seat arrangement from Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a manual leg tilt assembly of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 4 is a top perspective view of a positioning clamp for use in a manual leg tilt assembly; Fig. 5 a partially exploded perspective top view of the positioning clamp of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a perspective bottom view of an embodiment of a pivoting arrangement between the piston and the spindle holder; Fig. 7 a perspective side view of the manual leg tilting assembly of Fig. 3 with the release rod in a locked position; Fig. 7A is a perspective bottom view of the manual leg tilt assembly of Fig. 3 with the release rod in a release position; Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the manual leg tilt assembly with a front seat cushion tube of a seat in a raised position; and Fig. 8A is a side elevation of the manual leg tilt assembly with the front seat cushion tube of the seat Fig. 8 in a lowered position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0010] For the purposes of this description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and derivatives thereof shall refer to the disclosure as set forth in Fig. 1. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosure is capable of assuming various alternative orientations unless expressly stated to the contrary. Further, it is to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the appended drawings and described in the following description are simply embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated to the contrary in the claims.

[0011] In this specification, relational terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like are used merely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without actually requiring or implying any such relationship or ordering of such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to refer to non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, object, or device comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, method, object, or device. An element that is accompanied by a "comprises . . .a' does not exclude, without more restrictions, the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, object or apparatus comprising that element.

[0012] With reference to the Fig. 1-8A, reference numeral 10 generally designates a vehicle seat assembly including a seat frame 12. A support bracket 14 is rotatably coupled to the seat frame 12. The support bracket 14 is coupled to a front seat cushion tube 16 that supports a front portion 18 of a vehicle seat 20. A spindle bracket 22 is operatively coupled to the seat frame 12. A position clamp 24 includes a spring-biased piston 26 rotatably coupled to the spindle bracket 22. A housing 28 is slidably coupled to the piston 26 and operable between longitudinal positions. The housing 28 is rotatably coupled to a clamp mounting bracket 30. The clamp mounting bracket 30 is fixedly coupled to the support bracket 14. A release rod 32 is operatively coupled to the position clamp 24 and can be actuated between a locking position and a release position.The release rod 32 is spring-loaded into the locked position. A release handle 34 is operatively coupled to the release rod 32 and is configured to release the release rod 32 from a locked position, allowing longitudinal translational movement of the housing 28 relative to the piston 26. Lateral movement of the housing 28 between the longitudinal positions rotates the support bracket 14 between raised and lowered positions, respectively, resulting in vertical movement of the support bracket 14, the front seat cushion tube 16, and the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20.

[0013] With further reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle seat assembly 10 for use in a vehicle 40 such as a car, a truck, a van, etc. It is also contemplated that the concept set forth in this disclosure may be used in a front or forward seat of the vehicle 40, as well as rear seats of the vehicle 40. The vehicle seat assembly 10, as illustrated, includes a seat base 42 disposed on tracks 44 to permit longitudinal movement of the vehicle seat assembly 10 with respect to the vehicle 40. The vehicle seat 20 is disposed on the seat base 42 and is movable with respect thereto, as described in more detail below. The vehicle seat assembly 10 also includes a seat back 46 having a lower lumbar region 48 and an upper torso region 50, and a headrest 52.

[0014] Each of the components of the seat back 46 may be configured for adjustability to appropriately support the weight of various occupants within the vehicle 40.

[0015] With reference to Fig. 3, an underside of the vehicle seat assembly 10 is shown with a seat cushion removed from the vehicle seat assembly 10. The support bracket 14 is rotatably coupled to the seat frame 12 at a pivot pin 60. The pivot pin 60 is disposed adjacent to the rear of the front seat cushion tube 16. Accordingly, the front seat cushion tube 16 is configured to rotate relative to the pivot pin 60, resulting in upward rotation of the front seat cushion tube 16 and the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20. The support bracket 14 also includes a plurality of mounting openings 62 configured to receive mechanical fasteners 64 that secure the clamp mounting bracket 30 thereto. The clamp mounting bracket 30 is rotatably coupled to the positioning bracket 24 and configured to rotate relative to the positioning bracket 24. The support bracket 14 and the pivot pin 60 are received in a recess 66 defined in the seat frame 12.The support bracket 14 includes a body 67 and a connecting portion 69 extending orthogonally to the body 67. The seat frame 12 also supports the spindle holder 22. The spindle holder 22 is located behind the pivot 60 and includes a generally vertically oriented connecting portion 68 and a generally lateral body portion 70. A rear end 71 of the body portion 70 includes a downwardly inverted lip 72 configured to engage a rotatable fastener 74 on a rear end 75 of the positioning bracket 24.

[0016] With reference to Fig. 4, the rotatable fastener 74 is operatively coupled to the spring-loaded piston 26 disposed within the positioning bracket 24. The piston 26 extends forwardly into the housing 28, which in turn is coupled to the clamp mounting bracket 30. The housing 28 includes upwardly extending guide walls 80 configured to restrict movement of the release rod 32 as the release rod 32 moves between the locking position and the release position. A spring 82 is disposed within the housing 28 between a stationary washer 83 and a rear interior wall 85 of the housing 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 82 is a compression spring. However, it will be understood that a tension spring could also be used, which can apply tension between the stationary washer 83 and a front interior wall 87 of the housing 28 (see Fig. 8).

[0017] With further reference to Fig. 4, an upper portion of the housing 28 includes a longitudinal slot 84. The release rod 32, disposed between the guide walls 80, is configured to rotate to the locking position, resulting in tightening relative to the piston 26 and locking the piston 26. Consequently, the piston 26 is prevented from moving to longitudinal positions when the release rod 32 is in the locking position. In the illustrated embodiment, the release rod 32 is in the locking position. However, it will be generally understood that a cable 90 may be configured to extend into an opening 92 on the release rod 32 and extend to a position exterior to the vehicle seat assembly 10.A user may actuate a lever, resulting in movement of the release rod 32 from the locking position to the release position, resulting in movement of the piston 26 with respect to the housing 28, as will be disclosed in more detail below.

[0018] With further reference to Fig. 4, the housing 28 of the positioning clamp 24 also includes a forward portion 100 with an opening 102 extending therethrough. The opening 102 is configured to receive a pin 104 that operatively couples the support bracket 14 to the positioning clamp 24. The pin 104 includes a head 105 that prevents over-insertion of the pin 104 into the opening 102. As mentioned above, the housing 28 of the positioning clamp 24 is free to move longitudinally but is biased toward a forward position due to the pressure applied by the compression spring 82 proximate the rotatable mounting member 74 at the rear end 75 of the piston 26.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 5, the pin 104 also extends through first and second receiving openings 110, 112 of the clamp mounting bracket 30. Notably, the clamp mounting bracket 30 is securely attached to the support bracket 14. The first and second receiving openings 110, 112 of the clamp mounting bracket 30 are defined by bulbous portions 114, 116 of the clamp mounting bracket 30. At the rear end 75 of the piston 26, the rotatable fastener 74 is engaged with a pin 120 that allows rotational movement of the rotatable fastener 74, and consequently the piston 26, with respect to the spindle holder 22. Consequently, the positioning bracket 24 is free to move vertically or rotate as the support bracket 14 rotates with the front seat cushion tube 16 and the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20. The spindle holder 22 has openings 121 that receive openings 123 that secure the spindle holder 22 to the seat frame 12.

[0020] With reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 7A, a manual leg tilt assembly operates as follows during use. An occupant is seated on the vehicle seat 20. If the occupant feels that additional leg support may be needed under the thighs of the occupant's legs, the occupant can adjust the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20 upward. Conversely, if the occupant feels that the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20 is raised too high, the occupant can lower the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 8A, the positioning bracket 24 is in a rearward position communicating with the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20, which is in a lowered position. The release handle 34 can be adjusted to pull on the cable 90, causing the release rod 32 to move from the locking position to the release position. After the release rod 32 has been moved from the locking position to the release position, the spring 82 advances the housing 28 in the direction of arrow 130. As the housing 28 slides forward over the piston 26, the pivot pin 104 allows the clamp mounting bracket 30 to rotate upward in a clockwise direction (see arrow 132, Fig.8). With the upward and forward rotation of the clamp mounting bracket 30, the support bracket 14 also rotates. As the support bracket 14 rotates clockwise, the front seat cushion tube 16 and consequently the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20 are also raised. When the occupant has determined that the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20 has reached a desired height, the occupant can release the release handle 34, causing the release rod 32, which is spring-biased to the locked position, to move back to the locked position and lock the housing 28 relative to the new position on the piston 26. The front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20 is now in a secured position and configured to support the occupant's front thighs.If the occupant wishes to lower the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20, the occupant simply pulls the release handle 34, which in turn releases the release rod 32 from the locked position. The release rod 32 is again pulled against the spring bias, so that the release rod 32 is biased to the locked position and the housing 28 is free to move over the piston 26 of the position bracket 24. Consequently, the housing 28 will move forward under the bias of the spring 82 unless the housing 28 is in a fully forward position on the piston 26. In this case, the housing 28 would not move further forward.In general, it is contemplated that a stop may be used to prevent further movement of the housing 28 over the piston 26, or the compression spring 82 may simply reach a fully expanded state, in which case the compression spring 82 can no longer urge the housing 28 further forward over the piston 26. If the housing 28 has not reached a fully forward position with respect to the piston 26, then the housing 28 will continue to be urged forward under the spring bias of the spring 82. Regardless, to lower the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20, the occupant simply applies pressure to the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20, resulting in the lowering of the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20. The pressure is typically applied by applying the occupant's weight to the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20.As pressure or the occupant's load is applied to the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20, the front portion 18 of the vehicle seat 20 begins to lower. After a desired height is reached by the occupant, the occupant can then release the release handle 34, resulting in movement of the release rod 32 back to the locked position. The release rod 32 has now secured the housing 28 with respect to the piston 26.

[0022] The above mentioned manual leg tilt assembly provides a simple, user-friendly and reliable system that allows easy adjustment of the front portion of a vehicle seat while keeping the overall cost and weight on the vehicle seat assembly reduced. List of reference symbols 10 Vehicle seat arrangement 12 seat frames 14 support brackets 16 Front seat cushion tube 18 front section 20 vehicle seat 22 spindle holders 24 Position clamp 26 pistons 28 housings 30 clamp mounting brackets 32 release rod 34 Release handle 40 vehicles 42 seat base 44 guide rail 46 seat backrest 48 lower lumbar region 50 upper body area 52 Headrest 60 pivots 62 mounting hole 64 Fastening element 66 recess 67 bodies 68 vertically aligned connecting section 69 connecting section extending orthogonally to the body 70 lateral body section 71 rear end of the body section 72 Lippe 74 rotating fastening element 75 rear end of the positioning clamp 80 guide wall 82 spring, compression spring 83 Washer 84 Longitudinal slot 85 rear inner wall of the housing 87 front inner wall of the housing 90 cables 92 Opening 100 front section 102 Opening 104 cones 105 Head of the tenon 110 first opening of the clamp mounting holder 112 second opening of the clamp mounting holder 114 bulbous section of the clamp mounting bracket 116 bulbous section of the clamp mounting bracket 120 cones 121 openings 123 openings 130 Arrow

Claims

[1] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) comprising: a seat frame (12); a support bracket (14) rotatably coupled to the seat frame (12), the support bracket (14) also being coupled to a front seat cushion tube (16) that supports a front portion (18) of a vehicle seat (20); a spindle holder (22) operatively coupled to the seat frame (12); a positioning clamp (24) comprising: a spring-loaded piston (26) rotatably coupled to the spindle holder (22); and a housing (28) slidably coupled to the piston (26) and operable between longitudinal positions, the housing (28) being rotatably coupled to a clamp mounting bracket (30), the clamp mounting bracket (30) being fixedly coupled to the support bracket (14); a release rod (32) operatively coupled to the position clamp (24) and operable between a locking position and a release position, the release rod (32) being biased to the locking position; and a release handle (34) operatively coupled to the release rod (32) and configured to release the release rod (32) from the locked position to enable longitudinal translational movement of the housing (28) relative to the piston (26); wherein translational movement of the housing (28) between the longitudinal positions moves the support bracket (14) between a raised and a lowered position, resulting in vertical movement of the support bracket (14), the front seat cushion tube (16), and the front portion of the vehicle seat (20). [2] Vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 1, further comprising: a fastening element (64) arranged at one end of the spring-loaded piston (26); and a spring (82) arranged between the fastening element (64) and the housing (28). [3] Vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a release cable operatively coupling the release rod (32) to the release handle (34). [4] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the release rod (32) is disposed on an upper portion of the housing (28). [5] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a front portion of the spring-biased piston (26) protrudes from the housing (28). [6] Vehicle seat assembly (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the positioning bracket (24) is arranged below the seat frame (12). [7] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) comprising: a support bracket (14) supporting a vehicle seat (20) and rotatably coupled to a seat frame (12); a positioning clamp (24) comprising: a piston (26) rotatably coupled to the seat frame (12); a housing (28) slidably coupled to the piston (26) and rotatably coupled to the support bracket (14); and a release rod (32) coupled to the positioning clamp (24) and operable to release the positioning clamp (24) to to enable displacement movement of the housing (28) and vertical movement of the support bracket (14) and the vehicle seat (20), characterized by , that the release rod (32) is arranged on an upper portion of the housing (28). [8] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 7, wherein the housing (28) is rotatably coupled to a clamp mounting bracket (30) and wherein the clamp mounting bracket (30) is fixedly coupled to the support bracket (14). [9] Vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising: a release handle (34) operatively coupled to the release rod (32) and configured to release the release rod (32) from a locking position to permit longitudinal translational movement of the housing (28) with respect to the piston (26). [10] Vehicle seat assembly (10) according to one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising: a fastening element (64) arranged at one end of the piston (26); and a spring (82) arranged between the fastening element (64) and the housing (28). [11] Vehicle seat assembly (10) according to one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising: a release cable operatively coupling the release rod (32) to the release handle (34). [12] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein a front portion of the piston (26) protrudes from the housing (28). [13] Vehicle seat assembly (10) according to one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the positioning bracket (24) is arranged below the seat frame (12).

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