SEAT WITH UPPER ARM RESTS

Abstract

Vehicle seat (10), comprising: a seat cushion (12), a backrest (14) which is pivotable between an upright position and a folded-back position, and at least one upper arm support (16, 116, 316) that is selectively movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the at least one upper arm support (16, 116, 316) is designed to provide a support for an upper arm (18) of an occupant (20) when the backrest (14) of the vehicle seat (10) is in the folded-back position and the at least one upper arm support (16, 116, 316) is in the second position; characterized by the fact that the first position is a retracted position and the second position is an extended position; wherein the at least one upper arm support (16, 116, 316) is attached to the backrest (14) and is designed to extend laterally from the backrest (14) outwards into the extended position to provide a vertical support for the upper arm (18) of the occupant (20) when the backrest (14) of the vehicle seat (10) is in the folded-back position; where: (i) wherein the at least one upper armrest (16) comprises a plate (30) designed to be pulled laterally outwards from the retracted position to the extended position, and wherein the plate (30) is flexible and designed to roll up into the backrest (14) when in the retracted position, and comprises a rigid element (34) attached to a remote end (36) thereof, the rigid element (34) being designed to enable an occupant (20) to pull the plate from the retracted position to the extended position; or (ii) the at least one upper armrest (116) comprising a deformable support element (48) arranged in the backrest (14) and designed to bend laterally outwards into the extended position when deformed, the backrest (14) comprising a stretchable cover (50) such that the cover (50) of the backrest (14) stretches laterally outwards when the support element (48) bends laterally outwards into the extended position; or (iii) the at least one upper arm support (316) is further designed to provide lateral support for the upper arm (18) of the occupant (20) when the backrest (14) of the vehicle seat (10) is in a folded-back position, and to restrict the lateral movement of the upper arm (18) of the occupant (20) away from the occupant (20), and wherein the at least one upper arm support (316) comprises an extendable band (74) designed to wind itself onto a spool (76) within the backrest (14) in the retracted position, and comprises a rigid element (34) arranged at a remote end, wherein the seat cushion (12) comprises at least one attachment point (86), and wherein the rigid element (34) is designed to be attached to the at least one attachment point (86) when the at least one upper arm support (316) is pulled into the extended position.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat according to the preamble of claim 1 with upper armrests for providing a support for the upper arms of an occupant when the seat is folded backwards into a reclining position, as is known essentially from DE 10 2018 128 494 A1.

[0002] Further state of the art can be found in publications US 9 238 425 B2, JP 2017 - 190 135 A and EP 2 599 661 A1.

[0003] Armrests in motor vehicles were once synonymous with luxury. Today, they are standard equipment in almost all vehicles. Modern vehicle armrests not only provide comfort for the driver but also a variety of functions related to vehicle operation. Armrests for vehicle seats primarily enhance driver comfort. An armrest allows the hand to rest comfortably while driving on the highway or in a traffic jam. Depending on the vehicle's features, it can also combine the functions of a control panel for the vehicle's electrical systems and a convenient storage compartment. Vehicle armrests are manufactured from a variety of materials to ensure comfort, durability, stability, and safety.

[0004] A front armrest ensures comfortable steering. Thanks to the option of resting one hand freely, it provides stable support and promotes a good posture. The benefits of armrests in a vehicle are particularly noticeable on long journeys, in traffic jams, or at very low speeds, as they allow the driver to relax their hand and forearm muscles.

[0005] Conventional vehicle armrests provide a support for the hand and / or forearm of the vehicle's occupant. Modern vehicles include seats that recline, allowing the occupant to assume a lying position. This offers advantages for passengers on long journeys, as they can recline the seat to relax or sleep. In autonomous vehicles, this feature can be beneficial for all occupants. When a vehicle seat is reclined and the occupant is in a lying position, conventional armrests, designed to provide support for the hand and forearm, do not offer support for the occupant's upper arm. With conventional vehicle seats, when reclined, the occupant's upper arms can fall freely to the side of the seat.

[0006] While current vehicle seats with armrests fulfill their purpose, there is a need for a new and improved upper armrest for a vehicle seat that provides support for the upper arms of an occupant sitting on a reclined vehicle seat. SUMMARY

[0007] According to the invention, a vehicle seat is presented which is characterized by the features of claim 1.

[0008] According to another aspect, the at least one upper armrest comprises a first upper armrest located on the backrest on a first side of the vehicle seat, and a second upper armrest located on the backrest on a second side of the vehicle seat.

[0009] According to another aspect, the deformable support element comprises a bracket with a first end and a second end, wherein, when the first end and the second end are forced towards each other, the bracket bends laterally outwards into the extended position, wherein the bracket has dimensions designed to provide a vertical support for the occupant's upper arm when the bracket is bent outwards into the extended position and the backrest of the vehicle seat is in the folded-back position.

[0010] According to another aspect, the first end of the deformable support element is fixed in the backrest, the vehicle seat further comprising a mechanical device which is fixed in the backrest and designed to force the second end of the deformable support element towards the first end of the deformable support element.

[0011] According to another aspect, the coil is designed to allow the stretchable band to be selectively pulled from the backrest into the extended position, preventing further extension of the stretchable band during an impact event.

[0012] According to another aspect, the at least one upper arm support extends from the backrest on a first side of the vehicle seat and the attachment point is located on the seat cushion on a second side of the vehicle seat, with the stretchable band extending over an occupant sitting therein in the extended position.

[0013] According to another aspect, the at least one upper arm support extends from the backrest on a first side of the vehicle seat and the attachment point is located on an upper surface of the seat cushion, with the stretchable band extending partially over an occupant sitting therein in the extended position.

[0014] According to another aspect, the at least one upper armrest comprises a first bellows and a plurality of architectural tiles arranged side by side within the first bellows, wherein, when atmospheric pressure is present within the first bellows, the at least one upper armrest is pre-tensioned into the retracted position flat against the backrest, and when negative pressure is applied to the first bellows, the architectural tiles are forced into engagement with each other and the at least one upper armrest is forced laterally outwards into the extended position.

[0015] According to another aspect, the at least one upper arm support also includes a second bellows, wherein the second bellows pre-tensions the at least one upper arm support into the retracted position when overpressure is applied within the second bellows.

[0016] According to another aspect, each of the multitude of architectural tiles includes side walls angled in such a way that at least one upper arm support assumes a curved shape when the multitude of architectural tiles are forced into interaction with each other.

[0017] According to another aspect, the at least one upper armrest comprises a first rigid end attached to the backrest, a second rigid end, and an expandable bellows extending between the first and second rigid ends, wherein, when the at least one upper armrest is in the retracted position, no pressure is exerted within the expandable bellows and the expandable bellows is compressed between the first and second rigid ends, and when the at least one upper armrest is in the extended position, overpressure is exerted within the expandable bellows, causing the expandable bellows to expand and the second rigid end to be pushed laterally outwards.

[0018] According to another aspect, the expandable bellows comprises a first side wall and a second side wall opposite the first side wall, the second side wall having a maximum length that is longer than the first side wall in such a way that, when the expandable bellows is fully extended, the at least one upper arm support is forced to curve forward to provide lateral support for the occupant's upper arm when the backrest of the vehicle seat is in a reclined position, and to restrict the occupant's upper arm movement laterally away from the occupant.

[0019] According to another aspect, the expandable bellows comprises a first elastic retaining band extending between the first and second rigid ends adjacent to the first side wall, and a second elastic retaining band extending between the first and second rigid ends adjacent to the second side wall, the second elastic retaining band being designed to allow a greater expansion of the expandable bellows than the first elastic retaining band in such a way that, when the expandable bellows is fully extended, the at least one upper arm support is forced to bulge forward to provide lateral support for the occupant's upper arm when the vehicle seat backrest is in a reclined position, and to restrict movement of the occupant's upper arm laterally away from the occupant.

[0020] According to another aspect, the first and second elastic bands are designed to pull the second rigid end towards the first rigid end and compress the expandable bellows when no pressure is applied to the expandable bellows, thereby bringing the at least one upper arm support into the retracted position.

[0021] Further areas of application will become apparent from the description given herein. It is understood that the description and the specific examples serve only for illustrative purposes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle seat with an occupant seated therein according to the present invention in a schematic representation. Fig. Figure 2 shows a section view along line 2-2 of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows a vehicle seat with upper armrests comprising a retractable plate in a perspective view, with the upper armrests in the extended position. Fig. 4 shows the one in Fig. 3 vehicle seat shown in a perspective view, with the upper armrests in the retracted position. Fig. 5 shows a coil for the in Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 embodiments shown in a perspective view. Fig. Figure 6 shows a vehicle seat with upper armrests comprising a deformable support element in a perspective view, with the upper armrests in the retracted position. Fig. 7 shows the one in Fig. 6 vehicle seat shown in a perspective view, with the upper armrests in the extended position. Fig. 8 shows that in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 deformable support elements shown in a perspective view. Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle seat with an upper armrest designed to provide vertical and lateral support for the upper arm of an occupant seated therein. Fig. Figure 10 shows a section view along line 10-10 of Fig. 9. Fig. Figure 11 shows a vehicle seat with an elastic band extending from the backrest to attachment points on the seat cushion, in a perspective view. Fig. Figure 12 shows a vehicle seat with elastic straps extending from both sides of the backrest to attachment points on the opposite side of the seat cushion, in a perspective view. Fig. Figure 13 shows a vehicle seat with elastic straps extending from both sides of the backrest to an attachment point extending from an upper surface of the seat cushion in the area of ​​a midpoint of the seat cushion, in a perspective view. Fig. Figure 14 shows a vehicle seat with upper armrests enclosing a vacuum bellows containing architectural tiles, in a perspective view, with the upper armrest in the retracted position. Fig. 15 shows the one in Fig. Figure 14 shows the vehicle seat in a perspective view, with the upper armrests in the extended position. Fig. 16 shows the in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 upper arm supports shown in a sectional view, while the upper arm supports are in the retracted position. Fig. 17 shows the in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 upper arm supports shown in a sectional view, while the upper arm supports are in the extended position. Fig. Figure 18 shows a vehicle seat with an upper armrest comprising a first and a second rigid end and an extendable bellows extending between them, in a perspective view, with the upper armrest in the retracted position. Fig. 19 shows the in Fig. Figure 18 shows the vehicle seat in a perspective view, with the upper armrest in the extended position. Fig. 20 shows the in Fig. 19 upper arm support shown in a top view. Fig. 21 shows the in Fig. 18 Upper arm support shown in a top view.

[0023] The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be larger or smaller to show, for example, details of certain components. In some cases, known components, systems, materials, or processes are not described in detail to prevent the present invention from becoming incomprehensible. Therefore, the specific design and functional details disclosed herein are provided only as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching a person skilled in the art to apply the present invention in different ways. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present invention, its application, or its use. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, summary, or detailed description. It is understood that in the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote identical or corresponding parts and features.As used herein, the term "module" refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic, and / or processor device, individually or in any combination, including but not limited to: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (common, dedicated, or group) and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components providing the described functionality. Although the figures shown herein represent an example with specific arrangements of elements, actual embodiments may include additional intermediate elements, devices, features, or components. It is also understood that the figures are for illustrative purposes only and may not be drawn to scale.

[0025] As used herein, the term "vehicle" is not limited to motor vehicles. Although the technology presented here is primarily described in connection with motor vehicles, it is not limited to motor vehicles. The concepts can be used in a variety of applications, e.g., in conjunction with aircraft, watercraft, other vehicles and consumer electronics components, as well as in other reclining / sitting situations, e.g., in hospitals and examination rooms, etc.

[0026] With reference to Fig. 1 comprises a vehicle seat 10 according to the present invention, a seat cushion 12, a backrest 14 which is pivotably movable between an upright and a rearward-folding position, and at least one upper armrest 16. With reference to Fig. 2. The at least one upper armrest 16 is selectively movable between a retracted position, as shown schematically, and an extended position. The at least one upper armrest 16 is designed to provide support for the upper arm 18 of an occupant 20 when the backrest 14 of the vehicle seat 10 is in the reclined position and the at least one upper armrest 16 is in the extended position. The at least one upper armrest 16 is attached to the backrest 14 and is designed to extend outwards from the retracted position laterally from the backrest 14, as indicated by arrow 22, into the extended position to provide vertical support for the upper arm 18 of the occupant 20 when the backrest 14 of the vehicle seat 10 is in the reclined position, as indicated by arrow 24.

[0027] In exemplary embodiments, the at least one upper armrest 16 comprises a single upper armrest 16 attached to one side of the backrest 14 of the vehicle seat 10. In other embodiments, the at least one upper armrest 16 comprises a first upper armrest 16A arranged on the backrest 14 on a first side 26 of the vehicle seat 10, and a second upper armrest 16B arranged on the backrest 14 on a second side 28 of the vehicle seat 10. Both possibilities are presented in various embodiments described herein.

[0028] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 comprises at least one upper arm support 16, in an exemplary embodiment a plate 30 which is designed to extend from the retracted position, as shown in Fig. 3 shown, in the extended position, as in Fig. 2 shown, to be pulled laterally outwards. As shown, the vehicle seat 10 comprises a first upper armrest 16A, which is arranged on the backrest 14 on a first side 26 of the vehicle seat 10, and a second upper armrest 16B, which is arranged on the backrest 14 on a second side 28 of the vehicle seat 10.

[0029] The plate 30 is flexible and designed to wind itself up into the backrest 14 when in the retracted position, yet rigid enough to provide a vertical support for the upper arm 18 of the occupant 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the plate 30 is made of spring steel having a curved profile similar to that of a measuring tape. When extended in a straight line into the extended position, the plate 30 has a curved profile that provides the extended plate 30 with the necessary rigidity to support the upper arm 18 of the occupant 20. In the retracted position, the curved profile of the plate 30 flattens, and the plate 30 is wound onto a spool 32, as shown in Fig. 5 shown.

[0030] The plate 30 includes a rigid element 34 attached to its remote end 36. The rigid element 34 is designed to allow an occupant 20 to pull the plate 30 from the retracted position to the extended position. As shown, the rigid element 34 includes a finger loop 38 or a similar design feature, such as a knob or a shell-shaped cup, to allow an occupant 20 to grasp and pull the plate 30. When the plate 30 is pulled into the extended position, as indicated by arrow 40, the plate 30 unwinds from the spool 32, as indicated by arrow 42. When the plate 30 is retracted into the retracted position, as indicated by arrow 44, the plate 30 is wound onto the spool 32, as indicated by arrow 46.In an exemplary embodiment, the spool 32 comprises a spring-loaded spool / ratchet mechanism, similar to that of a seatbelt, wherein the ratchet mechanism within the spool 32 holds the plate 30 in the extended position when the plate 30 is pulled outwards into the extended position and the occupant 20 releases the rigid element 34. If the occupant 20 wishes to retract the plate 30 into the retracted position, a slight pull on the rigid element 34 releases the ratchet mechanism in the spool 32, whereby the spring-loaded spool 32 automatically winds the plate 30 onto it.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 In a further exemplary embodiment, the at least one upper arm support 116 comprises a deformable support element 48, which is arranged in the backrest 14 and is designed to bend laterally outwards into the extended position when deformed. The backrest includes a stretchable cover 50 such that the cover 50 of the backrest 14 stretches laterally outwards when the support element 48 bends laterally outwards into the extended position, as indicated by arrow 52. In the fully extended state, the stretched cover 40 is pulled taut, thereby providing a taut surface for resting the upper arm and resisting further movement of the support element 48, thus rendering the extended at least one upper arm support 116 rigid. With reference to Fig. 6, the support element 48 is relaxed in the retracted position within the backrest 14. With reference to Fig. Figure 8 comprises the deformable support element 48, which includes a bracket 54 with a first end 56 and a second end 58. When the first end 56 and the second end 58 are forced towards each other, as indicated by arrows 60, the bracket 54 bends laterally outwards into the extended position. The bracket 54 has dimensions 62 designed to provide a vertical support for the upper arm of the occupant 20, as indicated by arrow 64, when the bracket 54 is bent outwards into the extended position and the backrest 14 of the vehicle seat 10 is in the folded-back position. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, in an exemplary embodiment, the bracket has a generally band-shaped cross-section with a width 62, which provides a vertical support for the upper arm of the occupant 20, as indicated by arrow 64. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that other cross-sectional shapes of the bracket can also be used to provide a vertical support for the upper arm of the occupant 20.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the first end 56 of the deformable support element 48 is fixed in the backrest 14, and the vehicle seat 10 further comprises a mechanical device 66 fixed in the backrest 14. The mechanical device 66 is designed to engage with the second end 58 of the deformable support element 48 and to force the second end 58 of the deformable support element 48 in the direction of the first end 56 of the deformable support element 48, as indicated by the arrow 68 in Fig. Figure 7 shows that in a further embodiment, the second end 58 of the deformable support element 48 is fixed, and the first end 56 is forced towards the second end 58. In yet another embodiment, the first and second ends 56, 58 are each movable and can be forced towards each other simultaneously. It is understood that in each embodiment, the distance between the first and second ends 56, 58 is reduced so that the arc 54 bends outwards.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. In a further embodiment, the at least one upper arm support 216 is also designed to provide lateral support for the upper arm 18 of the occupant 20 when the backrest 14 of the vehicle seat 10 is in a reclined position, and to restrict the lateral movement of the upper arm 18 of the occupant 20 away from the occupant 20. As in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in general in Figure 10, the at least one upper arm support 216 comprises features which provide a vertical support for the upper arm 18 of the occupant 20 when the backrest 14 is in the folded-back position, as indicated by arrow 70, and simultaneously provide a lateral support, as indicated by arrow 72, to prevent the upper arm 18 of the occupant 20 from moving laterally away from the occupant 20.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 11 comprises at least one upper arm support 316 in an exemplary embodiment a stretchable band 74 which is designed to wind itself onto a spool 76 in the backrest 14 when in the retracted position, as shown in Fig. 4 shown. In one example, coil 76 comprises a coil 76 as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows a spring-loaded coil / ratchet mechanism, similar to that of a seat belt, wherein when the stretchable band 74 is pulled outwards into the extended position, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the ratchet mechanism inside the spool 76 holds the extendable band 74 in the extended position. If the occupant 20 wants to retract the extendable band 74 into the retracted position, a slight pull releases the ratchet mechanism in the spool 76, whereby the spring-loaded spool 76 automatically winds the extendable band 74 onto it.

[0035] The elastic band 74 comprises a rigid element 78 at a remote end 80, which includes a finger loop 82 or a similar design feature. The seat cushion 12 includes at least one attachment point 84, wherein the rigid element 78 is designed to be attached to the at least one attachment point 84 when the at least one upper arm support 316 is pulled into the extended position. The at least one attachment point 84 is attached to an internal seat structure and extends outward from it through the seat cushion 12. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the seat cushion 12 comprises three attachment points 84, with the rigid element 78 of the elastic band 74 being attached to a central one of the three attachment points 84. Multiple attachment points 84 allow the elastic band 74 to be attached to different positions on the seat cushion 12 to accommodate occupants 20 of different sizes, weights, and preferences. In its extended position, the elastic band 74 provides lateral support to prevent the upper arm 18 of the occupant 20 from falling away when the backrest 14 is in the reclined position.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the spool 76 is designed to allow the elastic band 74 to be selectively pulled from the backrest 14 into the extended position, preventing further extension of the elastic band 74 during an impact event. Similar to a seat belt, the spring-loaded spool / ratchet mechanism of the spool 76 allows an occupant 20 to pull the elastic band 74 from the spool 76, but in the event of an impact, a sudden, strong pull on the elastic band 74 causes the spool 76 to lock and prevents further unwinding of the elastic band 74. Thus, the elastic band 74 provides additional support in the event of an impact.

[0037] With reference to Fig. In a further exemplary embodiment, the at least one upper armrest 316 extends from the backrest 14 on a first side 26 of the vehicle seat 10, and the attachment point 84 on the seat cushion 12 is arranged on a second side 28 of the vehicle seat 10, with the stretchable band 74 extending over a seated occupant 20 in the extended position. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the vehicle seat 10 comprises a first stretchable band 74A extending from the backrest 14 on the first side 26 of the vehicle seat 10 and attached to a mounting point 84 located on the seat cushion 12 on the second side 28 of the vehicle seat 10 opposite the first side 26. The vehicle seat 10 further comprises a second stretchable band 74B extending from the backrest 14 on the second side 28 of the vehicle seat 10 and attached to a mounting point 84 located on the seat cushion 12 on the first side 26 of the vehicle seat 10. The first and second stretchable bands 74A, 74B extend over the occupant 20 to cover the occupant 20. The first and second elastic bands 74A, 74B are made of an elastic material that provides support while allowing the occupant 20 to move when covered by them.

[0038] With reference to Fig. In a further exemplary embodiment, at least one upper armrest 316 extends from the backrest 14 on the first side 26 of the vehicle seat 10, and an attachment point 86 extends from an upper surface 88 of the seat cushion 12 in the region of a center point of the seat cushion 12. The attachment point is fixed to a structural frame of the seat 10 and extends upwards through the upper surface of the seat cushion 12. In the extended position, the stretchable band 74 extends partially over an occupant seated therein. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the vehicle seat 10 comprises a first stretchable band 74A extending from the backrest 14 on the first side 26 of the vehicle seat 10 and attached to the attachment point 86, which is located on the upper surface 88 of the seat cushion 12 in the region of a center point of the seat cushion 12. The vehicle seat 10 further comprises a second stretchable band 74B extending from the backrest 14 on the second side 28 of the vehicle seat 10 and attached to the same attachment point 86 on the upper surface 88 of the seat cushion 12, i.e., between the legs of the occupant 20. The first and second stretchable bands 74A, 74B extend from the first and second sides 26, 28 of the vehicle seat 10 and partially over the occupant 20 in order to partially cover the occupant 20.The first and second elastic bands 74A, 74B are made of an elastic material that provides support while allowing the occupant 20 to move when covered by them.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the elastic bands 74, 74A, 74B are more elastic in one direction than in another. For example, the elastic bands 74, 74A, 74B are less elastic in one longitudinal direction, so that they sufficiently restrain and support the upper arm 18 of an occupant 20; however, the elastic bands 74, 74A, 74B are more elastic in a direction perpendicular to their length, so that they can partially conform to and cover the upper arm 18 of the occupant 20.

[0040] With reference to Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 and Fig. In a further exemplary embodiment, the at least one upper armrest 416 comprises a first bellows 90 and a plurality of architectural tiles 92 arranged side by side in the first vacuum bellows 90. As shown, the vehicle seat 10 comprises a first upper armrest 416A extending from the backrest 14 on the first side 26 of the vehicle seat 10, and a second upper armrest 416B extending from the backrest 14 on the second side 28 of the vehicle seat 10. With reference to Fig. 16 The at least one upper armrest 416A, 416B are pre-tensioned into the retracted position, in which they lie flat against the backrest 14 when atmospheric pressure prevails in the first bellows 90, as in Fig. 14 shown. With reference to Fig. 17. When negative pressure is applied within the first bellows 90, the first bellows 90 compresses the architectural tiles 92, as shown by arrows 94, and the architectural tiles 92 are forced into engagement with each other, as shown by arrows 96, and the at least one upper arm support 416 is forced laterally outwards into the extended position, as shown in Fig. 15 shown. Each of the multitude of architectural tiles 92 comprises angled side walls 98 in such a way that, when the multitude of architectural tiles 92 are forced into engagement with one another, as indicated by the arrows 96, at least one upper arm support 416 assumes a curved shape, as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 shown.

[0041] With reference to Fig. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one upper arm support 416 further comprises a second bellows 100. If overpressure is exerted within the second bellows 100, as indicated by arrows 102, the second bellows 100 pre-tensions the at least one upper arm support 416 into the retracted position. With reference to Fig. 17. When negative pressure is applied to the first bellows 90 and the pressure is released from the second bellows 100, the first bellows 90 compresses the architectural tiles 92, as shown by arrows 94, and the architectural tiles 92 are forced into engagement with each other, as shown by arrows 96, and the at least one upper arm support 416 is forced laterally outwards into the extended position, as shown in Fig. 15 shown. By carefully regulating the opposing forces of negative pressure in the first bellows 90 and positive pressure in the second bellows 100, the profile and stiffness of the at least one upper arm support 416 can be tailored to the needs of the occupant.

[0042] With reference to Fig. 18, Fig. 19, Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 comprises at least one upper armrest 516, and in a further exemplary embodiment, a first rigid end 104 attached to the backrest 14, a second rigid end 106, and an expandable bellows 108 extending between the first and the second rigid ends 104, 106. With reference to Fig. 18 and Fig. 21 When at least one upper arm support 516 is in the retracted position, no pressure is exerted on the expandable bellows 108, and the bellows 108 is compressed between the first and second rigid ends 104, 106. With reference to Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 When at least one upper arm support 516 is in the extended position, an overpressure is exerted in the expandable bellows 108, which expands the expandable bellows 108 and pushes the second rigid end 106 laterally outwards.

[0043] With reference to Fig. In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable bellows 108 comprises an expandable first side wall 110 and an expandable second side wall 112, which is opposite the first side wall 110. The second side wall 112 has a maximum length that is longer than the first side wall 110. In a modification, the second side wall 112 is able to expand more than the first side wall 110 and is thus able to extend outwards over a greater maximum length than the first side wall 110.When the extendable bellows 108 is fully extended, the maximum length of the second side wall 112 is longer than the maximum length of the first side wall 110, and the at least one upper arm support 516 is forced to curve forward, thus providing lateral support for the upper arm 18 of the occupant 20 when the backrest 14 of the vehicle seat 10 is in a reclined position, and restricting the lateral movement of the upper arm 18 of the occupant 20 away from the occupant 20. In an alternative modification, the first and second side walls 110, 112 are not extendable and each has a fixed maximum length, with the maximum length of the second side wall 112 being longer than the maximum length of the first side wall 110, causing the final shape of the at least one upper arm support 516 to curve forward.

[0044] In another exemplary embodiment, the expandable bellows 108 comprises a first elastic retaining band 114 extending between the first and second rigid ends 104, 106 adjacent to the first side wall 110, and a second elastic retaining band 116 extending between the first and second rigid ends 104, 106 adjacent to the second side wall 112. The second elastic retaining band 116 is designed to allow a greater expansion of the expandable bellows 108 than the first elastic retaining band 114. If the pressure in the expandable bellows 108 is increased, the expandable bellows 108 expands laterally, essentially straight outwards. The first elastic retaining band 114 reaches a point where it can no longer expand, but the second elastic retaining band 116 can.From this point onwards, an additional increased pressure within the expandable bellows 108 causes the at least one upper arm support 516 to bulge forward, as in . Fig. 20 shown, wherein the at least one upper arm support 516 allows the upper arm 18 of the occupant 20 to rest laterally when the backrest 14 of the vehicle seat 10 is in a folded-back position, and the movement of the upper arm 18 of the occupant 20 laterally away from the occupant 20 is limited.

[0045] With reference to Fig. 21 The first and second elastic retaining bands 114, 116 are designed to pull the second rigid end 106 towards the first rigid end 104 and to compress the expandable bellows 108 when no pressure is exerted within the expandable bellows 108, thereby bringing the at least one upper arm support 516 into the retracted position. As in Fig.As shown in Figure 18, the at least one upper armrest 516, comprising the first and second rigid ends 104, 106, and the expandable bellows 108 are attached to the outside of the backrest 14. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one upper armrest 516, comprising the first and second rigid ends 104, 106, and the expandable bellows 108 are arranged in a pocket such that the at least one upper armrest 516, comprising the first and second rigid ends 104, 106, and the bellows 108 are recessed in the backrest 14, and when the at least one upper armrest 516 is in the retracted position, the second rigid end 106 is flush with an outer surface of the backrest 14 to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0046] A vehicle seat 10 according to the present invention offers several advantages. These include vertical and lateral support for the upper arm 18 of an occupant 20 when the vehicle seat 10 is in the folded-back position, as well as some additional support in the event of an impact.

Claims

[1] Vehicle seat (10), comprising: a seat cushion (12), a backrest (14) which is pivotable between an upright position and a folded-back position, and at least one upper arm support (16, 116, 316) that is selectively movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the at least one upper arm support (16, 116, 316) is designed to provide a support for an upper arm (18) of an occupant (20) when the backrest (14) of the vehicle seat (10) is in the folded-back position and the at least one upper arm support (16, 116, 316) is in the second position; characterized by , that the first position is a retracted position and the second position is an extended position; wherein the at least one upper arm support (16, 116, 316) is attached to the backrest (14) and is designed to extend laterally from the backrest (14) outwards into the extended position to provide a vertical support for the upper arm (18) of the occupant (20) when the backrest (14) of the vehicle seat (10) is in the folded-back position; where: (i) wherein the at least one upper armrest (16) comprises a plate (30) designed to be pulled laterally outwards from the retracted position to the extended position, and wherein the plate (30) is flexible and designed to roll up into the backrest (14) when in the retracted position, and comprises a rigid element (34) attached to a remote end (36) thereof, the rigid element (34) being designed to enable an occupant (20) to pull the plate from the retracted position to the extended position; or (ii) the at least one upper armrest (116) comprising a deformable support element (48) arranged in the backrest (14) and designed to bend laterally outwards into the extended position when deformed, the backrest (14) comprising a stretchable cover (50) such that the cover (50) of the backrest (14) stretches laterally outwards when the support element (48) bends laterally outwards into the extended position; or (iii) the at least one upper arm support (316) is further designed to provide lateral support for the upper arm (18) of the occupant (20) when the backrest (14) of the vehicle seat (10) is in a folded-back position, and to restrict the lateral movement of the upper arm (18) of the occupant (20) away from the occupant (20), and wherein the at least one upper arm support (316) comprises an extendable band (74) designed to wind itself onto a spool (76) within the backrest (14) in the retracted position, and comprises a rigid element (34) arranged at a remote end, wherein the seat cushion (12) comprises at least one attachment point (86), and wherein the rigid element (34) is designed to be attached to the at least one attachment point (86) when the at least one upper arm support (316) is pulled into the extended position. [2] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one upper armrest (16) comprises a first upper armrest (16A) arranged on the backrest (14) on a first side of the vehicle seat (10), and a second upper armrest (16B) arranged on the backrest (14) on a second side of the vehicle seat (10). [3] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 1, wherein the deformable support element (48) comprises a bracket (54) with a first end (56) and a second end (58), wherein the bracket (54) bends laterally outwards into the extended position when the first end (56) and the second end (58) are forced towards each other, wherein the bracket (54) has dimensions designed to provide a vertical support for the upper arm (18) of the occupant (20) when the bracket (54) is bent outwards into the extended position and the backrest (14) of the vehicle seat (10) is in the folded-back position. [4] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 3, wherein the first end (56) of the deformable support element (48) is fixed in the backrest (14), wherein the vehicle seat (10) further comprises a mechanical device (66) which is fixed in the backrest (14) and is designed to force the second end (58) of the deformable support element (48) towards the first end (56) of the deformable support element (48).

Images