Systems for vehicles and procedures for them

Abstract

The systems and operating procedures thereof are provided for vehicles. The systems comprise a first section configured to be secured in a fixed position relative to a vehicle body, the first section including a first seat cushion configured to support a seated occupant, and a second section pivotally coupled to the first section. The system is configured to transition between a primary and a secondary configuration by pivoting the second section relative to the first section. The second section includes a second seat cushion configured to support the occupant while the system is in the primary configuration.The second section includes a footrest configured to support the occupant's feet while the system is in the secondary configuration and while the occupant is seated on the primary seat cushion.

Description

Introduction

[0001] The technical field generally concerns vehicle seats and specifically a system for a vehicle seat that can switch between different configurations to accommodate passengers of different heights.

[0002] Vehicle seats are typically configured to accommodate an average-sized adult occupant. As such, certain vehicle accessories, such as child car seats and booster seats, are commonly used to accommodate children. These accessories can be cumbersome to install, may require separate storage when not in use, and / or may complicate the overall seating arrangement within the vehicle.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a continuing demand for systems and methods that enhance passenger comfort while seated in vehicles. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below and the attached claims, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the preceding introduction. Summary

[0004] A system is provided for accommodating occupants of varying sizes within a vehicle. In one example, the system comprises a first section configured to be secured in a fixed position relative to the vehicle body. This first section includes a first seat cushion configured to support a seated occupant. A second section is pivotally coupled to the first section. The system is configured to switch between a primary and a secondary configuration by pivoting the second section relative to the first. The second section includes a second seat cushion configured to support the occupant while the system is in the primary configuration.The second section includes a footrest configured to support the occupant's feet while the system is in the secondary configuration and while the occupant is seated on the primary seat cushion.

[0005] In various examples, the first seat cushion of the system can include a central area and side areas on opposite sides of the central area. The central area extends further toward the front of the vehicle than the side areas. The second seat cushion includes a recess configured to accommodate the central area when the system is in its primary configuration.

[0006] In various examples, the system may include a second footrest configured to be exposed while the system is in the secondary configuration. The second footrest may also be positioned above the first footrest while the system is in the secondary configuration.

[0007] In various examples, the system can be configured to transition to an intermediate configuration between the primary and secondary configurations by pivoting the second section relative to the first. The second section can be in a first position in the primary configuration, a second position in the secondary configuration, and a third position in the intermediate configuration, with the third position being pivotable between the first and second positions about a rotational axis. In various examples, the system can include an adjustment device configured to transition the system between the primary, intermediate, and secondary configurations.The adjusting device can be configured to detachably lock the second section relative to the first section while the system is arranged in the primary configuration, intermediate configuration and / or secondary configuration.

[0008] In various examples, the first section of the system can comprise a first rigid frame, and the second section can comprise a second rigid frame. The first rigid frame and the second rigid frame can be pivotally coupled at a pivot joint between the first and second sections. In various examples, at least one section of the pivot joint can be defined by a flexible hinge.

[0009] In various examples, the system may include a rigid material that is arranged on the footrest.

[0010] In various examples, the first and second sections of the system can be components of a bench-like vehicle seat. In other examples, the first and second sections can be configured to define a middle seat between two adjacent seat cushions, while the system is arranged in its primary configuration.

[0011] A method for operating a system within a vehicle is provided. In one example, the method includes transitioning the system from a primary configuration to a secondary configuration and from the secondary configuration to the primary configuration. The system comprises a first section secured in a fixed position relative to the vehicle body and a second section pivotally coupled to the first section. A first seat cushion of the first section and a second seat cushion of the second section, in combination, are configured to support a seated occupant while in the primary configuration.Transitioning the system from the primary to the secondary configuration involves pivoting the second section relative to the first section to reveal a footrest configured to support the occupant's feet while the occupant is seated on the first seat cushion. Transitioning the system from the secondary to the primary configuration involves pivoting the second section relative to the first section to conceal the footrest.

[0012] In various examples, the system's transition from the secondary to the primary configuration can involve arranging a central area of ​​the first seat cushion within a recess of the second seat cushion. The central area can extend further towards the front of the vehicle than side areas on opposite sides of the first seat cushion.

[0013] In various examples, the transition of the system from the primary configuration to the secondary configuration may involve exposing a second footrest positioned above the primary footrest while the system is in the secondary configuration.

[0014] In various examples, the method may involve transitioning the system into an intermediate configuration by pivoting the second section relative to the first section. The second section may be in a first position in the primary configuration, a second position in the secondary configuration, and a third position in the intermediate configuration. The third position may be pivotable between the first and second positions about a rotational axis. In various examples, the method may involve using an adjustment device to transition the system between the primary, intermediate, and secondary configurations. The method may involve releasably locking the second section in the first, second, and / or third position while the system is in the primary, intermediate, or secondary configuration, respectively.is arranged in the secondary configuration.

[0015] In various examples, the first section and the second section of the procedure are components of a bench-like seat in the vehicle.

[0016] A vehicle is provided which, in one example, includes at least one seat secured within the vehicle. The system comprises a first section configured to be secured in a fixed position relative to the vehicle body, a second section pivotally coupled to the first section, and an adjustment device. The first section includes a first seat cushion configured to support an occupant seated upon it. The system is configured to transition between a primary configuration, a secondary configuration, and at least one intermediate configuration by pivoting the second section relative to the first section. The second section includes a second seat cushion configured to support the occupant while the system is in the primary configuration.The second section comprises a footrest configured to support the occupant's feet while the system is in the secondary configuration and the occupant is seated on the primary seat cushion. The adjustment device is configured to switch the system between the primary configuration, the secondary configuration, and at least one intermediate configuration. The adjustment device is configured to releasably lock the second section in a first position while the system is in the primary configuration, in a second position while the system is in the secondary configuration, and in a third position while the system is in at least one intermediate configuration, the third position being pivotable between the first and second positions about a pivot axis.

[0017] In various examples, the first section of the vehicle can comprise a first rigid frame, and the second section of the vehicle can comprise a second rigid frame. The first and second rigid frames can be pivotally connected at a pivot joint between the first and second sections. The pivot joint can include a flexible hinge. The second section can comprise a rigid material arranged on the footrest.

[0018] In various examples, the first and second sections of the vehicle can be components of a bench-like seating arrangement. In other examples, the first and second sections can be configured to define a middle seat between two adjacent seat cushions, while the system is arranged in its primary configuration. Brief description of the drawings

[0019] The exemplary embodiments are described below in conjunction with the following drawing figures, where the same reference numerals denote the same elements and where: Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle that includes a seat cushion system according to an example; Fig. 2 an isolated, perspective view of a bench-like seat with the seat cushion system of Fig. 1 according to an example, wherein the seat cushion system is arranged in a primary configuration; Fig. 3 An isolated, perspective view of the bench-like seat with the seat cushion system of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 according to an example, where the seat cushion system is arranged in a secondary configuration; Fig. 4 an enlarged, perspective view of the seat cushion system of Fig. 1- Fig. 3 is, while it is arranged in a secondary configuration according to an example; Fig. 5 an enlarged, perspective view of the seat cushion system of Fig. 1- Fig. 4 is, while it is arranged in an intermediate configuration according to an example; Fig. 6 an enlarged, perspective view of the seat cushion system of Fig. 1- Fig. 5 is, while it is arranged in an intermediate configuration according to an example, showing a cushion frame of the seat cushion system; Fig. 7 an enlarged, perspective view of the seat cushion system of Fig. 1- Fig. 6 is, while it is arranged in an intermediate configuration according to an example, with certain sections of the seat cushion system omitted to form the cushion frame of Fig. 6 to show; Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 separated, perspective views of an adjustment device of the seat cushion system of Fig. 1- Fig. 7, as per an example; Fig. 10 a partial cross-sectional view of the adjusting device of Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 according to an example; Fig. 11 an isolated, perspective view of the bank-like seat of Fig. 1- Fig. 7 is arranged in the primary configuration, with a first occupant sitting on it according to an example; Fig. 12 an isolated, perspective view of the bank-like seat of Fig. 1- Fig. 7 is arranged in the secondary configuration, with a second occupant sitting on it according to an example; Fig. 13 an isolated, perspective view of the bank-like seat of Fig. 1- Fig. 7 is arranged in the secondary configuration, with a third occupant sitting on it according to an example; and Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for operating a vehicle seat cushion system according to an example. Detailed description

[0020] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to restrict registration and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied theory set forth in the preceding introduction or the following detailed description.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle 10 that includes a seat cushion system 30 configured to accommodate passengers of different heights, as shown in an example. In certain examples, the vehicle 10 includes an automobile. In other examples, the vehicle 10 can be any one of a number of different types of automobiles, such as a sedan, station wagon, truck, or SUV, and in certain examples, it can be two-wheel drive (2WD) (that is, rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD), or all-wheel drive (AWD), and / or various other types of vehicles or mobile platforms.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the exemplary vehicle 10 generally comprises a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. The body 14 is mounted on the chassis 12 and essentially encloses components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 may together form a frame. The wheels 16 and 18 are each rotatably coupled to the chassis 12 near their respective corners of the body 14. The vehicle 10 may include a drive system 20 and a transmission system 22. The drive system 20 comprises an engine and / or electric motor, such as an internal combustion engine (for example, a gasoline or diesel-powered internal combustion engine), an electric motor (for example, a three-phase AC motor), or a hybrid system comprising more than one type of engine and / or electric motor.The transmission system 22 is configured to transmit power from the drive system 20 to the wheels 16 and 18 according to selectable speed ratios. According to various examples, the transmission system 22 can comprise a gear-ratio automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission, or another suitable transmission.

[0023] The vehicle 10 can include front seats 24, 26 and one or more rear seats 28, each configured to support an occupant of the vehicle 10 seated therein. In this example, the vehicle 10 includes two rows of seats; however, the vehicle 10 can include one or more additional rows of seats, such as a third row. Each of the seats 24, 26, 28 can include a frame (not shown) secured to a floor of the vehicle 10, a seat base or seat cushion coupled to the frame, a backrest secured at a lower end to the seat cushion and / or the frame, and a headrest secured at an upper end of the backrest.The seat cushion can be configured to support the back and / or thighs of the occupant seated on it, the backrest can be configured to support the occupant's back while seated on the cushion, and the headrest can be configured to support the occupant's head. Seats 24, 26, and 28 can include various components that provide adjustments, such as systems for adjusting the height of seats 24, 26, and 28 relative to the vehicle floor, the backrest tilt angle, lumbar support, and the headrest height relative to the top of the backrest. In this example, seat cushion system 30 is included in rear seat 28. Alternatively or additionally, any of the seats 24, 26, and 28, or additional seats (not shown), can include seat cushion system 30.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 2- Fig. 5 and with continued reference to Fig. In Figure 1, the rear seat 28 is configured as a bench-like seat, specifically a 60 / 40 split bench seat, configured to seat up to three passengers. Specifically, the rear seat 28 comprises a first seat cushion 42, a second seat cushion 44, and the seat cushion system 30 between them. A first backrest 46 is pivotally coupled relative to the first seat cushion 42, and a second backrest 48 is pivotally coupled relative to the second seat cushion 44 and the seat cushion system 30. Thus, the seat cushion system 30 defines a seat base or seat cushion for a middle seat of the rear seat 28. In particular, configurations other than those shown in the drawings are possible. For example, the rear seat 28 can be a 40 / 20 / 40 split bench seat or a pair of separate captain's seats.

[0025] The seat cushion system 30 comprises a rear section 32 and a front section 34, wherein the rear section 32 is positioned further towards the rear of the vehicle 10 and the front section 34 is positioned further towards the front of the vehicle 10. In this example, the rear section 32 can be secured in a fixed position relative to the frame of the vehicle 10 and / or relative to the first seat cushion 42 and the second seat cushion 44. The front section 34 is pivotable relative to the rear section 32. In this example, the front section 34 is pivotally coupled to the rear section 32 by a pivot joint; however, the front section 34 can alternatively be separated from the rear section 32 and pivotally coupled, for example, to a frame of the rear seat 28.With this arrangement, the front section 34 can be pivoted relative to the rear section 32 about a pivot axis 70 in order to selectively switch the seat cushion system 30 between a primary configuration (for example, as in . Fig. 2 shown) and a secondary configuration (for example, as in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) to convert. A first pivot direction for the transition from the primary configuration to the secondary configuration is shown in Fig. 3 represented by a first arrow 72, and a second pivot direction for the transition from the secondary configuration to the primary configuration is shown in Fig. 5 represented by second arrows 82.

[0026] The rear section 32 comprises a rear seat cushion 36, and the front section 34 comprises a front seat cushion 38 and a leg cushion 40. While the seat cushion system 30 is in its primary configuration, the rear seat cushion 36 and the front seat cushion 38 can define upper outer surfaces of the seat cushion system 30, and the leg cushion 40 can define front outer surfaces of the seat cushion system 30. In some examples, while the seat cushion system 30 is in its primary configuration, adjacent outer surfaces of the rear seat cushion 36 and the front seat cushion 38 can be aligned and / or flush or otherwise contoured to define a single, combined seat cushion. In some examples, the combined seat cushion can have substantially the same depth (direction from front to rear of the vehicle 10) as the first seat cushion 42 and the second seat cushion 44.While the seat cushion system 30 is in its primary configuration, the leg cushion 40 may be substantially aligned with and / or flush with the front outer surfaces of the first seat cushion 42 and the second seat cushion 44. In some examples, while the seat cushion system 30 is in its primary configuration, the rear seat cushion 36, the front section 34, and the leg cushion 40 may be contoured to provide an appearance and / or functionality similar to a center seat of a comparable, existing 60 / 40 split bench seat that does not include the seat cushion system 30, which, for example, comprises a single integral body.

[0027] In this example, the rear section 32 and the front section 34 can comprise interior surfaces that are concealed while the seat cushion system 30 is in the seat configuration and exposed while the seat cushion system 30 is in the secondary configuration. The interior surfaces of the rear section 32 can include rear side walls 50, a rear footrest 52, and a rear connecting wall 54. The interior surfaces of the front section 34 can include a front connecting wall 56, the front footrest 58, front walls 60, front inner walls 62, and front side walls 66.While the seat cushion system 30 is in the seat configuration, the front connecting wall 56 can be in contact with or adjacent to the rear connecting wall 54, the front footrest 58 can be in contact with or adjacent to the rear footrest 52, the front walls 60 and the front inner walls 62 can be in contact with or adjacent to the rear side walls 50, and the front side walls 66 can be in contact with or adjacent to the side walls 68 of the first seat cushion 42 and the second seat cushion 44. In this example, the rear connecting wall 54 and the front connecting wall 56 are coupled at adjacent edges (for example, along the pivot axis 70) to define the pivot joint of the seat cushion system 30.In some examples, the rear side walls 50 may include a relatively hard surface or material configured to reduce friction with the second section and / or to provide support for the rear seat cushion 36, while the seat cushion system 30 is arranged in the secondary configuration.

[0028] While the seat cushion system 30 is in the secondary configuration, the front section 34 may be positioned below the height of the rear section 32 and / or the first and second seat cushions 42, 44. For example, the front connecting wall 56 may be suspended from the rear connecting wall 54, and the front footrest 58 may project from the front connecting wall 56 toward the front of the vehicle 10. In this position, the front footrest 58 may be configured to support the occupant's feet while the occupant is seated on the rear seat cushion 36. In some examples, while the seat cushion system 30 is in the secondary configuration, the rear connecting wall 54 and the front connecting wall 56 may be substantially aligned in a common geometric plane.

[0029] In some examples, the seat cushion system 30 can be configured to pivot between the seat configuration and the secondary configuration in one or more intermediate configurations. For example, Fig. Figure 5 provides an example, wherein the seat cushion system 30 is arranged in an intermediate configuration, the rear connecting wall 54 and the front connecting wall 56 defining an angle between them of between 90 and 179 degrees, such as between approximately 130 and 175 degrees, or between approximately 150 and 165 degrees. In some examples, the rear connecting wall 54 and / or the front connecting wall 56 may be configured to support the feet and / or legs of an occupant, while the seat cushion system 30 is arranged in one or more intermediate configurations.

[0030] The seat cushion system 30 can include a cushion frame configured to maintain a rigid structure of the front section 34 while the seat cushion system 30 is arranged in the secondary configuration and one or more intermediate configurations, and to support the front section 34 with or without a load applied to it (for example, the feet of an occupant) while the seat cushion system 30 is arranged in the secondary configuration and one or more intermediate configurations. In some examples, the cushion frame can be embedded within the seat cushion system 30 rather than defining an outer surface, so that the cushion frame does not impair the comfort and / or functionality of the other components of the seat cushion system 30, such as the front seat cushion 38.

[0031] Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 represents an exemplary upholstery frame comprising a first rigid frame 90 embedded in the rear section 32 and a second rigid frame 92 embedded in the front section 34. Fig. Sections of the seat cushion system 30 have been omitted to more clearly show the cushion frame. In this example, the first rigid frame 90 comprises a first rod or wire extending into the rear section 32 to an extent sufficient to anchor the front section 34 to the rear section 32. The second rigid frame 92 comprises a second rod or wire extending through the front section 34 in a manner that provides local stiffness and strength. The first rigid frame 90 and the second rigid frame 92 may be pivotally coupled at the ends of the pivot joint by a pair of adjusting devices 80 (discussed in more detail below). In this example, the cushion frame does not include any rigid rods or wires or other rigid bodies extending along or through the pivot joint (that is, axis of rotation 70).Instead, the swivel joint comprises only the adjustment devices 80 at its ends and a flexible hinge (for example, made of fabric or another flexible material) extending between them. In some examples, the use of the flexible hinge can improve the durability of the swivel joint and / or enhance user comfort.

[0032] The seat cushion system 30 can include at least one adjustment device configured to switch the seat cushion system 30 between the primary configuration, the intermediate configuration(s), and the secondary configuration. In some examples, the adjustment device can be configured to releasably lock the front section 34 in fixed positions while the seat cushion system 30 is in the primary configuration, the intermediate configuration(s), and the secondary configuration. Various mechanisms can be used for the adjustment device, including manual and motorized adjustment mechanisms. For example, Fig. 4- Fig. Figure 7 represents the seat cushion system 30 comprising the pair of adjustment devices 80, which are functionally coupled at opposite ends of the pivot joint along the axis of rotation 70. In this example, the adjustment devices 80 are manually operated mechanisms comprising a knob 110, a rear support element 112, and a front support element 114, as shown in Figure 7. Fig. 8- Fig. 10 shown.

[0033] The knob 110 can comprise a disc-shaped body 116, a textured surface 118 around a circumference of the body 116 configured as a finger grip, and a shaft extending from a center point of the body 116. The rear support element 112 can comprise a disc-shaped rear central element 124 and a rear elongated element 122 extending therefrom. In some examples, the rear elongated element 122 can have a longitudinal axis aligned with a geometric tangent to a circumference of the rear central element 124. The rear central element 124 can include a rear bore 128 through a center point thereon, and the rear elongated element 122 can include one or more mounting holes 126 through it. The rear central element 124 can include a plurality of projections 130 spaced apart along a circular path on one side of it.In this example, each of the projections 130 has a hemispherical shape; however, other shapes are possible. The front support element 114 can include a disk-shaped front central element 134 and a front elongated element 132 extending from it. In some examples, the front elongated element 132 can have a longitudinal axis aligned with a geometric tangent to a circumference of the front central element 134. The front central element 134 can include a front bore 138 through its center, and the front elongated element 132 can include one or more mounting holes 136 through it. The front central element 134 can include a plurality of recesses 142 spaced apart along a circular path on one side of it. In this example, each of the recesses 142 has a hemispherical shape; however, other shapes are possible.In some examples, the front central element 134 may include a chamfered (or beveled) area 140 on one side opposite the plurality of recesses 142.

[0034] With this arrangement, the knob 110, a rear support element 112 and a front support element 114 can be coupled by arranging the shaft 120, which extends from the knob 110 through the rear bore 128 and the front bore 138, wherein the side of the rear central element 124 with the plurality of projections 130 faces the side of the front central element 134 with the plurality of recesses 142.

[0035] At least one distal end of the shaft 120 can be configured to thread-couple with at least one section of the front bore 138 corresponding to the chamfered area 140. For example, Fig. Figure 10 shows a distal section of the shaft 120 with first threads 144 on it and the front bore 138 with corresponding second threads 146 on it. With such an arrangement, the knob 110 can be rotated relative to the front central element 134 to apply and / or release a clamping force on the rear central element 124. In this way, the clamping force can be released or reduced to allow rotation of the rear support element 112 relative to the front support element 114. Once the rear support element 112 has been positioned relative to the front support element 114 as desired, the clamping force can be applied to maintain the relative position. While the clamping force is applied, each of the plurality of projections 130 can be arranged within a corresponding plurality of recesses 142 to provide additional rotational resistance.

[0036] The rear support element 112 can be secured to the rear section 32, and the front support element 114 can be secured to the front section 34. For example, the rear support element 112 can be coupled to the first rigid frame 90 by fasteners arranged through one or more mounting holes 126 of the rear elongated element 122 and corresponding mounting holes of the first rigid frame 90. Likewise, the front support element 114 can be coupled to the second rigid frame 92 by fasteners arranged through one or more mounting holes 136 of the front elongated element 132 and corresponding mounting holes of the second rigid frame 92.

[0037] An interface between the rear section 32 and the front section 34, while the seat cushion system 30 is arranged in its primary configuration, can have various forms. In this example, the interface is defined by the rear side walls 50, the front walls 60, and the front inner walls 62. Specifically, the rear seat cushion 36 includes a central area that extends further toward the front of the vehicle 10 than side areas on opposite sides thereof, and the front seat cushion 38 includes a recess configured (defined by the front inner walls 62) to accommodate the central area, while the seat cushion system 30 is arranged in its primary configuration. This structure can enhance user comfort. In some examples, this structure can promote other functions of the seat cushion system 30.For example, the rear footrest 52 may be configured to support the occupant's feet while the occupant is seated on the rear seat cushion 36 and the seat cushion system 30 is in its secondary configuration. In particular, the rear footrest 52 is exposed and positioned above the front footrest 58 while the seat cushion system 30 is in its secondary configuration. In some examples, it may be more comfortable for the occupant to place their feet on the rear footrest 52 rather than the front footrest 58, especially if the occupant is relatively short and their legs cannot reach the front footrest 58. In such examples, providing additional space on the sides of the central area of ​​the rear seat cushion 36 may provide additional room for the occupant's feet.

[0038] Fig. Figures 11-13 illustrate non-restrictive examples of a first, second, and third occupant 100, 102, 104, using the seat cushion system 30. For the sake of clarity in the following description, the first occupant 100 has a first height, the second occupant 102 has a second height, and the third occupant 104 has a third height, the first height being greater than the second height and the second height being greater than the third height. Fig. In the primary configuration, the seat cushion system 30 is arranged in 11, and the first occupant 100 sits on the rear and front seat cushions 36, 38. In this example, the first occupant 100 is sufficiently tall so that his feet can rest comfortably on the floor of the vehicle 10. Fig. In this example, the seat cushion system 30 is arranged in the secondary configuration, and the second occupant 102 sits on the rear seat cushion 36 with his feet resting on the front footrest 58. In this example, the second occupant 102 is not tall enough to comfortably rest his feet on the floor of the vehicle 10, but is tall enough that his feet can comfortably rest on the front footrest 58. Fig. In the second configuration, the seat cushion system 30 is arranged in the secondary configuration, and the third occupant 104 sits on the rear seat cushion 36 with his feet resting on the rear footrest 52. In this example, the third occupant 104 is not tall enough to comfortably rest his feet on the floor of the vehicle 10 and is either not tall enough to comfortably rest his feet on the front footrest 58 or simply prefers to rest his feet on the rear footrest 52.

[0039] With reference to Fig. 14 and with continued reference to Fig. 1- Fig. Figure 13 presents a flowchart illustrating a method 200 for operating the seat cushion system 30 according to various examples. As can be seen from the disclosure, the order of operation within the method 200 cannot be limited to sequential execution, as shown in Fig. 14 illustrates, but can be carried out in one or more varying sequences as required and in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0040] In one example, the procedure 200 can begin at 210. At 212, the procedure 200 can include a transition of the seat cushion system 30 within the vehicle 10 from the primary configuration to the secondary configuration by pivoting the front section 34 relative to the rear section 32 to expose the front footrest 58 to support the occupant's feet while the occupant is seated on the rear seat cushion 36. At 214, the procedure 200 can optionally include a transition of the seat cushion system 30 from the primary configuration, the secondary configuration, or any other intermediate configuration to the intermediate configuration that lies between the primary and secondary configurations.At 216, method 200 may involve transitioning the seat cushion system 30 from either the secondary or intermediate configuration to the primary configuration by pivoting the front section 34 relative to the rear section 32 to conceal the front footrest 58. Method 200 may terminate at 218.

[0041] The systems and methods disclosed here offer several advantages over certain existing systems and methods. For example, the seat cushion system 30 is configured to be arranged in various configurations to accommodate occupants of different heights. This functionality can reduce the need for certain vehicle accessories, such as child car seats and booster seats, which can be cumbersome to install, require separate storage, and / or complicate the overall seating arrangement within the vehicle 10. In contrast, the seat cushion system 30 can be an integrated, seamless, efficient, and user-friendly solution for optimizing seating comfort and safety for passengers of varying heights.

[0042] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it is understood that a large number of variations exist. It is also understood that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description provides those skilled in the field with a suitable plan for implementing the exemplary embodiment or embodiments. It is understood that various modifications to the function and arrangement of elements can be made without deviating from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

[1] System, encompassing: a first section configured to be secured in a fixed position relative to the body of a vehicle, the first section comprising a first seat cushion configured to support an occupant seated thereon; and a second section that is pivotally coupled relative to the first section, wherein the system is configured to switch between a primary configuration and a secondary configuration by pivoting the second section relative to the first section, wherein the second section includes a second seat cushion configured to support the occupant while the system is in the primary configuration, and wherein the second section includes a footrest configured to support the occupant's feet while the system is in the secondary configuration and while the occupant is seated on the first seat cushion. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the first seat cushion comprises a central area and side areas on opposite sides of the central area, the central area extending further towards a front of the vehicle than the side areas, wherein the second seat cushion comprises a recess configured to accommodate the central area while the system is arranged in the primary configuration. [3] System according to claim 1, further comprising a second footrest configured to be exposed while the system is arranged in the secondary configuration, wherein the second footrest is positioned above the footrest while the system is arranged in the secondary configuration. [4] System according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured to transition to an intermediate configuration between the primary configuration and the secondary configuration by pivoting the second section relative to the first section, wherein the second section is in a first position in the primary configuration, in a second position in the secondary configuration, and in a third position in the intermediate configuration, wherein the third position is pivotable between the first position and the second position about a pivot axis, wherein the system comprises an adjustment device configured to transition the system between the primary configuration, the intermediate configuration, and the secondary configuration, wherein the adjustment device is configured to detachably lock the second section relative to the first section while the system is in the primary configuration,is arranged in the intermediate configuration and / or the secondary configuration. [5] System according to claim 1, wherein the first section comprises a first rigid frame and the second section comprises a second rigid frame, wherein the first rigid frame and the second rigid frame are pivotably coupled at a pivot joint between the first section and the second section, wherein at least one section of the pivot joint is defined by a flexible hinge. [6] System according to claim 1, wherein the first section and the second section are components of a bench-like seat of the vehicle, wherein the first section and the second section are configured to define a middle seat between two adjacent seat cushions, while the system is arranged in the primary configuration. [7] Procedures, comprehensive: Transition of a system within a vehicle from a primary configuration to a secondary configuration, wherein the system comprises a first section secured in a fixed position relative to a body of the vehicle and a second section pivotably coupled relative to the first section, wherein a first seat cushion of the first section and a second seat cushion of the second section are configured in combination to support an occupant seated thereon while in the primary configuration, wherein the transition of the system from the primary configuration to the secondary configuration comprises pivoting the second section relative to the first section to expose a footrest configured to support the occupant's feet while the occupant is seated on the first seat cushion; and Transition of the system from the secondary configuration to the primary configuration by pivoting the second section relative to the first section to conceal the footrest. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the transition of the system from the secondary configuration to the primary configuration comprises arranging a central area of ​​the first seat cushion within a recess of the second seat cushion, wherein the central area extends further towards a front of the vehicle than side areas on opposite sides of the first seat cushion. [9] Method according to claim 7, wherein the transition of the system from the primary configuration to the secondary configuration comprises exposing a second foot support which is arranged in a position above the foot support while the system is arranged in the secondary configuration. [10] The method of claim 7, further comprising transitioning the system into an intermediate configuration by pivoting the second section relative to the first section, wherein the second section is in a first position in the primary configuration, in a second position in the secondary configuration and a third position in the intermediate configuration, wherein the third position is pivotable between the first position and the second position about an axis of rotation, wherein the method comprises using an adjustment device to transition the system between the primary configuration, the intermediate configuration and the secondary configuration, wherein the method comprises releasably locking the second section in the first position, the second position and / or the third position while the system is arranged in the primary configuration, the intermediate configuration or the secondary configuration.

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