EXTENDABLE BACKREST

Abstract

A system includes a backrest frame having a lower frame and an upper frame supported by the lower frame and movable relative thereto between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuator is operatively coupled to the upper frame to move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] Aspects of the disclosure generally relate to an extendable backrest system. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A vehicle may include a seat and a seatbelt assembly. The seat may include a backrest and a seat bottom capable of supporting an occupant of the seat. For example, the occupant of the seat may sit on a surface of the seat bottom and recline against the backrest. The seatbelt assembly may include a seatbelt retractor and webbing retractably unwindable from the seatbelt retractor. The seatbelt assembly may include an anchor coupled to the webbing and a latch plate that engages a belt buckle. The seatbelt assembly may be disposed adjacent a seat of the vehicle. The webbing may extend continuously from the seatbelt retractor through a webbing guide to the anchor. For example, one end of the webbing leads into the seatbelt retractor and the other end of the webbing is fixed to the anchor. SUMMARY

[0003] In one or more illustrative examples, a system includes a backrest frame having a lower frame and an upper frame supported by the lower frame and movable relative thereto between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the upper frame may include a leg member slidably engaged with the lower frame, and the upper frame and lower frame may telescope relative to each other. An actuator is operatively coupled to the upper frame to move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position. The actuator may be a rack and pinion mechanism coupled to the upper frame and operative to move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0004] In another example, the seating system further includes a webbing guide fixed to and movable with the upper frame.

[0005] In another example, the seating system further includes a retractor supported by the backrest frame, wherein the retractor may be supported by the lower frame.

[0006] In another example, the seating system further includes a webbing extending from the retractor through the webbing guide.

[0007] In another example, the seating system further includes a seat bottom, a buckle tongue slidably disposed on the webbing, and a buckle attached to the seat bottom and operable to releasably engage the buckle tongue.

[0008] In another example, the seating system further includes a backrest cover including a lower portion and an upper portion that at least partially overlaps the lower portion.

[0009] In another example, the seating system further includes a computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to, in response to determining that an occupant is seated on the seat, turn on the actuator and move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position, the instructions including instructions for adjusting the position of the upper frame relative to the lower frame based on a determined size of the occupant.

[0010] In another example, the seating system further includes a computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions, further including a seat bottom, a buckle tongue slidably disposed on a belt webbing, and a buckle attached to the seat bottom and operable to releasably engage the buckle tongue.

[0011] In another example, the seating system further includes a computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions, wherein the actuator may be a rack and pinion mechanism coupled to the upper frame and operable to move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position, and the upper frame and the lower frame may telescope relative to each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1A is a side view of a seat assembly including an extendable backrest in a retracted configuration. Fig. 1B is a side view of the Fig. 1A with the backrest in an extended configuration. Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective partial view of the Fig. 1B, viewed from the rear of the seat assembly. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a system of the vehicle. Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method executable by a vehicle computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] A system includes a backrest frame having a lower frame and an upper frame supported by the lower frame and movable relative thereto between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuator is operatively coupled to the upper frame to move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0013] The seating system may include a webbing guide that is fixed to the upper frame and movable therewith.

[0014] The seating system may include a roller supported by the backrest frame.

[0015] The reel can be supported by the lower frame.

[0016] The seating system may include a webbing extending from the retractor through the webbing guide.

[0017] The seating system may include a seat base, a buckle tongue slidably disposed on the webbing, and a buckle attached to the seat base and operable to releasably engage the buckle tongue.

[0018] The seating system may include a headrest that is supported by and movable with the upper frame.

[0019] The actuator may be a rack and pinion mechanism coupled to the upper frame and operative to move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0020] The rack and pinion mechanism may include a pinion and a rack, with the rack secured to the upper frame.

[0021] The seating system may include a backrest cover including a lower portion and an upper portion that at least partially overlaps the lower portion.

[0022] The upper frame may include a leg member that slidably engages the lower frame.

[0023] The upper frame and the lower frame can telescope relative to each other.

[0024] The seating system may include a computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to, in response to determining that an occupant is seated on the seat, activate the actuator and move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0025] The instructions may include instructions for adjusting the position of the upper frame relative to the lower frame based on a specific occupant size.

[0026] The seating system may include an occupancy sensor.

[0027] The seating system may include a webbing guide that is fixed to the upper frame and movable therewith.

[0028] The seating system may include a headrest that is supported by and movable with the upper frame.

[0029] The seating system may include a seat base, a buckle tongue slidably disposed on a belt webbing, and a buckle attached to the seat base and operable to releasably engage the buckle tongue.

[0030] The actuator may be a rack and pinion mechanism coupled to the upper frame and operative to move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0031] The upper frame and the lower frame can telescope relative to each other.

[0032] Referring to the figures, wherein like reference numerals indicate like features throughout the several views, an exemplary system of a vehicle 10 includes a seat assembly 14 having an extendable seat back 22, wherein a seat back frame 26 includes a lower frame 50 and an upper frame 52 supported by the lower frame 50 and movable relative thereto between a retracted position ( Fig. 1A) and an extended position ( Fig. 1B). An actuator 60 is operatively coupled to the upper frame 52 to move the upper frame 52 between the retracted position and the extended position based on the size of an occupant sitting on the seat assembly 14.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, the vehicle 10 may be any suitable type of land vehicle, e.g., a passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a sedan, a coupe, a truck, an SUV, a crossover, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc. The vehicle 10 may define a passenger compartment 12 for accommodating occupants of the vehicle 10, if any. The passenger compartment 12 may extend across the vehicle 10, e.g., from a left side of the vehicle 10 to a right side of the vehicle 10. The passenger compartment 12 includes a front end and a rear end, with the front end being in front of the rear end during forward movement of the vehicle 10.

[0034] One or more seat assemblies 14 may be supported within the passenger compartment 12, e.g., by a floor of the vehicle 10. Each seat assembly 14 may include a backrest 22 and a seat bottom 24 that may support the occupant of the seat assembly 14. For example, the occupant of the seat assembly 14 may sit on an upper surface of the seat bottom 24 and recline against the backrest 22. While the seat 14 shown in the figures is in the front passenger position, the disclosed technology may be applied to any seat in the vehicle.

[0035] The seat base 24 may include a seat base frame 28. The frame 28 may include tubes, spars, etc. In particular, the seat base frame 28 may include a pair of frame members elongated in the seat forward direction, e.g., between a front end and a rear end of the seat base 24. The frame members may be arranged along a seat transverse axis (i.e., axis A2, Fig. 2) spaced apart from each other. The frame 28 may include cross members extending between the frame members. The seat frame 28 may include a seat pan. The seat pan may be generally planar and extend from one of the frame members to the other of the frame members. The seat pan may be fixed to the frame members.

[0036] The backrest 22 is supported by the seat surface 24, i.e., the weight of the backrest 22 is carried by the seat surface 24. The seat surface 24 extends from the backrest 22 in the seat-forward direction of the seat assembly 14. The backrest 22 may be stationary or movable relative to the seat surface 24. The backrest 22 and the seat surface 24 may be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom. In particular, the backrest 22 and the seat surface 24 may themselves be adjustable, in other words, be adjustable components within the backrest 22 and / or the seat surface 24, and / or may be adjustable relative to one another.

[0037] The backrest 22 may include a lower portion 40 and an upper portion 42 that is adjustable between a retracted position ( Fig. 1A) and an extended position ( Fig. 1B) is movable along a seat vertical axis A1. The upper portion 42 is adjustable between the retracted position and the extended position based on a detected occupant size, as described further below. The upper portion 42 is adjustable relative to the lower portion 40 when the occupant initially occupies the seat assembly 14. As described further below, in some examples, the upper portion 42 is adjustable to and stopped at positions between the extended position and the retracted position based on the occupant size.

[0038] The webbing guide 38 and the head restraint 48 may be supported by and movable with the upper portion 42. The upper portion 42 may be moved to the retracted position, the extended position, or any other position in between based on the size and / or height of an occupant sitting on the seat 14. For example, the upper portion 42 may be extended to position the seatback 22, the head restraint 48, and the webbing guide 38 to accommodate relatively tall occupants.

[0039] The backrest 22 and the seat 24 may include suitable coverings. The coverings may include a cover and padding. The cover may be made of fabric, leather, synthetic leather, or any other suitable material. The cover may be sewn in panels around the frames. The padding may be located between the cover and the frames. The padding may be made of foam or any other suitable material. In one example, the backrest 22 may include overlapping upper and lower cover portions 44 and 46 to facilitate relative movement between the lower portion 40 and the upper portion 42. The upper cover portion 44 may slide over the lower cover portion 46. In one example, the upper and lower cover portions 44 and 46 may include plastic panels along the pads and on a rear side of the backrest 22.The seat-forward side of the backrest 22 (e.g., the seat surface) may include a covering, such as fabric, leather, or synthetic leather, formed into flexible overlapping panels and / or formed in an accordion configuration to expand and contract as the lower 40 and upper portions 42 move relative to each other.

[0040] With reference to Fig. 2, the backrest 22 includes a backrest frame 26. The backrest frame 26 may include a lower frame 50 and an upper frame 52 corresponding to the lower and upper backrest portions 40 and 42, respectively. The upper frame 52 is supported by the lower frame 50 and is movable relative thereto between the retracted position and the extended position. The lower frame 50 may include a pair of upright frame members 54. The upright frame members 54 are elongated and, more particularly, are elongated in a generally upright direction (e.g., along the seat vertical axis A1) when the backrest 22 is in a generally upright position. The upright frame members 54 are spaced apart from one another along the seat transverse axis A2. The lower frame 50 may include one or more transverse members (not visible) extending between the upright frame members 54.

[0041] The upper frame 52 may include a pair of leg members 56, each extending in a generally downward direction (e.g., along the seat vertical axis A1) to slidably engage a corresponding one of the pair of upright frame members 54. The leg members 56 are spaced apart along the seat transverse axis A2. The upper frame 52 may include one or more cross members 58 extending between the leg members 56.

[0042] In one example, the upright frame members 54 and / or the leg members 56 may include channels or tubes that telescope relative to one another. In other words, the upright frame members 54 may telescopically receive the leg members 56, or the leg members 56 may telescopically receive the frame members 54. In such an example, the upright frame members 54 are movable relative to the leg members 56 between the extended position and the retracted position, as described herein. In the example shown in the figures, the upright frame members 54 telescopically receive the leg members 56. In other examples, the leg members 56 may telescopically receive the upright frame members 54.

[0043] As in Fig. 2, the leg members 56 are formed as channels that telescope into the upright frame members 54, which are also formed as channels. More particularly, in the example shown in the figures, both upright frame members 54 include channels (unnumbered) that respectively receive the leg members 56. In this example, the upright frame members 54 have a U-shaped cross-section, for example, and the leg members 56 are sized and shaped to be received with a clearance fit within the U-shaped cross-section. In other examples, the leg members 56 have a U-shaped cross-section, and the upright frame members 54 are sized and shaped to be received with a clearance fit by the leg members 56. In other examples, the upright frame members 54 and the leg members 56 may, for example, be tubular, with the tubular shape sized and shaped for a clearance fit.In such examples, the tubular shape may have any suitable cross-sectional profile, e.g., round, rectangular, etc.

[0044] The backrest frame 26 and the seat bottom frame 28 may be formed from any suitable plastic material, e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite (organic sheet), etc. As another example, some or all of the components of the backrest frame 26 and the seat bottom frame 28 may be formed from a suitable metal, e.g., steel, aluminum, etc. In one example, the lower frame 50 and the upper frame 52 may be formed at least in part from stamped sheet metal components.

[0045] An actuator 60 is operatively coupled to the upper frame 52 to move the upper frame 52 between the retracted position and the extended position. In some examples, the actuator 60 may be a rack and pinion mechanism. The rack and pinion mechanism includes a rack 64 and a pinion 62 driven by an electric motor 66. The pinion 62 engages teeth on the rack 64. The rack 64 is secured to the upper frame 52, and the pinion motor 66 is secured to the lower frame 50 via a bracket 68. When the motor 66 is energized, the pinion drives the rack 64 and the upper frame 52 up or down depending on the direction of the motor.As shown in the figure, turning motor 66 clockwise moves upper frame 52 downward toward the retracted position, and turning motor 66 counterclockwise moves upper frame 52 upward toward the extended position. In one example, the distance between the retracted position and the extended position may be approximately two inches.

[0046] In one example, the upright frame member 54 may include a slot 70 within which a pin 72 can move up and down with the leg member 56. The pin 72 is secured to the leg member 56 and limits the movement of the upper frame 52 relative to the lower frame 50.

[0047] In one example, the upright frame member 54 may include one or more openings 74 positioned to receive a detent 76 extending from the leg member 56. The detent 76 engages one of the openings 74 when a force in a seat-forward direction is applied to the backrest 26. A leaf spring 78 may be positioned between the leg member 56 and the upright frame member 54 to maintain a clearance between the leg member 56 and the upright frame member 54. This clearance prevents the detent 76 from engaging the openings 74 during operation of the extendable backrest 22. When a force is applied to the upper frame 52 in a seat-forward direction, e.g.applied via the seat belt webbing 32, the upper frame 52 tilts or inclines within the lower frame 50, thereby depressing the leaf spring 78 to engage the detent 76 with an opening 74. The detent 76 engages the upper or lower opening 74 depending on whether the upper frame 52 is in the extended or retracted position, respectively. The detent 76 may be a projection formed in the leg member 56 or a separate member secured to the leg member with a suitable fastener, weld, or the like.

[0048] The actuator 60 is contained within the backrest 22. In other words, the rack and pinion may be positioned, for example, beneath the upholstery and padding of the backrest cover between the upright frame members and leg members. The rack 64 may be secured to the upper frame 52, and the motor mount 68 may be attached to the lower frame 50 with welds, fasteners, and / or other suitable structures.

[0049] The seat assembly 14 may include a headrest 48. The headrest 48 may be supported by and movable with the upper frame 52. The headrest 48 may be located at an upper end of the backrest 22. The headrest 48 may be stationary or movable relative to the backrest 22. The backrest 22 and the headrest 48 may be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom. In particular, the backrest 22 and / or the headrest 48 may be adjustable themselves and / or may be adjustable relative to one another.

[0050] Each seat assembly 14 has an associated seat belt assembly 16. The seat belt assembly 16 may include a retractor 30 and a webbing 32. The webbing 32 is retractably retractable from the retractor 30. The seat belt assembly 16 may include an anchor (not visible) fixed to the webbing 32 and a latch plate 34 that engages a buckle 36. In one example, the buckle 36 may be attached to the seat bottom 24. The webbing 32 may extend continuously from the retractor 30 through a webbing guide 38 and to the anchor. The webbing guide 38 may, for example, be fixed to and movable with the upper frame 52. The webbing guide 38 is fixed to the cross member 58 of the upper frame 52. The buckle tongue 34 can slide freely along the belt webbing 32 and divide the belt webbing 32 into a lap belt and a shoulder belt when engaged with the belt buckle 36.The webbing 32 may be made of fabric, e.g., polyester. In one example, the retractor 30 may be supported by the backrest frame 26. In some examples, the retractor 30 may be supported by the lower frame 50 or the upper frame 52.

[0051] With reference to Fig. 3, the system may include the seat assembly 14 as well as a computer 80, a network 86, and various sensors including occupancy sensors 82 and a buckle sensor 84. The vehicle 10 may include occupancy sensors 82 configured to detect occupancy of the seat assembly 14. The vehicle 10 may include a buckle sensor 84 that detects engagement of the buckle tongue 34 of the seat belt assembly 16 with the buckle 36. The buckle sensor 84 may include a switch, a contact sensor, a Hall effect sensor, or any other suitable structure for detecting engagement of the buckle tongue 34 with the buckle 36, including conventional structures. The buckle sensor 84 provides data to the computer 80 indicating whether the buckle tongue 34 is engaged or disengaged from the buckle 36.

[0052] The computer 80 may be in communication with the occupancy sensors 82 via the network 86. The occupancy sensors 82 may be coupled to the seat assemblies 14 to identify when an occupant is sitting on the seat assemblies 14. As one example, the occupancy sensors 82 may indicate to the computer 80 that a seat assembly 14 is occupied. For example, the occupancy sensors 82 may communicate to the computer 80, e.g., by sending a signal to the computer 80, that the seat assembly 14 is occupied, and in the absence of such communication, the computer 80 may classify the seat assembly 14 as unoccupied. As another example, the occupancy sensors 82 may be configured to communicate to the computer 80 that the seat assembly 14 is occupied when the seat assembly 14 is occupied, and to communicate to the computer 80 that the seat assembly 14 is unoccupied when the seat assembly 14 is unoccupied, e.g.by sending a signal to the computer 80 when the seat assembly 14 is occupied and unoccupied indicating the occupancy or lack thereof.

[0053] The occupancy sensors 82 may determine the size of the occupant sitting on the seat assembly 14 when it is determined that the seat assembly 14 is occupied. Based on the determined size of the occupant, the computer 80 may selectively activate the actuator 60, e.g., motor 66, to move the upper portion 42 to the retracted or extended position that corresponds, e.g., to the occupant's height. The occupancy sensors 82 may, for example, determine the height and / or weight of the occupant on the seat assembly 14. As one example, the occupancy sensors 82 may determine that a larger occupant is sitting on the seat assembly 14. As another example, the occupancy sensors 82 may determine that a smaller occupant is sitting on the seat assembly 14. The occupant size may be based on a standards organization, e.g., an agency such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

[0054] Occupancy sensors 82 may be, for example, a weight sensor, image detection, a seatbelt buckle sensor 84, etc. The vehicle 10 may include any suitable number of occupancy sensors 82. For example, the vehicle 10 may include a number of occupancy sensors 82 equal to the number of seats 14 in the vehicle 10. In particular, in some examples, occupancy sensor 82 may be of a conventional type currently known in the art. Occupancy sensor 82 detects at least one size measurement of the occupant, e.g., weight, width, height, etc. As one example, occupancy sensor 82 may be a weight sensor in the seat assembly 14 for detecting the weight of the occupant. In such an example, occupancy sensor 82 may include a sealed bladder and a pressure sensor in communication with the sealed bladder for detecting pressure changes in the bladder when an occupant is seated in the seat 14.As another example, occupancy sensors 82 may be a camera in the passenger compartment for detecting the size and / or shape of the occupant(s). In such an example, the camera may detect electromagnetic radiation within a certain range of wavelengths. For example, the camera may detect visible light, infrared radiation, ultraviolet light, or a certain range of wavelengths including visible, infrared, and / or ultraviolet light. The camera may be positioned such that a field of view of the camera encompasses the seat. Based on the detection by occupancy sensors 82, an occupant classification system (OCS) determines the size of an occupant sitting on seat 14. The occupant's size may be classified based on anthropomorphic size identified in regional regulations.As examples, the OCS may classify the occupant as being within a size range associated with an adult occupant.

[0055] The vehicle 10 may include a communications network 86. The communications network 86 includes hardware, such as a communications bus, for facilitating communication between components of the vehicle 10, e.g., the computer 80, the occupancy sensors 82, the seat belt buckle sensor 84, the actuator 60, etc. The communications network 86 may facilitate wired or wireless communication between the components of the vehicle 10 in accordance with a number of communication protocols, such as Controller Area Network (CAN), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Local Interconnect Network (LIN), and / or other wired or wireless mechanisms. Alternatively or additionally, in cases where the computer 80 includes a plurality of devices, the communications network 86 may be used for communication between devices, which are illustrated in this disclosure as the computer 80.

[0056] The computer 80 may be a microprocessor-based computer implemented via circuits, chips, or other electronic components. The computer 80 includes a processor, memory, etc. The memory of the computer 80 may include memory for storing programming instructions executable by the processor, as well as for electronically storing data and / or databases. For example, the computer 80 may be a generic computer with a processor and memory, as described above, and / or may include an electronic control unit (ECU) or a controller for a specific function or set of functions and / or dedicated electronic circuitry, including an ASIC manufactured for a specific operation, e.g., an ASIC for processing sensor data and / or communicating the sensor data.As another example, computer 80 may be a restraint control module. In another example, computer 80 may include an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), which is an integrated circuit fabricated to be user-configurable. Typically, a hardware description language such as VHDL (very high-speed integrated circuit hardware description language) is used in electronic design automation to describe digital and mixed-signal systems, such as FPGAs and ASICs. For example, an ASIC is fabricated using VHDL programming provided prior to fabrication, whereas logical components inside an FPGA may be configured based on VHDL programming stored, for example, in memory electrically connected to the FPGA circuitry.In some examples, a combination of processor(s), ASIC(s), and / or FPGA circuitry may be included in computer 80. The storage may be of any type, such as hard disk drives, solid-state drives, servers, or any volatile or non-volatile media. The storage may store the collected data sent by the sensors.

[0057] With reference to Fig. 4, the vehicle computer 80 stores instructions for controlling components of the vehicle 10 according to the method 400. In particular, as shown in the figure, the method 400 includes selectively actuating the motor 66 to position the upper backrest portion 42 based on a determination of the size of the occupant of the seat 14.

[0058] Referring to decision block 402, method 400 includes identifying that an occupant is sitting in seat 14. Occupancy sensors 82 may notify computer 80 that an occupant is sitting in seat 14, such as by sending a signal or failing to send a signal. If it is determined that no occupant is sitting in seat 14, method 400 returns to its start. If it is determined that an occupant is sitting in seat 14, method 400 proceeds to decision block 404.

[0059] Referring to block 404, based on determining that the seat 14 is occupied, the method 400 includes determining the size, e.g., height, of the occupant of the seat 14. The occupancy sensors 82 may send a signal notifying the computer 80 of the size of the occupant on the seat 14. The size of the occupant may be stored by the computer 80 to be used to determine where to position the upper portion 42 of the seatback 22.

[0060] Referring to block 406, method 400 includes determining whether the upper portion 42 of the seatback 22 should be positioned in the extended or retracted position. For example, if the occupant's size is short, the upper portion 42 could be in the retracted position. If the occupant is taller, the upper portion 42 could be in the extended position. In some examples, the upper portion 42 may be positioned between the retracted and extended positions, for example, if the occupant's size is determined to be between a short occupant and a tall occupant.

[0061] Referring to decision block 408, method 400 includes comparing a current position of upper portion 42 with the determined position from block 406. If upper portion 42 is in the determined position, there is no need to actuate backrest 22, and method 400 ends. If upper portion 42 is not in the determined position, backrest 22 may be actuated at block 410 to move the upper portion to the determined position.

[0062] Referring to block 406, method 400 includes actuating motor 66 to move upper section 42 to the specified position. For example, computer 80 may actuate motor 66 clockwise to move upper frame 52 downward toward the retracted position or actuate motor 66 counterclockwise to move upper frame 52 upward toward the extended position.

[0063] Computing devices, such as computers, generally include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions may be executable by one or more computing devices, such as those listed above. Computer-executable instructions may be compiled or evaluated by computer programs created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or technologies. In general, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, e.g., from memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes that include one or more of the processes described in this document. Such instructions and other data may be stored and transmitted using a variety of computer-readable media.

[0064] A computer-readable medium (also referred to as processor-readable medium) includes any non-transitory (e.g., physical) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a computer's processor). Such a medium can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent storage. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), which is typically main memory.

[0065] The adverb "approximately" modifies a value or result and means that a shape, structure, measurement, value, determination, calculation, etc. may vary from an accurately described geometry, distance, measurement, value, determination, calculation, etc. due to imperfections in materials, machining, manufacturing, sensor measurements, calculations, processing time, communication time, etc.

[0066] In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements. Furthermore, some or all of these elements could be changed. With respect to the media, processes, systems, methods, etc. described in this specification, it should be understood that although the steps or blocks of such processes, etc., have been described as occurring according to a certain sequence, such processes could be implemented such that the described steps are performed in a different order than that described in this specification. It should be understood that certain steps could be performed concurrently, other steps could be added, or certain steps described in this specification could be omitted.In other words, the descriptions of processes in this document are provided to illustrate particular embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claimed invention. Any use of "based on" and "in response to," including with reference to media, processes, systems, methods, etc., described in this document, indicates a causal relationship, not merely a temporal one.

[0067] The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is understood that the terminology used is intended to be in the nature of description rather than limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0068] According to the present invention, a system is provided comprising: a backrest frame having a lower frame and an upper frame supported by the lower frame and movable relative thereto between a retracted position and an extended position; and an actuator operatively coupled to the upper frame for moving the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a belt guide which is fixed to the upper frame and movable therewith.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a retractor supported by the backrest frame.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the reel is supported by the lower frame.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a webbing extending from the retractor through the webbing guide.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a seat surface, a buckle tongue slidably disposed on the belt webbing, and a belt buckle attached to the seat surface and operative to releasably engage the buckle tongue.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a headrest which is supported by the upper frame and is movable therewith.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the actuator is a rack and pinion mechanism coupled to the upper frame and operable to move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the rack and pinion mechanism comprises a pinion and a rack, wherein the rack is secured to the upper frame.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a backrest cover including a lower portion and an upper portion at least partially overlapping the lower portion.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the upper frame includes a leg member that slidably engages the lower frame.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the upper frame and the lower frame telescope relative to each other.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to, in response to determining that an occupant is sitting on the seat, turn on the actuator and move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the instructions include instructions for adjusting the position of the upper frame relative to the lower frame based on a particular size of the occupant.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by an occupancy sensor.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a belt guide which is fixed to the upper frame and movable therewith.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a headrest which is supported by the upper frame and is movable therewith.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a seat surface, a buckle tongue slidably disposed on a belt webbing, and a belt buckle attached to the seat surface and operative to releasably engage the buckle tongue.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the actuator is a rack and pinion mechanism coupled to the upper frame and operable to move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the upper frame and the lower frame telescope relative to each other.

Claims

[1] System comprising: a backrest frame having a lower frame and an upper frame supported by the lower frame and movable relative thereto between a retracted position and an extended position; and an actuator operatively coupled to the upper frame to move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position. [2] The seat system of claim 1, further comprising a webbing guide fixed to and movable with the upper frame. [3] The seating system of claim 2, further comprising a retractor supported by the backrest frame. [4] The seating system of claim 3, wherein the retractor is supported by the lower frame. [5] The seat system of claim 3, further comprising a webbing extending from the retractor through the webbing guide. [6] The seat system of claim 5, further comprising a seat base, a buckle tongue slidably disposed on the webbing, and a buckle attached to the seat base and operable to releasably engage the buckle tongue. [7] The seating system of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a rack and pinion mechanism coupled to the upper frame and operable to move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position. [8] The seating system of claim 1, further comprising a backrest cover including a lower portion and an upper portion at least partially overlapping the lower portion. [9] The seating system of claim 1, wherein the upper frame includes a leg member slidably engaged with the lower frame. [10] Seat system according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the upper frame and the lower frame telescope relative to each other. [11] The seating system of claim 1, further comprising a computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to, in response to determining that an occupant is seated on the seat, turn on the actuator and move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position. [12] The seating system of claim 11, wherein the instructions include instructions for adjusting the position of the upper frame relative to the lower frame based on a particular size of the occupant. [13] The seat system of claim 11, further comprising a seat base, a buckle tongue slidably disposed on a belt webbing, and a buckle attached to the seat base and operable to releasably engage the buckle tongue. [14] The seating system of claim 11, wherein the actuator is a rack and pinion mechanism coupled to the upper frame and operable to move the upper frame between the retracted position and the extended position. [15] Seat system according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the upper frame and the lower frame telescope relative to each other.

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