Vehicle seat kinematics with multiple pivot angles

Abstract

The vehicle seat includes, in part, an eight-pivot angled assembly having a front subassembly and a rear subassembly each mounted on a cushion frame at a non-perpendicular angle relative to a floor rail, the front subassembly and the rear subassembly each including an upper pivot and a lower pivot coupled to each other by respective links, and a cross member coupling the links to each other. An electric motor is coupled to the eight-pivot angled assembly and configured to actuate the front subassembly and the rear subassembly to a first position and to a second position in which the cushion frame and cushion are positioned further inward within the vehicle than the first position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 383,615, filed November 14, 2022, entitled "MULTI-PIVOT ANGLED VEHICLE SEAT KINEMATICS," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This document relates to multi-pivot angled vehicle seat kinematics. [Background technology]

[0003] Some vehicle seats have two additional cross-car tracks or two bars with linear bearings to provide fore-aft adjustment and lateral movement via the tracks. This concept can work if the front and rear tracks can maintain a sufficient range of adjustment in both directions. The architecture of the electric vehicle and / or other circumstances may preclude the use of tracks with a long travel range. For example, the presence of rear wheel housings and / or floor cross bars may prevent the seat from being fully adjustable via fore-aft track movement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, a vehicle seat includes a cushion supported by a cushion frame; an eight-pivot angled assembly configured for fore-aft positioning within a vehicle along first and second parallel floor rails, wherein the cushion and the cushion frame are aligned with the first and second floor rails, and the eight-pivot angled assembly is mounted to the cushion frame at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the first and second floor rails, the forward subassembly including: (i) a first forward upper pivot and a first forward lower pivot coupled to each other by a first forward link; (ii) a second forward upper pivot and a second forward lower pivot coupled to each other by a second forward link; and (iii) a first forward link and a second forward link coupled to each other. and a rear subassembly mounted on the cushion frame at the non-perpendicular angle relative to the first floor rail and the second floor rail, the rear subassembly including (i) a first rear upper pivot portion and a first rear lower pivot portion connected to each other by a first rear link, (ii) a second rear upper pivot portion and a second rear lower pivot portion connected to each other by a second rear link, and (iii) a rear cross member connecting the first rear link and the second rear link to each other; and an electric motor coupled to the eight-pivot angled assembly and configured to actuate the front subassembly and the rear subassembly to a first position and to a second position in which the cushion frame and the cushion are positioned further inward within the vehicle than the first position.

[0005] Implementations may include any or all of the following features: the cushion frame includes a front frame cross-member perpendicular to the first and second floor rails, the front frame cross-member including a first front bracket for the first front upper pivot and a second front bracket for the second front upper pivot, the first front bracket and the second front bracket being positioned on opposite sides of the front frame cross-member to create the non-perpendicular angle; the cushion frame further includes a rear frame cross-member perpendicular to the first and second floor rails, the rear frame cross-member including a first rear bracket for the first rear upper pivot and a second rear bracket for the second rear upper pivot, the first rear bracket and the second rear bracket being positioned on opposite sides of the rear frame cross-member to create the non-perpendicular angle. The first front lower pivot portion and the first rear lower pivot portion are positioned vertically above the first floor rail at the first position and the second position. The second front lower pivot portion and the second rear lower pivot portion are not positioned vertically above the second floor rail at the first position and the second position, and the forward subassembly further includes (i) a forward lateral bracket connecting the second front lower pivot portion to the second floor rail, and (ii) a rear lateral bracket connecting the second rear lower pivot portion to the second floor rail. The vehicle seat further includes a link actuated by the electric motor to move the forward subassembly and the rear subassembly to the first position and the second position. The electric motor is configured to extend or shorten the link. The link includes a telescoping link. The electric motor includes a lead screw. The electric motor is a spindle motor or a linear actuator. The link extends between the rear cross member and a position on the cushion frame. The position is between the first front upper pivot portion and the second front upper pivot portion.The link extends between a pivot on the rear cross member and the first floor rail. The link extends between the front cross member and the rear cross member. The link extends between a pivot on the front cross member and the first floor rail. The link extends between the front cross member and a position on the cushion frame. The first front link, the second front link, the first rear link, and the second rear link all have a common length. The first front lower pivot and the second front lower pivot have a first height compared to the first floor rail and the second floor rail. The first rear lower pivot and the second rear lower pivot have the first height compared to the first floor rail and the second floor rail. The first rear lower pivot and the second rear lower pivot have a second height compared to the first floor rail and the second floor rail, the second height being different from the first height. The vehicle seat is a second row seat of the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example vehicle seat kinematics with eight pivot angles.

[0007] [Figure 2] 2 illustrates an example of the eight-pivot angled vehicle seat kinematics of FIG. 1 from viewpoint A. [Figure 3] 2 illustrates an example of the eight-pivot angled vehicle seat kinematics of FIG. 1 from viewpoint B.

[0008] [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a top view of an example vehicle interior with the second row seats in two positions.

[0009] [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a top view of another example vehicle interior with the second row seats in two positions. [Figure 5B]FIG. 10 is a top view of another example vehicle interior with the second row seats in two positions.

[0010] [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of linear actuation of vehicle seat kinematics with eight pivot angles. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of linear actuation of vehicle seat kinematics with eight pivot angles. [Figure 6C] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of linear actuation of vehicle seat kinematics with eight pivot angles. [Figure 6D] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of linear actuation of vehicle seat kinematics with eight pivot angles.

[0011] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] This document describes example systems and techniques for multi-pivot angled vehicle seat kinematics. One problem that can arise in vehicle design is that vehicle body structures, such as wheel housings (e.g., rear wheel housings) and / or crossbars, can interfere with the intended or desired adjustment or movement of a vehicle seat. For example, fore and aft track movement may not be available to fully realize seat operation. In some implementations, a vehicle seat may have kinematics with angled pivot points, which provides additional rearward and inward movement of the seat. For example, this may allow the seat movement to avoid the effects of the wheel housings or crossbars.

[0013] Additional fore-aft movement can be realized through multi-pivot angular kinematics. This can be achieved using multiple subassemblies, each with multiple pivots. For example, two subassemblies can each have four pivots. The axis of the forward subassembly is parallel to the axis of the rear subassembly, thereby creating parallelogram-based kinematics. The forward and rear subassemblies can be angled relative to the vehicle's direction of travel and offset from each other. A motor (e.g., a spindle motor) can be positioned between the subassemblies to drive the kinematics. For example, the motor can adjust the length of a link to create angular movement of the seat base.

[0014] The present subject matter may be applied to any type of vehicle seat. In some implementations, captain's or lounge seats may be provided. For example, the seats may be positioned in the second row of a vehicle.

[0015] The implementation may provide any or all of the following advantages: Diagonal movement may provide improved space for passengers (e.g. comfortable space for rear passengers in lounge position); The use of linear bearings may be avoided; The system may be made resistant or impervious to dust and salt contamination; Squeak and rattle problems may be reduced or eliminated; Lateral stiffness may be improved; Smooth movement of the kinematics may be ensured; The assembly may have improved rigidity.

[0016] Examples herein refer to vehicles. A vehicle is a machine that transports passengers, cargo, or both. A vehicle may have one or more motors that use at least one type of fuel or other energy source (e.g., electricity). Examples of vehicles include, but are not limited to, cars, trucks, and buses. The number of wheels may vary depending on the type of vehicle, and one or more (e.g., all) of the wheels may be used to propel the vehicle, or the vehicle may be unpowered (e.g., when a trailer is attached to another vehicle). A vehicle may include a passenger compartment that accommodates one or more people.

[0017] Examples described herein refer to top, bottom, front, side, or rear. These and similar expressions identify things or aspects relative to one another, based on an explicit or arbitrary notion of perspective. That is, these terms are merely examples used for illustrative purposes and do not necessarily represent the only possible positions, orientations, etc.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of an eight-pivot angled vehicle seat kinematics 100. The eight-pivot angled vehicle seat kinematics 100 may be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. The example is described with reference to a vehicle seat shown here in a top view, with the vehicle's exterior doors shown on the right side of the drawing. Only a portion of the vehicle is shown. Some components or features of the vehicle seat are shown at least partially transparent for clarity.

[0019] The vehicle seat includes a seat cushion 102, represented here as a rectangle with a bold outline. The vehicle seat may have a seat back, which is not shown for simplicity. The seat cushion 102 is supported by a cushion frame 104. For example, the cushion frame 104 may include a front frame cross-member 104A and a rear frame cross-member 104B.

[0020] A vehicle seat may be configured to be mounted to one or more floor rails and repositioned fore and aft within the vehicle using the same. Here, the vehicle includes floor rails 106A-106B that are parallel to one another. Each of the floor rails 106A-106B is represented here as a rectangle.

[0021] The geometry of a vehicle design, such as the structure formed by its body-in-white, can create challenges regarding the placement of floor rails 106A-106B and / or achieving a particular mobility of a vehicle seat given a particular floor rail placement. In some implementations, vehicle components 108 may interfere with the movement of a vehicle seat. In some implementations, the vehicle components 108 are part of the wheel body structure, such as an arched housing for a wheel. For example, the length and placement of floor rail 106B in the x-direction of the Cartesian vehicle coordinate system (i.e., the direction of travel, or vertical in this illustration) may be limited by the presence of vehicle components 108. In contrast, floor rail 106A is positioned further inboard than floor rail 106B, thus avoiding the influence of vehicle component 108. However, relocating floor rail 106B further inboard may be impractical or undesirable. For example, to accommodate a different type of seat (e.g., a bench seat) as an alternative to a captain or lounge seat, it may be preferable to maintain a specified lateral separation between floor rails 106A-106B. As another example, structures within a vehicle body may make it impossible or undesirable to move floor rails 106A and / or 106B away from vehicle component 108. The present subject matter provides multi-pivot angled kinematics to allow movement of vehicle seats such as those in this example, thereby avoiding the effects of interfering structures such as vehicle component 108.

[0022] The vehicle seat is shown with the seat cushion 102 in a position toward the rear of the vehicle (e.g., a rearward-most position). Position 102', represented here by a rectangle with a dashed outline, represents the vehicle seat with the seat cushion 102 in a position toward the front of the vehicle (e.g., a forward-most position). Position 102' may be symmetrical about floor rails 106A-106B, while the seat cushion 102 is shown as being disposed more inboard than position 102'. The eight-pivot angled vehicle seat kinematics 100 provides an oblique transition of the seat cushion 102 to and from position 102'. This motion may involve slight lifting and lowering of the seat cushion 102 in addition to lateral repositioning and fore-aft motion. For example, the distance of the fore-aft motion may be a multiple of the distance of the lateral repositioning (e.g., a 3:1 ratio).

[0023] The seat cushion 102 and cushion frame 104 are aligned with the floor rails 106A-106B. For example, the left and right sides of the seat cushion 102 may be essentially parallel to the floor rails 106A-106B. As another example, each of the front frame cross-member 104A and the rear frame cross-member 104B may be essentially perpendicular to the floor rails 106A-106B.

[0024] The vehicle seat includes a forward subassembly 110 mounted to the cushion frame 104 at a non-perpendicular angle (e.g., as shown or at another angle) relative to the floor rails 106A-106B. The forward subassembly 110 includes a forward upper pivot portion 112A and a forward lower pivot portion 114A coupled to each other by a forward link 116A. The forward subassembly 110 includes a forward upper pivot portion 112B and a front lower pivot portion 114B coupled to each other by a forward link 116B. The forward subassembly 110 includes a forward cross member 118 coupling the forward links 116A-116B to each other. For example, the front cross member 118 forms a non-perpendicular angle with each of the floor rails 106A-106B.

[0025] The vehicle seat includes a rear subassembly 120 mounted to the cushion frame 104 at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the floor rails 106A-106B (e.g., similar to the angle of the front subassembly 110, as shown, or at another angle). The rear subassembly 120 includes a rear upper pivot portion 122A and a rear lower pivot portion 124A connected to each other by a rear link 126A. The subassembly 120 includes a rear upper pivot portion 122B and a rear lower pivot portion 124B connected to each other by a rear link 126B. The subassembly 120 includes a rear cross member 128 connecting the rear links 126A-126B to each other. For example, the rear cross member 128 forms a non-perpendicular angle with each of the floor rails 106A-106B.

[0026] Each of the forward subassemblies 110 and the rear subassemblies 120 may be an H-bracket. The forward subassemblies 110 and the rear subassemblies 120 may have corresponding geometries to ensure that the seat cushion 102 does not tilt during transition. For example, the forward links 116A-116B and the rear links 126A-126B may all have essentially the same length. As shown here, the forward lower pivot portions 114A-114B and the rear lower pivot portions 124A-124B may all be at essentially the same height relative to the floor rails 106A-106B (although not necessarily directly above the respective rails in the vertical direction).

[0027] The front frame cross-member 104A may have a front bracket 130A for the front upper pivot 112A and a front bracket 130B for the front upper pivot 112B. The front brackets 130A-130B may be positioned on opposite sides of the front frame cross-member 104A to create a non-perpendicular angle. The front brackets 130A-130B may be essentially, but not necessarily, identical to one another.

[0028] The rear frame cross-member 104B may have a rear bracket 132A for the rear upper pivot portion 122A and a rear bracket 132B for the rear upper pivot portion 122B. The rear brackets 132A-132B may be positioned on opposite sides of the rear frame cross-member 104B to create a non-perpendicular angle. The rear brackets 132A-132B may be essentially, but not necessarily, identical to one another.

[0029] In the illustrated example, movement of the seat cushion 102 to position 102' does not involve any possible translation of the vehicle seat along the floor rails 106A-106B. Rather, position 102' may be achieved by pivoting the forward links 116A-116B and the rearward links 126A-126B about their respective pivots. Position 112A' represents the forward upper pivot 112A when the seat cushion 102 is in position 102'. Position 112B' represents the forward upper pivot 112B when the seat cushion 102 is in position 102'. Position 122A' represents the rearward upper pivot 122A when the seat cushion 102 is in position 102'. Position 122B' represents the rearward upper pivot 122B when the seat cushion 102 is in position 102'. Position 104A' represents the front frame cross-member 104A when the seat cushion 102 is in position 102'. Position 104B' represents the rear frame cross-member 104B when the seat cushion 102 is in position 102'.

[0030] The front lower pivot portion 114A and the rear lower pivot portion 124A can be positioned vertically above the floor rail 106A in all positions of the vehicle seat (e.g., both with the seat cushion 102 positioned as shown and also in position 102'). For example, the front lower pivot portion 114A and the rear lower pivot portion 124A can be mounted to a common slider or respective sliders on the floor rail 106A.

[0031] The front lower pivot portion 114B and the rear lower pivot portion 124B do not have to be positioned vertically above the floor rail 106B. In some implementations, the front subassembly 110 has a front lateral bracket 134 that couples the front lower pivot portion 114B to the floor rail 106B. In some implementations, the rear subassembly 120 has a rear lateral bracket 136 that couples the rear lower pivot portion 124B to the floor rail 106B. The front lateral bracket 134 and the rear lateral bracket 136 may be different from each other or essentially identical. For example, at least one of the front lateral bracket 134 and the rear lateral bracket 136 may be essentially perpendicular to the floor rail 106B. As another example, at least one of the front lateral bracket 134 and the rear lateral bracket 136 may form a non-perpendicular angle with the floor rail 106B. For example, the front lateral bracket 134 and the rear lateral bracket 136 are mounted to a common slider or respective sliders on the floor rail 106B.

[0032] The vehicle seat may have an electric motor 138 that assists the eight-pivot angled vehicle seat kinematics 100. The electric motor 138 can actuate a link 140 to move the forward subassembly 110 and the rearward subassembly 120 (e.g., move the seat cushion 102 to or from position 102′). For example, the electric motor 138 may be configured to extend or shorten the link 140. The link 140 may include a telescoping link. The link 140 may extend between the rearward cross member 128 and a location on the cushion frame 104. In some implementations, this location is on the forward frame cross member 104A. For example, this location may be between the forward upper pivot 112A and the forward upper pivot 112B. Any of several types of electric motors may be used. In some implementations, the electric motor 138 has a lead screw. In some implementations, the electric motor 138 is a spindle motor or a linear actuator. In some implementations, the link 140 may instead extend elsewhere, such as between the forward cross member 118 and a location on the cushion frame 104 .

[0033] The above example illustrates that a vehicle seat (e.g., the vehicle seat of FIG. 1 ) may include a cushion (e.g., seat cushion 102) supported by a cushion frame (e.g., cushion frame 104). The vehicle seat may include an eight-pivot angled assembly (e.g., as shown) configured for fore-aft positioning along parallel first and second floor rails (e.g., floor rails 106A-106B) within a vehicle. The cushion and cushion frame are aligned with the first and second floor rails. The eight-pivot angled assembly includes a forward subassembly (e.g., forward subassembly 110) mounted to the cushion frame at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the first and second floor rails. The forward subassembly includes a first forward upper pivot (e.g., forward upper pivot 112A) and a first forward lower pivot (e.g., front lower pivot 114A) coupled to each other by a first forward link (e.g., forward link 116A). The forward subassembly includes a second forward upper pivot (e.g., forward upper pivot 112B) and a second forward lower pivot (e.g., forward lower pivot 114B) coupled together by a second forward link (e.g., forward link 116B). The forward subassembly includes a forward cross member (e.g., forward cross member 118) coupling the first forward link and the second forward link. The pivot angle assembly includes a rear subassembly (e.g., rear subassembly 120). The rear subassembly includes a first aft upper pivot (e.g., aft upper pivot 122A) and a first aft lower pivot (e.g., aft lower pivot 124A) coupled together by a first aft link (e.g., aft link 126A). The aft subassembly includes a second aft upper pivot (e.g., aft upper pivot 122B) and a second aft lower pivot (e.g., aft lower pivot 124B) coupled together by a second aft link (e.g., aft link 126B). The aft subassembly includes a aft cross member (e.g., aft cross member 128) coupling the first aft link and the second aft link together.The vehicle seat includes an electric motor (e.g., electric motor 138) coupled to the eight-pivot angled assembly and configured to actuate (e.g., using link 140) the forward and rearward subassemblies to a first position (e.g., position 102') and to a second position (e.g., with seat cushion 102 as shown) in which the cushion frame and cushion are positioned further inboard within the vehicle than the first position.

[0034] The eight-pivot angled vehicle seat kinematics 100 is further illustrated using descriptions corresponding to different planes within the figure, first from direction A (FIG. 2) that is parallel to the rotation axes of the pivots of the front subassembly 110 and the rear subassembly 120, and then from direction B (FIG. 3) that is perpendicular to each of the floor rails 106A-106B. Thus, FIGS. 2-3 show the example eight-pivot angled vehicle seat kinematics 100 of FIG. 1 from viewpoint A and viewpoint B, respectively. Some differences will be noted.

[0035] 2-3 are schematic illustrations, and for clarity, some components or features of the vehicle seat are omitted or at least partially transparent. In FIG. 2, the seat cushion 102 is shown from direction A in the same position as in FIG. 1. Silhouette 200 corresponds to the right side of the seat cushion 102 shown in FIG. 1, and silhouette 202 corresponds to the left side. Silhouette 204 corresponds to the right end of the front frame cross-member 104A shown in FIG. 1, and silhouette 206 corresponds to the left end. Silhouette 208 corresponds to the right end of the rear frame cross-member 104B shown in FIG. 1, and silhouette 210 corresponds to the left end. For example, at least one of the front or rear frame cross-members 104A-104B may have a tubular shape. The front link 116A and the rear link 126A, as well as the front lower pivot 114A and the rear lower pivot 124A, are visible.

[0036] In Figure 3, the seat cushion 102 is shown from direction B in the position it has in Figure 1. The front links 116A-116B and rear links 126A-126B, as well as the front lower pivot portions 114A-114B and rear lower pivot portions 124A-124B, are visible. In Figures 2-3, the front lower pivot portions 114A-114B have a first height relative to the floor rails 106A-106B, while the rear lower pivot portions 124A-124B have a second height relative to the floor rails 106A-106B, the second height being different from the first height.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an example vehicle interior 400 with second-row seats in two positions. Only a portion of the vehicle is shown. The vehicle interior 400 may feature any of the multi-pivot angled vehicle seat kinematics described herein. Position 402 corresponds to the first seat being in a position toward the front of the vehicle, and position 404 corresponds to the second seat being in a position toward the front of the vehicle. Position 406 corresponds to the first seat being in a position toward the rear of the vehicle, and position 408 corresponds to the second seat being in a position toward the rear of the vehicle. In some implementations, the multi-pivot angled vehicle seat kinematics enable the first seat to assume a lounge position while avoiding vehicle components 410 (e.g., wheel housings). Similarly, the multi-pivot angled vehicle seat kinematics enable the second seat to assume a lounge position while avoiding vehicle components 412 (e.g., wheel housings). Thus, the vehicle interior 400 can provide additional space for rear passengers.

[0038] 5A-5B show top views of another example vehicle interior 500 with a second-row seat in two positions. Only a portion of the vehicle is shown. The vehicle interior 500 may feature any of the multi-pivot angled vehicle seat kinematics described herein. Position 502 corresponds to the seat being in a position toward the front of the vehicle. The seat is currently facing in the x-direction (i.e., direction of travel) of the vehicle coordinate system, is positioned relatively forward laterally near the vehicle door on the left of the illustration, and is centered above the floor rail. Thus, position 502 may be characterized as the design position of the seat. For example, the design position may be used during entry and exit of the vehicle.

[0039] Position 504 corresponds to the seat being in a position toward the rear of the vehicle. The seat is currently facing in the x-direction (i.e., the direction of travel) of the vehicle coordinate system, positioned in a rearward position toward the rear of the vehicle, and translated inward relative to the floor rails. Position 504 may therefore be characterized as a lounge position for the seat. For example, the lounge position may be used when traveling and when the vehicle is stopped.

[0040] 6A-6D show examples of linear actuation of eight-pivot angled vehicle seat kinematics. The examples may be used with one or more other implementations described elsewhere herein. In these examples, electric motor 138 and link 140 (e.g., FIG. 1) are shown for clarity. However, when any of the following examples are used, electric motor 138 and link 140 may be omitted.

[0041] 6A shows that the seat can have a pivot point 600 on the floor rail 106A. A link 602 can couple the pivot point 600 to the rear link 126A. For example, the link 602 can be coupled to a bracket on the rear cross member 128. An electric motor 604 or other actuator can act on the link 602 to achieve the kinematics.

[0042] 6B shows that the seat can have a bracket 606 on the forward link 116A. For example, the bracket 606 can be coupled to the forward cross member 118. The link 602 can couple the bracket 606 to a bracket 608 on the rear link 126A. For example, the bracket 608 can be coupled to the rear cross member 128. An electric motor 604 or other actuator can act on the link 602 to achieve the kinematics.

[0043] 6C shows that the seat can have a pivot point 610 on the floor rail 106A. A link 602 can connect the pivot point 610 to a bracket 606. An electric motor 604 or other actuator can act on the link 602 to achieve the kinematics.

[0044] 6D shows that the seat may have a pivot point 612 at the rear frame cross member 104B. A link 602 may connect the pivot point 612 to a bracket 606. An electric motor 604 or other actuator may act on the link 602 to achieve the kinematics.

[0045] As used throughout this specification, the terms "substantially" and "about" are used to describe and take into account small variations, such as those due to processing variations. For example, they can refer to less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%. Also, as used herein, indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" mean "at least one."

[0046] It should be understood that all combinations of the above concepts, and additional concepts discussed in more detail below, (provided that such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

[0047] Although several implementations have been described, it will nevertheless be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the specification.

[0048] Furthermore, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Furthermore, other processes may be provided or processes may be eliminated from the described flows, and other components may be added to or removed from the described systems. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0049] While certain features of the described implementations have been shown and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It should therefore be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of these implementations. They have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation, and it should be understood that various changes in form and details may be made. Except for mutually exclusive combinations, any portions of the apparatus and / or methods described herein may be combined in any combination. The implementations described herein may include various combinations and / or subcombinations of the functions, components, and / or features of the different implementations described.

Claims

1. a cushion supported by a cushion frame; 1. An eight-pivot angled assembly configured for fore-aft positioning within a vehicle along first and second parallel floor rails, wherein the cushion and cushion frame are aligned with the first and second floor rails, the eight-pivot angled assembly comprising: a forward subassembly mounted to the cushion frame at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the first floor rail and the second floor rail, the forward subassembly including: (i) a first forward upper pivot portion and a first forward lower pivot portion connected to each other by a first forward link; (ii) a second forward upper pivot portion and a second forward lower pivot portion connected to each other by a second forward link; and (iii) a forward cross member connecting the first forward link and the second forward link to each other; and a rear subassembly mounted on the cushion frame at the non-perpendicular angle relative to the first floor rail and the second floor rail, the rear subassembly including: (i) a first rear upper pivot portion and a first rear lower pivot portion connected to each other by a first rear link; (ii) a second rear upper pivot portion and a second rear lower pivot portion connected to each other by a second rear link; and (iii) a rear cross member connecting the first rear link and the second rear link to each other. and an electric motor coupled to the eight-pivot angled assembly and configured to actuate the front sub-assembly and the rear sub-assembly to a first position and to a second position in which the cushion frame and the cushion are positioned further inward within the vehicle than the first position; A vehicle seat comprising:

2. 2. The vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the cushion frame includes a front frame cross-member that is perpendicular to the first floor rail and the second floor rail, the front frame cross-member including a first front bracket for the first front upper pivot portion and a second front bracket for the second front upper pivot portion, the first front bracket and the second front bracket being positioned on opposite sides of the front frame cross-member to create the non-perpendicular angle.

3. 3. The vehicle seat of claim 2, wherein the cushion frame further includes a rear frame cross member that is perpendicular to the first floor rail and the second floor rail, the rear frame cross member including a first rear bracket for the first rear upper pivot portion and a second rear bracket for the second rear upper pivot portion, the first rear bracket and the second rear bracket being positioned on opposite sides of the rear frame cross member to create the non-perpendicular angle.

4. 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first front lower pivot portion and the first rear lower pivot portion are positioned vertically above the first floor rail in the first position and the second position.

5. 5. The vehicle seat of claim 4, wherein the second front lower pivot portion and the second rear lower pivot portion are not positioned vertically above the second floor rail in the first position and the second position, and the forward subassembly further includes (i) a forward lateral bracket connecting the second front lower pivot portion to the second floor rail, and (ii) a rear lateral bracket connecting the second rear lower pivot portion to the second floor rail.

6. 4. The vehicle seat of claim 1, further comprising a link actuated by the electric motor to move the front subassembly and the rear subassembly to the first position and the second position.

7. 7. The vehicle seat of claim 6, wherein the electric motor is configured to extend or shorten the link.

8. 8. The vehicle seat of claim 7, wherein the link comprises a telescoping link.

9. 8. The vehicle seat of claim 7, wherein the electric motor includes a lead screw.

10. 8. The vehicle seat of claim 7, wherein the electric motor is a spindle motor or a linear actuator.

11. 8. The vehicle seat of claim 7, wherein the link extends between the rear cross member and a location on the cushion frame.

12. 12. The vehicle seat of claim 11, wherein the position is between the first front upper pivot portion and the second front upper pivot portion.

13. 8. The vehicle seat of claim 7, wherein the link extends between the rear cross member and a pivot on the first floor rail.

14. 8. The vehicle seat of claim 7, wherein the link extends between the front cross member and the rear cross member.

15. 8. The vehicle seat of claim 7, wherein the link extends between a pivot on the front cross member and the first floor rail.

16. 8. The vehicle seat of claim 7, wherein the link extends between the front cross member and a location on the cushion frame.

17. 4. The vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the first front link, the second front link, the first rear link, and the second rear link all have a common length.

18. 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first front lower pivot portion and the second front lower pivot portion have a first height compared to the first floor rail and the second floor rail.

19. 19. The vehicle seat of claim 18, wherein the first and second rear lower pivot portions have the first height relative to the first and second floor rails.

20. 19. The vehicle seat of claim 18, wherein the first rear lower pivot portion and the second rear lower pivot portion have a second height relative to the first floor rail and the second floor rail, the second height being different from the first height.

21. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle seat is a second-row seat of the vehicle.

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