Kinetic seat assembly having dampers for fixed and movable components, including a lateral damping mechanism and a fluid reservoir.

Abstract

To provide a kinetic seat assembly. [Solution] The kinetic seat assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame movable relative to the primary seat cushion frame, a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat back frame movable relative to the primary seat back frame, a pair of lateral dampers extending between the primary and secondary seat back frames, a pair of vertical dampers extending between the secondary seat back frame and the primary seat cushion frame, a pair of fluid reservoirs that supply fluid to the pair of lateral dampers and the pair of vertical dampers, and an electronic control unit configured to control the rate at which fluid is supplied to and withdrawn from each of the dampers in order to control the damping effect. In the embodiment, the ends of the lateral dampers are made freely movable relative to the secondary seat back frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 227,172, filed Jul. 29, 2021, for “Dampers for a Seat Assembly Having a Fixed Frame and Movable Seat Cushion and Seat Back,” the entire contents of which including the drawings are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This specification generally relates to kinetic assemblies for vehicles, and more particularly to kinetic assemblies for vehicles that adapt the rotation of a passenger's body during a turning operation with a force applied in the counter-rotating direction.

Background Art

[0003] During vehicle operation, a driver typically experiences fatigue from repeated rotation of the driver's torso and pelvis. Additionally, the driver's knees and head also rotate during vehicle turning. Thus, the movement requires the driver to continuously correct for rotation during turning. Over time, such rotation of the driver's torso, pelvis, knees, and head can lead to various aches and pains, limiting the amount of driving time a driver can endure.

[0004] It is known to provide a seat assembly including a seat back and a seat cushion that mimic the walking movement of a passenger's pelvis and torso. Specifically, with known seat assemblies, the seat cushion can rotate about a cushion pivot axis and the seat back can rotate about a seat back pivot axis, such that the seat back and the seat cushion rotate in opposite directions. However, the opposite direction rotation of the pelvis and torso during turning can cause discomfort in some drivers.

[0005] Therefore, an alternative kinetic seat assembly is needed that provides torso rotation and pelvic rotation in the same direction to maintain the center position of the driver's head and knees. Furthermore, an alternative kinetic seat assembly is needed in which the movement of the movable seat back and movable seat cushion in the vertical and lateral directions can be controlled. [Overview of the project]

[0006] In one embodiment, the kinetic seat assembly includes a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat back frame, and a lateral damping mechanism including a first lateral damper and a second lateral damper, the first and second lateral dampers extending between the primary and secondary seat back frames, the first ends of the first and second lateral dampers being rotatably fixed to the primary seat back frame, and the second ends on the opposite side of the first and second lateral dampers being freely movable through holes formed in their respective flanges extending from the secondary seat back frame.

[0007] In another embodiment, the kinetic seat assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame movable relative to the primary seat cushion frame, a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat back frame movable relative to the primary seat back frame, a pair of lateral dampers extending between a first upper component and the secondary seat back frame, and a first fluid reservoir that provides fluid to the pair of lateral dampers, the fluid reservoir being operable to control the rate at which fluid is supplied to and withdrawn from the pair of lateral dampers in order to control the damping effect.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the kinetic seat assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame pivotably connected to the primary seat cushion frame, a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat back frame pivotably connected to the primary seat back frame, a pair of vertical dampers extending between the secondary seat back frame and the primary seat cushion frame, and a fluid reservoir that provides fluid to a pair of lateral dampers to control the rate at which fluid is supplied to and withdrawn from the pair of vertical dampers.

[0009] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be better understood in conjunction with the drawings and the following detailed description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] The embodiments described in the drawings are essentially illustrative and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments can be understood in conjunction with the drawings, in which similar structures are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure schematically depicts a system for a vehicle having a kinetic seat assembly, shown as a driver's seat, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 2] This figure schematically depicts a front view of the kinetic seat assembly shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 3] This figure schematically depicts a rear view of the kinetic seat assembly shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 4] This figure schematically depicts a rear perspective view of the kinetic seat assembly shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 5] This figure schematically depicts another rear perspective view of the kinetic seat assembly shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 6] This figure schematically depicts a first side view of the kinetic seat assembly shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 7] This figure schematically depicts a second side view of the kinetic seat assembly shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 8] This figure schematically depicts a top view of the kinetic seat assembly of Figure 1 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 9] This figure schematically depicts a bottom view of the kinetic sheet assembly shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 10] This figure schematically depicts a front view of the primary seat back frame of the kinetic seat assembly shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 11] This figure schematically depicts a rear view of the primary seat back frame of Figure 10 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 12] This figure schematically depicts a front perspective view of the primary seat back frame of Figure 10 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 13] This figure schematically depicts another front perspective view of the primary seat back frame of Figure 10, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 14] This figure schematically depicts a front perspective view of the secondary seat back frame of the kinetic seat assembly shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 15] This figure schematically depicts another front perspective view of the secondary seat back frame of Figure 14, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 16] A diagram schematically depicting a perspective view of the front pivoting mechanism of the kinetic seat assembly of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 17] A diagram schematically depicting a perspective view of the upward pivoting mechanism of the kinetic seat assembly of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 18] A diagram schematically depicting a partial rear view of the kinetic seat assembly of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 19A] A diagram schematically depicting a cross-sectional view taken along line 19A-19A of FIG. 18 showing the side damper of the secondary seat back frame in a first position relative to the flange of the primary seat back frame, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 19B] A diagram schematically depicting a cross-sectional view of the side damper of the secondary seat back frame in a second position relative to the flange of the primary seat back frame, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 20] A diagram schematically depicting an exploded view of a pair of side damping mechanisms and a pair of fluid reservoirs fluidly communicating with a pair of vertical damping mechanisms related to the kinetic seat assembly of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 21] A diagram schematically depicting a cross-sectional view of one of the fluid reservoirs of FIG. 20 taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 20, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an environmental view of an embodiment of a vehicle including a kinetic seat assembly. The vehicle generally includes a passenger compartment occupied by a driver or other occupants. A plurality of vehicle seats, including a front driver seat, a front passenger seat, and one or more rear passenger seats, may be provided within the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0013] As shown, the kinetic seat assembly is utilized as the driver's seat. However, it should be understood that multiple kinetic seat assemblies can be utilized as the multiple seats of a vehicle. A kinetic vehicle seat assembly generally includes a kinetic seat cushion assembly, a kinetic seat back assembly, a vertical damping mechanism, and a lateral damping mechanism. The kinetic seat cushion assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame, and a front pivoting mechanism that pivotally connects a front portion of the primary seat cushion frame to a front portion of the secondary seat cushion frame. The kinetic seat back assembly includes a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat back frame, and an upper pivoting mechanism that pivotally connects an upper portion of the primary seat back frame to an upper portion of the secondary seat back frame.

[0014] The vertical damping mechanism provides a damping effect when the secondary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat back frame move in the vehicle vertical direction. The lateral damping mechanism provides a damping effect when a rear end of the secondary seat cushion frame and a lower end of the secondary seat back frame move in the vehicle lateral direction. By the front pivoting mechanism, the secondary seat cushion frame can rotate relative to the primary seat cushion frame. Similarly, by the upper pivoting mechanism, the secondary seat back frame can rotate relative to the primary seat back frame and, in some embodiments, can move in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0015] During a slewing motion, the occupant and kinetic seat assembly are subjected to a force that pushes them in the opposite direction to the slewing motion. Therefore, the slewing mechanism and the vertical and lateral damping mechanisms rotate the secondary seat cushion frame and secondary seat back frame in the direction of this force, in the same phase relative to each other. As used herein, the term "same phase" describes two objects, for example, the secondary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat back frame, moving synchronously with each other in the same direction. Conversely, as used herein, the term "different phases" describes two objects, for example, the secondary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat back frame, not moving synchronously with each other in the same direction. Furthermore, it should be understood that when two objects are moving in the same phase relative to each other, the directions in which these objects are moving are also in the same phase relative to each other.

[0016] In some embodiments, the upward swivel mechanism and the damping mechanism are manually or electronically adjustable to increase or decrease the amount of travel of the secondary seat cushion frame and / or secondary seat back frame.

[0017] In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a display unit and a user interface. The vehicle also includes an on-board computing device, which includes an electronic control unit having a processor and memory components. Thus, the slewing mechanism and damping mechanism may be operable by the vehicle occupant by operating the controls at the user interface. In some embodiments, the electronic control unit also includes network interface hardware configured to interface with transceivers and connect to a network. The network connects the vehicle to a mobile computing device, enabling the occupant to wirelessly control the slewing mechanism and damping mechanism.

[0018] As used herein, the term "vehicle longitudinal direction" refers to the front-to-back direction of the vehicle (i.e., the + / - vehicle X direction as depicted in Figure 1). The term "vehicle transverse direction" refers to the vehicle cross-direction (i.e., the + / - vehicle Y direction as depicted in Figure 1), which is perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction. The term "vehicle vertical direction" refers to the vehicle up-and-down direction (i.e., the + / - vehicle Z direction as depicted in Figure 1). As used herein, "up" and "top" are defined as the positive Z direction of the coordinate axis shown in the drawing. As used herein, "down" and "bottom" are defined as the negative Z direction of the coordinate axis shown in the drawing. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "outside" or "outward" refers to the relative location of a component to the vehicle centerline. As used herein, the term "inside" or "inward" refers to the relative location of a component to the vehicle centerline. Since vehicle structures can generally be symmetrical with respect to the vehicle's centerline, the directions indicated by the terms “inside,” “inward,” “outside,” and “outward” can be mirrored with respect to the vehicle's centerline when the evaluation components are located along opposing sides of the vehicle.

[0019] As used herein, the term "kinetic seat vertical direction" refers to the same direction as the vehicle vertical direction. In configurations where the kinetic seat assembly is a normal forward-facing seat in the vehicle, the term "kinetic seat longitudinal direction" refers to the direction parallel to the vehicle longitudinal direction. However, it should be understood that other configurations are conceivable in which the kinetic seat assembly is oriented perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction, i.e., parallel to the vehicle lateral direction, or in some other direction between perpendicular and parallel.

[0020] Furthermore, please understand that as used herein, "direction of turn" refers to the direction in which the occupants are turning the vehicle. Similarly, "reverse direction of turn" refers to the direction opposite to the direction of turn.

[0021] Herein, various embodiments of the kinetic seat assemblies described herein are given in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, the vehicle is schematically shown as 12. The vehicle 12 includes a passenger compartment 14 provided inside it. The passenger compartment 14 is a portion of the interior of the vehicle 12 that is occupied by passengers or other crew members. Multiple vehicle seats are provided within the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 12, including a driver's seat 16, a front passenger seat (not shown), and one or more rear passenger seats 18, such as a second or third row of passenger seats.

[0023] In Figure 1, the driver's seat 16 is provided as a kinetic seat assembly 10. However, the kinetic seat assembly 10 is not limited to the driver's seat 16. In embodiments, any one or any combination of the driver's seat 16, the passenger seat, and one or more rear passenger seats 18 may be provided as a kinetic seat assembly 10.

[0024] In Figure 1, the vehicle 12 is offered as an automobile, including a coupe, sedan, minivan, truck, crossover, hybrid, and sport utility vehicle. However, the kinetic seat assembly 10 is not limited to automobiles. In embodiments, the kinetic seat assembly 10 may be offered for any vehicle 12, such as a ship, aircraft, or the like.

[0025] The vehicle 12 includes a steering wheel 20 positioned in front of the driver's seat 16 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The vehicle 12 also includes a display unit 22 and a user interface 24. In some embodiments, the user interface 24 includes manual buttons or touchscreen controls provided on the display unit 22. It is understood that the vehicle 12 provided with the kinetic seat assembly 10 may be an autonomous vehicle in which the steering wheel 20 is not provided.

[0026] The vehicle 12 includes an in-vehicle computing device 26. In some embodiments, a network 28 connects the vehicle 12 to a mobile computing device 30. The network 28 may include a wide-area network such as the Internet or a cellular network (e.g., 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, WiMAX, etc.). Similarly, the network 28 may include a local area network, such as a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, a Bluetooth® network, a short-range communication network, hardware, and the like.

[0027] The vehicle's onboard computing device 26 includes an electronic control unit 32. In some embodiments, the vehicle's onboard computing device 26 includes a transceiver 34 that telecommunicates with the electronic control unit 32, and the transceiver 34 is configured to communicate bidirectionally with the network 28 to connect the vehicle 12 to the network 28, and thus to the mobile computing device 30.

[0028] The mobile computing device 30 may be configured as a mobile phone, tablet, personal computer, and / or other device that performs the functions described herein. The mobile computing device 30 may be operated by a third party, such as the driver or other passengers or owner of the vehicle 12.

[0029] Referring still to Figure 1, the electronic control unit 32 includes a local interface 36, a processor 38, input / output hardware 40, a data storage component 42, and a memory component 44 connected to the processor 38.

[0030] The local interface 36 is implemented as a bus or other communication interface to facilitate communication between components of the electronic control unit 32. The local interface 36 is formed of any medium configured to transmit signals. In non-limiting examples, the local interface 36 is formed of conductive wires, conductive traces, optical waveguides, or similar. The local interface 36 may also refer to the spread of electromagnetic radiation and the corresponding electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, the local interface 36 may be formed of a combination of mediums configured to transmit signals. In one embodiment, the local interface 36 comprises a combination of conductive traces, conductive wires, connectors, and a bus, which cooperate to enable the transmission of electrical data signals between various components of the mobile computing device 30. Furthermore, it should be noted that the term “signal” means a waveform (e.g., electrical waveform, optical waveform, magnetic waveform, mechanical waveform, or electromagnetic waveform) configured to travel through a medium, such as DC, AC, sine wave, triangular wave, square wave, vibration, and similar.

[0031] The processor 38 may include processing components that are operable to receive and execute machine-readable instructions, such as those stored in the data storage component 42 and / or memory component 44. In a non-limiting example, the processor 38 may be one of a shared processor circuit, a dedicated processor circuit, or a group processor circuit.

[0032] The input / output hardware 40 may refer to the hardware of the vehicle 12, a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with the mobile computing device 30, drivers that interact with specific devices in the vehicle 12 or the mobile computing device 30, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc. In some embodiments, the input / output hardware 40 includes a display unit 22, a user interface 24, and / or other hardware within the vehicle 12.

[0033] The data storage component 42 is communicated to the processor 38. In non-limiting examples, the data storage component 42 may include one or more database servers supporting NoSQL, MySQL®, Oracle, SQL Server, NewSQL, or similar. The data storage component 42 stores user-specific parameters and characteristics for a desired operating mode of the kinetic sheet assembly 10.

[0034] The memory component 44 is communicateable to the processor 38. In a non-limiting example, the memory component 44 may be a shared memory circuit, a dedicated memory circuit, or a group memory circuit. The memory component 44 stores the detection logic 46 and the communication logic 48. Each of the detection logic 46 and the communication logic 48 may contain multiple different logics, each of which may be embodied as a computer program, firmware, and / or software / hardware.

[0035] The detection logic 46 is executable by the processor 38 to detect one or more signals provided by input / output hardware 40, such as the user interface 24. The communication logic 48 is executable by the processor 38 to cause the in-vehicle computing device 26 to execute commands and operations corresponding to the detection logic 46. In some embodiments, the detection logic 46 and the communication logic 48 communicate with the network 28 via network interface hardware 50 and / or transceiver 34 to communicate with the mobile computing device 30.

[0036] In some embodiments, the memory component 44 is configured as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory, and therefore may include random access memory (SRAM, DRAM, and / or other types of RAM), flash memory, secure digital (SD) memory, registers, compact disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), and / or other types of non-temporary computer-readable media. Depending on the particular embodiment, such non-temporary computer-readable media may reside within and / or outside the in-vehicle computing device 26. The memory component 44 and the data storage component 42 operate as memory units of the electronic control unit 32.

[0037] As described above, in some embodiments, the electronic control unit 32 includes network interface hardware 50. The network interface hardware 50 may include a transceiver 34 for connecting to the network 28, or may be configured to interface with the transceiver 34. For example, the network interface hardware 50 can operate to communicate with any wired or wireless network hardware, including antennas, modems, LANs, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) cards, WiMAX cards, mobile communication hardware, and / or other hardware that communicates with other networks and / or devices. From this connection, communication takes place through the transceiver 34 using the network interface hardware 50, thereby facilitating communication between the electronic control unit 32 and the mobile computing device 30 over the network 28.

[0038] The components described above are shown as existing within the electronic control unit 32, but it should be understood that this is merely an example. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may reside outside the electronic control unit 32. The electronic control unit 32 is shown as a single device, but it should also be understood that this is merely an example. In some embodiments, the detection logic 46 and the communication logic 48 may reside on different computing devices. As an example, one or more of the functions and / or components described herein may be provided by a mobile computing device 30 that can be connected to the vehicle 12 via a network 28.

[0039] Referring here to Figures 2 to 9, the kinetic seat assembly 10 is schematically shown and generally includes a first lower component 52, a second lower component 54 pivotably connected to the first lower component 52, a first upper component 56, a second upper component 58 pivotably connected to the first upper component 56, a vertical damping mechanism 100, a lateral damping mechanism 102, and a connecting assembly 60. As will be described in more detail herein, the vertical damping mechanism 100 and the lateral damping mechanism 102 provide a damping effect between the second lower component 54 and the second upper component 58 relative to the first lower component 52 and the first upper component 56. As shown herein, the kinetic seat assembly 10 is depicted as a seat, such as a vehicle seat. Accordingly, the first lower component 52 may be referred to herein as the primary seat cushion frame 52, the second lower component 54 may be referred to herein as the secondary seat cushion frame 52, the first upper component 56 may be referred to herein as the primary seat back frame 56, and the second upper component 58 may be referred to herein as the secondary seat back frame 58. However, it should be understood that the concepts of this disclosure, specifically the vertical damping mechanism 100 and the lateral damping mechanism 102, are not limited to the embodiments incorporated within a vehicle seat. Conversely, the vertical damping mechanism 100 and the lateral damping mechanism 102 may provide a damping effect between any two fixed or movable components, such as those described in more detail herein.

[0040] As used herein, the term “damping effect” is referred to as the degree of compression. In embodiments, compression may be measured by the length of a biasing member, such as a spring, or by the resistance to compression provided by a fluid, such as oil. Thus, the damping effect is directly correlated with the amount of movement between the ends of the biasing member, or the resistance provided by the fluid.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3-5 and Figure 20, the coupling assembly 60 interconnects the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58. The coupling assembly 60 is configured to prevent the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 from moving in different phases relative to each other. It should be understood that the movement of the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 is brought about by the rotation of the occupant seated in the kinetic seat assembly 10 due to forces generated in the occupant and vehicle 12 during driving. Therefore, it should be understood that the movement of the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 is not the result of any electric operation or, in other cases, electronically programmed and controlled operation. However, as will be described in more detail herein, the degree of movement may be controlled by electronically programmed or controlled operation. Various embodiments of the kinetic seat assembly 10 and the operation of the kinetic seat assembly 10 are described in more detail herein.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the secondary seat cushion frame 54 includes pads 11 for supporting the occupant's pelvis, including the buttocks and thighs, and the secondary seat back frame 58 includes pads 13 for supporting the occupant's back. The pads 11 and 13 on the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 are omitted in the remaining figures to better illustrate the embodiment.

[0043] Referring to Figures 6, 7, and 9, the primary seat cushion frame 52 may have a substantially rectangular shape. The primary seat cushion frame 52 includes a front member 62 provided near its front portion and a rear member 64 provided near its rear portion. The rear member 64 traverses between pairs of opposing lateral members 66, 68. The primary seat cushion frame 52 may also include a pair of reclining mechanisms 70 provided on opposing sides of the primary seat cushion frame 52, near the rear member 64. The primary seat cushion frame 52 may include pairs of rails 81, 83 that slidably engage with pairs of tracks 85, 87 attached to the floor F of the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 12. By sliding the pairs of rails 81, 83 along the tracks 85, 87, the occupant can move the kinetic seat assembly 10 forward or backward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to position the kinetic seat assembly 10 and the occupant in a comfortable position relative to the steering wheel 20 of the vehicle 12.

[0044] Referring here to Figures 10-13, the primary seat back frame 56 may have a substantially trapezoidal shape. The primary seat back frame 56 includes an upper member 76 provided near its upper portion and a lower member 78 provided near its lower portion. The lower member 78 traverses between pairs of opposing lateral members 80, 82. The lower member 78 includes a lower plate 79 extending therefrom. The lower plate 79 is provided at a substantially central location between the lateral members 80, 82. A pair of holes 79A is formed in the lower plate 79. As described in more detail herein, the pair of holes 79A is provided to facilitate connection of the lateral damping mechanism 102 to the primary seat back frame 56. The primary seat back frame 56 also includes a pair of openings 84, 86 formed in the lateral members 80, 82 of the primary seat back frame 56, near the lower member 78. The reclining mechanism 70 in the primary seat cushion frame 52 engages with a pair of openings 84, 86 formed in the primary seat back frame 56 so that the primary seat back frame 56 can rotate relative to the primary seat cushion frame 52 around the reclining axis Rf.

[0045] In other embodiments of the kinetic seat assembly 10, instead, pairs of openings 84, 86 are formed in the primary seat cushion frame 52, and pairs of recliner mechanisms 70 are provided in the primary seat back frame 56. In some embodiments, both the primary seat cushion frame 52 and the primary seat back frame 56 have paired recliner mechanisms, such as corresponding female and male recliner mechanisms, which engage with each other to facilitate the rotation of the primary seat back frame 56 about a reclining axis Rf relative to the primary seat cushion frame 52.

[0046] Referring here to Figure 8, the secondary seat cushion frame 54 has a shape that conforms to the occupant's pelvis in order to provide sufficient support when seated in the kinetic seat assembly 10. Thus, the secondary seat cushion frame 54 includes a front end 88 provided near its front portion, a rear end 90 provided near its rear portion, and a pair of lateral ends 92, 94 that interconnect the front end 88 and the rear end 90.

[0047] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the secondary seat cushion frame 54 is suspended on the primary seat cushion frame 52 by a forward swivel mechanism 98 to facilitate the swivel and rotation of the secondary seat cushion frame 54 relative to the primary seat cushion frame 52. More specifically, the forward swivel mechanism 98 allows the secondary seat cushion frame 54 to rotate relative to the primary seat cushion frame 52 in the kinetic seat lateral direction when a force is applied to the opposite side of the kinetic seat by a person sitting in the kinetic seat assembly 10. The forward swivel mechanism 98 is provided near the front portion of the secondary seat cushion frame 54 to facilitate the greatest degree of rotation. Thus, the front end 88 of the secondary seat cushion frame 54 is suspended by the forward swivel mechanism 98 on the front member 62 of the primary seat cushion frame 52.

[0048] The forward swivel mechanism 98 is positioned between the primary seat cushion frame 52 and the secondary seat cushion frame 54, near its front portion, to suspend the secondary seat cushion frame 54 on the primary seat cushion frame 52. As shown in more detail in Figure 16, the forward swivel mechanism 98 may include a lower forward swivel mechanism portion 104 fixed to one of the primary seat cushion frame 52 and the secondary seat cushion frame 54, and an upper forward swivel mechanism portion 106 fixed to the other of the primary seat cushion frame 52 and the secondary seat cushion frame 54. The upper forward swivel mechanism portion 106 includes a ball joint 108 housed at the end of the lower forward swivel mechanism portion 104. In embodiments, the ball joint 108 may be provided to the lower forward swivel mechanism portion 104 housed at the end of the upper forward swivel mechanism portion 106.

[0049] Referring here to Figures 14 and 15 with respect to the secondary seat back frame 58, the secondary seat back frame 58 has a shape that conforms to the occupant's torso in order to provide sufficient support. Thus, the secondary seat back frame 58 includes an upper end 180 provided near its upper portion, a lower end 182 provided near its lower portion, and a pair of lateral ends 184, 186 interconnecting the upper end 180 and the lower end 182. As described in more detail herein, the secondary seat back frame 58 includes a pair of flanges 273 extending rearward in the longitudinal direction of the kinetic seat. Holes 275 are formed in each flange 273. The upper end 180 may include a headrest 188 formed integrally with the upper end 180 and extending upward from the upper end 180 to provide additional support for the occupant's head and neck. In some embodiments, a head support frame 190 is provided, extending upward from the lateral ends 184, 186 of the secondary seat back frame 58. The head support frame 190 is a substantially inverted U-shaped member including a pair of arms 192, 194 connected to the lateral ends 184, 186 of the secondary seat back frame 58. As will be described in more detail below, the upward swivel mechanism 212 is connected to the secondary seat back frame 58 below the head support frame 190.

[0050] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the secondary seat back frame 58 is suspended in front of the primary seat back frame 56 by an upward pivot mechanism 212 to facilitate the pivoting and rotation of the secondary seat back frame 58 relative to the primary seat back frame 56. More specifically, the upward pivot mechanism 212 includes a ball joint 213 (Figure 17) and one or more pivotable links 218 that connect the secondary seat back frame 58 to the primary seat back frame 56 to allow the movement of the secondary seat back frame 58 relative to the primary seat back frame 56 in the kinetic seat vertical direction. The upward pivot mechanism 212 is located near the upper end 180 of the secondary seat back frame 58 to facilitate the greatest degree of rotation. Thus, the upper end 180 of the secondary seat back frame 58 is suspended in front of the upper member 76 of the primary seat back frame 56 by the upward pivot mechanism 212.

[0051] As shown in Figures 3 to 5 and described above, the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 are connected to each other at their rear end 90 and lower end 182, respectively, by a connecting assembly 60. The connecting assembly 60 ensures that the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 move in the same phase, that is, simultaneously in the same direction.

[0052] Referring here to Figure 18, the vertical damping mechanism 100 extends from the coupling assembly 60 to a pair of clamps 360 provided on a rear rod 362 extending between rails 81, 83 on the opposite side of the primary seat cushion frame 52. The vertical damping mechanism 100 includes first and second vertical dampers 144, 146, which interconnect the primary seat cushion frame 52 and the secondary seat back frame 58 and secondary seat cushion frame 54 by connection between them by the coupling assembly 60. As shown, the first or upper end of the vertical dampers 144, 146 is directly or indirectly attached to or connected to the secondary seat back frame 58, and the second or lower end on the opposite side of the vertical dampers 144, 146 is indirectly or directly attached to the primary seat cushion frame 52. However, it should be understood that the vertical dampers 144 and 146 may extend between the secondary seat back frame 58 and the primary seat back frame 56.

[0053] Each of the vertical dampers 144, 146 is identical in structure and operation, and therefore, it should be understood that only the first vertical damper 144 is described in detail with reference to Figure 18. In some embodiments, the first vertical damper 144 includes an outer tube 148 and an inner tube 154. The outer tube 148 includes a first end 150 and a second end 152 on the opposite side. As shown, the second end 152 is directly or indirectly connected to the primary seat cushion frame 52. The inner tube 154 includes a first end 156 and a second end 158 on the opposite side. As shown, the second end 158 is directly or indirectly connected to the connecting assembly 60. In some embodiments, the inner tube 154 and the outer tube 148 are rotatable relative to each other. Furthermore, while the inner tube 154 can extend and retract from the outer tube 148, it can be restricted from retracting completely outside the outer tube 148 such that the first end 156 is held inside the outer tube 148.

[0054] In some embodiments, as will be described in more detail below, the inner tube 154 slides in and out of the first end 150 of the outer tube 148 to adjust the length of the first vertical damper 144 based on the movement of the secondary seat back frame 58 relative to the primary seat cushion frame 52. In some embodiments, the first vertical damper 144 also includes ball joints 145 at one or both ends of the first vertical damper 144 to provide the necessary rotation of the first vertical damper 144 relative to the primary seat cushion frame 52 and / or the secondary seat back frame 58. The ball joints 145 at the second end 152 of the outer tube 148 are directly or indirectly connected to one of the clamps 360 provided on the primary seat cushion frame 52, specifically on the rear rod 362, and the ball joints 145 at the second end 158 of the inner tube 154 are directly or indirectly connected to the secondary seat back frame 58, for example, by being rotatably connected to a connecting assembly 60.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first vertical damper 144 may include a compressible or incompressible fluid that provides a damping effect between the inner pipe 154 and the outer pipe 148. The degree of damping may be adjustable manually or electronically, as described in more detail herein. In other embodiments, the first vertical damper 144 includes a deflection member, such as a spring, that provides a damping effect between the inner pipe 154 and the outer pipe 148.

[0056] It should be understood that variations of the first vertical damper 144 and the second vertical damper 146 may be conceivable within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the orientation of the outer tube 148 and the inner tube 154 may be reversed, so that the outer tube 148 is connected to the secondary seat back frame 58 and the inner tube 154 is connected to the primary seat cushion frame 52. In some embodiments, the first vertical damper 144 and the second vertical damper 146 include an inlet 304 connected to a fluid reservoir, which is described in more detail below.

[0057] Referring still to Figure 18, the lateral damping mechanism 102 includes first and second lateral dampers 258, 260, which interconnect the primary seat back frame 56 and the secondary seat back frame 58. Each of the lateral dampers 258, 260 is identical in structure and operation, and therefore, it should be understood that only the first lateral damper 258 will be described in detail. In some embodiments, the first lateral damper 258 includes an outer tube 262 and an inner tube 268. The outer tube 262 includes a first end 264 and a second end 265 on the opposite side. The inner tube 268 includes a first end 270 and a second end 272 on the opposite side. In some embodiments, the inner tube 268 and the outer tube 262 are rotatable relative to each other. Furthermore, the inner tube 268 can extend and retract from the outer tube 262, but the inner tube 268 can be restricted from retracting completely outside the outer tube 262 so that the first end 270 is held inside the outer tube 262. A stopper 268A is formed in the inner tube 268. In embodiments, the stopper 268A is provided at a substantially intermediate position between the first end 270 and the second end 272 of the inner tube 268. In embodiments, the stopper 268A is an integral structure integrated with the inner tube 268. In other embodiments, the stopper 268A is provided in the inner tube 268 and is circumscribing to the inner tube 268. In embodiments, the stopper 268A is an O-ring. The inner tubes 268 of the first lateral damper 258 and the second lateral damper 260 each extend through holes 275 in their respective flanges 273 that extend rearward from the secondary seat back frame 58.

[0058] Referring here to Figures 19A and 19B, the bearing 268B is provided within a bearing housing 268C, which is fixed within a hole 275 formed in the flange 273. The bearing 268B is a segment ball joint that is rotatable within the bearing housing 268C. The inner tube 268 of the first lateral damper 258 has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the passage 268D formed in the bearing 268B. Thus, the inner tube 268 of the first lateral damper 258 is able to slide through the bearing 268B from a first position where the stopper 268A is separated from the flange 273, as shown in Figure 19A, to a second position where the stopper 268A prevents further extension of the first lateral damper 258, as shown in Figure 19B. The stopper 268A has an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the passage 268D formed in the bearing 268B. Therefore, the inner tube 268 of the first lateral damper 258 slides through the bearing 268B until the stopper 268A comes into contact with the bearing 268B, preventing further extension of the first lateral damper 258, as shown in Figure 19B. In other embodiments, further extension of the inner tube 268 through the bearing 268B is prevented by the stopper 268A coming into contact with some other surface, such as the bearing housing 268C or the flange 273. In embodiments, the stopper 268A may include a bearing 268B that is circumscribing to the outer surface of the inner tube 268. Since the bearing 268B is able to rotate relative to the flange 273, the inner tube 268 is also able to pivot relative to the flange 273 as the secondary seat back frame 58 moves in the kinetic seat vertical direction.

[0059] Referring again to Figure 18, in some embodiments, as will be described in more detail below, the inner tube 268 slides in and out of the first end 264 of the outer tube 262 to adjust the length of the first lateral damper 258 based on the movement of the secondary seat back frame 58 relative to the primary seat back frame 56. In some embodiments, the first lateral damper 258 includes a ball joint 277 at the second end 265 of the outer tube 262. The ball joint 277 is rotatably connected to a lower member 78 of the primary seat back frame 56 to provide the necessary rotation of the first lateral damper 258 relative to the primary seat back frame 56. Specifically, the ball joint 277 is rotatably connected to a lower plate 79 provided in the lower member 78 of the primary seat back frame 56. However, the second end 272 of the inner tube 268 is not a fixed connection to the secondary seat back frame 58. Conversely, the inner tube 268 can slide through the hole 275 formed in the flange 273 when the secondary seat back frame 58 moves relative to the primary seat back frame 56.

[0060] When the secondary seat back frame 58 and the secondary seat cushion frame 54 move in the direction of arrow A1, the first lateral damper 258 moves in the direction of arrow B1, and the second lateral damper 260 moves in the direction of arrow C1. When the first lateral damper 258 moves in the direction of arrow B1, the stopper 268A comes into contact with the bearing 268B, or, in this embodiment, the bearing housing 268C or the flange 273, compressing the inner tube 268 into the outer tube 262, thereby providing a damping effect by the first lateral damper 258. When the secondary seat back frame 58 and the secondary seat cushion frame 54 move in the direction of arrow A1, the second lateral damper 260 moves in the direction of arrow C1. As the second lateral damper 260 moves in the direction of arrow C1, the inner tube 268 of the second lateral damper 260, which has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the hole 275 formed in the flange 273, becomes able to slide through the hole 275, thereby preventing any compression or tension of the second lateral damper 260 and any additional damping effect that counteracts the damping effect provided by the first lateral damper 258.

[0061] Alternatively, when the secondary seat back frame 58 and the secondary seat cushion frame 54 move in the direction of arrow A2, the second lateral damper 260 moves in the direction of arrow C2, and the first lateral damper 258 moves in the direction of arrow B2. When the second lateral damper 260 moves in the direction of arrow C2, the stopper 268A of the second lateral damper 260 comes into contact with the bearing 268B, or, in an embodiment, the bearing housing 268C or flange 273, compressing the inner tube 268 into the outer tube 262, thereby providing a damping effect by the second lateral damper 260. When the secondary seat back frame 58 and the secondary seat cushion frame 54 move in the direction of arrow A2, the first lateral damper 258 moves in the direction of arrow B2. When the first lateral damper 258 moves in the direction of arrow B2, the inner tube 268 of the first lateral damper 258, which has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the hole 275 formed in the flange 273, becomes able to slide through the hole 275, thereby preventing any compression of the first lateral damper 258 and any additional damping effect that cancels out the damping effect provided by the second lateral damper 260. Therefore, it should be understood that only one of the first lateral damper 258 or the second lateral damper 260 provides a damping effect at any given time during the movement of the secondary seat back frame 58 relative to the primary seat back frame 56.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first lateral damper 258 and the second lateral damper 260 may contain a compressible or incompressible fluid that provides a damping effect between the inner pipe 268 and the outer pipe 262. The degree of damping may be manually or electronically adjustable, as described in more detail herein. In other embodiments, the first lateral damper 258 and the second lateral damper 260 include a deflection member, such as a spring, that provides a damping effect between the inner pipe 268 and the outer pipe 262. In some embodiments, the first lateral damper 258 and the second lateral damper 260 include an inlet 330 connected to a fluid reservoir.

[0063] Referring here to Figure 20, the vertical damping mechanism 100 and the lateral damping mechanism 102 are shown separated from the other components of the kinetic seat assembly 10 and are fluidically connected to a pair of fluid reservoirs. Specifically, the first fluid reservoir 334 is provided to deliver and receive fluid from the vertical damping mechanism 100, specifically the vertical dampers 144, 146. The second fluid reservoir 336 is provided to deliver and receive fluid from the lateral damping mechanism 102, specifically the lateral dampers 258, 260. In embodiments, the first fluid reservoir 334 may be provided to deliver and receive fluid from the vertical dampers 144, 146 via one or more conduits 335A extending from the outlet 334E of the first fluid reservoir 334 to the inlet 304 of the vertical dampers 144, 146. Similarly, the second fluid reservoir 336 may be provided to deliver fluid to and receive fluid from the lateral dampers 258, 260 via one or more conduits 335B extending from the outlet 334D of the second fluid reservoir 334 to the inlet 330 of the lateral dampers 258, 260.

[0064] The first fluid reservoir 334 and the second fluid reservoir 336 have the same structure and operate in the same manner. Therefore, only the structure of the first fluid reservoir 334 will be described in more detail herein. As shown in Figure 20, the first fluid reservoir 334 includes an upper portion 334A containing an air spring 334A1 and a lower portion 334B. Either a compressible or incompressible fluid is supplied in the lower portion 334B. The first fluid reservoir 334 includes a piston 337, which is supplied in the lower portion 334B and extends longitudinally within the first fluid reservoir 334. As will be described in more detail herein, the movement of the piston 337 resulting from the inflow of fluid into the lower portion 334 increases the pressure in the upper portion 334A. Similarly, the movement of the piston 337 resulting from the outflow of fluid from the lower portion 334B decreases the pressure in the upper portion 334A. The first fluid reservoir 334 includes an inlet 334C that is fluidly connected to an associated air pump 303, which delivers air into the upper portion 334A of the first fluid reservoir 334. The air pump 303 electronically communicates with an electronic control unit 32 to control the amount of air delivered to the upper portion 334A of the first fluid reservoir 334, so that the upper portion acts as a pressure booster for the lower portion 334B containing the fluid. It should be understood that as the amount of air delivered by the air pump 303 increases, the pressure in the first fluid reservoir 334 increases, and as a result, the air spring 334A1 in the upper portion 334A acts in such a way that the force with which the fluid is delivered to the vertical dampers 144, 146 also increases. Although not described in detail, it should be understood that the second fluid reservoir 336 operates similarly to control the force with which the fluid provided therein is delivered to the lateral dampers 258, 260.

[0065] The first fluid reservoir 334 includes a release valve 305, which is provided at an outlet 334D to control the amount of fluid that can enter and exit the first fluid reservoir 334. More specifically, the release valve 305 controls the size of the opening determined by the outlet 334D. The release valve 305 may be manually controlled, or, in embodiments, an actuator 307 may be provided to control the position of the release valve 305. In embodiments, the actuator 307 is communicated to an electronic control unit 32. The release valve 305 is operable between an open position, a closed position, and a plurality of intermediate positions between the open and closed positions.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first fluid reservoir 334 includes a pressure gauge 340, which displays or otherwise indicates the air pressure in the upper portion 334A of the first fluid reservoir 334. The pressure gauge 340 may be any suitable display, such as an analog gauge, a digital gauge, or the like. As shown, the pressure gauge 340 is mounted at the upper end of the first fluid reservoir 334 near the inlet 334C. However, the pressure gauge 340 may be provided at any location suitable for providing a visual indication of the air pressure in the first fluid reservoir 334. The pressure gauge 340 may communicate with an electronic control unit 32 so that the information determined by the pressure gauge 340 can be transmitted and displayed on a display unit 22 (Figure 1).

[0067] The first fluid reservoir 334 may also include a minimum pressure valve 342 and a maximum pressure valve 344. The minimum pressure valve 342 and the maximum pressure valve 344 may be any valve suitable for regulating the pressure in the first fluid reservoir 334, such as a Schrader valve, Presta valve, Dunlop valve, and similar. The minimum pressure valve 342 may operate to prevent the pressure in the upper portion 334A of the first fluid reservoir 334 from falling below a minimum air pressure threshold. The minimum pressure valve 342 may be manually controlled, or, in embodiments, an actuator 346 may be provided to control the position of the minimum pressure valve 342, and therefore the minimum air pressure threshold. In embodiments, the actuator 346 is communicably connected to an electronic control unit 32.

[0068] Similarly, the maximum pressure valve 344 may operate to prevent the pressure in the upper portion 334A of the first fluid reservoir 334 from exceeding a maximum air pressure threshold in response to the operation of the air pump 303. The maximum air pressure threshold is greater than the minimum air pressure threshold. More specifically, the maximum pressure valve 344 may function as a blow-off valve, which is configured to release excess pressure when the pressure in the first fluid reservoir 334 exceeds the maximum air pressure threshold. The maximum pressure valve 344 may be manually controlled, or, in embodiments, an actuator 348 may be provided to control the position of the maximum pressure valve 344, and therefore the maximum air pressure threshold. In embodiments, the actuator 348 is communicated to an electronic control unit 32.

[0069] Although the minimum pressure valve 342 and the maximum pressure valve 344 are shown as separate valves located at opposite ends of the upper portion 334A of the first fluid reservoir 334, it should be understood that the minimum pressure valve 342 and the maximum pressure valve 344 may be integrated into a single valve that limits both the minimum pressure and the maximum pressure within the first fluid reservoir 334.

[0070] Referring to Figures 20 and 21, it should be understood that the air pressure in the upper portion 334A of the fluid reservoirs 334 and 336 directly affects the speed at which the vertical dampers 144 and 146 and the lateral dampers 258 and 260 return from a compressed state to an uncompressed state. For example, if the air pressure in the upper portion 334A of the fluid reservoirs 334 and 336 increases, the speed at which the fluid flows from the lower portion 334B of the fluid reservoirs 334 and 336 to the vertical dampers 144 and 146 and the lateral dampers 258 and 260 increases. Conversely, if the air pressure in the upper portion 334A of the fluid reservoirs 334 and 336 decreases, the speed at which the fluid flows from the lower portion 334B of the fluid reservoirs 334 and 336 to the vertical dampers 144 and 146 and the lateral dampers 258 and 260 decreases.

[0071] When fluid flows from the lower portion 334B of the fluid reservoirs 334 and 336 to the vertical dampers 144 and 146 and the lateral dampers 258 and 260, the piston 337 moves in the direction of arrow D1, and the air pressure in the upper portion 334 of the fluid reservoirs 334 and 336 decreases. Alternatively, when fluid flows back from the vertical dampers 144 and 146 and the lateral dampers 258 and 260 to the lower portion 334B of the fluid reservoirs 334 and 336, the piston 337 moves in the direction of arrow D2, and the air pressure in the upper portion 334 of the fluid reservoirs 334 and 336 increases.

[0072] It should be understood that the degree of opening of the release valve 305 directly affects the stiffness of the vertical dampers 144, 146 and the lateral dampers 258, 260. For example, as the release valve 305 moves toward the open position, i.e., as the size of the opening of the release valve 305 increases, the stiffness of the vertical dampers 144, 146 and the lateral dampers 258, 260 decreases. Conversely, as the release valve 305 moves toward the closed position, i.e., as the size of the opening of the release valve 305 decreases, the stiffness of the vertical dampers 144, 146 and the lateral dampers 258, 260 increases. Therefore, when the opening of the release valve 305 is in the closed position, the stiffness of the vertical dampers 144, 146 and the lateral dampers 258, 260 is at its maximum, and as a result, the vertical dampers 144, 146 and the lateral dampers 258, 260 provide no damping effect at all.

[0073] It should be understood that the air pump 303 and the release valves 305 associated with each fluid reservoir 334, 336, more specifically, the actuator 307 if provided, may be operable via a user interface 24 (Figure 1) that communicates with an electronic control unit 32 to control the fluid that is made available to flow from the fluid reservoirs 334, 336 to the vertical dampers 144, 146 and the lateral dampers 258, 260. As described above, the display unit 22 (Figure 1) may include the user interface 24 and may be located in any preferred location, for example, on the dashboard of the vehicle 12, or otherwise within reach of the occupant so that the occupant can control the damping effect and stiffness of the kinetic seat assembly 10. It should be understood that the air pump 303 and the release valves 305 may each be operated by either the electronic control unit 32 or by user operation in a first mode or position, such as sport mode. In sport mode, the air pump 303 may operate in a first mode to provide a predetermined air pressure in the fluid reservoirs 334, 336, and the release valve 305 may operate in a first position so that the opening of the outlet 334D is opened to a first predetermined degree of opening. As a result, the speed at which the vertical dampers 144, 146 and the lateral dampers 258, 260 return to an uncompressed state increases, and the stiffness of the vertical dampers 144, 146 and the lateral dampers 258, 260 decreases. This allows the secondary seat back frame 58 and the secondary seat cushion frame 54 to move more freely.

[0074] The air pump 303 and the release valve 305 can also be operated automatically by the electronic control unit 32 or by user operation in a second mode or position, such as comfort mode. In comfort mode, the air pump 303 can operate in a second mode to provide a second predetermined air pressure in the fluid reservoirs 334, 336 that is lower than a first predetermined air pressure, and the release valve 305 can operate in a second position so that the opening of the outlet 334D is opened to a second predetermined opening degree that is smaller than a first predetermined opening degree. As a result, the speed at which the vertical dampers 144, 146 and the lateral dampers 258, 260 return to the uncompressed state is reduced, and the stiffness of the vertical dampers 144, 146 and the lateral dampers 258, 260 is increased. This allows the secondary seat back frame 58 and the secondary seat cushion frame 54 to remain in a more fixed position. In some embodiments, the comfort mode may prevent all movement between the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 relative to the primary seat cushion frame 52 and the primary seat back frame 56. It should be understood that the sport mode and comfort mode described herein function to simultaneously adjust the operation of the air pump 303 and the release valve 305. However, it should also be understood that the air pump 303 and the release valve 305 may also operate independently between the first mode or position, the second mode or position, and a plurality of intermediate modes or positions, either automatically by the electronic control unit 32 or by user operation.

[0075] When in use, the occupant controls the turning direction of the vehicle 12 by rotating the steering wheel 20. In doing so, the occupant's shoulder on the turning direction side moves downward relative to the shoulder on the opposite turning direction side, and the shoulder on the turning direction side moves backward relative to the shoulder on the opposite turning direction side. At this time, if the occupant bends their lumbar spine in the turning direction, reducing the distance between the pelvis and shoulder on the turning direction side compared to the distance between the pelvis and shoulder on the opposite turning direction side, twisting the lumbar spine, and rotating the pelvis in the same direction as the shoulder on the turning direction side, the steering operation can be performed comfortably.

[0076] When an occupant orients the vehicle 12 in the direction of a turn, a force is applied to the vehicle 12, and therefore to the occupant, in the opposite direction of the turn. In a standard vehicle seat that does not have the mobility to compensate for this force and allow the occupant to adjust the position of their pelvis or torso, the occupant experiences strain on their joints, including their knees, waist, and shoulders. In seats where the seat cushion frame and seat back frame rotate in opposite directions, this strain on the occupant's joints is amplified.

[0077] This disclosure seeks to eliminate joint stress by enabling an occupant seated in the kinetic seat assembly 10 to rotate with respect to the force exerted on the vehicle 12 during a turn. Thus, the kinetic seat assembly 10 allows the occupant's pelvis and torso to rotate in the direction of the turn to maintain the center of gravity within the vehicle 12.

[0078] When the occupant turns the vehicle 12 to the right, the occupant uses their core muscles to lower their right shoulder, bending their lumbar spine to the right. This results in a rotational movement of the occupant's pelvis that is counterclockwise in the roll direction and clockwise in the yaw direction. In addition, the occupant rotates their torso counterclockwise in the roll direction and clockwise in the yaw direction. During the turn to the right, a force is applied to the occupant to the left. This further facilitates the rotation of the occupant's torso and pelvis to the left due to the momentum of the vehicle 12. Therefore, the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 move to the left in the same phase as each other due to their connection by the connecting assembly 60. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, during the right turn, the rear end 90 of the secondary seat cushion frame 54 moves in the first seat cushion direction X1, and the lower end 182 of the secondary seat back frame 58 moves in the first seat back direction Y1. The first seat cushion direction X1 and the first seat back direction Y1 are each oriented along the same kinetic seat lateral direction. Furthermore, the first seat cushion direction X1 and the first seat back direction Y1 are oriented along the same kinetic seat lateral direction as the direction of arrow A1 shown in Figure 18. Therefore, during a right turn as described herein, the first lateral damper 258 moves in the direction of arrow B1 and the second lateral damper 260 moves in the direction of arrow C1. When the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 move to the left, the lateral damping mechanism 102 provides a controlled damping effect to reduce the force that causes the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 to move to the left. Alternatively, when the occupant turns the vehicle 12 to the left, the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 move to the right in the same phase to each other. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, during a rightward rotation, the rear end 90 of the secondary seat cushion frame 54 moves in a second seat cushion direction X2 opposite to the first seat cushion direction X1, and the lower end 182 of the secondary seat back frame 58 moves in a second seat back direction Y2 opposite to the first seat back direction Y1. The second seat cushion direction X2 and the second seat back direction Y2 are both oriented along the same kinetic seat lateral direction.Furthermore, the second seat cushion direction X2 and the second seat back direction Y2 are oriented along the same kinetic seat lateral direction as the direction of arrow A2 shown in Figure 18. Therefore, during left turns as described herein, the first lateral damper 258 moves in the direction of arrow B2 and the second lateral damper 260 moves in the direction of arrow C2. As the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 move to the right, the lateral damping mechanism 102 provides a controlled damping effect that reduces the force causing the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 to move to the right.

[0079] Referring again to Figure 1, the imaginary line L extends from the forward swivel mechanism 98 to the upward swivel mechanism 212. With respect to an occupant seated in the kinetic seat assembly 10, line L generally extends through the occupant's shoulders and knees. Thus, when the kinetic seat assembly 10 is subjected to movement during a right or left swivel, the kinetic seat assembly 10 ensures that the occupant's shoulders and knees remain generally aligned with each other, while allowing the occupant's waist to move to the left and right, respectively, in accordance with the above disclosure.

[0080] Further embodiments of the embodiments described herein are provided by the subject matter of the following sections.

[0081] Section 1. Kinetic seat assembly comprising a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat back frame, and a lateral damping mechanism including a first lateral damper and a second lateral damper, wherein the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper extend between the primary seat back frame and the secondary seat back frame, the first ends of the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper are rotatably fixed to the primary seat back frame, and the second ends opposite to the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper are free to move through holes formed in their respective flanges extending from the secondary seat back frame.

[0082] Section 2. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 1, wherein each of the first and second lateral dampers comprises an outer tube and an inner tube that is extendable and retractable from the outer tube to adjust the length of the first and second lateral dampers based on the movement of the secondary seat back frame relative to the primary seat back frame, the inner tube having an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the hole formed in the respective flanges, and a stopper provided on the inner tube so as to prevent the inner tube from passing through the hole formed in the respective flanges when the stopper contacts the flange.

[0083] Section 3. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 2, further comprising a bearing housing provided in the holes formed in each of the flanges, and a bearing provided within the bearing housing and defining a passage through which the inner tube slides, wherein the bearing is rotatable within the bearing housing so as to allow the inner tube to pivot relative to each of the flanges.

[0084] Section 4. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 2 or 3, wherein the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper each contain a compressible fluid that provides a damping effect between the inner tube and the outer tube.

[0085] Section 5. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 4, wherein the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper enable lateral movement of the secondary seat back frame relative to the primary seat back frame.

[0086] Section 6. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 4 or 5, wherein the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper each include an inlet connected to an air supply unit, and air is supplied to the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper up to a predetermined amount to control the degree of damping between the primary seat back frame and the secondary seat back frame.

[0087] Section 7. A kinetic seat assembly according to any one of Sections 4 to 6, wherein only one of the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper provides a damping effect at any given time during the movement of the secondary seat back frame relative to the primary seat back frame.

[0088] Section 8. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 7, wherein, in response to the movement of the secondary seat back frame in a first direction, the stopper contacts its respective flange, compressing the inner tube of the first lateral damper into the outer tube of the first lateral damper to provide a damping effect, and the inner tube of the second lateral damper slides freely through the holes formed in its respective flange without being compressed into the outer tube of the second lateral damper.

[0089] Section 9. A kinetic seat assembly according to any one of Sections 1 to 8, wherein the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper each include a ball joint provided at the first end of the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper for rotatably connecting the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper to the primary seat cushion frame.

[0090] Section 10. The kinetic seat assembly according to any one of Sections 1 to 9, wherein the primary seat back frame is a fixed seat back frame of the seat, and the secondary seat back frame is a movable seat back frame of the seat.

[0091] Section 11. Kinetic seat assembly comprising: a primary seat cushion frame; a secondary seat cushion frame movable relative to the primary seat cushion frame; a primary seat back frame; a secondary seat back frame movable relative to the primary seat back frame; a pair of lateral dampers extending between the primary seat back frame and the secondary seat back frame; and a first fluid reservoir for supplying fluid to the pair of lateral dampers, wherein the first fluid reservoir is operable to control the rate at which fluid is supplied to and withdrawn from the pair of lateral dampers in order to control a damping effect.

[0092] Section 12. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 11, further comprising a pair of vertical dampers extending between the secondary seat back frame and the primary seat cushion frame, and a second fluid reservoir fluidly communicating with the pair of vertical dampers.

[0093] Section 13. A kinetic seat assembly according to Section 11 or 12, wherein each fluid reservoir comprises an upper portion including an air spring, a lower portion containing the fluid, and a piston provided to be movable within the lower portion and extending longitudinally in the fluid reservoir, wherein the inflow of fluid into the lower portion and the outflow of fluid from the lower portion result in the piston moving longitudinally in the fluid reservoir, causing an increase and decrease in pressure within the upper portion, respectively.

[0094] Section 14. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 13, further comprising an air pump for delivering air into each of the upper portions of the pair of fluid storage units.

[0095] Section 15. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 14, wherein each of the pair of fluid storage units includes a pneumatic gauge for displaying the pressure within each of the fluid storage units of the pair.

[0096] Section 16. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 14 or 15, wherein each of the pair of fluid storage units includes a minimum pressure valve that maintains the air pressure in each of the pair of fluid storage units above a minimum air pressure threshold.

[0097] Section 17. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 16, wherein each of the pair of fluid storage units includes a maximum pressure valve that maintains the air pressure in each of the pair of fluid storage units below a maximum air pressure threshold that is higher than the minimum air pressure threshold.

[0098] Section 18. The kinetic seat assembly according to any one of Sections 14 to 17, wherein each fluid reservoir further comprises a release valve that controls the amount of fluid that can enter and exit the outlet of the respective fluid reservoir.

[0099] Section 19. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 18, wherein when the release valve is in a first position, the secondary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat back frame are prevented from moving relative to the primary seat cushion frame and the primary seat back frame, and when the release valve is in a second position, the secondary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat back frame move relative to the primary seat cushion frame and the primary seat back frame.

[0100] Section 20. The kinetic seat assembly according to any one of Sections 11 to 19, wherein the primary seat back frame is a fixed seat back frame of the seat, the secondary seat back frame is a movable seat back frame of the seat, the primary seat cushion frame is a fixed seat cushion frame of the seat, and the secondary seat cushion frame is a movable seat cushion frame of the seat.

[0101] Section 21. A kinetic seat assembly according to any one of Sections 18 to 20, further comprising an electronic control unit, wherein the air pump is communicably connected to the electronic control unit to control the amount of air delivered to the upper portion of each of the fluid storage sections, and the release valve is communicably connected to the electronic control unit to control the release valve and adjust the opening of the outlet.

[0102] Section 22. Kinetic seat assembly comprising: a primary seat cushion frame; a secondary seat cushion frame pivotably connected to the primary seat cushion frame; a primary seat back frame; a secondary seat back frame pivotably connected to the primary seat back frame; a pair of vertical dampers extending between the secondary seat back frame and the primary seat cushion frame; and a fluid reservoir that provides fluid to the pair of vertical dampers to control the rate at which fluid is supplied to and withdrawn from the pair of vertical dampers.

[0103] Section 23. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 22, wherein the fluid reservoir comprises an upper portion including an air spring, a lower portion containing the fluid, and a piston provided to be movable within the lower portion and extending longitudinally in the fluid reservoir, the inflow of the fluid into the lower portion of the fluid reservoir and the outflow of the fluid from the lower portion, respectively, cause the piston to move longitudinally in the fluid reservoir, resulting in an increase and decrease in pressure within the upper portion of the fluid reservoir.

[0104] Section 24. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 23, wherein the fluid storage unit includes a pneumatic gauge for displaying the pressure within the fluid storage unit.

[0105] Section 25. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 23 or 24, wherein the fluid storage section includes a minimum pressure valve for maintaining the air pressure within the fluid storage section above a minimum air pressure threshold.

[0106] Section 26. The kinetic seat assembly according to Section 25, wherein the fluid storage section includes a maximum pressure valve that maintains the air pressure in each fluid storage section below a maximum air pressure threshold that is higher than the minimum air pressure threshold.

[0107] Section 27. A kinetic seat assembly according to any one of Sections 21 to 26, wherein the primary seat back frame is a fixed seat back frame of a vehicle seat, the secondary seat back frame is a movable seat back frame of the seat, the primary seat cushion frame is a fixed seat cushion frame of the seat, and the secondary seat cushion frame is a movable seat cushion frame of the seat.

[0108] From the above, it should be understood that a new, unique kinetic seat assembly is specified herein, in which the seat cushion frame and seat back frame rotate in the same phase with each other during vehicle movement such as turning. In this case, the driver or other occupants of the vehicle will experience a more comfortable driving experience in which the occupants' torsos and waists move together when the kinetic vehicle seat replaces a seat in the vehicle other than the driver's seat. The inventions disclosed herein include the following embodiments: [Aspect 1] A kinetic seat assembly, Primary seat back frame and Secondary seat back frame and A lateral damping mechanism including a first lateral damper and a second lateral damper, A kinetic seat assembly comprising, wherein the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper extend between the primary seat back frame and the secondary seat back frame, the first ends of the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper are rotatably fixed to the primary seat back frame, and the second ends of the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper on the opposite side are free to move through holes formed in the respective flanges extending from the secondary seat back frame. [Aspect 2] The first lateral damper and the second lateral damper are, The outer pipe and An inner tube that can extend and retract from the outer tube to adjust the length of the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper based on the movement of the secondary seat back frame relative to the primary seat back frame, wherein the inner tube has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the holes formed in each of the flanges, A stopper provided on the inner tube such that when the stopper contacts the flange, the inner tube is prevented from passing through the holes formed in each of the flanges, A kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 1, comprising: [Aspect 3] A bearing housing provided in the hole formed in each of the flanges, A bearing provided within the bearing housing, which defines a passage through which the inner tube slides, Furthermore, The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 2, wherein the bearing is rotatable within the bearing housing so as to allow the inner tube to pivot relative to each of the flanges. [Aspect 4] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 2, wherein the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper each contain a compressible fluid that provides a damping effect between the inner tube and the outer tube. [Aspect 5] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 4, wherein the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper enable lateral movement of the secondary seat back frame relative to the primary seat back frame. [Aspect 6] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 4, wherein the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper each include an inlet connected to an air supply unit, and air is supplied to the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper up to a predetermined amount to control the degree of damping between the primary seat back frame and the secondary seat back frame. [Aspect 7] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 4, wherein only one of the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper provides a damping effect at any given time during the movement of the secondary seat back frame relative to the primary seat back frame. [Aspect 8] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 7, wherein, in response to the movement of the secondary seat back frame in a first direction, the stopper contacts the respective flanges and compresses the inner tube of the first lateral damper into the outer tube of the first lateral damper to provide a damping effect, and the inner tube of the second lateral damper slides freely through the holes formed in the respective flanges without being compressed into the outer tube of the second lateral damper. [Aspect 9] The kinetic seat assembly according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper each include a ball joint provided at the first end of the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper for rotatably connecting the first lateral damper and the second lateral damper to a primary seat cushion frame. [Aspect 10] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the primary seat back frame is a fixed seat back frame of the seat, and the secondary seat back frame is a movable seat back frame of the seat. [Aspect 11] A kinetic seat assembly, Primary seat cushion frame, A secondary seat cushion frame that is movable relative to the primary seat cushion frame, Primary seat back frame and A secondary seat back frame that is movable relative to the primary seat back frame, A pair of lateral dampers extending between the primary seat back frame and the secondary seat back frame, A first fluid storage unit that supplies fluid to the pair of lateral dampers, A kinetic seat assembly comprising, wherein the first fluid storage unit is operable to control the rate at which fluid is supplied to and withdrawn from the pair of lateral dampers in order to control the damping effect. [Aspect 12] A pair of vertical dampers extending between the secondary seat back frame and the primary seat cushion frame, A second fluid reservoir that is fluidly connected to the pair of vertical dampers, A kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 11, further comprising the following: [Aspect 13] Each fluid storage unit is: The upper part including the air spring, The lower portion containing the aforementioned fluid, A piston is provided so as to be movable within the lower portion and extending in the longitudinal direction of the fluid storage section, Equipped with, The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 11, wherein the inflow of fluid into the lower portion and the outflow of fluid from the lower portion result in the piston moving longitudinally in the fluid storage portion, causing an increase and decrease in pressure within the upper portion, respectively. [Aspect 14] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 13, further comprising an air pump for delivering air into each of the upper portions of the pair of fluid storage units. [Aspect 15] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 14, wherein each of the pair of fluid storage units includes an air pressure gauge for displaying the pressure within each of the fluid storage units of the pair. [Aspect 16] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 14, wherein each pair of fluid storage units includes a minimum pressure valve that maintains the air pressure within each fluid storage unit of the pair of fluid storage units above a minimum air pressure threshold. [Aspect 17] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 16, wherein each of the pair of fluid storage units includes a maximum pressure valve that maintains the air pressure in each of the pair of fluid storage units below a maximum air pressure threshold that is higher than the minimum air pressure threshold. [Aspect 18] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 14, wherein each fluid storage section further comprises a release valve that controls the amount of fluid that can enter and exit the outlet of the respective fluid storage section. [Aspect 19] When the release valve is in the first position, the secondary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat back frame are prevented from moving relative to the primary seat cushion frame and the primary seat back frame. The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 18, wherein when the release valve is in a second position, the secondary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat back frame move relative to the primary seat cushion frame and the primary seat back frame. [Aspect 20] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 11, wherein the primary seat back frame is a fixed seat back frame of the seat, the secondary seat back frame is a movable seat back frame of the seat, the primary seat cushion frame is a fixed seat cushion frame of the seat, and the secondary seat cushion frame is a movable seat cushion frame of the seat. [Aspect 21] It is further equipped with an electronic control unit, The air pump is communicated to the electronic control unit in order to control the amount of air delivered to each of the upper portions of the fluid storage unit. The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 18, wherein the release valve is communicated to the electronic control unit for controlling the release valve and adjusting the opening of the outlet. [Aspect 22] A kinetic seat assembly, Primary seat cushion frame, A secondary seat cushion frame is pivotably connected to the primary seat cushion frame, Primary seat back frame and A secondary seat back frame is pivotably connected to the primary seat back frame, A pair of vertical dampers extending between the secondary seat back frame and the primary seat cushion frame, A fluid reservoir that provides fluid to the pair of vertical dampers to control the rate at which the fluid is supplied to and withdrawn from the pair of vertical dampers, A kinetic seat assembly equipped with the following features. [Aspect 23] The aforementioned fluid storage unit is The upper part including the air spring, The lower portion containing the aforementioned fluid, A piston is provided so as to be movable within the lower portion and extending in the longitudinal direction of the fluid storage section, Equipped with, The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 22, wherein the inflow of fluid into the lower portion of the fluid storage section and the outflow of fluid from the lower portion result in the piston moving in the longitudinal direction of the fluid storage section, causing an increase and decrease in pressure within the upper portion of the fluid storage section, respectively. [Aspect 24] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 23, wherein the fluid storage unit includes an air pressure gauge for displaying the pressure within the fluid storage unit. [Aspect 25] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 23, wherein the fluid storage section includes a minimum pressure valve that maintains the air pressure within the fluid storage section above a minimum air pressure threshold. [Aspect 26] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 25, wherein the fluid storage section includes a maximum pressure valve that maintains the air pressure in each fluid storage section below a maximum air pressure threshold that is higher than the minimum air pressure threshold. [Aspect 27] The kinetic seat assembly according to embodiment 21, wherein the primary seat back frame is a fixed seat back frame of a vehicle seat, the secondary seat back frame is a movable seat back frame of the seat, the primary seat cushion frame is a fixed seat cushion frame of the seat, and the secondary seat cushion frame is a movable seat cushion frame of the seat.

Claims

1. A kinetic seat assembly, Primary seat cushion frame, A secondary seat cushion frame that is movable relative to the primary seat cushion frame, Primary seat back frame and A secondary seat back frame that is movable relative to the primary seat back frame, A pair of lateral dampers extending between the primary seat back frame and the secondary seat back frame, A first fluid storage unit that supplies fluid to the pair of lateral dampers, A kinetic seat assembly comprising, wherein the first fluid storage unit is operable to control the rate at which fluid is supplied to and withdrawn from the pair of lateral dampers in order to control the damping effect.

2. A pair of vertical dampers extending between the secondary seat back frame and the primary seat cushion frame, A second fluid storage section is fluidically connected to the pair of vertical dampers, The kinetic seat assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. Each fluid storage unit is: The upper part including the air spring, The lower portion containing the aforementioned fluid, A piston is provided so as to be movable within the lower portion and extending in the longitudinal direction of the fluid storage section, Equipped with, The kinetic seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inflow of fluid into the lower portion and the outflow of fluid from the lower portion each result in the piston moving longitudinally in the fluid storage portion, causing an increase and decrease in pressure within the upper portion.

4. The kinetic seat assembly according to claim 3, further comprising an air pump for delivering air into each of the upper portions of the pair of fluid storage units.

5. The kinetic seat assembly according to claim 4, wherein each of the pair of fluid storage units includes a pneumatic gauge for displaying the pressure within each of the fluid storage units of the pair.

6. The kinetic seat assembly according to claim 4, wherein each pair of fluid storage units includes a minimum pressure valve for maintaining the air pressure in each fluid storage unit of the pair above a minimum air pressure threshold.

7. The kinetic seat assembly according to claim 6, wherein each of the pair of fluid storage units includes a maximum pressure valve that maintains the air pressure in each of the pair of fluid storage units below a maximum air pressure threshold that is higher than the minimum air pressure threshold.

8. The kinetic seat assembly according to claim 4, wherein each fluid storage section further comprises a release valve that controls the amount of fluid that can enter and exit the outlet of the respective fluid storage section.

9. When the release valve is in the first position, the secondary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat back frame are prevented from moving relative to the primary seat cushion frame and the primary seat back frame. The kinetic seat assembly according to claim 8, wherein when the release valve is in the second position, the secondary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat back frame move relative to the primary seat cushion frame and the primary seat back frame.

10. The kinetic seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the primary seat back frame is a fixed seat back frame of the seat, the secondary seat back frame is a movable seat back frame of the seat, the primary seat cushion frame is a fixed seat cushion frame of the seat, and the secondary seat cushion frame is a movable seat cushion frame of the seat.

11. It is further equipped with an electronic control unit, The air pump is communicated to the electronic control unit in order to control the amount of air delivered to each of the upper portions of the fluid storage unit. The kinetic seat assembly according to claim 8, wherein the release valve is communicateably connected to the electronic control unit to control the release valve and adjust the opening of the outlet.

12. A kinetic seat assembly, Primary seat cushion frame, A secondary seat cushion frame is pivotably connected to the primary seat cushion frame, Primary seat back frame and A secondary seat back frame is pivotably connected to the primary seat back frame, A pair of vertical dampers extending between the secondary seat back frame and the primary seat cushion frame, A fluid reservoir that provides fluid to the pair of vertical dampers to control the rate at which the fluid is supplied to and withdrawn from the pair of vertical dampers, A kinetic seat assembly equipped with the following features.

13. The aforementioned fluid storage unit is The upper part including the air spring, The lower portion containing the aforementioned fluid, A piston is provided so as to be movable within the lower portion and extending in the longitudinal direction of the fluid storage section, Equipped with, The kinetic seat assembly according to claim 12, wherein the inflow of fluid into the lower portion of the fluid storage unit and the outflow of fluid from the lower portion each result in the piston moving in the longitudinal direction of the fluid storage unit, causing an increase and a decrease in pressure within the upper portion of the fluid storage unit.

14. The kinetic seat assembly according to claim 13, wherein the fluid storage unit includes an air pressure gauge for displaying the pressure within the fluid storage unit.

15. The kinetic seat assembly according to claim 13, wherein the fluid storage unit includes a minimum pressure valve that maintains the air pressure within the fluid storage unit above a minimum air pressure threshold.

16. The kinetic seat assembly according to claim 15, wherein the fluid storage section includes a maximum pressure valve that maintains the air pressure in each fluid storage section below a maximum air pressure threshold that is higher than the minimum air pressure threshold.

17. The kinetic seat assembly according to claim 11, wherein the primary seat back frame is a fixed seat back frame of a vehicle seat, the secondary seat back frame is a movable seat back frame of the seat, the primary seat cushion frame is a fixed seat cushion frame of the seat, and the secondary seat cushion frame is a movable seat cushion frame of the seat.

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