Patent ID: 7669928
Filing Date: 2010-03-02
Classification: B60N

Abstract:
1. A thigh support adjustment mechanism, comprising: a cushion pan having a top face, a bottom face, and a front edge, the top face being adapted to receive a seat cushion in a supporting relation and the front edge adapted to face in a forward direction when installed in a vehicle seat; an adjustment plate having a front face and a back face, the front face being adapted to face in a forward direction when installed in a vehicle seat, and the adjustment plate being disposed forward of the front edge of the cushion pan and adapted to be movably adjustable in at least a forward direction and a backward direction relative to the cushion pan; a vertical power screw drivingly engaging the back face of the adjustment plate, the vertical power screw being adapted to drive the adjustment plate in at least a forward direction relative to the cushion pan; and a motor drivingly connected to the vertical power screw and adapted to drive the screw in forward and backward directions relative to the cushion pan; wherein the adjustment plate movably adjusts in only a substantially linear direction and maintains rotational orientation with respect to the cushion pan during adjustment in the forward and backward directions; wherein the seat cushion has an underside that contacts at least a portion of the front face of the adjustment plate, wherein a surface area of the seat-cushion underside that contacts the front face of the adjustment plate varies as a function of the adjustment plate position; wherein the surface area of the seat cushion underside that contacts the front face of the adjustment plate decreases as the adjustment plate moves in the fore direction, and wherein the surface area of the seat cushion underside that contacts the front face of the adjustment plate increases as the adjustment plate moves in the aft direction.