Foot rest assembly for a seat of a motorized vehicle

A foot rest assembly includes a foot rest member movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The assembly further includes a leg having a first leg end coupled to the foot rest member and a second leg end, and an arm assembly including a flange and a track. The track includes a first track end and a second track end. A bearing assembly is coupled to the second leg end of the leg. In the deployed position, the bearing assembly and second leg end are located at the first end of the track. In the stowed position, the bearing assembly and second leg end are located at the second end of the track.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a motorized vehicle for transporting one or more passengers, and more particularly to a motorized vehicle capable of transporting one or more physically limited passengers with a seat having a foot rest assembly.

BACKGROUND

Automobile manufacturers do not currently mass-produce passenger vehicles specifically designed to transport passengers having physical limitations, either as a driver or as a non-driving passenger. Consequently, mass-produced passenger vehicles are modified, or retrofitted, by a number of aftermarket companies dedicated to supplying vehicles to physically limited passengers. Such vehicles can be modified by removing certain parts or structures within a vehicle and replacing those parts with parts specifically designed to accommodate the physically limited passenger. For example, in one configuration, a van may be retrofitted with a ramp to enable a physically limited individual using a wheelchair to enter the vehicle without the assistance of another individual.

Other known level change devices for retrofitting a vehicle, such as a van, include wheelchair lifts, lift platforms, and lowered floor surfaces. In some instances, a door of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) van is enlarged or otherwise modified to permit entry of the physically limited individual through what is known as the assisted entrance. Once inside the vehicle, individuals who use the assisted entrance are often located in a rear passenger compartment of the vehicle adjacent to or behind the assisted entrance.

Many motorized vehicles modified to include a ramp or lift for transporting physically limited passengers are passenger vans or buses. Minivans, or passenger vans, are often referred to as multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), people movers, or multi-utility vehicles. At least in the United States, minivans are classified as light trucks or MPVs. In many instances, these vans have rear access doors on each side thereof that, when opened, define a door opening that can provide easy ingress and egress of a wheelchair.

Crossover and sport-utility vehicles have become popular due to their style and driving performance. Sport-utility vehicles are built off a light-truck chassis similar to passenger vans, whereas crossover or crossover utility vehicles are built from a passenger car chassis. Due to their build, crossover vehicles are often more fuel efficient than heavier, sport-utility vehicles and include other advantages over minivans and sport-utility vehicles.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a foot rest assembly for a motorized vehicle includes a foot rest member movable between a first position and a second position; a first leg having a first leg end coupled to the foot rest member and a second leg end; a second leg having a first leg end coupled to the foot rest member and a second leg end; a first arm assembly comprising a flange and a first track, the first track having a first track end and a second track end; a second arm assembly comprising a flange and a second track, the second track having a first track end and a second track end; and a first bearing assembly coupled to the second leg end of the first leg and a second bearing assembly coupled to the second leg end of the second leg; wherein, the second leg end of the first leg is coupled to the first arm assembly, and the second leg end of the second leg is coupled to the second arm assembly; wherein, in the first position, the first bearing assembly and second bearing assembly are located at the first ends of the respective first and second tracks; wherein, in the second position, the first bearing assembly and second bearing assembly are located at the second ends of the respective first and second tracks.

In one example of this embodiment, in the first position, the foot rest member is disposed in a substantially horizontal plane; in the second position, the foot rest member is disposed in a substantially vertical plane. In a second example, the first leg and second leg are pivotally coupled to the first arm assembly and second arm assembly, respectively. In a third example, the foot rest member comprises a low-profile design.

In a fourth example, a pin is coupled to the foot rest member, the pin being removably coupled to a block affixed to the first or second arm assembly. In a fifth example, the pin is coupled to the block in the second position and decoupled therefrom in the first position. In a sixth example, the first and second bearing assemblies each comprise a roller for movably engaging the respective first and second track; a key member coupled to the roller and for coupling to the respective first or second leg; and a bearing element coupled between the roller and respective first or second leg. In another example, in the first position, the second ends of the first and second legs are positioned at the first ends of the respective first and second tracks; in the second position, the second ends of the first and second legs are positioned at the second ends of the respective first and second tracks.

In a further example, when moving from the first position to the second position the second ends of the first and second legs pivot about a first axis defined through the respective first and second bearing assemblies; and the second ends of the first and second legs move along a second axis defined by the first and second tracks. In yet a further example, the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a foot rest assembly includes a foot rest member movable between a stowed position and a deployed position; a leg having a first leg end coupled to the foot rest member and a second leg end; an arm assembly comprising a flange and a track, the track including a first track end and a second track end; and a bearing assembly coupled to the second leg end of the leg; wherein, in the deployed position, the bearing assembly and second leg end are located at the first end of the track; wherein, in the stowed position, the bearing assembly and second leg end are located at the second end of the track.

In one example of this embodiment, in the first position, the foot rest member is disposed in a substantially horizontal plane; in the second position, the foot rest member is disposed in a substantially vertical plane. In a second example, the leg is pivotally coupled to the arm assembly. In another example, a pin is coupled to the foot rest member, the pin being removably coupled to a block affixed to the arm assembly. In yet another example, in the first position, the second end of the leg is positioned at the first end of the track; in the second position, the second end of the leg is positioned at the second end of the track.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a transport vehicle for transporting a wheelchaired passenger includes a chassis; a plurality of wheels for supporting the chassis; an interior space comprising a front compartment and a rear compartment, the front compartment being sized for at least a front seat and the rear compartment being sized for a rear seat; a vehicle floor, a rear wall and opposing side walls located in the rear compartment; a foot rest assembly coupled to the rear seat, the foot rest assembly comprising a foot rest member movable between a stowed position and a deployed position; a leg having a first leg end coupled to the foot rest member and a second leg end; an arm assembly comprising a flange and a track, the track including a first track end and a second track end; and a bearing assembly coupled to the second leg end of the leg, the bearing assembly disposed at least partially within the track; wherein, in the deployed position, the bearing assembly and second leg end are located at the first end of the track; wherein, in the stowed position, the bearing assembly and second leg end are located at the second end of the track.

In one example of this embodiment, the foot rest assembly is coupled directly to the rear seat. In another example, the leg is positioned below the rear seat in the stowed and deployed positions. In a further example, the foot rest member is in contact with the rear seat in the stowed position. In yet a further example, the leg is positioned below the seat in the stowed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates an embodiment of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) or crossover vehicle (CV)100available from any number of United States and foreign manufacturers. In one example, the vehicle is a Chevrolet® Traverse. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle100may a unibody construction. Other SUVs or crossover vehicles contemplated within this disclosure may include a frame on body construction. Consequently, the use of SUV herein includes all types and kinds of sport utility vehicles constructed with a body on frame construction, a unibody construction, or other constructions.

As shown inFIG. 1, the vehicle100may include a vehicle body or chassis102operatively coupled to front wheels104and rear wheels106which support the vehicle100as it traverses the ground. The vehicle100may include a unibody construction designed off of a truck chassis. The vehicle body102may also define a body or vehicle axis through the center of the vehicle100. The body axis may be defined along the length of the vehicle100. The vehicle may be designed to have a gross vehicle weight of at least 6000 pounds. In another aspect, the rating may be at least 8000 pounds but less than approximately 10000 pounds. In a further aspect, the rating may be between approximately 6000 and 10000 pounds.

As shown, the vehicle100includes a front end108and a rear end110. A conventional driver's seat and front passenger seat (not shown) are generally located towards the front end108of the vehicle100, whereas a rear passenger seat116is generally located towards the rear end110of the vehicle. The rear passenger seat116is located generally behind the driver's seat and front passenger seat. The rear passenger seat116may include a foot rest118, which will be described in further detail below.

The vehicle100may include a first or front passenger side door112located between the front wheels104and rear wheels106and provides access to a passenger for sitting in a front seat (not shown) of the vehicle100adjacent to the driver. In this position, the passenger has a clearer forward view of the road when compared to sitting in the rear passenger seat116of the vehicle100. Moreover, when seated, the passenger may be facing in a forward direction of travel. Further, in its conventional arrangement, the vehicle100ofFIG. 1may include a second passenger side door114coupled to the unibody frame.

In at least some crossover vehicles such as the one depicted inFIG. 1, a bench-style seat or three individual seats may be arranged at a location rearward of the driver's seat and front passenger's seat. These rear seat options allow for more passengers to ride in the vehicle. When modifying this type of vehicle, however, for a passenger entering the vehicle via a wheelchair, it is necessary to have as much floor space as possible for wheelchair user. This is particularly important for the user to be able to enter the rear portion of the vehicle and turn the wheelchair around to face forward. Most conventional OEM vehicles lack adequate floor space to allow a wheelchair user to turn the wheelchair around. When floor space is increased, conventional foot rests obstruct the additional space that a wheelchair user would otherwise use to pivot or rotate the wheelchair to face forward.

Turning toFIGS. 2 and 3, for example, a portion of a rear interior portion200of a motorized vehicle is shown. Here, the rear interior portion200is partially defined by a vehicle floor202and opposing side walls204. A seat arrangement may be positioned in the rear compartment200such that the arrangement includes a first seat206, a second seat208, and a third seat210. The seats may be individual seats or formed as a single rear bench seat. The seat arrangement may be located slightly rearward of a rear wall structure212that bows rearward to define a substantially semicircular area of additional floor space214. This additional floor space214may be utilized by a user in a wheelchair to turn or pivot the wheelchair in the rear interior portion. Without the additional floor space214, the area between the driver's seat (not shown), front passenger seat (not shown), and the rear seat arrangement may be too small for a wheelchair upon entering the rear interior portion200to be pivoted or rotated to face the forward traveling direction.

The rear seat arrangement may also include a conventional foot rest216, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. The foot rest216is shown in its stowed position inFIG. 2and its deployed position inFIG. 3. The foot rest216may pivot about a hinge218on each side thereof to allow the foot rest216to move between its two positions. The hinge218, and thus the foot rest216, is mounted to a rear wall support220and the floor202. Movement of the foot rest216is restricted to pivotal movement about the hinge218.

The conventional foot rest216provides adequate support to a seated passenger when the user is seated in one of the seats of the seat arrangement. However, even in its stowed position (FIG. 2), the foot rest216protrudes forwardly from the seat arrangement and occupies a significant portion, if not all, of the additional floor space214needed by the wheelchair user to pivot or turn the wheelchair in the rear interior portion200(seeFIG. 10). Moreover, the foot rest216occupies all of the additional floor space214when it is in its deployed position (seeFIG. 11). Thus, there is little space for the wheelchair user to enter the rear interior portion200via a ramp or lift (not shown), and then pivot or rotate the wheelchair in order to be facing in the forward travel direction. This is a significant disadvantage associated with conventional rear seat arrangements and corresponding foot rests such as those provided by OEMs. A need therefore exists for modifying the rear seat arrangement or foot rest to allow for the use of these additional floor space by a wheelchair user when entering the rear interior portion of the vehicle.

Referring toFIG. 4, a rear interior portion400of a motorized vehicle is shown. Similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the rear interior portion400may be located rearward of a driver's seat and front passenger seat (not shown) of the vehicle. The rear interior portion400may include a plurality of individual seats or a bench. InFIG. 4, a first seat406, a second seat408, and a third seat410are shown. In some embodiments, only the first seat406and third seat410may be provided, with a space provided therebetween. In another embodiment, the first, second and third seats may form a single bench. Other seating arrangements may be used as known to one skilled in the art.

The rear interior portion400may be partially defined by a vehicle floor402and opposing side walls404of the vehicle. The seats may be located above a rear wall412that is concave-like and defines a semi-circular-shaped floor space414that may be used by a wheelchair user to pivot or rotate the wheelchair upon ingress. While most OEM vehicles may not include this concave-like rear wall412, the additional floor space assists the wheelchair user and increases the area between the front passenger and driver seats and the rear seats406,408,410.

The rear seat arrangement inFIG. 4may also include a foot rest assembly416shown in its deployed position. The foot rest assembly416may include a foot rest member418coupled between a first leg420and a second leg422. The foot rest assembly416may be moved between its deployed position ofFIG. 4and a stowed position500ofFIG. 5. In the deployed position, the foot rest member418is defined a long a substantially horizontal plane shown inFIG. 4. In the stowed position500, however, the foot rest member418may be oriented in a substantially vertical position as shown inFIG. 5. The foot rest member418may therefore move or pivot approximately 90° between its deployed and stowed positions.

In the stowed position500, the foot rest assembly416may be positioned such that it is at least partially, if not completely, disposed in contact with the seat arrangement. In other words, the foot rest assembly416may be tucked against cushions of the first seat406, second seat408, and third seat410of the seat arrangement. The first leg420and second leg422are located below the seats thereby allowing the foot rest assembly416to move as far rearward as possible in the stowed position. Due to this positioning, the additional floor space414offered by the concave-like rear wall412is free and available for the wheelchair user to maneuver the wheelchair when it is located in the rear interior portion400of the vehicle.

The foot rest assembly416ofFIG. 4comprises a low-profile design that is coupled to the seat arrangement, rather than the floor as the conventional foot rest is mounted. This allows the foot rest assembly416to be stowed further rearward than the conventional foot rest ofFIGS. 2 and 3, and therefore removes the foot rest assembly416from occupying the additional floor space414.

Turning toFIGS. 10 and 11, the differences between the conventional foot rest assembly216ofFIG. 2and the foot rest assembly416ofFIG. 4is shown relative to the seat arrangement (i.e., seats406,408, and410) and the semicircular-shaped rear wall structure212(in broken lines). As shown inFIG. 10, both foot rest assemblies are illustrated in their stowed positions. In the stowed position, the foot rest assembly418ofFIG. 4is located rearward of the conventional foot rest assembly216by a distance, ΔD. Moreover, the foot rest assembly418is located more closely to the rear wall structure212, thereby allowing for greater floor space414available to maneuver a wheelchair in a rear portion of a motorized vehicle100.

InFIG. 11, the foot rest assembly418and conventional foot rest assembly216are shown in their deployed positions. The lower profile foot rest assembly418does not protrude forwardly as far as the conventional foot rest assembly216, thereby providing additional foot room and floor space in the rear seat compartment400of the vehicle.

InFIGS. 6 and 7, the foot rest assembly416is illustrated to better understand its individual parts and how it functions. The foot rest member418comprises a substantially rectangular body defining an upper surface available for a foot of a passenger seated on the rear seat arrangement to be rested upon. The foot rest member418may include a plurality of openings for receiving fasteners604when coupled to the first leg420and second leg422. For example, the foot rest member418may include a first opening608and a second opening610on each side thereof. The first opening608in the foot rest member418may be aligned with a first opening612in the first leg420, and the second opening610in the foot rest member418may be aligned with a second opening614of the first leg420. The second leg422also includes the first opening612and second opening614, which are aligned with corresponding openings in the foot rest member418. Fasteners604and606, such as screws or bolts, may be used to couple the first leg420and second leg422, respectively, to the opposite ends of the foot rest member418.

The first leg420and second leg422may also include a third opening616defined between the respective first opening612and second opening614. The third opening616in the first leg420is configured to receive a first pin600and the third opening616in the second leg422is configured to receive a second pin602. The first and second pins may be disposed within slots in the stowed position, as will be described in further detail with respect toFIG. 8below.

The first leg420and second leg422may include a first end618and an opposite second end620. At the first end618, the first and second legs are coupled to the foot rest member418. At the second end620thereof, the first and second legs each include a defined key slot opening638. The key slot openings will be described further below.

The foot rest assembly416may include a first arm assembly622and a second arm assembly624. The first and second arm assemblies may be formed as mounting rails with tracks or rails along which the first and second legs slide between the stowed and deployed positions, as described in further detail below. In any event, the first arm assembly622and second arm assembly624may be integrated into the seat base structure900(seeFIG. 9). In one embodiment, each arm assembly may be coupled to outboard seat risers902via one or more bolts646,648or fasteners.

The first arm assembly622and second arm assembly624may also function to house or partially enclose a slide bearing assembly which allows the foot rest member418to be moved between its stowed position500and deployed position. The slide bearing assembly may include a bearing element640and a roller642. The roller642may include a key member644which protrudes therefrom and may engage within the key slot opening638of the first and second legs. In this way, the first and second legs420,422may be movably coupled to the first and second arm assemblies. The combination of these components form the kinematic mechanism which allows the foot rest assembly416to move between its stowed position and deployed position.

For sake of this disclosure, the stowed position may be a first position and the deployed position may be a second position, and the foot rest assembly416may be moved to any position therebetween. Thus, the foot rest assembly416may take one of a plurality of positions between the stowed and deployed positions.

The first arm assembly622may include a first flange portion650and the second arm assembly624may include a second flange portion652, as shown inFIG. 6. A first block630may be coupled to the first flange portion650via one or more fasteners634, whereas a second block632may be coupled to the second flange portion652via one or more fasteners634. The first flange portion650may include one or more openings636through which the one or more fasteners634are positioned for coupling the first block630to the first flange portion650. Likewise, the second flange portion652may include one or more openings636through which the one or more fasteners634are positioned for coupling the second block632to the second flange portion652.

The first arm assembly622and second arm assembly624may each include an opening626defined at one end thereof. The opening626may be part of a track628along which the slide bearing assembly moves. For example, the roller642may slide or roll along the track628as the foot rest assembly416is moved between the deployed and stowed positions.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 7, the foot rest member418is shown in its stowed position500. Here, first arm member622is oriented along a first axis700. Moreover, the foot rest member418and first end618of the first leg420are defined along a second axis702. The first axis700and second axis702may be angled relative to one another. In one non-limiting example, the first axis700and second axis702may be angled by 60° or more relative to one another. In a second non-limiting example, the first and second axes may be angled by 75° or more relative to one another. In another non-limiting example, the first and second axes may be approximately perpendicular to one another.

Referring toFIG. 8, the foot rest assembly416is illustrated in its deployed position. Here, the track628of the first and second arm assemblies is best shown. The track628may include a first end800and a second end802. In the deployed position ofFIG. 8, the second end620of each leg, and thus the slide bearing assembly, is located at the first end800of the track628. In the stowed position500, however, the second end620of each leg, and thus the corresponding slide bearing assembly, is located at the second end802of the track628. As such, the second end620of each leg and the corresponding slide bearing assembly move in a substantially translational direction along the first axis700(and a corresponding parallel axis of the second arm assembly624) between the first and second ends of the track628.

During assembly, a portion of the slide bearing assembly including the roller642is located within the track628by inserting it through the opening626of the arm assembly. In one example, the roller642is located within the track628. In another example, the roller642and the bearing element640are located within the track628.

The connection between the first leg420and the slide bearing assembly defines a pivot axis804, as shown inFIG. 8. The pivot axis804passes through a pivotal connection between the first leg420and slide bearing assembly, and also through a pivotal connection between the second leg422and the corresponding slide bearing assembly. Thus, the first and second legs may pivot relative to the slide bearing assembly and the first and second arm assemblies. In other words, the first leg420may pivot relative to the first arm assembly622, whereas the second leg422may pivot relative to the second arm assembly624. This pivotal movement allows the foot rest assembly416to move between its deployed and stowed positions.

As also shown inFIG. 8, the first block630may include a first slot806, and the second block632may include a second slot808. As best shown inFIG. 7, the first pin600is configured to be received by the first slot806and the second pin602is configured to be received by the second slot808in the stowed position500. The engagement between the pin and slot may be snap-fit connection to better retain the foot rest assembly416in its stowed position. As described previously, the first and second blocks may be coupled to a top portion or flange of the respective arm assembly. When engaged, the blocks are able to retain the pins in a substantially tight, rattle-free manner.

When the foot rest assembly416is in its stowed position, it may be moved to its deployed position by pulling the foot rest member418forward and away from the rear seat arrangement. As this is done, the slide bearing assemblies on each side of the foot rest assembly416may travel along the tracks (or slots) defined by the first and second arm assembly. As the slide bearing assemblies reach the first end800of the respective arm assembly, the first leg420and second leg422may pivot about the pivotal connection and pivot axis804into the deployed position ofFIG. 8. Thus, the foot rest assembly416moves in a first translational movement from its stowed position and then pivoted downwardly to the deployed position.

When moving from the deployed position to the stowed position, the reverse is true. The foot rest member and first and second legs are first pivoted about pivot axis804until the second end618of each leg is substantially aligned with the first end620and the track628along the first axis700. Once aligned, the slide bearing assemblies may be slid along with the first leg420, second leg422, and foot rest member418in a substantially linear (translational) rearward direction (along axis700) to the stowed position500until the top surface of the foot rest member418is in contact with or in near contact with the cushions of the rear seat arrangement. Moreover, the first pin600and second pin602are positioned within the first slot806and second slot808, respectively, in a snap-fit or other locking manner with the first and second blocks630,632. In this way, the foot rest assembly416is retained in its stowed position500.