Vehicle seating assembly with lower leg support

A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat, a support surface, a seatback and a lower leg support. The seat includes a forward end and a rearward end. The support surface is coupled to the seat. The seatback is rotatably coupled to the seat proximate the rearward end. The lower leg support is directly and rotatably coupled to the seat proximate the forward end. The lower leg support is directly coupled to the support surface in a manner that results in automatic mechanical deployment of the lower leg support when the seat and the seatback are moved toward a reclined-and-raised position.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle seating assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seating assembly with a lower leg support.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Vehicles are often provided with one or more seating assemblies. Seating solutions provided within a passenger compartment of a vehicle can be a deciding factor in consumers purchase decisions.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a seat, a seatback, and a lower leg support. The seat includes a forward end and a rearward end. A support surface is coupled to the seat. The seatback is rotatably coupled to the seat proximate the rearward end. The lower leg support is directly and rotatably coupled to the seat proximate the forward end. The lower leg support is directly coupled to the support surface in a manner that results in automatic mechanical deployment of the lower leg support when the seat and the seatback are moved toward a reclined-and-raised position.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure can include any one or a combination of the following features:a front leg that extends from an underside of the seat toward the support surface an anchor assembly that is coupled to the front leg, wherein the anchor assembly is configured to releasably couple with the support surface such that the anchor assembly is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the support surface;the reclined-and-raised position includes placing the anchor assembly in the disengaged position;the reclined-and-raised position further includes increasing a first distance between an underside of the forward end of the seat and the support surface;the reclined-and-raised position further includes increasing a second distance between the anchor assembly and the support surface;the reclined-and-raised position further includes rotating the seatback rearward from a seated position such that an angle between the seat and the seatback increases;the reclined-and-raised position further includes decreasing a third distance between a rear leg and the rearward end of the seat;an actuator assembly coupled to the seat and configured for coupling to the support surface;the lower leg support includes a first member and a second member, wherein the first member includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be rotatably coupled to the support surface, and wherein the second member includes a coupled portion and a free portion;the coupled portion of the second member includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the coupled portion is rotatably coupled to the second end of the first member;the lower leg support further includes a third member that is coupled to the forward end of the seat and extends outwardly therefrom;the second end of the coupled portion of the second member is rotatably coupled to the third member;the free end of the second member is provided with a cushion assembly that is configured to engage with a lower leg region of a user;a distance between the free end and the first member increases when the lower leg support is moved toward the reclined-and-raised position; andthe first member extends downwardly toward the support surface along a side of the seat.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a seat, a seatback, a lower leg support, a front leg, and an anchor assembly. The seat includes a forward end and a rearward end. The seat is configured to be coupled to a support surface. The seatback is rotatably coupled to the seat proximate the rearward end. The lower leg support is directly and rotatably coupled to the seat proximate the forward end. The lower leg support is configured to be directly coupled to the support surface in a manner that results in automatic mechanical deployment of the lower leg support when the seat and the seatback are moved toward a reclined-and-raised position. The front leg extends downwardly from an underside of the seat. The anchor assembly is coupled to the front leg. The anchor assembly is configured to releasably couple with the support surface such that the anchor assembly is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the support surface. The reclined-and-raised position includes placing the anchor assembly in the disengaged position. The reclined-and-raised position includes increasing a first distance between the underside of the forward end of the seat and the support surface. The reclined-and-raised position includes increasing a second distance between the anchor assembly and the support surface. The reclined-and-raised position includes rotating the seatback rearward from a seated position such that an angle between the seat and the seatback increases. The reclined-and-raised position includes decreasing a third distance between a rear leg and the rearward end of the seat.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure can include any one or a combination of the following features:an actuator assembly coupled to the underside of the seat and configured for coupling to the support surface, wherein the actuator assembly is responsible for the increasing of the first distance between the underside of the forward end of the seat and the support surface and is responsible for the increasing of the second distance between the anchor assembly and the support surface;the lower leg support includes a first member and a second member, wherein the first member includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be rotatably coupled to the support surface, wherein the second member includes a coupled portion and a free portion, wherein the coupled portion of the second member comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the coupled portion is rotatably coupled to the second end of the first member;the lower leg support further includes a third member that is coupled to the forward end of the seat and extends outwardly therefrom, wherein the second end of the coupled portion of the second member is rotatably coupled to the third member, wherein the free end of the second member is provided with a cushion assembly that is configured to engage with a lower leg region of a user, and wherein a distance between the free end and the first member increases when the lower leg support is moved toward the reclined-and-raised position; andthe first member extends downwardly toward the support surface along a side of the seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIGS.1-7, a vehicle seating assembly10includes a seat14, a seatback18, and a lower leg support22. The seat14includes a forward end26and a rearward end30. The seat14is coupled to a support surface34. The seatback18is rotatably coupled to the seat14proximate the rearward end30. The lower leg support22is directly and rotatably coupled to the seat14proximate the forward end26. The lower leg support22is directly coupled to the support surface34in a manner that results in automatic mechanical deployment of the lower leg support22when the seat14and the seatback18are moved toward a reclined-and-raised position (seeFIGS.2,4,6, and7).

Referring again toFIGS.1-7, the vehicle seating assembly10may be positioned within a vehicle38. For example, the vehicle seating assembly10may be positioned within a passenger compartment42of the vehicle38. In such an example, the support surface34may be a floor46of the vehicle38. The vehicle38may be a motor vehicle. For example, the vehicle38may be a land-based vehicle (e.g., an automobile, a motorcycle, a train, etc.), an air-based vehicle (e.g., an airplane, a helicopter, etc.), and/or a water-based vehicle (e.g., a boat or other watercraft). While the vehicle38may be a motor vehicle, the present disclosure is not limited to internal combustion engines as a source of locomotive power for the vehicle38. Rather, alternative sources may be utilized in providing locomotive power to the vehicle38. For example, locomotive power may be provided to the vehicle38by electric motors, fuel cells, and/or petroleum-based fuel engines. According to various examples, the vehicle38may be driver-controlled, semi-autonomous, fully-autonomous, or any combination of user-controlled and automated. For example, the semi-autonomous example of the vehicle38may perform many, or all, commuting functions (e.g., accelerating, braking, turning, signaling, etc.) independent of user interaction while the user maintains override control of the vehicle38.

Referring now toFIGS.1and2, the vehicle seating assembly10is capable of moving from a seated position (seeFIG.1) toward a reclined-and-raised position (seeFIG.2). The reclined-and-raised position of the vehicle seating assembly10is intended for use when the vehicle38is in a stationary (i.e., non-moving) state. For example, while a transmission of the vehicle38is in a parked position. However, while all modern OEMs of passenger vehicles currently warn occupants against reclining the vehicle seating assembly10past a certain angle while the vehicle38is moving and/or in riding in a fully reclined or supine position due to safety concerns, it is anticipated that technology and the regulatory framework may evolve in the future where such an activity is permissible. In the reclined-and-raised position, an angular relationship between the seat14and the support surface34can be adjusted. A distance between the forward end26of the seat14and the support surface34may increase when the vehicle seating assembly10is transitioned from the seated position to the reclined-and-raised position. In such an example, a distance between the rearward end30of the seat14and the support surface34may decrease when the vehicle seating assembly10is transitioned from the seated position to the reclined-and-raised position. In various examples, a seating surface50of the seat14is not the only structure whose angular relationship relative to the support surface34is adjusted when the seat14is moved to the reclined-and-raised position. Rather, in various examples, each component that is positioned between the seat14and the support surface34may be adjusted in its angular relationship relative to the support surface34when the vehicle seating assembly10is transitioned to the reclined-and-raised position.

As depicted inFIG.2, a front of the vehicle seating assembly10may be decoupled from the support surface34such that the front of the vehicle seating assembly10is lifted off of the support surface34as the vehicle seating assembly10is transitioned from the seated position to the reclined-and-raised position. In such an example, a portion of the lower leg support22may remain coupled to the support surface34such that the lifting of the front of the vehicle seating assembly10induces actuation of the lower leg support22toward a position that is designed to engage a lower leg region of a user. Accordingly, the lower leg support22may act as a linkage assembly that automatically mechanically deploys when the front of the vehicle seating assembly10is adjusted toward the reclined-and-raised position. Said another way, the lower leg support22may be transitioned between a stowed position (FIG.1) and a deployed position (FIG.2) without the lower leg support22being provided with a dedicated motor that is responsible for such movement. In some examples, the user may induce the decoupling of the front of the vehicle seating assembly10from the support surface34(e.g., by actuating a button or actively disengaging a component of the vehicle seating assembly10) and transition the vehicle seating assembly10from the seated position toward the reclined-and-raised position by applying rearward pressure to the seatback18. As stated above, the reclined-and-raised position of the vehicle seating assembly10is intended for use when the vehicle38is in a stationary (i.e., non-moving) state. For example, while a transmission of the vehicle38is in a parked position. However, while all modern OEMs of passenger vehicles currently warn occupants against reclining the vehicle seating assembly10past a certain angle while the vehicle38is moving and/or in riding in a fully reclined or supine position due to safety concerns, it is anticipated that technology and the regulatory framework may evolve in the future where such an activity is permissible.

Referring now toFIGS.3-7, the vehicle seating assembly10includes one or more front legs54that extend from an underside58of the seat14toward the support surface34. An anchor assembly62is coupled to at least one of the one or more front legs54. The anchor assembly62is configured to releasably couple with the support surface34such that the anchor assembly62is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the support surface34. When the vehicle seating assembly10is in the seated position (FIGS.3and5), the anchor assembly62can be in the engaged position such that the anchor assembly62maintains contact with the support surface34. When a user desires to transition the vehicle seating assembly10from the seated position toward the reclined-and-raised position, the anchor assembly62is placed in the disengaged position.

Referring again toFIGS.3-7, when the anchor assembly62is in the disengaged position, the vehicle seating assembly10is capable of increasing the distance between the forward end26of the seat14and the support surface34(FIGS.4,6, and7). Said another way, transitioning the vehicle seating assembly10from the seated position toward the reclined-and-raised position includes increasing a first distance66between the underside58of the forward end26of the seat14and the support surface34. In various examples, transitioning the vehicle seating assembly10from the seated position toward the reclined-and-raised position also includes increasing a second distance70between the anchor assembly62and the support surface34. When the vehicle seating assembly10is in the seated position, the anchor assembly62and the support surface34can be in direct physical contact such that the second distance70is very small or nonexistent. Said another way, the second distance70may be zero when the vehicle seating assembly10is in the seated position.

Referring further toFIGS.3-7, transitioning the vehicle seating assembly10from the seated position toward the reclined-and-raised position can include rotating the seatback18rearward from the seated position such that an angle74between the seat14and the seatback18increases. In various examples, transitioning the vehicle seating assembly10from the seated position toward the reclined-and-raised position can include decreasing a third distance78between a rear leg82and the rearward end30of the seat14. In some examples, a fourth distance86between the rear leg82and the support surface34may increase when the vehicle seating assembly10is transitioned from the seated position toward the reclined-and-raised position. In such an example, the rear leg82may be coupled to the support surface34by an intermediate structure90.

Referring still further toFIGS.3-7, the intermediate structure90can include a first member94and a second member98. The first member94of the intermediate structure90may be fixedly coupled to the support surface34. The second member98of the intermediate structure90may be movably coupled to the support surface34. For example, the second member98of the intermediate structure90may be hingedly coupled or pivotably coupled to the first member94such that the second member98is movable relative to the support surface34and the first member94. The first member94and the second member98may be coupled to one another by a hinge assembly102. The first member94of the intermediate structure90may remain in direct physical abutting contact with the support surface34regardless of whether the vehicle seating assembly10is in the seated position, the reclined-and-raised position, or an intermediate position therebetween.

By contrast, the second member98of the intermediate structure90may have the same direct physical abutting contact with the support surface34as the first member94when the vehicle seating assembly10is in the seated position; however, as the vehicle seating assembly10is transitioned from the seated position toward the reclined-and-raised position, a surface area of contact between the second member98and the support surface34may progressively decrease. Said another way, a surface area of contact between the second member98and the support surface34may be greatest when the vehicle seating assembly10is in the seated position and the surface area of contact between the second member98and the support surface34may be least when the vehicle seating assembly10is in the reclined-and-raised position. Accordingly, when the vehicle seating assembly10is at an intermediate position between the seated position and the reclined-and-raised position, the surface area of contact between the second member98and the support surface34may have a value that is intermediate to the surface areas of contact in the seated position and the reclined-and-raised position. As the vehicle seating assembly10is transitioned from the seated position toward the reclined-and-raised position, the fourth distance86increases. As the fourth distance86increases, an angle106between the second member98and the support surface34can also increase.

As stated above, the reclined-and-raised position of the vehicle seating assembly10is intended for use when the vehicle38is in a stationary (i.e., non-moving) state. For example, while a transmission of the vehicle38is in a parked position. However, while all modern OEMs of passenger vehicles currently warn occupants against reclining the vehicle seating assembly10past a certain angle while the vehicle38is moving and/or in riding in a fully reclined or supine position due to safety concerns, it is anticipated that technology and the regulatory framework may evolve in the future where such an activity is permissible.

Referring yet again toFIGS.3-7, the vehicle seating assembly10is provided with an actuator assembly110that is responsible, at least in part, for transitioning the vehicle seating assembly10between the seated position and the reclined-and-raised position. The actuator assembly110is coupled to the underside58of the seat14and is configured to be coupled to the support surface34. In the depicted example, the actuator assembly110is shown as a scissor lift or scissor jack. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such a structure and the scissor lift or scissor jack is simply shown as an illustrated example of the actuator assembly110. In general, the actuator assembly110may be provided with a base portion114that is configured for coupling to the support surface34, an engagement portion118that is configured to couple to a portion of the vehicle seating assembly10(e.g., the underside58of the seat14), and an adjustment portion122that is positioned between the base portion114and the engagement portion118. The adjustment portion122of the actuator assembly110is configured to adjust a distance between the base portion114and the engagement portion118.

In various examples, the engagement portion118may be adjusted in its angular relationship to the base portion114and/or the support surface34as the vehicle seating assembly10is transitioned between the seated position and the reclined-and-raised position. An angular orientation of the engagement portion118relative to some components of the vehicle seating assembly10may remain constant regardless of the position of the vehicle seating assembly10as it is transitioned between the seated position and the reclined-and-raised position. For example, the angular orientation of the engagement portion118relative to the front leg54, the rear leg82, and/or longitudinal rails126may remain constant regardless of the position of the vehicle seating assembly10as it is transitioned between the seated position and the reclined-and-raised position. The longitudinal rails126can adjust a longitudinal position (e.g., a fore-aft position) of the seat14relative to the support surface34.

Referring still further toFIGS.3-7, the lower leg support22includes a first member130and a second member134. The first member130includes a first end138and a second end142. The first end138of the first member130of the lower leg support22is configured to be rotatably coupled to the support surface34. The second member134of the lower leg support includes a coupled portion146and a free portion150. The coupled portion146of the second member134of the lower leg support22includes a first end154and a second end158. The first end154of the coupled portion146is rotatably coupled to the second end142of the first member130of the lower leg support22. In various examples, the lower leg support22can include a third member162that is coupled to the forward end26of the seat14and extends outwardly therefrom. The second end158of the coupled portion146of the second member134can be rotatably coupled to the third member162. The free portion150of the second member134can be provided with a cushion assembly166that is configured to engage with a lower leg region of a user.

Referring again toFIGS.3-7, the cushion assembly166may engage the lower leg region (e.g., a calf region) of the user who is occupying the vehicle seating assembly10when the vehicle seating assembly10is in the seated position, the reclined-and-raised position, and/or intermediate positions therebetween. A distance, such as a fifth distance170, between the free portion150of the second member134of the lower leg support22and the first member130of the lower leg support22may increase when the lower leg support22is moved toward the reclined-and-raised position from the seated position. Similarly, an angle174between the first member130and the second member134may increase as the vehicle seating assembly10is transitioned from the seated position toward the reclined-and-raised position. In various examples, the first member130of the lower leg support22extends downwardly toward the support surface34along a side178of the seat14(see alsoFIGS.1and2). In some examples, an angle182between a front edge186of the first member130and the support surface34may increase as the vehicle seating assembly10is transitioned from the seated position to the reclined-and-raised position. As stated above, the reclined-and-raised position of the vehicle seating assembly10is intended for use when the vehicle38is in a stationary (i.e., non-moving) state. For example, while a transmission of the vehicle38is in a parked position. However, while all modern OEMs of passenger vehicles currently warn occupants against reclining the vehicle seating assembly10past a certain angle while the vehicle38is moving and/or in riding in a fully reclined or supine position due to safety concerns, it is anticipated that technology and the regulatory framework may evolve in the future where such an activity is permissible.

Vehicle seating assemblies are typically designed to meet a number of specifications that are dictated by their use within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. These specifications include, but are not limited to, spatial considerations within the passenger compartment, packaging of user-desired feature(s), and balancing user experience for a plurality of users within the passenger compartment (e.g., leg room). The vehicle seating assembly10of the present disclosure is provided with a lower leg support22that is capable of being coupled to the vehicle seating assembly10in an add-on manner such that the lower leg support22can be coupled to an existing platform of the vehicle seating assembly10that has been designed to meet the variety of specifications in the industry. The reclined-and-raised position of the vehicle seating assembly10may decrease a number of pressure points and/or an intensity of pressure points for a user seated in the vehicle seating assembly10while providing a more ergonomically comfortable arrangement than a conventional reclined position where the seatback18may be moved relative to the seat14and the support surface34in an isolated manner. The reclined-and-raised position of the vehicle seating assembly10of the present disclosure may place the seatback18in a reclined position relative to the support surface34and/or the seat14. Additionally, the reclined-and-raised position of the vehicle seating assembly10of the present disclosure can place the forward end26of the seat14, the lower leg support22, the front leg54, the rear leg82, the anchor assembly62, and/or the second member98of the intermediate structure90in a raised position relative to the support surface34when compared to the seated position.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described concepts, and other components, is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the concepts disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.