Abstract:
An ergonomic device ( 10, 110 ) for a vehicle seat includes a pressure surface ( 106, 206 ) oriented toward a seat cushion so that the pressure surface deploys to support a seat occupant. A mount bracket ( 102,202 ) fixes the device to a frame of the automobile seat. A linkage ( 112, 144, 166 ) between the pressure surface and said mount bracket allows the pressure surface to be selectively positionable between a first position disposed to extend for support of a seat occupant and a second position that is retracted. A power actuator ( 20, 130 ) is in operative communication with the linkage such that the power actuator mediates travel of the pressure surface between the first and second positions. The power actuator ( 20, 130 ) is in communication with a use anticipation indicator ( 40 ) such that the power actuator is engaged to place the pressure surface in the second, retracted position upon a signal from the use anticipation indicator.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention is in the field of ergonomic supports for motor vehicle seats, and particularly moveable bolsters for automobile seats. 
     2. Related Art 
     Ergonomic supports for vehicle seats including lumbar supports, side bolsters and the like generally achieve their function of providing support and comfort for a seat occupant by extending support to the body of a seat occupant. Particularly in the case of side bolsters on the seat back, seat bottom, or head rest of a seat, the extended position of a side bolster can be substantially raised from the base level of the plane of the seat back, seat bottom, or head rest. Hence, while the extension of ergonomic supports like side bolsters can substantially promote comfort after a seat occupant is positioned in the seat, they can conversely represent an obstruction to ingress and egress form the seat. There is a need in the art for ergonomic supports, particularly side bolsters, that can be extended for support, but that can provide for easy access of the driver or passenger into and out of the seat. 
     In prior art moveable bolster systems, a seat occupant entering or leaving his motor vehicle required an extra step by the user; to manually retract the bolster, such as by using a lever. This effort can be just as inconvenient as moving over the bolster without retracting it. In non-moveable bolster systems, the occupant enters or leaves the seat in less convenient fashion by simply moving over the extended bolster. Moving over a seat bolster can create additional wear on the seat upholstery. There is a need in the art for a moving bolster that retracts without the need for a human user to take the affirmative step of switching the actuator on or off. 
     As always, in the ergonomic support and motor vehicle arts, there is a continuing need for compact size, durability, flexibility of mounting configuration and economy. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is in view of the above problems that the present invention was developed. The present invention is an ergonomic support, i.e., a side bolster, for a vehicle seat or head rest that retracts automatically upon receiving its signal of anticipated entry or exit of the seat occupant to or from the seat. The bolster is preferably actuated by an electrical motor, although other motors are conceived which will be useful. The electrical motor (for example) receives a signal to engage or disengage, and thereby extend or retract the bolster. The signal may be received by the motor via a relay or a microprocessor. A relay or microprocessor in turn receives a signal from any of the variety of use anticipation indicators that a “use”, that is a vehicle entry or exit, is about to occur. Anticipation indicators are triggered by inserting a key into the ignition, withdrawing the key from the ignition, placing the transmission in “park” position, engaging the parking brake, the triggering of a door sensor indicating that the door is opened or closed, or a user-operated switch. 
     In keeping with the above advantages, the invention is briefly an ergonomic device for a motor vehicle seat. The device includes a pressure surface oriented toward a seat cushion such that the pressure surface deploys to support a seat occupant. A mounting bracket is adapted to be fixed to a frame of the vehicle seat. A linkage is connected between the pressure surface and the mount such that the pressure surface is selectively positionable between a first extended position for support of a seat occupant and a second retracted position. A power actuator is in operative communication with the linkage such that the power actuator mediates travel of the pressure surface between the first and second positions. The power actuator is in communication with a use anticipation indicator such that the actuator is engaged to place the pressure surface in the second, retracted position upon a signal from the use anticipation indicator. 
     The invention is also briefly a method of controlling extension and retraction of an ergonomic device for a motor vehicle seat. The method includes the steps of orienting a pressure surface proximate to a seat cushion such that the pressure surface can deploy to support a seat occupant, mounting, by a bracket, the pressure surface onto a frame of the vehicle seat; linking the pressure surface to the mounting bracket such that the pressure surface is selectively positionable between a first extended position deployed for support of a seat occupant and a second retractable position; engaging a power actuator in operative communication with the linkage such that the power actuator mediates travel of the pressure surface between the first position and the second position; and connecting the power actuator to a communicator with a use anticipation indicator such that the actuator is engaged to place the pressure surface in the second, retracted position upon a first signal from the use anticipation indicator. 
     Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are indicated by like reference numbers. Not all portions of the new device are seen in all figures, for simplicity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of the components of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a first embodiment of an ergonomic device in keeping with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a back view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  in an extended position; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the invention shown in  FIG. 2  in an extended position; 
         FIG. 6  is a lateral view of the invention of  FIG. 2  shown in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of a second embodiment of an ergonomic device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a back view of the device of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of further embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers correspond to like elements,  FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of the system the adjustable bolster for easy access. The ergonomic supports, e.g. bolsters, that are activated and controlled by the system of the present invention have in common the capacity to move between an extended position that ergonomically supports the weight of the seat occupant, and a retracted position. The retracted position is flatter than the extended position. Accordingly, the flatter position allows for easier access of a passenger or driver into and out of a seat. 
     In  FIG. 1  the ergonomic support device, i.e. bolster  10  is in operative communication with a power actuator  20 . In the embodiments depicted herein, the power actuator is preferably, although not necessarily, an electric motor that powers a traction cable or Bowden cable. Motor  20  is turned on and off, that is, the power actuator is engaged for actuation or disengaged, through relay  30 . Relay  30  can be a simple electrical relay, for example, such as is known in the art. Relay  30  can also be a microprocessor configured to receive an electrical signal and, and in response to that electrical signal output a different electrical signal to the motor  20 . The microprocessor (or relay) output signal  32  engages or disengages motor  20  to actuate extension or retraction of the bolster  10 . 
     The relay  30  receives an input signal  34  from a use anticipation indicator (UAI)  40 . The structure of the present invention permits automatically retracting or flattening the bolster to make access to the seat easier when a seat occupant gets into the vehicle or gets out of it. Accordingly, the use indication indicator as used herein is defined as any switch, or sensor capable of generating a signal (usual electrical) to the relay or microprocessor  30  wherein the signal corresponds to an action indicating that use is anticipated. “Use”, as used herein, means that it is anticipated that a seat occupant will enter or exit the seat. Accordingly, the use anticipation indicator may be, without limitation, any one of the following: the withdrawal of the key from the ignition  41 , the transmission being placed in park  42 , engagement of the parking brake  43 , a sensor engaged with the door to indicate that the door has been opened or closed  44 , or a manual override switch  45 , or a signal received from a remote keyless entry system  46 . Any of these devices may be used in combination or individually and other potential UAI&#39;s are conceivable to one skilled in the art. 
     It will be appreciated that the present invention is used in bolster systems, many of which are powered and designed to be actuated through a range of standard positions according to actuation signals. In these current systems, there is usually a switch for actuating the powered bolster using actuation signals and the powered bolster would even have a fully retracted position, but this position is not selected based on any set of entry/egress criteria, such as the set listed above. According to the present invention, the set of entry/egress criteria is used to provide an entry/egress signal which permits the powered bolster to retract back into is entry/egress position, and this position is further retracted than the fully retracted position. Absent the entry/egress signal, the powered bolster operates in the range of standard positions, and when the entry/egress criteria is triggered, the entry/egress signal permits further retraction of the bolster into the entry/egress position. 
     It will also be appreciated that a number of the entry/egress triggers can be unrelated to any bolster operation switch that may be used for adjusting the bolster&#39;s positions, such as the following triggers: unlocking a vehicle door—whether by remote keyless entry or by inserting a key into the lock, withdrawing a key from the ignition or otherwise turning off the engine, placing the transmission in “park” position, engaging the parking brake, and triggering a door open/shut sensor. Therefore, one or more of these entry/egress triggers could automatically generate and send the entry/egress signal to the bolster system and a manually-operated switch may not even be necessary for the entry/egress signal. Of course, it is also possible that one or more of these entry/egress triggers could also be used in conjunction with the bolster operation switch. Alternatively, the bolster operation switch could include switch positions for the standard mode of operation and could have a separate position for the entry/egress mode of operation. Only when the switch is set into the entry/egress position would the bolster be pulled back into the entry/egress position. The switch&#39;s entry/egress position could even be enabled by the entry/egress triggers, being disabled when one of the entry/egress conditions are not met so that if the entry/egress switch position is accidentally selected, the entry/egress signal would not be generated until one or more of the entry/egress conditions is met. 
     The battery  50  supplies power for the signals  32  and  34  and the motor  20  and relay  30 . Given the description of the entry/egress triggers and the standard mode of operation for the bolster, it will be appreciated that the relay  30  preferably determines the bolster&#39;s mode of operation. Therefore, the relay  30  can also generate and send either a standard operating signal corresponding with the bolster&#39;s standard range of operation or an entry/egress signal that causes the actuator  20  to pull the bolster  10  back into its entry/egress position. 
       FIGS. 2-6  depict a first embodiment of the easy access side bolster of the present invention.  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4  and  5  depict the bolster in an extended position.  FIG. 6  depicts the bolster in a retracted position. 
     Bolster device  10  includes mounting bracket  102 , which serves to connect device  10  to the frame of a vehicle seat, and a pressure surface  106 . The bracket includes a slot  104 , which serves as a slide. In the depicted embodiment, the slide slot  104  includes a widened portion. This widened portion is used during assembly for inserting a slider  108 . The slider  108  has an “H” shaped cross section wherein flanges define a slot therebetween. The bracket slot  104  engages the defined H-shaped slot in the slider  108  so that the slider  108  can move laterally along the slide  104 . 
     An extendable linkage is established between the bracket  102  and the pressure surface  106 . The linkage is designed to receive a force, which in the depicted embodiment is a tractive force, and convert it into motion of the pressure surface outwards toward the seat occupant into an extended position, or rearwards away from the seat occupant towards a retracted position. The linkage includes a hinge bar  112  which is pivotably attached to mounting bracket  102  at the bracket&#39;s lateral extent. The pivoting connection of the hinge bar with the bracket is at two antifriction sleeves  114 . These allow the hinge bar to rotate around a vertical axis. The linkage also includes a bolster wire  116 . The bolster wire has an outer extent  118 . The pressure surface  106  is mounted by attachment to the outer extent  118  of the bolster wire  116 . The bolster wire also has an inner extent  122  which is pivotably attached to the slider  108  at a pivot  124 . In the depicted embodiment, the pivot  124  is a snap fit preferably integrally fabricated into the molded plastic slider  108 . This allows the bolster wire to rotate in an arc around a vertical axis. In the depicted embodiment, this rotation of the bolster wire will happen concurrently with a lateral sliding movement of the slider  108  along the slide  104 . 
     The hinge bar and bolster wire are engaged together at pivot plates  126 . The pivot plates are fixedly attached to the bolster wire at a position intermediate the medial aspect  122  and lateral aspect  118  of the bolster wire  116 . Pivot plates  126  are pivotably engaged with the hinge bar  112  so that the hinge bar  112  may pivot around the vertical axis. The vertical axis defined by the engagement of the hinge bar  112  with the pivot plates  126  can also move laterally in response to the sliding motion of slider  108  which carries with it bolster wire  116 . 
     The depicted embodiment of  FIGS. 2-6  is in an upright position, as it would be when mounted in known manner on the back of the vehicle seat. It is within the scope of the present invention that the same embodiment may be mounted on a seat bottom to be used as a thigh support. In such a case, the pivot axes would be substantially horizontal. 
     A spring  128  is engaged with the linkage in order to bias it into a first or second position. The first and second positions are extended or retracted. In the depicted embodiment, a suspension or traction spring  128  is attached at one end to the medial aspect  122  of the bolster wire  116  and also attached to the hinge bar  112 . Accordingly, spring  128  biases the pressure surface  106  outward towards a first, engaged position, where it supports the seat occupant. This deployment of the spring allows the spring to serve a dual function. First it acts as a shock absorber, thereby accentuating the comfort and support received by a seat occupant from the bolster pressure surface  106 . Secondly, it maintains the bolster in an extended supporting position, without the engaging of any electrical force application device for a maintenance position that will be used for a long period of time. That is, electrical force will be applied to overcome the spring bias during entry and exit to and from the vehicle, meaning that electrical force is only needed for a short and therefore more economical period of time. 
     Motion of the bolster  10  is achieved by motor  130 . The motor is engaged with a pulley and spindle system  136 , according to prior art techniques. The power actuator  130  and spindle device  136  are operatively engaged with the traction cable  138 . In the depicted embodiment, the traction cable  138  is a Bowden cable. Traction cables are known in the art. They are composed of an outer conduit or sleeve through which axially slides a cable. By anchoring one of the cable end or sleeve end at one terminus of the Bowden cable and moving the other of the sleeve end or cable end mechanically, a similar motion can be effective at the opposite end of the Bowden cable. Accordingly, the power actuator device  136  pulls a cable through the traction cable sleeve in order to apply tractive force at the opposite end of the cable. In the depicted embodiment, the terminus of traction cable  138  includes a ferrule  142  which turns the cable  90  degrees. The Bowden cable sleeve is anchored to the bracket so as to be immobile at anchor mount  144 . From the Bowden cable sleeve extends the Bowden cable wire  146  which is attached by a hook  148  to the lateral aspect  118  of the bolster wire  116 . This deployment allows the traction cable to apply a tractive force to the bolster wire  116  in order to pull it back from an extended position towards a second retracted position. 
     In operation, the system of the present invention receives an anticipated use indication signal from any of a variety of use anticipation indicators. That is, the door opens and a sensor signals the system, the parking brake is engaged and a sensor signals the system, a key is withdrawn from the ignition and a signal is sent to the system, a remote keyless entry signal is sent to the vehicle and a signal is sent to the system, the transmission is put in park and a signal is sent to the system or optionally a user&#39;s manual use of a switch may signal the system. Other use anticipation indicators may be deployed for use with the system of the present invention. The use commonly anticipated by all of these indicators is that a seat occupant will enter the seat or leave it. In either of these actions, the invention executes the retraction of the seat bolster to a second, flat position, thereby easing ingress and egress of the seat occupant. 
     Upon receipt of the anticipated use signal, the relay or microprocessor  30  sends a signal to the motor  20  to activate. The pressure surface  106  has been residing in its extended, supporting first position and maintained there by spring  128 . Engagement of the motor  20 / 130  applies a tractive force through the power actuator device  136 , Bowden cable  138  and ultimately to the lateral extent  118  of the bolster wire  116  through traction applied by Bowden cable  138 . 
     The retraction of the pressure surface  106  is mediated in a controlled fashion by the relatively rigid bolster wire  116  pivoting at pivot  124  on slider  108 , thereby causing slider  108  to slide laterally along slide  104 . Hinge bar  112 , which is the structural component that supports weight when the unit is extended, pivots at its pivot point  145 . Antifriction sleeves  114  cause this to be a smooth motion. The hinge bar also pivots at its engagement with pivot plates  126 . The fixed pivot  145  of the hinge bar  112  causes the pressure surface to retract in an inward, as well as a rearward fashion, thus contributing to a compact shape of the unit in its retracted position. The hinge bar and bolster wire  116  turn through complementary, opposing arcs. The slider  108  moving laterally inwards also facilitates the retraction of the pressure surface  106  into a compact configuration. 
     After a user has entered or exited the vehicle, the anticipated use indicator will signal the end of use in any manner complementary to its original signal of anticipated use. That is, the door sensor will indicate that the door has been closed, the transmission sensor will sense that the transmission has been moved to a drive position, the parking brake sensor will signal that the parking brake has been released, etc. These signals will be received by the relay  30  and the output signal  32  from the relay will then turn off the motor  20 / 130  and release the tractive force supplied by the Bowden cable wire  148 , thereby allowing the spring  128  to bias the pressure surface  106  back out to its supporting position towards an extended regular use. 
       FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  9  depict an alternative embodiment (generally designated  110 ) of the present invention in which side bolsters  206  are attached to an overall lumbar support frame  250 . Hinge bars  212  and bolster wires  216  operate substantially as described above. There is again a bracket  202  having a slide which in the depicted embodiment is a slot  204  as in the first embodiment a hinge bar  212  rotates around a fixed pivot point  214  and pivot plates  226  again allow for pivoting motion between the hinge bar  212  and bolster wire  216 . 
       FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  9  are used to depict a center alignment deployment of the Bowden cable  238  and spring  228 . The depicted embodiment is shown in its extended position in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In this extended position it can be seen that the slider  208  is moved to its lateral extent in the slide or slot  204 . In  FIG. 9  it can be seen that the slider  208  is moved to its medial extend in slot  204 . In operation, the spring  228  applies traction to the hinge bar  212  in order to draw it laterally. The opposing end of the spring is anchored at any of the variety of positions, including but not limited to the lateral aspect of the bracket  202 , the hinge bar  212  or the lumbar support frame  250 . The Bowden cables are also anchored medially at  244 . The Bowden cable wires  248  are attached to the linkages at a vertically central position, which in the depicted embodiment is on the hinge bar mount  252 . 
     In operation, the pressure plates  206  are maintained in their extended position by the traction applied by spring  228  to bias the bolster wire  216  outwards. A power actuator applies traction on a medial aspect of the bolster wire  216  at Bowden cable mount  252 , in order to pull it medially, overcoming the force of spring  228 . Actuation of the Bowden cable  238  is in response to an anticipated use signal as described for the previous embodiment. 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic drawing showing alternative springs that may be used to bias the linkage towards its extended position. Such springs can be substituted in the embodiments previously described. Throughout the specification, if an embodiment is not specifically limited to the certain structure, then it is to be understood that the corresponding structure from other embodiments herein may be usefully substituted. Once again a mounting bracket  302  has on it a slider  308 . A bolster wire  316  holds a pressure surface (omitted for clarity). A hinge bar  312  is pivotably attached to the mount  314  and also pivotably attached to a pivot plate  326 . 
     In the depicted embodiment, it can be seen that a compression spring  362  may be mounted between the slider  308  and any convenient surface, for example the power actuation device. This spring will bias the slider outwards, which would also bias the bolster into an extended position. Also a torsion spring  364  may be deployed as shown to bias the bolster into its extended position. Other types of know spring devices can also be useful in the invention. 
     In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that the several advantages of the invention are achieved and attained. 
     The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     As various modifications could be made in the constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.