U.S. patent application number 12/053378 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-25 for seat with adjustable thigh support assembly.
Invention is credited to David Joel Spykerman, Michael Przemyslaw Szczepkowski.
Application Number | 20080231099 12/053378 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39766793 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080231099 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Szczepkowski; Michael Przemyslaw ;
et al. |
September 25, 2008 |
SEAT WITH ADJUSTABLE THIGH SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly includes a seat
bottom with a rearward portion and a forward edge. The rearward
portion is positioned to receive the buttocks of a person with the
thighs extending beyond the forward edge. A thigh support has a
rear edge and a forward edge with the forward edge extending
generally horizontally beyond the forward edge of the seat bottom.
The assembly further includes adjustable apparatus affixing the
thigh support to the seat bottom for movement between a retracted
position in which the rear edge of the thigh support extends below
the forward edge of the seat bottom and an extended position in
which the rear edge of the thigh support is in substantial
juxtaposition with the forward edge of the seat bottom.
Inventors: |
Szczepkowski; Michael
Przemyslaw; (Gilbert, AZ) ; Spykerman; David
Joel; (Chandler, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT A. PARSONS
4000 N. CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1220
PHOENIX
AZ
85012
US
|
Family ID: |
39766793 |
Appl. No.: |
12/053378 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60896435 |
Mar 22, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/284.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/029 20180801 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/284.11 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/02 20060101
A47C007/02 |
Claims
1. A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly comprising: a
seat bottom with a rearward portion and a forward edge, the
rearward portion being positioned to receive the buttocks of a
person with the thighs extending beyond the forward edge; a thigh
support having a rear edge and a forward edge with the forward edge
extending generally horizontally beyond the forward edge of the
seat bottom; and adjustable apparatus affixing the thigh support to
the seat bottom for movement between a retracted position in which
the rear edge of the thigh support extends below the forward edge
of the seat bottom and an extended position in which the rear edge
of the thigh support is in substantial juxtaposition with the
forward edge of the seat bottom.
2. A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly as claimed in
claim 1 wherein the adjustable apparatus includes a lower track
assembly affixed to the seat bottom and an upper track assembly
affixed to the thigh support, the upper track assembly and the
lower track assembly being engaged for supporting and controlling
movement of the thigh support.
3. A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly as claimed in
claim 2 wherein the lower track assembly includes a curved
extension and the upper track assembly includes a slide engaged
with the curved extension.
4. A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly as claimed in
claim 2 wherein the lower track assembly includes a straight
extension and the upper track assembly includes a slide engaged
with the curved extension.
5. A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly as claimed in
claim 4 wherein the lower track assembly further includes an anchor
with an elongated slot therein and the upper track assembly
includes a pin slideably engaged in the slot.
6. A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly as claimed in
claim 1 wherein the adjustable apparatus includes a detent element
attached to the seat bottom and a spring biased engagement element
attached to the thigh support, the spring biased engagement element
adjustably engaging the detent element in any of a plurality of
selectable different positions between the retracted position and
the extended position.
7. A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly as claimed in
claim 1 further including a retainer providing an interface between
the seat bottom and the thigh support.
8. A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly comprising: a
seat bottom including a seat pan and a seat bottom cushion
positioned on an upper surface of the seat pan, the seat bottom
having a rearward portion and a forward edge, the rearward portion
being positioned to receive the buttocks of a person with the
thighs extending beyond the forward edge; a thigh support including
a substrate and a thigh support cushion supported on the substrate,
the thigh support having a rear edge and a forward edge with the
forward edge extending generally horizontally beyond the forward
edge of the seat bottom; and adjustable apparatus including a lower
track assembly affixed to the pan of the seat bottom and an upper
track assembly affixed to the substrate of the thigh support, the
upper track assembly and the lower track assembly being engaged for
supporting and controlling movement of the thigh support, the upper
track assembly and the lower track assembly affixing the thigh
support to the seat bottom for movement between a retracted
position in which the rear edge of the thigh support extends below
the forward edge of the seat bottom and an extended position in
which the rear edge of the thigh support is in substantial
juxtaposition with the forward edge of the seat bottom.
9. A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly as claimed in
claim 8 wherein the adjustable apparatus includes a detent element
attached to the pan of the seat bottom and a spring biased
engagement element attached to the substrate of the thigh support,
the spring biased engagement element adjustably engaging the detent
element in any of a plurality of selectable different positions
between the retracted position and the extended position.
10. A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly as claimed in
claim 8 further including a retainer attached to the pan of the
seat bottom and extending upwardly therefrom between the seat
bottom cushion and the thigh support cushion to maintain the shape
of the cushions and provide an interface between the seat bottom
cushion and the thigh support cushion.
11. A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly comprising: a
seat bottom including a seat pan having a top surface, a front
edge, a rear edge, and opposing side edges and a seat bottom
cushion positioned on the top surface of the seat pan and spaced
from the front edge, the seat bottom having a rearward portion and
a forward edge, the rearward portion being positioned to receive
the buttocks of a person with the thighs extending beyond the
forward edge; a thigh support including a substrate and a thigh
support cushion supported on the substrate, the thigh support
having a rear edge and a forward edge with the forward edge
extending generally horizontally beyond the forward edge of the
seat bottom; a retainer attached to the top surface of the pan of
the seat bottom in spaced relation from the front edge and
extending upwardly from between the seat bottom cushion and the
thigh support cushion to maintain the shape of the cushions and
provide an interface between the seat bottom cushion and the thigh
support cushion for preventing binding or distortion between the
seat bottom cushion and the thigh support cushion during relative
movements; and adjustable apparatus including a lower track
assembly affixed to the top surface of the pan between the front
edge of the pan and the retainer and an upper track assembly
affixed to the substrate of the thigh support, the upper track
assembly and the lower track assembly being engaged for supporting
and controlling movement of the thigh support, the upper track
assembly and the lower track assembly affixing the thigh support to
the seat bottom for movement between a retracted position in which
the rear edge of the thigh support extends below the forward edge
of the seat bottom and an extended position in which the rear edge
of the thigh support is in substantial juxtaposition with the
forward edge of the seat bottom so that substantially no break is
detectable between the seat bottom cushion and the thigh support
cushion by a person sitting in the seat in any of the selected
adjustment positions.
12. A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly as claimed in
claim 11 wherein the lower track assembly includes a curved
extension and the upper track assembly includes a slide engaged
with the curved extension.
13. A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly as claimed in
claim 11 wherein the lower track assembly includes a straight
extension and the upper track assembly includes a slide engaged
with the curved extension.
14. A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly as claimed in
claim 13 wherein the lower track assembly further includes an
anchor with an elongated slot therein and the upper track assembly
includes a pin slideably engaged in the slot.
15. A seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly as claimed in
claim 11 wherein the adjustable apparatus includes a detent element
attached to the pan of the seat bottom and a spring biased
engagement element attached to the substrate of the thigh support,
the spring biased engagement element adjustably engaging the detent
element in any of a plurality of selectable different positions
between the retracted position and the extended position.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/896,435, filed 22 Mar. 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to seating devices.
[0003] More particularly, the present invention relates to seating
devices with adjustable thigh supports.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] While many different seats have been devised that include
lower leg supports, inclining backs and a variety of different
adjustments, no seats have been devised that take into account the
fact that all people have different dimensions. For example, in
many instances even people of the same height have different
lengths of legs. Further, in many instances the lengths of peoples
thighs are different so that a seat with a given depth (i.e. the
distances from the front of the seat cushion to the back rest) may
be comfortable for some people but may be too long or too short for
other people.
[0005] Here it must be noted that there is a substantial difference
between a portion of a seat that reclines and provides a movable
support for the lower legs (i.e. the calves, ankles, and feet) and
the portion of the seat that supports the thighs. A person with
long thighs sitting in a seat with a short depth can be as
uncomfortable as a person with short thighs sitting in a seat with
a long depth. In the first instance the feet will generally be on
the ground with the thighs above the seat and unsupported. In the
second instance the thighs will be supported but the feet may not
be able to touch the ground. Both instances are uncomfortable.
[0006] It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the
foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.
[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved adjustable thigh support assembly.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved thigh support assembly that is adjustable for
people with different lengths of legs and thighs.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved seat with an adjustable thigh support
assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Briefly, to achieve the desired objects and advantages of
the present invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment, a
seat with an adjustable thigh support assembly includes a seat
bottom with a rearward portion and a forward edge. The rearward
portion is positioned to receive the buttocks of a person with the
thighs extending beyond the forward edge. A thigh support has a
rear edge and a forward edge with the forward edge extending
generally horizontally beyond the forward edge of the seat bottom.
The assembly further includes adjustable apparatus affixing the
thigh support to the seat bottom for movement between a retracted
position in which the rear edge of the thigh support extends below
the forward edge of the seat bottom and an extended position in
which the rear edge of the thigh support is in substantial
juxtaposition with the forward edge of the seat bottom.
[0011] The desired objects and advantages of the present invention
are further achieved in different specific embodiments in which the
adjustable apparatus includes a lower track assembly affixed to the
seat bottom and an upper track assembly affixed to the thigh
support. The upper track assembly and the lower track assembly are
engaged for supporting and controlling movement of the thigh
support. In another embodiment the lower track assembly includes a
curved extension and the upper track assembly includes a slide
engaged with the curved extension. In still another embodiment the
lower track assembly includes a straight extension and the upper
track assembly includes a slide engaged with the curved extension.
In this latter embodiment the lower track assembly further includes
an anchor with an elongated slot therein and the upper track
assembly includes a pin slideably engaged in the slot for
supporting and limiting movement of the thigh support.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Specific objects and advantages of the invention will become
readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, taken in
conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat with adjustable thigh
support assembly according to the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of portions of the
adjustable thigh support assembly;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the substrate from the
adjustable thigh support assembly;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a seat having an arcuate
seat pan with the adjustable thigh support assembly in the
retracted position;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a seat having an arcuate
seat pan with the adjustable thigh support assembly in the extended
position;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the seat cushion with the
adjustable thigh support assembly in the retracted position;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the seat cushion of FIG. 6
with the adjustable thigh support assembly in the extended
position;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a portion of the adjustable thigh support assembly
of FIGS. 1-3, 6 and 7;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the substrate of the adjustable
thigh support assembly of FIGS. 1-3, 6 and 7;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of another embodiment of a
thigh support assembly according to the present invention, in the
retracted position;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a sectional side view of the thigh support
assembly of FIG. 10 in the extended position;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a sectional side view of yet another embodiment
of a thigh support assembly according to the present invention, in
the retracted position; and
[0025] FIG. 13 is a sectional side view of the thigh support
assembly of FIG. 12 in the extended position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] Turning now to the drawings in which like reference
characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several
views, attention is directed to FIG. 1 which illustrates a seat
generally designated 10. Seat 10 includes a seat bottom 12 and an
adjustable thigh support apparatus 14. While in the preferred
embodiment seat 10 is used in vehicles such as cars, trucks,
busses, planes, trains, and the like, other seats such as office
chairs and the like can employ the adjustable thigh support of the
present invention.
[0027] With additional reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 8 and 9, seat
bottom 12 includes a seat pan 16 supporting a cushion 18 and
adjustable thigh support apparatus 14. In this preferred
embodiment, seat pan 16 includes a top surface 20, a front edge 22,
a rear edge 24 and opposing side edges 25 and 26. Top surface 20
supports cushion 18 from rear edge 24 to a position spaced from
front edge 22. A lower track assembly 30 is carried by top surface
20 of seat pan 16 proximate front edge 22 and includes opposed
track elements 32 and an adjustment mechanism 34. In this
embodiment, track elements 32 are curved for purposes which will be
discussed presently. As will be shown, a lower track element can be
attached to seat pan 16 or the seat pan can be formed with a
desired curve thereto proximate the front edge and formed with or
have track elements attached thereto (FIGS. 4 and 5).
[0028] A thigh support 40 includes a substrate 41 having a top
surface 42 padded or carrying a cushion 43 to generally match
cushion 18, and a bottom surface 45 having tracks elements 44
formed therein, attached thereto or the like. Track elements 44, in
this embodiment, are curved to match and engage track elements 32
of lower track assembly 30. Substrate 41 is movable between a
retracted position and an extended position by movement of track
elements 44 along track elements 32 from a rearward position
(retracted) forwardly (extended position) along an arc of
travel.
[0029] The arced shape at the front of seat pan 16 as the support
for track elements 32 keeps thigh support 40 well supported
throughout its travel. The change to seat pan 16 is such that the
same pan can be used for both the extending and non-extending
seats. This saves on investment and part proliferation. The curved
tracks are less likely to ratchet or bind because they must move up
and down over the curve while the thigh support moves fore and aft.
This makes independent movement of one side less likely because
more deflection of the thigh support substrate is required.
[0030] Movement of thigh support 40 between the retracted and
extended position can be controlled by adjustment mechanism 34.
Adjustment mechanism 34 includes detent element 35 carried by lower
track assembly 30 intermediate track elements 32, and a spring
biased engagement element 36 carried by substrate 41 of thigh
support 40. As will be understood, detent element 35 is formed with
a plurality of spaced apart detents each providing a different
adjustable position for thigh support 40. As substrate 41 is moved
between the extended and retracted positions, engagement element 36
interfaces with a selected one of the plurality of detents in
detent element 35 positioned along the travel. Thus, an individual
can overcome the bias of engagement element 36, disengage it from
any of the detents in detent element 35, move thigh support 40 to a
desired position in the travel, and permit engagement of engagement
element 36 with a selected one of the plurality of detents in
detent element 35 at the desired position. With engagement element
36 disengaged from detent element 35, thigh support 40 can be
completely removed from seat 10 to facilitate cleaning, repair,
replacement or the like.
[0031] As can be seen with continued reference to FIG. 2 and 8, a
retainer 46 is provided to form an interface between seat pan 16,
cushion 18 and thigh support 40. Retainer 46 has a rearward surface
48 conforming to an undercut front edge of cushion 18, a bottom
surface 49 overlying seat pan 16, and a forward surface 50 over
which thigh support 40 slides. Retainer 46 maintains the shape of
the cushions and prevents binding or distortion therebetween during
relative movements.
[0032] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, seat 10 is illustrated with
thigh support 40 in the retracted position and the extended
position, respectively. It can be seen that in the retracted
position the adjustable apparatus affixes thigh support 40 to the
seat bottom with the rear edge of the thigh support extending
generally below the forward edge of the seat bottom. In the
extended position the adjustable apparatus moves the rear edge of
thigh support 40 into substantial juxtaposition with the forward
edge of the seat bottom. Thus little or no uncomfortable break is
detectable between the seat bottom and the thigh support by a
person sitting in the seat regardless of the selected adjustment
between the retracted and extended positions.
[0033] Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11, another embodiment of an
adjustable thigh support apparatus generally designated 50 is
illustrated. In this embodiment, apparatus 50 includes a seat pan
52 having a curved extension 53 extending from a top surface
thereof toward a front edge of the seat pan. Curved extension 53
can be a single element having a width generally spanning the seat
pan between opposing sides, or, as in the preferred embodiment, a
pair of rods proximate opposing sides of the seat pan. A thigh
support 55 having a substrate 57 with a top surface carrying a
cushion 58 and a bottom surface having a slide 60 carried thereby,
is mounted on the seat pan. Slide 60 is received by curved
extension 53 and permits movement of thigh support 55 between a
rearward, retracted position (FIG. 10) and a forward, extended
position (FIG. 11). For convenience in understanding the operation
of the different embodiments, the curved extension 53 (in any form)
is also considered a lower track assembly and slide 60 (in any
form) is considered an upper track assembly.
[0034] Here it can be seen that in the retracted position the rear
edge of thigh support 50 extends generally below the forward edge
of the seat bottom and in the extended position the rear edge of
thigh support 50 is moved into substantial juxtaposition with the
forward edge of the seat bottom. Thus little or no uncomfortable
break is detectable between the seat bottom and the thigh support
by a person sitting in the seat regardless of the selected
adjustment between the retracted and extended positions.
[0035] Attention is now directed to FIGS. 12 and 13, illustrating
another embodiment of an adjustable thigh support apparatus
generally designated 70. In this embodiment, apparatus 70 includes
a seat pan 72 having a straight extension 73 extending from a top
surface thereof toward a front edge of the seat pan. Straight
extension 73 can be a single element having a width generally
spanning the seat pan between opposing sides, or, as in the
preferred embodiment, a pair of rods proximate opposing sides of
the seat pan. A thigh support 75 having a substrate 77 with a top
surface carrying a cushion 78 and a bottom surface having a slide
80 carried thereby, is mounted on the seat pan. Slide 80 is
pivotally mounted to substrate 77 of seat support 75 to permit an
arcuate motion of thigh support 75 on straight extension 73. Slide
80 is received by straight extension 73 and permits movement of
thigh support 75 between a rearward, retracted position (FIG. 12)
and a forward, extended position (FIG. 13). An anchor slide
assembly includes an anchor 82 affixed to seat pan 72 and a pin 84
carried by substrate 77 rearward of slide 80. Anchor 82 includes an
elongated slot 85 slideably receiving pin 84 for longitudinal
movement therealong. Movement of pin 84 within slot 85 is
concurrent with movement of slide 80 along straight extension 73,
and limits movement of thigh support 75 between the retracted and
extended positions as well as supports the rear portion of thigh
support 75 in its travel. For convenience in understanding the
operation of the different embodiments, the straight extension 73
and anchor 82 (in any form) are also considered a lower track
assembly and slide 80 along with pin 84 (in any form) are
considered an upper track assembly.
[0036] Here again it can be seen that in the retracted position the
rear edge of thigh support 70 extends generally below the forward
edge of the seat bottom and in the extended position the rear edge
of thigh support 70 is moved into substantial juxtaposition with
the forward edge of the seat bottom. Thus little or no
uncomfortable break is detectable between the seat bottom and the
thigh support by a person sitting in the seat Here it can be seen
that in the retracted position the rear edge of thigh support 50
extends generally below the forward edge of the seat bottom and in
the extended position the rear edge of thigh support 50 is moved
into substantial juxtaposition with the forward edge of the seat
bottom. Thus little or no uncomfortable break is detectable between
the seat bottom and the thigh support by a person sitting in the
seat.
[0037] Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein
chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those
skilled in the art. As an example, a motorized version of the
present apparatus is contemplated. A motor and gearbox can be
interfaced with the track to drive the support forwardly and
rearwardly. To the extent that such modifications and variations do
not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to
be included within the scope thereof which is assessed only by a
fair interpretation of the following claims.
[0038] Having fully described the invention in such clear and
concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand
and practice the same, the invention claimed is:
* * * * *