Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of sliding assemblies and cushion length adjusters. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a simple, efficient, and cost-effective sliding assembly for a component of a vehicle like a vehicle seat, a console, etc. Further, the present disclosure also relates to a simple, efficient, and cost-effective vehicle seat with a cushion length adjustment feature. Furthermore, the present disclosure also relates to a simple, efficient, and cost-effective sliding armrest apparatus for a vehicle console.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically, or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Vehicle seats are generally provided with a cushion (seat base or seat pan) that is attached to a backrest. The existing seats generally have a fixed cushion length which may be either long or short for different occupants. This generally leads to discomfort for the occupants, leading to stress on the thighs and legs of the occupants during a long journey. Some high-end vehicle seats have been provided with cushion length adjusters which allow an adjustment of the cushion length as per occupant’s requirements. Also, some vehicles are provided with a sliding armrest arranged on a console to allow desirable positioning of the armrest accordingly to an occupant's requirement. However, existing cushion length adjusters and slidable armrests involve a large number of parts, adding a great deal of mass to the overall vehicle seat and also making it costlier. Further, such cushion length adjusters generally involve motors, for actuating a changeover in the cushion length between an initial length and an extended cushion length, which generates unwanted and excessive noise. These cushion length adjusters are also prone to failure due to the involvement of a large number of parts. In addition, there is no efficient and cost-effective provision for cushion length adjustment in the armrest of a vehicle but is highly desirable in vehicles for the convenience of occupants.
[0004] There is, therefore, a need for a simple, efficient, and cost-effective sliding assembly for components of vehicles like for adjusting cushion length in vehicle seats, or for adjusting slidable armrests of a vehicle console at different positions.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy are as listed hereinbelow.
[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a sliding assembly for the components of the vehicle such as a vehicle seat and/or a console, which can be easily implemented in all ranges of vehicles.
[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a sliding assembly for a component of the vehicle such as a vehicle seat and/or a console, which allows occupants to easily adjust the sliding assembly as per their comfort.
[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a sliding assembly for a component of the vehicle such as a vehicle seat and/or a console, which involves a smaller number of parts, and can be easily installed in the vehicle seat and/or the console, and is less prone to failure.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a sliding assembly for a component of the vehicle such as a vehicle seat and/or a console, which does not generate unwanted sound or noise.
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a simple, efficient, and cost-effective sliding assembly for a component of the vehicle such as a vehicle seat and/or a console.
[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a simple, efficient, and cost-effective vehicle seat with a cushion length adjustment feature and/or a console with a slidable armrest.
[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a cushion length adjuster for a vehicle seat, which can be easily implemented in all ranges of vehicles.
[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a simple, efficient, and cost-effective solution for positioning an armrest at different positions on a console of the vehicle.
[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a cushion length adjuster for a vehicle seat, which allows occupants to easily adjust the cushion length as per their comfort.
[0015] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a cushion length adjuster for a vehicle seat, which involves a smaller number of parts, can be easily installed in the vehicle seat, and is less prone to failure.
[0016] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a cushion length adjuster for a vehicle seat, which does not generate unwanted sound or noise.
[0017] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a simple, efficient, and cost-effective cushion length adjuster for an armrest of a vehicle.
[0018] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a simple, efficient, and cost-effective vehicle seat with a cushion length adjustment feature.

SUMMARY
[0019] The present disclosure relates to a simple, efficient, and cost-effective sliding assembly for a component of a vehicle for example of a vehicle seat and/or a console. Further, the present disclosure also relates to a simple, efficient, and cost-effective vehicle seat with a cushion length adjustment feature. Furthermore, the present disclosure also relates to a simple, efficient, and cost-effective cushion length adjuster for a vehicle seat.
[0020] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a sliding assembly for a component of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a first member adapted to be configured with the component of the vehicle, and a second member movably arranged over/on the first member. Further, the first member or the second member comprises one or more cylinder accommodating a movable piston of the second member or the first member therewithin respectively and comprising a bleed port such that: when the bleed port is closed, the movement of the piston within the one or more cylinder is restricted, which correspondingly locks the movement of the second member over/on the first member; and when the bleed port is opened, the piston is movable within the one or more cylinder, which correspondingly facilitates the movement of the second member over/on the first member.
[0021] In an embodiment, the assembly may comprise a bush configured with the bleed port. The bush may be configured to be moved between an open position to open the bleed port, and a closed position to close the bleed port.
[0022] In an embodiment, the assembly may comprise a knob connected to the bush to actuate the bush to move between the opened position, and the closed position for opening, and closing the bleed port, respectively.
[0023] In an embodiment, the knob may be biased with the bush using a biasing element such that the application of a predefined force by a user on the knob in a first direction, moves the bush to the open position. Further, when the applied predefined force is removed, the biasing element may retract the knob in a second direction opposite to the first direction to move the bush back to the closed position, thereby closing the bleed port.
[0024] In an embodiment, the assembly may comprise a shaft having a first end attached to the knob and a second end attached to the bush. The shaft may comprise the biasing element to bias the knob with the bush.
[0025] In an embodiment, the first member may comprise one or more holes having a first profile, and the second member may comprise one or more engaging elements having a second profile concurrent to the first profile and adapted to engage with the one or more hole. In another embodiment, the second member may comprise one or more holes having a first profile, and the first member may comprise one or more engaging elements having a second profile concurrent to the first profile and adapted to engage with the one or more hole. More particularly, the first profile engages with the one or more hole such that the piston may not fall out of the cylinder thus avoiding complete disengagement of the second member with the first member.
[0026] In an embodiment, the one or more cylinder may comprise two cylinders, each comprising a piston therewithin. The bleed port may be in fluidic communication with each of the two cylinders.
[0027] In an embodiment, the one or more cylinder may comprise a single cylinder, and a set of stabilizing elements to restrict lateral movement of the second member with respect to the first member.
[0028] In an embodiment, the component may be a vehicle seat, wherein the first member is mountable on a seat pan cushion of the vehicle seat or is an integral portion of a seat pan cushion of the vehicle seat and the second member is at least a portion of a cushion length adjuster.
[0029] In another embodiment, the one or more component may be a console of the vehicle, wherein the first member is mountable on the console or is an integral portion of the console and the second member is at least a portion of an armrest. In yet another embodiment, the one or more component may be a vehicle seat of the vehicle, wherein the first member is mountable on the vehicle seat or is an integral portion of the console and the second member is at least a portion of an armrest.
[0030] Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a vehicle seat comprising a seat back, a seat pan cushion comprising a first member, wherein the first member is an integral part of the seat pan cushion, and a second member movably arranged over the first member. The second member is configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the first member. The first member or the second member may comprise one or more cylinder accommodating a movable piston of the second member or the first member therewithin respectively and comprising a bleed port such that when the bleed port is closed, the movement of the piston within the one or more cylinder is restricted, which correspondingly locks the movement of the second member at a predetermined position between the first position and the second position, and when the bleed port is opened, the piston is movable between a first end and a second end within the one or more cylinder, which correspondingly facilitates the movement of the second member between the first position and the second position, respectively.
[0031] In an embodiment, the seat comprises a bush configured with the bleed port and a knob connected to the bush to actuate the bush to move between an opened position, and a closed position for opening, and closing the bleed port, respectively.
[0032] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a cushion length adjuster assembly for a vehicle seat. The assembly comprises a first member adapted to be mountable / releasably mounted on a seat pan cushion of the vehicle seat, and a second member movably arranged over/on the first member, wherein the second member is configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the first member. The first member or the second member comprises one or more cylinder accommodating a movable piston of the second member or first member therewithin respectively and comprising a bleed port such that when the bleed port is closed, the movement of the piston within the one or more cylinder is restricted, which correspondingly locks the movement of the second member at a predetermined position between the first position and the second position, and when the bleed port is opened, the piston is movable between a first end and a second end within the one or more cylinder, which correspondingly facilitates the movement of the second member between the first position and the second position, respectively.
[0033] In an embodiment, the cushion length adjuster assembly may comprise a bush configured with the bleed port and a knob connected to the bush to actuate the bush to move between an opened position, and a closed position for opening, and closing the bleed port respectively.
[0034] Further, another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a sliding armrest apparatus for a vehicle console. The console can be arranged in between the vehicle seat or at the co-passenger side for storing articles therein. The apparatus comprises a first member adapted to be mountable / releasably mounted on the console or is an integral part of the console, and a second member movably arranged over/on the first member, wherein the second member is configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the first member. The first member or the second member comprises one or more cylinders accommodating a movable piston of the second member or first member therewithin respectively and comprising a bleed port such that when the bleed port is closed, the movement of the piston within the one or more cylinder is restricted, which correspondingly locks the movement of the second member at a predetermined position between the first position and the second position, and when the bleed port is opened, the piston is movable between a first end and a second end within the one or more cylinder, which correspondingly facilitates the movement of the second member between the first position and the second position, respectively.
[0035] In an embodiment, the sliding armrest apparatus may comprise a bush configured with the bleed port and a knob connected to the bush to actuate the bush to move between an opened position, and a closed position for opening, and closing the bleed port respectively.
[0036] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0037] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.
[0038] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0039] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the proposed sliding assembly for a component of a vehicle or a cushion length adjuster (CLA) for a vehicle seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary isometric bottom view of the proposed sliding assembly or CLA, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
[0041] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary isometric top view of the first (fixed) member of the proposed sliding assembly or CLA, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary isometric bottom view of the first (fixed) member of FIG. 2A is configured with a bleed port actuation mechanism and an actuation control knob, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary isometric bottom view of the second (movable) member of the proposed sliding assembly or CLA, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary view of a bleed port actuation mechanism comprising a bush and a shaft biased using a spring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary view of a vehicle seat having the cushion length adjustment feature, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary view of a console having a sliding armrest apparatus, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary isometric top view of the first (fixed) member of the proposed sliding assembly or CLA of the vehicle seat, which includes only one cylinder, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0049] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0050] Embodiments of the present disclosure elaborate upon a simple, efficient, and cost-effective sliding assembly for components of a vehicle including a vehicle seat, a console, and/or an armrest. Embodiments of the present disclosure further elaborate upon a simple, efficient, and cost-effective vehicle seat with a cushion length adjustment feature. Embodiments of the present disclosure further elaborate upon a simple, efficient, and cost-effective cushion length adjuster for a vehicle seat.
[0051] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a sliding assembly for a component of a vehicle. The assembly includes a first member adapted to be configured with the component of the vehicle, and a second member movably arranged over/on the first member. Further, the first member or the second member includes one or more cylinder accommodating a movable piston of the second member or first member therewithin respectively, and including a bleed port such that: when the bleed port is closed, the movement of the piston within the one or more cylinder is restricted, which correspondingly locks the movement of the second member over/on the first member; and when the bleed port is opened, the piston is movable within the one or more cylinder, which correspondingly facilitates the movement of the second member over/on the first member.
[0052] In an embodiment, the assembly can include a bush configured with the bleed port. The bush can be configured to be moved between an open position to open the bleed port, and a closed position to close the bleed port.
[0053] In an embodiment, the assembly can include a knob connected to the bush to actuate the bush to move between the opened position, and the closed position for opening, and closing the bleed port, respectively.
[0054] In an embodiment, the knob can be biased with the bush using a biasing element such that the application of a predefined force by a user on the knob in a first direction, moves the bush to the open position. Further, when the applied predefined force is removed, the biasing element can retract the knob in a second direction opposite to the first direction to move the bush back to the closed position, thereby closing the bleed port.
[0055] In an embodiment, the assembly can include a shaft having a first end attached to the knob and a second end attached to the bush. The shaft can include the biasing element to bias the knob with the bush.
[0056] In an embodiment, the first member can include one or more holes having a first profile, and the second member can include one or more engaging elements having a second profile concurrent to the first profile and adapted to engage and lock with the one or more holes. In another embodiment, the second member can include one or more holes having a first profile, and the first member can include one or more engaging elements having a second profile concurrent to the first profile and adapted to engage and lock with the one or more holes.
[0057] In an embodiment, the one or more cylinders can include two cylinders, each including a piston therewithin. The bleed port can be in fluidic communication with each of the two cylinders.
[0058] In an embodiment, the one or more cylinders can include a single cylinder, and a set of stabilizing elements to restrict lateral movement of the second member with respect to the first member.
[0059] In an embodiment, the component can be a vehicle seat, wherein the first member is mountable on a seat pan cushion of the vehicle seat or is an integral portion of a seat pan cushion of the vehicle seat and the second member is at least a portion of a cushion length adjuster.
[0060] In an embodiment, the one or more component can be a console of the vehicle, wherein the first member can be mountable on the console or is an integral portion of the console and the second member can be at least a portion of an armrest.
[0061] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat including a seat back, a seat pan cushion including a first member, wherein the first member is an integral part of the seat pan cushion, and a second member movably arranged over the first member. The second member is configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the first member. The first member or the second member can include one or more cylinder accommodating a movable piston of the second member or first member therewithin respectively and including a bleed port such that when the bleed port is closed, the movement of the piston within the one or more cylinder is restricted, which correspondingly locks the movement of the second member at a predetermined position between the first position and the second position, and when the bleed port is opened, the piston is movable between a first end and a second end within the one or more cylinder, which correspondingly facilitates the movement of the second member between the first position and the second position, respectively.
[0062] In an embodiment, the seat can include a bush configured with the bleed port and a knob connected to the bush to actuate the bush to move between an opened position, and a closed position for opening, and closing the bleed port, respectively.
[0063] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a cushion length adjuster assembly for a vehicle seat. The assembly includes a first member adapted to be mountable / releasably mounted on a seat pan cushion of the vehicle seat, and a second member movably arranged over/on the first member, wherein the second member is configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the first member. The first member or the second member includes one or more cylinder accommodating a movable piston of the second member or the first member therewithin respectively and including a bleed port such that when the bleed port is closed, the movement of the piston within the one or more cylinder is restricted, which correspondingly locks the movement of the second member at a predetermined position between the first position and the second position, and when the bleed port is opened, the piston is movable between a first end and a second end within the one or more cylinder, which correspondingly facilitates the movement of the second member between the first position and the second position, respectively.
[0064] In an embodiment, the cushion length adjuster assembly can include a bush configured with the bleed port and a knob connected to the bush to actuate the bush to move between an opened position, and a closed position for opening, and closing the bleed port, respectively
[0065] Referring to FIGs. 1A to 1B, the proposed sliding assembly 100 for one or more component(s) of a vehicle is disclosed. The one or more component(s) can be a vehicle seat and/or a console. As illustrated, the assembly 100 can include a first member 102 (also referred to as a fixed member 102 or fixed portion 102, herein) that is adapted to be fixedly or removably arranged over/on a seat pan (or seat base) of the seat, and/or a console of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the first member 102 can be adapted to be mounted over/on the seat pan of the vehicle seat or over/on the console. In another embodiment, the first member 102 can also be an integral part of the seat pan cushion or the console. The assembly 100 can further include a second member 104 (also referred to as a movable member 104 or movable portion 104, herein) movably arranged over/on the first member 102. In an embodiment, the second member 104 can be configured to move or slide between a first position and a second position with respect to the first member 102.
[0066] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the second member 104 can be at least a portion of cushion length adjuster for a vehicle seat 500. The first position can correspond to a non-extended position where the second member 104 is arranged over/on the first member 102, and the second position corresponds to an extended position where the second member 104 is extended in front of the first member 102, thereby extending the cushion length of a seat pan of the vehicle seat 500. Further, the second member 104 can be adjusted and locked at the first position (non-extended), the second position (fully-extended), or at any position between the first position and second position, as per the occupant’s requirement and comfort, thereby providing a wide range of cushion length in the seat. In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the second member 104 can be at least a portion of an armrest 602 slidably arranged over/on a console 300. The first position can correspond to the position where the second member 104 is arranged over/on the first member 102, and the second position corresponds to the position where the second member 104 is moved away in front of the first member 102 compared to the first position, thereby having desirable positioning of the armrest 602. Further, the second member 104 can be adjusted and locked at the first position (non-extended), the second position (fully-extended), or at any position between the first position and second position, as per the occupant’s requirement and comfort.
[0067] The first member 102 or the second member 104 can include one or more cylinder(s) 102-1 accommodating a movable piston 302 of the second member 104 or the first member 102 therewithin respectively and can further include a bleed port 204 in fluidic communication with all the cylinder (s) 102-1 as shown in FIGs. 1B and 2B. In an embodiment, the first member 102 can include the one or more cylinder(s) 102-1 accommodating the movable piston 302 therewithin, and the second member 104 can include the corresponding piston 302 as shown in FIGs. 1A to 3. In another embodiment, (not shown) the second member 104 can include the one or more cylinder(s) 102-1 accommodating the movable piston 302 therewithin, and the first member 102 can include the corresponding piston 302. In an exemplary embodiment, the first member 102 or second member 104 can include two cylinders 102-1, each comprising a piston 302 therewithin with the bleed port 204 in fluidic communication with each of the two cylinders 102-1 as shown in FIGs 1A to 3. The use of two cylinders 102-1 with the bleed port which can be closed, restricts the lateral movement of the second member 104 with respect to the first member 102 without any additional fixtures. In another exemplary embodiment, the first member 102 or second member 104 can include a single cylinder as shown in FIG. 7, and a set of stabilizing elements to restrict the lateral movement of the second member 104 with respect to the first member 102.
[0068] The one or more cylinder(s) 102-1 accommodating the movable piston 302 therewithin, and each cylinder 102-1 can be in fluidic communication with the bleed port 204 such that when the bleed port 204 is closed, and airlock or fluidic lock is created within the one or more cylinder 102-1 and thereby the movement of the piston within the one or more cylinder 102-1 is restricted, which correspondingly locks sliding of the second member 104 or locks the movement of the second member 104 at a predetermined position between the first position and the second position as per user/occupant comfort and requirement. Further, when the bleed port 204 is opened, the piston 302 is movable between a first end and a second end of the cylinder within the corresponding cylinder 102-1, which correspondingly facilitates the sliding of the second member or facilitates the movement of the second member 104 between the first position and the second position, respectively, thereby allowing the user/occupant to adjust the second member 104. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that as the cylinder 102-1 has one opening at its first end and another opening at the bleed port 204, and the piston 302 is disposed within the cylinder 102-1 through the first end of the cylinder 102-1 thereby covering the first end of the cylinder 102-1 with air or other fluid generally filling in the vacant space within the cylinder 102-1, as a result, the movement of the piston 302 within the cylinder 102-1 (towards the second end) can pump out air/fluid (present in the cylinder) through the bleed port 204, and the movement of the piston 302 towards the first end of the cylinder 102-1 can suck outside air or other fluid within the cylinder 102-1 through the bleed port 204. Correspondingly, when the bleed port 204 is closed and the piston 302 is covering the opening at the first end of the cylinder 102-1, as a result, an airlock or fluidic lock is created within the cylinder 102-1 as the air/fluid present in vacant space within the cylinder 102-1 cannot bleed through the bleed port 204 or through the opening at the first end of the cylinder 102-1, thereby, restricting the movement of the piston 302 within the cylinder 102-1 when the bleed port 204 is closed.
[0069] In an embodiment, the assembly 100 can include a bleed port actuation mechanism to open and close the bleed port 204 as required. The bleed port actuation mechanism can include a bush 110 configured with the bleed port 204 and operable to be moved between an open position to open the bleed port 204, and a closed position to close the bleed port 204. The bleed port 204 actuation mechanism can further include a knob 108 connected to the bush 110 through a shaft 106 fitted with a biasing element 112 such as but not limited to a mechanical spring, which facilitates the opening and closing of the bleed port 204 upon actuation of the knob 108. The knob 108 is biased with the bush 110 using the biasing element 112 such that the application of a predefined force by the user/occupant on the knob 108 in a first direction, moves the bush 110 to the open position, thereby opening the bleed port 204. The first end 106-1 of the shaft 106 can be connected to the knob 108 and the second end 106-2 of the shaft 106 can be connected to the bush 110 with the biasing element 112 configured over the shaft 106 as shown in FIG. 1A and 4. Accordingly, the bleed port 204 in the open position allows the sliding of the second member 104 or the movement of the second member 104 between the first position (non-extended) and the second position (fully extended). Further, when the predefined force applied to the knob 108 is removed, the biasing element can retract the knob 108 in a second direction opposite to the first direction to move the bush 110 back to the closed position, thereby closing the bleed port 204. Accordingly, the bleed port 204 in the closed position, restricts the sliding of the second member 104 or restricts the movement of the second member 104 with respect to the first member 102, thereby adjusting and locking the second member 104 at the first position (non-extended), the second position (fully extended), or at any position between the first position and second position, as per occupant’s requirement and comfort, thereby enabling sliding of the first member 102 and also providing a wide range of cushion length. Thus, the knob 108 can be used to actuate (open and close) the bleed port 204 and the cushion length of the vehicle seat or the positioning of the armrest of the console can be accordingly adjusted by the user/occupant by moving the second member 104 in the first direction and the second direction.
[0070] In an embodiment, the first member 102 can include one or more holes 202 having a first profile, and the second member 104 can include one or more engaging elements 304 having a second profile concurrent to the first profile and adapted to engage with one or more hole 202 such that the movement of the second member 104 is locked in a such a way that the piston 302 may not fall out of the cylinder 102-1 thus avoiding completely disengagement of the second member 104 with the first member 102, however, the second member 104 can slide in x-direction in between the first position and second position.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, in an embodiment, a modular vehicle seat 500 having the cushion length adjustment feature is disclosed. The vehicle seat 500 can include a seat back 502, and a seat pan cushion 504 comprising a first member 102 that can be an integral part of the seat pan cushion 504 as shown, however, in an alternate embodiment (not shown), the first member 102 can be mountable on the seat pan cushion 504. The seat pan 504 can have at least a portion made of plastic or composite material, but not limited to the like, forming the first (fixed) member 102. The vehicle seat 500 can further include a second member 104 movably arranged over/on the first member 102. The second member 104 can be configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the first member 102. The first position can correspond to a non-extended position where the second member 104 is arranged over/on the first member 102, and the second position corresponds to an extended position where the second member 104 is extended in front of the first member 102, thereby extending the cushion length. Further, the second member 104 can be adjusted and locked at the first position (non-extended), the second position (fully-extended), or at any position between the first position and second position, as per the occupant’s requirement and comfort, thereby providing a wide range of cushion length in the seat or armrest of the vehicle. Referring to FIG. 6, in another aspect, a sliding armrest apparatus600 for a console 300 is disclosed. The apparatus 600 can include a first member 102 adapted to be mounted on the console 300 or can be an integral portion of the console 300, and a second member 104 movably arranged over/on the first member 102 and can be at least a portion of an armrest 602. More particularly, in the case of a modular console 300, the first member 102 can be an integral portion of the console 300 and the second member 104 can be an armrest 602. Further, when the first member 102 is mountable on the console 300, the first member 102 and the second member 104 together forms the armrest apparatus 600. The second member 104 can be configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the first member 102. The first position can correspond to a position where the second member 104 is arranged over/on the first member 102, and the second position corresponds to a position where the second member 104 is extended in front of the first member 102, thereby positioning the armrest 602 in desired positions according to user/occupant’s requirement. Further, the second member 104 can be adjusted and locked at the first position (non-extended), the second position (fully-extended), or at any position between the first position and second position, as per the occupant’s requirement and comfort, thereby providing a wide range of cushion length in the console of the vehicle.
[0072] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0073] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0074] The present invention provides a sliding assembly for the components of a vehicle such as a vehicle seat, a console, which can be easily implemented in all ranges of vehicles.
[0075] The proposed invention provides a cushion length adjuster for a vehicle seat or an armrest slidably arranged on a vehicle console, which can be easily implemented in all ranges of vehicles.
[0076] The proposed invention provides a simple, efficient, and cost-effective solution for adjusting the cushion length of the vehicle seat.
[0077] The proposed invention provides a cushion length adjuster for a vehicle seat, which allows occupants to easily adjust the cushion length as per their comfort.
[0078] The proposed invention provides a cushion length adjuster for a vehicle seat, which involves a smaller number of parts, can be easily installed in the vehicle seat, and is less prone to failure.
[0079] The proposed invention provides a cushion length adjuster for a vehicle seat, which does not generate unwanted sound or noise.
[0080] The proposed invention provides a simple, efficient, and cost-effective cushion length adjuster for an armrest of a vehicle.
[0081] The proposed invention provides a simple, efficient, and cost-effective vehicle seat with a cushion length adjustment feature.

, Claims:1. A sliding assembly (100) for a component of a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising:
a first member (102) adapted to be configured with the component of the vehicle; and
a second member (104) movably arranged over/on the first member (102); and
wherein the first member (102) or the second member (104) comprises one or more cylinder (102-1) accommodating a movable piston (302) of the second member (104) or the first member (102) therewithin respectively and comprising a bleed port (204) such that:
when the bleed port (204) is closed, the movement of the piston (302) within the one or more cylinder (102-1) is restricted, which correspondingly locks the movement of the second member (104) over/on the first member (102); and
when the bleed port (204) is opened, the piston (302) is movable within the one or more cylinder (102-1), which correspondingly facilitates the movement of the second member (104) over/on the first member (102), respectively.
2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly (100) comprises a bush (110) configured with the bleed port (204), wherein the bush (110) is configured to be moved between an open position to open the bleed port (204), and a closed position to close the bleed port (204).
3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the assembly (100) comprises a knob (108) connected to the bush (110) to actuate the bush (110) to move between the opened position, and the closed position for opening, and closing the bleed port (204), respectively.
4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the knob (108) is biased with the bush (110) using a biasing element (112) such that application of a predefined force by a user on the knob (108) in a first direction, moves the bush (110) to the open position, and wherein when the applied predefined force is removed, the biasing element (112) retracts the knob (108) in a second direction opposite to the first direction to move the bush (110) back to the closed position, thereby closing the bleed port (204).
5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the assembly (100) comprises a shaft (106) having a first end (106-1) attached to the knob (108) and a second end (106-2) attached to the bush (110), wherein the shaft (106) comprises the biasing element (112) to bias the knob (108) with the bush (110).
6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first member (102) or the second member (104) comprises one or more holes (202) having a first profile, and the second member (104) or the first member (102) comprises one or more engaging elements (304) having a second profile concurrent to the first profile and adapted to engage with the one or more holes (202).
7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more cylinder (102-1) comprises two cylinders (102-1), each accommodating a piston (302) therewithin, and wherein the bleed port (204) is in fluidic communication with each of the two cylinders (102-1).
8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more cylinder (102-1) comprises a single cylinder (102-1), and a set of stabilizing elements to restrict lateral movement of the second member (104) with respect to the first member (102).
9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the component is a vehicle seat, wherein the first member (102) is mountable on a seat pan cushion of the vehicle seat or is an integral portion of a seat pan cushion of the vehicle seat and the second member (104) is at least a portion of a cushion length adjuster.
10. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the component is a console, wherein the first member (102) is mountable on the console or is an integral portion of the console and the second member (104) is at least a portion of an armrest.
11. A vehicle seat (500) comprising:
a seat back (502);
a seat pan cushion (504) comprising a first member (102), wherein the first member (102) is an integral part of the seat pan cushion (504); and
a second member (104) movably arranged over the first member (102), wherein the second member (104) is configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the first member (102);
wherein the first member (102) or the second member (104) comprises one or more cylinder (102-1) accommodating a movable piston (302) of the second member (104) or the first member (102) therewithin respectively and comprising a bleed port (204) such that:
when the bleed port (204) is closed, the movement of the piston (302) within the one or more cylinder (102-1) is restricted, which correspondingly locks the movement of the second member (104) at a predetermined position between the first position and the second position; and
when the bleed port (204) is opened, the piston (302) is movable between a first end and a second end within the one or more cylinder (102-1), which correspondingly facilitates the movement of the second member (104) between the first position and the second position, respectively.
12. The vehicle seat (500) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the seat (500) comprises a bush (110) configured with the bleed port (204) and a knob (108) connected to the bush (110) to actuate the bush (110) to move between an opened position, and a closed position for opening, and closing the bleed port (204), respectively.
13. A cushion length adjuster assembly (100) for a vehicle seat (500), the assembly (100) comprising:
a first member (102) adapted to be mountable on a seat pan cushion (504) of the vehicle seat (500); and
a second member (104) movably arranged over/on the first member (102), wherein the second member (104) is configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the first member (102);
wherein the first member (102) or the second member (104) comprises one or more cylinder (102-1) accommodating a movable piston (302) of the second member (104) or the first member (102) therewithin respectively and comprising a bleed port (204) such that:
when the bleed port (204) is closed, the movement of the piston (302) within the one or more cylinder (102-1) is restricted, which correspondingly locks the movement of the second member (104) at a predetermined position between the first position and the second position; and
when the bleed port (204) is opened, the piston (302) is movable between a first end and a second end within the one or more cylinder (102-1), which correspondingly facilitates the movement of the second member (104) between the first position and the second position, respectively.
14. The cushion length adjuster assembly (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the cushion length adjuster assembly (100) comprises a bush (110) configured with the bleed port (204) and a knob (108) connected to the bush (110) to actuate the bush (110) to move between an opened position, and a closed position for opening, and closing the bleed port (204), respectively.