Claims:We Claim:

1. A vehicle seat assembly (100) comprising:
at least one guide rail (10) fixed to a floor (F) of a vehicle;
at least one anchor member (11) slidably positioned on the at least one guide rail (10);
a first seat frame (1) and a second seat frame (2) positioned on the at least one anchor member (11) wherein, the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) is configured to receive a vehicle seat (VS);
a plurality of arms (23) interconnecting the at least one anchor member (11) with the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2);
a height adjusting arm (8) pivotably connected to at least one of the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) wherein, the height adjusting arm (8) actuates the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2);
a first rack (1b) connected to the at least one guide rail (10) and a second rack (2b) connected to the second seat frame (2);
a gear assembly (200) meshed with the first rack (1b) and the second rack (2b);
comprising a height adjusting gear (9), wherein the height adjusting gear (9) traverses the height adjusting arm (8) with the plurality of arms (23) for displacing the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) between a first position (A) and a second position (B); and,
actuating the gear assembly (200) traverses the gear assembly (200) along the first rack (1b) and the second rack (2b) for displacing the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) between a third position (C) and a fourth position (D).

2. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the height adjusting gear (9) is meshed with the teeth defined on the height adjusting arm (8) and, the height adjusting gear (9) is configured to rotate in a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y).

3. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises, a first lever (14) connected to the height adjusting gear (9) wherein, the first lever (14) is configured to rotate the height adjusting gear (9) in at least one of the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y).

4. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the height adjusting arm (8) is defined by a first end (8a) and a second end (8b) wherein, the teeth defined on one of the sides of the height adjusting arm (8) extend between the first end (8a) and the second end (8b) of the height adjusting arm (8).

5. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises, an extension (15) defined proximal to the second end (8b) of the height adjusting arm (8) wherein, the extension (15) of the height adjusting arm (8) is fixedly connected to the anchor member (11).

6. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the height adjusting arm (8) is defined by a cutout (16) and the height adjusting arm (8) is secured to at least one of the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) through the cutout (16).

7. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the gear assembly (200) is fixed to at least one of the plurality of arms (23) interconnecting the at least one anchor member (11) with the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2).

8. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the gear assembly (200) comprises:
a first gear (17) meshed with the first rack (1b) connected to the at least one guide rail (10);
a second gear (18) connected to the second seat frame (2);
a third gear (19) configured between the first gear (17) and the second gear (18);
a fourth gear (21) connected to the second gear (18) and meshed with second rack (2b);
wherein, the gear assembly (200) allows the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) to be traversed between the third position (C) and the fourth position (D).

9. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises, a second lever (20) for actuating the gear assembly (200) by traversing the first gear (1a) on the first rack (1b) and by traversing the seocnd gear (2b) on the second rack (2b).

10. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first seat frame (1) is deifned by first sections (3) and a second section (4).

11. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the second seat frame (2) is deifned by third sections (6) and a fourth section (7).

12. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the second rack (2b) is connected to at least one of the first sections (3) of the first seat frame (1) and the third sections (5) of the second seat frame (2).

13. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the height adjusting arm (8) is connected to one of the at least one first sections (3) and the at least one third sections (6).

14. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, second rack (2b) is cofigured parallel to the first rack (1b).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a seat assembly of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relates to an adjustable seat assembly for traversing the seat along a horizontal and a vertical directions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, vehicles such as passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles are employed with seating devices for accommodating the passengers. Drivers who drive for longer hours are more prone for the health issues due to prolonged seating and absorption of vibrations generated in the vehicles. Further, the drivers who drive for a prolonged period of time every day, are prone to back and spinal cord related problems. Also, it is seen that these drivers are not able to work for many years and seek retirement due to the above reasons. It is a similar case for even passenger vehicles, where long duration of drives may become uncomfortable for the passengers seated in the vehicle. Conventionally, various efforts have been made to improve the comfort to the passengers and drivers while travelling in the vehicles.

One of the major ergonomic deficiencies in conventional seats is with regards to their limited adjustability for drivers of larger or smaller postures. Drivers of shorter height generally prefer to be seated closer to the steering wheel and at a higher platform from the floor of the vehicle for providing a commanding view of the road ahead while driving the vehicle. Taller drivers prefer to pull the seat to a backward position to prevent their legs from being obstructed by the dashboard of the vehicle and to retain the required flexibility in maneuvering their legs to operate the drive pedals or brake pedals of the vehicle. Taller drivers also prefer the seat to be positioned at low heights or closer to the floor of the vehicle to prevent their head from being obstructed by the roof of the vehicle.

Conventional seats are constructed to include a backrest frame with a bottom frame. The backrest frame and the bottom frame accommodate seats with cushion. Generally, the backrest frame and the bottom frame are of pre-defined dimensions. For taller drivers, the pre-defined dimensions of the seat are not favorable since, the bottom frame fails to offer the required support for the femoral region/thighs of the driver. Consequently, the drivers are prone to knee discomfort over prolonged period of travel.

Further, conventional seats are often fixed/limited with regards to their ability to be maneuvered along a vertical direction. Drivers of tall height generally prefer the seat to be positioned lower towards the floor of the vehicle. However, drivers of short height generally find it un-comfortable since, their ability to view the pathway ahead is hindered. Consequently, the ability of the driver to maneuver the vehicle through the obstacles/vehicles on the pathway ahead is hampered and the possibilities of accidents increases significantly.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional configuration of intake ports.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional system or method are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the method as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly is disclosed. The seat assembly includes at least one guide rail fixed to a floor of a vehicle. At least one anchor member is slidably positioned on the at least one guide rail. A first seat frame and a second seat frame are positioned on the at least one anchor member where, the first seat frame and the second seat frame are configured to receive a vehicle seat. A plurality of arms interconnecting the at least one anchor member with the first seat frame and the second seat frame are provided. A height adjusting arm is pivotably connected to at least one of the first seat frame and the second seat frame where, the height adjusting arm actuates the first seat frame and the second seat frame. A first rack is connected to the at least one guide rail and a second rack is connected to the second seat frame. A gear assembly is meshed with the first rack and the second rack. The gear assembly includes a height adjusting gear, where the height adjusting gear traverses the height adjusting arm with the plurality of arms for displacing the first seat frame and the second seat frame between a first position and a second position. Further, actuating the gear assembly traverses the gear assembly along the first rack and the second rack for displacing the first seat frame and the second seat frame between a third position and a fourth position.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, the height adjusting gear is meshed with the teeth defined on the height adjusting arm and, the height adjusting gear is configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a first lever is connected to the height adjusting gear where, the first lever is configured to rotate the height adjusting gear in at least one of the first direction and the second direction.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, the height adjusting arm is defined by a first end and a second end where, the teeth defined on one of the sides of the height adjusting arm extend between the first end and the second end of the height adjusting arm.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an extension is defined proximal to the second end of the height adjusting arm where, the extension of the height adjusting arm is fixedly connected to the anchor member.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, the height adjusting arm is defined by a cutout and the height adjusting arm is secured to at least one of the first seat frame and the second seat frame through the cutout.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, the gear assembly is fixed to at least one of the plurality of arms interconnecting the at least one anchor member with the first seat frame and the second seat frame.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, the gear assembly includes a first gear meshed with the first rack connected to the at least one guide rail. A second gear is connected to the second seat frame and a third gear is configured between the first gear and the second gear. Further, a fourth gear is connected to the second gear and is meshed with second rack. The gear assembly allows the first seat frame and the second seat frame to be traversed between the third position and the fourth position.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a second lever is provided for actuating the gear assembly by traversing the first gear on the first rack and by traversing the seocnd gear on the second rack.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, the first seat frame is deifned by first sections and a second section.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, the second seat frame is deifned by third sections and a fourth section.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, the second rack is connected to at least one of the first sections of the first seat frame and the third sections of the second seat frame.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, the height adjusting arm is connected to one of the at least one first sections and the at least one third sections.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, the second rack is cofigured parallel to the first rack.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly in a first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly in a second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates a magnified perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly of Figure 2.

Figure 4 illustrates a magnified perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly of Figure 3.

Figure 5 illustrates a magnified perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly with a gear assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the vehicle seat assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 7 illustrates a magnified view of the vehicle seat assembly in the first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

The figure depicts embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the vehicle seat assembly without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other system for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to its organization, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in the device or mechanism proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the mechanism.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the vehicle including powertrain and the chassis is not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the vehicle seat assembly as disclosed in the present disclosure may be used in any vehicles that employs/includes seats, where such vehicle may include, but not be limited to, light duty vehicles, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and the like.

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly (100) in a first position (A) and Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly (100) [hereinafter referred to as the seat assembly] in a second position (B). Figure 3 illustrates a magnified perspective view of the seat assembly (100). The seat assembly (100) may include at least one guide rail (10) [hereinafter referred to as the guide rail]. The guide rail (10) may be fixedly mounted onto a floor of the vehicle. In their preferable and exemplary embodiment, the guide rail (10) may be configured as a pair of guide rails (10). The guide rails (10) may be separated from each other by a predetermined distance. A first rack (1b) of a pre-determined length may be connected. An upper region of the first rack (1b) may be defined with teeth. In an exemplary embodiment, the pre-determined length for which the first rack (1b) may be defined on the guide rail (10) along a region including but not limited to a substantially central region of the guide rail (10). The guide rail (10) may further be configured with at least one anchor member (11) [hereinafter referred to as the anchor member]. The anchor member (11) may be positioned on the guide rail (10) and the anchor member (11) may be configured to slide along the guide rail (10).

Further, a first seat frame (1) and a second seat frame (2) may be slidably positioned with respect to the guide rail (10). The first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) may be connected to the anchor member (11) by a plurality of arms (23) [hereinafter referred to as the arms]. One end of the arms (23) may be pivotably connected to at least one of the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2). The other end of the arms (23) may be pivotably connected to the anchor member (11). In an embodiment, the arms (23) may be defined with a curved profile. The sliding of the anchor member (11) on the guide rail (10) may enable the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) to slide along the guide rail (10).

In this preferable and exemplary embodiment, the first seat frame (1) may be defined by a pair of first sections (3) [hereinafter referred to as the first sections]. The first sections (3) of the first seat frame (1) may be oriented to lie parallel to each other and the distance between the first sections (3) may be equivalent to the distance between each of the guide rails (10) in pair. The first sections (3) of the first seat frame (1) may be interconnected by a second section (4) of the first seat frame (1). The second section (4) may extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the guide rail (10) and the first sections (3). The second sections (4) and the first sections (3) are connected together to define the first seat frame (1) as a single component. The first seat frame (1) as a whole is pivotably connected to the anchor member (11) and is slidably positioned on the guide rail (10). The second seat frame (2) may also be defined by a pair of third sections (6) [hereinafter referred to as the third sections] that are oriented parallel to each other. The third sections (6) may also be oriented to lie parallel to the guide rail (10). Further, the second seat frame (2) may also include a fourth section (7). The fourth section (7) may be oriented in a direction that is perpendicular to the third sections (6) and is parallel to the second section (4) of the first seat frame (1). The third sections (6) and the fourth section (7) may be connected together to define the second seat frame (2). The second seat frame (2) as a whole may be pivotably connected to the anchor member (11) and may be slidably positioned on the guide rail (10) through the anchor member (11).

Further, a second rack (2b) may be fixedly connected to the second seat frame (2). The second rack (2b) may be connected to at least one of the third sections (6) of the second seat frame (2). The second rack (2b) may be configured to extend downwardly from the third sections (6) second seat frame (2) and the second rack (2b) may be configured to lie proximal to the first rack (1b) connected to the guide rail (10). The second rack (2b) is configured to extend in a direction parallel to the third sections (6) of the second seat frame (2). One of the ends of the second rack (2b) that extends towards the guide rail (10) or is proximal to the guide rail (10) may be defined with teeth. Further, the first rack (1b) on the guide rail (10) and the second rack (2b) of the second seat frame (2) may be configured to lie along different planes. The plane at which the first rack (1b) extends may be at a pre-determined distance away from the plane at which the second rack (2b) is configured. In a preferable and exemplary embodiment, the second rack (2b) may be configured to the third section (6) of the second seat frame (2) that lies proximal/adjacent to the guide rail (10) that is connected with the first rack (1b).

The second seat frame (2) may be accommodated within the first seat frame (1). The second seat frame (2) may be positioned behind the first seat frame (1) on the anchor member (11). The second seat frame (2) may be configured such that the length of the third sections (6) is significantly greater than the length of the first sections (3) of the first seat frame (1). Further, the length of the fourth section (7) of the second seat frame (2) may be configured to be significantly smaller than the length of the second section (4) of the first seat frame (1). Thus, the second seat frame (2) may be configured to be accommodated within the first seat frame (1) as seen from the Figure 3. The fourth section (7) of the second seat frame (2) may be configured to lie proximal to the second section (4) of the first seat frame (1) when the seat assembly (100) is configured to the first position (A). The first seat frame (1) may be defined with rails [not shown] along an inner surface. These rails may accommodate the second seat frame (2) and the second seat frame (2) may be slidably positioned within the first seat frame (1). In a preferable and exemplary embodiment, the second rack (2b) may be configured to the third section (6) of the second seat frame (2) that lies proximal/adjacent to the guide rail (10) that is connected with the first rack (1b).

In an embodiment, the first rack (1b) may be additional strip of metal with teeth which is attached to the guide rail (10). In an embodiment, the first rack (1b) may be directly defined on the guide rail (10) defined with teeth along a substantially upper region of the guide rail (10). In an embodiment, the first section (3) and the second sections (4) may fixedly be connected together by any known means including but not limited to welding. Similarly, the third sections (6) and the fourth section (7) may also be fixedly connected together by any known means including but not limited to welding. In another embodiment, the first section (3) and the second sections (4) may be removably connected by any known means including but not limited to fasteners, rivets etc. Similarly, the third sections (6) and the fourth sections (7) may be removably connected by any known means including but not limited to fasteners, rivets etc. In an embodiment, the fourth sections (7) of the second seat frame (2) and the second sections (4) of the first seat frame (1) may be configured to not come in contact with each other while the second seat frame (2) slides within the first seat frame (1). In an embodiment, a plurality of rollers may be configured between the second sections (4) of the first seat frame (1) and the fourth sections (7) of the second seat frame (2) and the rollers may facilitate/enable the sliding of the first seat frame (1) with respect to the second seat frame (2).

In an embodiment, the seat assembly (100) may include a backrest frame (12). The backrest frame (12) may be pivotably connected to the second seat frame (2). The constructional configuration of the backrest frame (12) must not be considered as a limitation. The backrest frame (12) may also include components including but not limited to heaters, ventilators, massage assemblies, varying lumbar support adjusting mechanism etc. The first seat frame (1), the second seat frame (2) and the backseat frame (12) may be configured to accommodate a vehicle seat (VS). The vehicle seat (VS) maybe of any material including but not limited to nylon, polyester etc. and the vehicle seat (VS) may provide the required cushioning effect to the user.

With reference to the Figure 4, the seat assembly (100) further includes a height adjusting arm (8). The height adjusting arm (8) may be one of the plurality of arms (23) which interconnect the anchor member (11) with the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2). Similar to the arms (23), the height adjusting arm (8) may be configured to interconnect the anchor member (11) with at least one of the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2). The height adjusting arm (8) is configured with a substantially triangular shape. One end of the triangular shaped height adjusting arm (8) is rotatably connected to the first seat frame (1) in this preferable and exemplary embodiment. The connection of the height adjusting arm (8) to the first seat frame (1) must not be considered as a limitation and the height adjusting arm (8) may also be connected to the second seat frame (2). The height adjusting arm (8) may further be defined by a first end (8a) and a second end (8b). The first end (8a) and the second end (8b) may be defied along a region of the triangular shaped height adjusting arm (8) which is substantially opposite to the end which is pivotably connected to the first seat frame (1). Further, teeth may be defined along the region extending between the first end (8a) and the second end (8b) of the height adjusting arm (8). The height adjusting arm (8) may be defined by an extension (15). The extension (15) may be defined proximal to the second end (8b) of the height adjusting arm (8). The extension may be an integral part of the height adjusting arm (8). Further, the extension (15) of the height adjusting arm (8) may be fixedly connected to the anchor member (11) of the seat assembly (100) by any means including but not limited to fasteners. The height adjusting arm (8) may also be defined with a cutout (16). The cutout (16) may be defined along a substantially central region of the height adjusting arm (8). The shape of the cutout (16) may correspond to the shape of the side of the height adjusting arm (8) that is defined with teeth between the first end (8a) and the second end (8b). Further, a nut and bolt may be configured through the first seat frame (1) such that the bolt extends through the first seat frame (1) and is positioned inside the cutout (16) of the height adjusting arm (8). The bolt may further be secured through the nut and the cutout (16) may facilitate the movement of the height adjusting arm (8). The dimensions of the cutout (16) may be configured to limit the movement of the height adjusting arm (8). The nut and bolt may be a stationery configuration and the cutout (16) may facilitate the limited movement of the height adjusting arm (8). Either ends of the cutout (16) come in contact with the bolt extending through the first seat frame (1) and restrict the movement of the height adjusting arm (8). The seat assembly (100) may also be configured with a height adjusting gear (9). The height adjusting gear (9) may be configured to at least one of the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2). In this preferable and exemplary embodiment, the height adjusting gear (9) may be configured on the first seat frame (1) of the seat assembly (100). More specifically, the height adjusting gear (9) may be configured along an inner surface of at least one of the first sections (3) of the first seat frame (1). The height adjusting gear (9) may be positioned proximal to the height adjusting arm (8) and the height adjusting gear (9) may be configured to mesh with the teeth defined on the height adjusting arm (8). The height adjusting gear (9) may be rotatably connected to at least one of the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2). The rotation of the height adjusting gear (9) may be initiated or controlled by a first lever (14). The user may operate the first lever (14) to rotate the height adjusting gear (9) in at least one of a first direction (X) of a second direction (Y). in this preferable and exemplary embodiment, the first direction (X) may be a clockwise direction and the second direction (Y) may be an anti-clockwise direction. In an exemplary embodiment, pushing the first lever (14) downwards or towards the floor of the vehicle may cause the height adjusting gear (9) to rotate in anti-clockwise direction or in the second direction (Y). Further, in another exemplary embodiment, pushing the first lever (14) upwardly or towards the roof of the vehicle may cause the height adjusting gear (9) to rotate in the clockwise direction or in the first direction (X).

In an embodiment, the configuration of the guide rail (10) as disclosed above must not be considered as a limitation. A locking mechanism may be provided for maneuvering the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) along a horizontal direction. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism may include a plurality of lock members. Further, a plurality of holes may be defined in the guide rail (10) for accommodating a plurality of lock members. A second lever (20) may be connected to each of the plurality of lock member by means of a biasing member. The second lever (20) may be operated to engage the plurality of lock members and guide the plurality of lock members inside the plurality of holes for securing the seat in the required position. The above illustrated locking mechanism is only exemplary in nature and the same must not be considered as a limitation. Other locking mechanisms which enable the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) to slide along the guide rail (10) to the required positions may be configured.

Referring to the Figure 4 and Figure 5, the seat assembly (100) may also be configured with a gear assembly (200). At least one of the plurality of arms (23) may be configured with the gear assembly (200). The gear assembly (200) may include a first gear (17), a second gear (18) and a third gear (19) that are rotatably connected to the arms (23). The first gear (17) may be meshed with first rack (1b) configured to the guide rail (10) of the seat assembly (100). The first gear (17) may be positioned at a substantially lower region of the arm (23). In an embodiment, the anchor member (11) may be defined with a provision which enables the first gear (17) to mesh with the first rack (1b) on the guide rail (10). Further, the second gear (18) may be positioned at a substantially top region of the arm (23). The second gear (18) may further, include a fourth gear (21) with smaller diameter and lesser number of teeth. The fourth gear (21) may be configured to mesh with the second rack (2b) that is connected to the second seat frame (2). The fourth gear (21) may be fixedly connected to the second gear (18) and the fourth gear (21) may be positioned coaxially with respect to the second gear (18). The rotation of the second gear (18) may also cause the fourth gear (21) to rotate along the same axis. The second gear (18) and the first gear (17) may be interconnected by an intermediate third gear (19). The third gear (19) may be configured to mesh with the first gear (17) and the second gear (18). The third ger (19) may be configured to transmit/transfer the rotation from the first gear (17) to the second gear (18). In an exemplary embodiment, a beam may be provided as an interconnecting member between the arm (23) and each of the first gear (17), the second gear (18) and the third gear (19). The first gear (17), the second gear (18) and the third gear (19) may be positioned rotatably on each of the beams configured to the arms (23). The above configuration of the gear assembly (200) transmits the movement on the guide rail (10) to the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) of the seat assembly (100). As the first gear (17) traverses over the guide rail (10), the first gear (17) begins to rotate and consequently the third gear (19) which is in mesh with the first gear (17) also begins to rotate. Subsequently, the second gear (18) which is meshed with the third gear (19) rotates. The fourth gear (21) which is coaxially connected to the second gear (18) also rotates and traverses along the second rack (2b). The above-described gear assembly (200) must not be limited to one of the arms (23) of the seat assembly (100) and may be configured to each of the plurality of arms (23) of the seat assembly (100). In an embodiment, the second gear (18) may be directly connected to the second rack (2b).

Referring to Figure 6, the anchor member (11) which accommodates the plurality of arms (23) may be defined with a slot (22). One of the ends of plurality of arms (23) may be accommodated in the slot (22) and the other end of the arms (23) may be configured to the second seat frame (2). In an exemplary and preferable embodiment, the arms (23) which are configured to the second seat frame (2) and the arms (23) which accommodate the gear assembly (200) are accommodated in the slot (22) defined to the anchor member (11). The slot (22) may herein be an elongated cutout defined in the anchor member (11). The arms (23) may be configured to slide along the length of the slot (22) defined in the anchor member (11). Consequently, the slot (2) enables the arms (23) to slide, and the second seat frame (2) connected to the arms (23) also be allowed to slide with respect to the first seat frame (1).

When the user intends to increase the height of the seat for better visibility of the pathway ahead, the user may operate the first lever (14). The height adjusting gear (9) may initially be in contact with the second end (8b) of the height adjusting arm (8) as seen from Figure 7. The seat assembly (100) as seen from the Figure 7 lies in the first position (A). As the user operates the first lever (14) in an upward direction, the height adjusting gear (9) may rotate in the clockwise direction. Consequently, the height adjusting arm (8) may traverse downwardly or the second end (8b) and the extension (15) of the height adjusting arm (8) may travel towards or proximal to the guide rail (10). As the height adjusting gear (9) rotates in the clockwise direction, the height adjusting gear (9) may begin to push the height adjusting arm (8) form the first end (8a) towards the second end (8b). Further, the height adjusting arm (8) may traverse in the vertical direction or may move upwardly by pivoting with respect to the point where the heigh adjusting arm (8) is connected to the first seat frame (1). As the height adjusting arm (8) moves due to the rotation of the height adjusting gear (9), the first seat frame (1) that is connected to the height adjusting arm (8) also traverses vertically. Since, the second seat frame (2) is accommodated within the first seat frame (1), the second seat frame (2) also moves upwardly along with the first seat frame (1). Further, the arms (23) that are configured between the anchor member (11) and at least one of the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) also pivot and move vertically. Consequently, the complete setup of the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) displaces vertically. The curved profile to the arms (23) are configured to partially traverse the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) in the horizontal direction. As the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) move in the vertical direction, the curved profile push the first seat frame and the second seat frame (2) towards or proximal to the steering wheel. Thus, the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) partially move in the horizontal direction as the user operates the first lever (14) to increase the height of the seat. The elevated position or the second position (B) of the seat assembly (100) is seen from the Figure 2 and Figure 3. The user may stop operating the first lever (14) when the required height of the seat is reached. The orientation of the gears in the gear assembly (200) that is configured to the arms (23) may also change with the change in height of the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2). As seen from figure 7, the seat assembly (100) initially lies in the first position (A) and the gear assembly (200) with the first gear (17), the second gear (18) and the third gear (19) are substantially oriented in the horizontal direction. As the seat assembly (100) is traversed from the first position (A) to the second position (B), the angular orientation between the first gear (17) the second gear (18) and the third gear (19) may change. As seem from Figure 5, the first gear (17) the second gear (18) and the third gear (19) are oriented along a substantially vertical line when the seat assembly (100) is traversed to the second position (B). Thus, the gear assembly (200) is oriented to remain in contact with the first rack (1b) and the second rack (2b), though the height of the seat assembly (100) is varied. Further, if the user intends to reduce the height of the seat assembly (100), the user may push down the first lever (14). As the first lever (14) is pushed downwardly, the height adjusting gear (9) rotates in the anti-clockwise direction. Consequently. height adjusting arm (8) meshed with the height adjusting gear (9) traverses in an upward direction. The second end (8b) and the extension (15) of the height adjusting arm (8) may travel away from the guide rail (10). As the height adjusting gear (9) rotates in the anti-clockwise direction, the height adjusting gear (9) may begin to push the height adjusting arm (8) form the second end (8b) towards the first end (8a). Consequently, the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) may move down towards the floor of the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle seat assembly is traversed back to the first position (A) as seen from the Figure 7.

In an embodiment, the cutout (16) may restrict the movement of the height adjusting arm (8). The cutout (16) with the nut and bolt extending through the first seat frame (1) may prevent the height adjusting arm (8) to traverse beyond the first end (8a) and may prevent the height adjusting arm (8) from being disengaged with the height adjusting gear (9). In an embodiment, the first lever (14) may be interconnected with the height adjusting gear (9) through an intermediate mechanism which converts the movement of the first lever (14) in the vertical direction into the rotational movement of the height adjusting gear (9). In an embodiment, the mechanism between the first lever (14) and the height adjusting arm (8) may be configured to rotate the height adjusting gear (9) to traverse over one teeth of the height adjusting arm (8) for every push or pull of the first lever (14).

The method of maneuvering the assembly between the third position (C) and the fourth position (D) is illustrated below. The seat assembly (100) may initially lie in a third position (C) as seen from the Figure 2. The first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) are proximal to each other when the vehicle seat assembly is configured in the third position (C). When a user intends to move the seat assembly (100) rearwards, the user may operate the second lever (20) and the user may slightly push the seat backwards. The first gear (17) of the gear assembly (200) that is connected to the first seat frame (1) may traverse over the first rack (1b) as the user applies backward force onto the seat assembly (100). Consequently, the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) are pushed backwards along the guide rail (10). The user may stop intermittently until the required comfortable position is configured to the seat assembly (100). As seen from Figure 5, the teeth on the first gear (17) traverse over the teeth defined on the first rack (1b). The first gear (17) rotates about its axis as the first gear (17) is traversed over the first rack (1b). The first gear (17) may be traversed from the front end to the rear end of the first rack (1b). As the first gear (17) is traversed to the rear end of the first rack (1b), the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) also move towards the fourth position (D) of the seat assembly (100). The first seat frame (1) stops traversing over the guide rail (10) after the first gear (17) reaches the rear end of the first rack (1b). If the user further intends to push the seat backwards, the user may continue operating the lever and may continue pushing the seat backwards. Subsequently, the fourth gear (21) that is connected to the second gear (18) may traverse over the second rack (2b) connected to the second seat frame (2). Consequently, the second seat frame (2) may traverse towards the second position (B) over the guide rail (10) through the anchor member (11). As the second seat frame (2) traverses over the guide rail (10), the first seat frame (1) remains stationery since, the first gear (17) connected to the first seat frame (1) is already at the rear end of the first rack (1b) and does not have any provisions to traverse rearwardly. Thus, only the second seat frame (2) travels towards the fourth position (D) [seen from Figure 1 and Figure 7] whereas, the first seat frame (1) only travels for a pre-determined distance before being restricted from traversing rearwardly by the gear ratio of the first gear (1a) and the first rack (1b). Further, the user may push the seat backwards until the second seat frame (2) reaches the rearmost end. The rear end of the second rack (2b) may begin to traverse over the fourth gear (21) until the front end of the second rack (2b) reaches/comes in contact with the fourth gear (21). The seat assembly (100) may be considered to lie in the fourth position (D) when the first gear (17) lies at the rear end of the first rack (1b) and when the front end of the second rack (2b) meshes with the fourth gear (21). As seen from Figure 2, the first seat frame (1) travels rearwardly for a pre-determined distance and the second seat frame (2) further travels to the rearmost end of the guide rail (10). The first seat frame (1) and the seat assembly (100) in the fourth position (D) thus provide the required support to the femoral region/thighs of the user.

In an embodiment, configuring the first seat frame (1) to move a pre-determined distance on the guide rail (10) and configuring the second seat frame (2) behind the first seat frame (1) where, the second seat frame (2) traverses to the rearmost end of the guide rail (10), may enable the seat assembly (100) to reduce the overall footprint of the seat assembly (100) on the floor of the vehicle. Since, the seat assembly (100) is divided into two different frames (1 and 2), the overall stroke or the distance the assembly may have to traverse on the guide rail (10) to accommodate users of different heights is drastically reduced. Consequently, a significant amount of space is saved within the cabin of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the assembly of the present disclosure offers improved ergonomics by configuring the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) where, the first seat frame (1) offers the required support to the femoral region of the users with taller posture.

In an embodiment, the height adjusting arm (8) with the height adjusting gear (9) enables the user to increase or decrease the height of the seat assembly (100) and provides an ergonomically improved seat without the use of any electric actuators or other complex and space consuming mechanisms.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.

Referral Numerals:

Description Referral numerals
First seat frame 1
First rack 1b
Second seat frame 2
Second rack 2b
First section 3
Second section 4
Third section 6
Fourth section 7
Guide rail 10
Anchor member 11
Backrest frame 12
First lever 14
Extension 15
Cutout 16
First gear 17
Second gear 18
Third gear 19
Second lever 20
Fourth gear 21
Slot 22
Plurality of arms 23
Vehicle seat VS
A vehicle seat assembly 100