Claims:We Claim:

1. A vehicle seat assembly (100) comprising:
at least one guide rail (10) fixed to a floor (F) of a vehicle;
a first seat frame (1), slidably positioned in the at least one guide rail (10) of the vehicle, wherein the first seat frame (1) receives a vehicle seat (VS)
a first gear (1a) and a second gear (2a) fixedly connected to the first seat frame (1) along a first axis (A-A);
a first rack (1b) connected to the at least one guide rail (10) and engaged with the first gear (1a);
a second seat frame (2), slidably positioned on the at least one guide rail (10) and accommodated within the first seat frame (1);
a second rack (2b) connected to the second seat frame (2) and engaged with the second gear (2a) wherein, the second rack (2b) is offset from the first rack (1b);
wherein, actuation of the first gear (1a) on the first rack (1b), traverses the first seat frame (1) and the second seat frame (2) on the at least one guide rail (10); and
wherein, actuating the second gear (2a) on the second rack (2b), traverses the second seat frame (2) with respect to the first seat frame (1).

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises, a lever (11) for traversing the first gear (1a) on the first rack (1b) and for traversing the seocnd gear (2b) on the second rack (2b).

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first seat frame (1) includes at least one first section (3) and a second section (4).

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first gear (1a) and the second gear (2a) are co-axialy positioned on a beam (5) extending perpendicularly from at least one of the first sections (3).

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

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the second rack (2b) is fixedly connected to the at least one third section (6) of the second seat frame (2) and extends in a direction parallel to the at least one third section (6).

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the second rack (2b) and the seocnd gear (2a) are configured to traverse the second seat frame (2) for a pre-determined distance on the at least one guide rail (10).
, 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 assembly for the seat to traverse the seat along a horizontal direction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, vehicles such as passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles are employed with seating devices for accommodating the passengers. Drivers of the commercial vehicles drive for longer hours and are more prone for the health issues due to prolonged seating and absorption of vibrations generated in the vehicles. Further, these drivers 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 early retirement due to such issues. 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 sated closer to the steering wheel for enhancing their ability of view the path 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. Conventional seats 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, 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.

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 assembly includes at least one guide rail fixed to a floor of a vehicle. A first seat frame is slidably positioned in the at least one guide rail of the vehicle, where the first seat frame receives a vehicle seat. A first gear and a second gear are fixedly connected to the first seat frame along a first axis. A first rack is connected to the at least one guide rail and engaged with the first gear. Further, a second seat frame is slidably positioned on the at least one guide rail and is accommodated within the first seat frame. A second rack is connected to the second seat frame and is engaged with the second gear where, the second rack is offset from the first rack. Actuation of the first gear on the first rack, traverses the first seat frame and the second seat frame on the at least one guide rail. Actuating the second gear on the second rack, traverses the second seat frame with respect to the first seat frame.

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

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, the first seat frame includes at least one first section and a second section.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, the first gear and the second gear are co-axialy positioned on a beam extending perpendicularly from at least one of the first sections.

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

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, the second rack is fixedly connected to the at least one third section of the second seat frame and extends in a direction parallel to the at least one third section.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, the second rack and the seocnd gear are configured to traverse the second seat frame for a pre-determined distance on the at least one guide rail.

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 and Figure 3 illustrates a magnified perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly from the Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates the top view of the vehicle seat assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

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

Figure 6 illustrates a magnified perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly from the Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the vehicle seat assembly, 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 7. 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). Reference is made to Figures 1 to 3 and the 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 (F) of the vehicle. In their preferable and exemplary embodiment, the guide rail (10) may be configured as a pair. 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) is defined on the guide rail (10) may be along a substantially central region of the guide rail (10). Further, a first seat frame (1) and a second seat frame (2) may be slidably positioned on 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 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 section (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 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 be 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 slidably positioned on the guide rail (10). 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) and the second seat frame (2) and the second rack (2b) may be configured 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 guide rail (10). 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 assembly (100) is configured to the first position (A).

At least one of the first sections (3) of the first seat frame (1) may be configured with a beam (5). The beam (5) may be configured to extend from an inner surface of the first sections (3). In a preferable and exemplary embodiment, the beam (5) may be configured to at least one of the first sections (3) of the first seat frame (1) that lies proximal to the third section (6) of the second seat frame (2) which accommodates the second rack (2b). The beam (5) may be configured to the at least one first section (3) of the first seat frame (1) that also lies proximal to the second rack (2b) of the guide rail (10). The beam (5) may be configured to extend perpendicularly from an inner surface of the first seat frame (1) towards the center of the assembly (100). In a preferable embodiment, the beam (5) may only be configured to extend till a vertical plane extending from the guide rail (10). As seen from Figure 2, the beam (5) may be configured to lie proximal to a front end of the first rack (1b) and proximal to a rear end of the second rack (2b) when the assembly is configured in the first position (A).

The beam (5) may further accommodate a first gear (1a) and a second gear (2a). The first gear (1a) and the second gear (2a) may be configured along a first axis (A-A) of the beam (5) may be coaxially positioned with respect to each other. The first gear (1a) and the second gear (2a) may be positioned at different lengths along the beam (5). The first gear (1a) may be positioned on the beam (5) to lie along the same horizontal plane that extends from the first rack (1b) connected to the guide rail (10). The dimensions of the first gear (1a) are configured such that the teeth on the first gear (1a) meshes with the teeth on the first rack (1b). The second gear (2a) may be positioned on the beam (5) to lie along the same horizontal plane that extends from the second rack (2b) connected to the guide rail (10). The dimensions of the second gear (2a) are configured such that, the teeth on the second gear (2a) mesh with the teeth on the second rack (2b). As seen from Figure 2, the beam (5), the first rack (1b) and the second rack (2b) are positioned such that the first gear (1a) is configured to lie at the front end of the first rack (1b) and the second gear (2a) is configured to lie at the rear end of the second rack (2b) when the assembly is at the first position (A). Further, the guide rail (10) may be configured with a lever (11). Actuating the lever (11) may operate a locking mechanism [not shown] which may subsequently enable the first gear (1a) and the second gear (2a) to be traversed on first rack (1b) and the second rack (2b) respectively.

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 configuration of the guide rail (10) as disclosed above must not be considered as a limitation. 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. The lever (11) may be connected to each of the plurality of lock members by means of a biasing member. The lever (11) may be operated to engage the plurality of lock members and guides 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.

In an embodiment, the first rack (1b) may be an additional strip of metal with teeth that is attached to the guide rail (10). In an embodiment, the first rack (1b) may be directly defined on the guide rail (10) by carving or defining teeth along a substantially upper region of the guide rail (10). In an embodiment, the first sections (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 together 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 together 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 beam (5) may be configured to be moved along the first seat frame (1) in at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions. The position of the beam (5) may be varied to accommodate the first gear (1a) and the second gear (2a) of various dimensions and varying number of teeth.

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.

Figure 4 illustrates the top view of the vehicle seat assembly (100). The vehicle seat assembly in the Figure 4 is in the first position (A). If the user prefers for the seat assembly to be positioned proximal to the steering wheel, the user may operate the lever (11) and the seat assembly may be maneuvered to the first position (A).

Figure 5 illustrates the perspective view of the assembly (100) in a second position (B). Figure 6 illustrates a magnified perspective view of the assembly (100) and the Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the assembly (100). The configuration of the assembly (100) and the method of maneuvering the assembly between the first position (A) and the second position (B) is illustrated below. When a user intends to move the assembly (100) rearwards, the user may operate the lever (11) and the user may slightly push the seat backwards. The first gear (1a) that is connected to the first seat frame (1) may traverse over the first rack (1b) as the user applies backward force onto the 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 assembly (100). As seen from Figure 6, the teeth on the first gear (1a) traverse over the teeth defined on the first rack (1b). The first gear (1a) rotates about the first axis (A-A) as the first gear (1a) is traversed over the first rack (1b). The first gear (1a) may be traversed to the rear end of the first rack (1b). As the first gear (1a) 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 second position (B) of the assembly (100). The first seat frame (1) stops traversing over the guide rail (10) after the first gear (1a) 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 second gear (2a) may traverse over the second rack (2b) connected to the second seat frame (2). Consequently, the second seat frame (2) may traverse over the guide rail (10) towards the second position (B). As the second seat frame (2) traverses over the guide rail (10), the first seat frame (1) remains stationery since, the first gear (1a) 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 second position (B) 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 second gear (2a) until the front end of the second rack (2b) reaches/comes in contact with the second gear (2a). The assembly (100) may be considered to lie in the second position (B) when the first gear (1a) lies at the rear end of the first rack (1b) and when the front end of the second rack (2b) meshes with the second gear (2a). As seen from Figure 7, 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 assembly (100) in the second position (B) 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 assembly (100) to reduce the overall footprint of the assembly (100) on the floor (F) of the vehicle. Since, the 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 which 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.

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 gear 1a
First rack 1b
Second seat frame 2
Second gear 1a
Second rack 1b
First section 3
Second section 4
Beam 5
Third section 6
Fourth section 7
Guide rail 10
Lever 11
Backrest frame 12
Vehicle seat VS
A vehicle seat assembly 100