[001] The present invention generally relates to an automobile seat system having an integrated or add-on massage feature. The present invention more particularly relates to a massager unit being assembled to a seat cushion mount of the automobile seat system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Seat systems for vehicles or automobiles are progressively developed for occupant comfort (driver comfort) in a variety of environments as per driver and passenger preferences, i.e. it is required to provide various occupant comfort features frequently. Modern vehicle seat systems are equipped with massaging capabilities that offer a variety of massage settings and types to the occupant, especially the vehicle driver. Since the driver operates vehicle controls such as the accelerator, break, and/or clutch (henceforth termed as ABC) almost in a continuous manner, it is usually necessary to provide massaging comfort to the driver’s leg for easy and safe driving of the vehicles. In particular, due to static sitting positions, especially on longer trips, and the operation of the ABC by the driver, the driver’s comfort and massaging are more important to aid smooth and safe driving of the vehicles.
[003] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle seat system for a driver seating position with highlighted area where the driver’s leg feels a medium to high range of muscle stress during vehicle operation, in accordance with the prior art. The driver always feels the muscle stress in the leg or calf region due to actuation of the vehicle ABC, especially during prolonged driving in any terrain. This muscle stress can cause muscle strain, knee pain and calf pain at the gastrocnemius (G) and soleus muscles (S) of the occupant’s calf, as is clearly shown in FIG. 1. Further, muscle strain usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse or improper use of muscles, which can lead to a sudden onset of pain, soreness and limited range of movement (Muscle Stiffness).

[004] The muscle stress can also cause pain at the back of the leg which is anatomically divided into two groups, i.e. quadriceps (Q) and hamstrings (H) that are responsible for initiating and controlling movement of the leg and the knee cap, and also work with the thigh and calf muscles to control the hip and foot. The hamstring strain happens when the muscle is stretched too far, which can completely tear the muscle. Thus, it is highly important to prevent the causes of these muscle and calf strains by providing occupant leg comfort while driving the vehicles. At present, the current seat system of the vehicle is not provided with any leg or calf stress reliever for the driver’s leg which gets stressed due to the continuous operation of the vehicle ABC controls during the journey (long or city traffic journey).
[005] In order to increase the occupant comfort, conventional massage systems are assembled in automobile seats or seat cushions to provide massaging to the occupant by using various power sources like electrical, pneumatic, or magnetic. Also, the conventional massage systems use different arrangements to create pressure contact zones on the occupant, which massages the occupant body muscles and provides the feeling of relaxation. The existing leg massage systems are usually provided in passenger seats only, which also need to have the different types of power sources like electrical, pneumatic, or magnetic to achieve the desired function of massaging.
[006] With respect to the conventional massage system, there is no vehicle seat system focusing towards leg massage features for the driver without any internal or external power sources. The conventional massage system in the vehicle seat affects the aesthetic appearance of the seat system, and uses various power sources with more expensive arrangements that affect vehicle space and overall cost. The powered massage systems in the vehicle seat system can also have high maintenance and warranty costs.
[007] Hence, there is a need in the art to provide a solution to address all the above-mentioned problems. The present invention relates to a massager unit being assembled to a seat cushion mount of the automobile seat system, which addresses and overcomes all these problems in a unique and simple manner.

[008] The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the disclosed embodiments and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.
[009] An objective of the present invention is to provide a massager unit being assembled to a seat cushion mount of an automotive seat system, which enhances occupant comfort by self-movement generated by the occupant without the need for any power sources.
[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a massager unit being assembled to the automotive seat system, which is cost-effective, simple in structure and easily integratable or adaptable to any existing vehicle seat system without affecting the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle interior.
[0011] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a massager unit being assembled to the automotive seat system, which enhances a massaging effect to increase the blood flow in the leg or calf muscles of the occupant by supplying excess oxygen to the muscles, which results in muscle relaxation and stress level reduction to the occupant.
[0012] According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a massager unit being assembled to a seat cushion mount of an automotive seat system. The massager unit comprises a body frame formed with a wide opening at its centre, the body frame is shaped to surround an optimal contact area of an occupant leg. A plurality of spaced-apart rolling members is vertically and horizontally aligned one after the other in a matrix configuration for massaging the occupant leg. An adjustable mechanism through which the body frame is attached to the seat cushion mount moves and adjusts the massager unit between locked and unlocked positions with respect to the occupant requirement. The rolling members are positioned and secured

within the opening of the body frame in such a way that each rolling member is independently rotated around its pivoted axis when the rolling members are in contact with the occupant leg. Thus, the present massager unit enhances occupant comfort by self-movement generated by the occupant without the need for any power sources. It is cost-effective, simple in structure and easily integratable or adaptable to any existing vehicle seat system without affecting the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle interior. Also, it enhances a massaging effect to increase the blood flow in the leg or calf muscles of the occupant by supplying excess oxygen to the muscles, which results in muscle relaxation and stress level reduction to the occupant.
[0013] Furthermore, the body frame is shaped as a rectangular and curved rigid frame to support the occupant leg. The rolling members are connected with each other through strings being attached to all inner side edges of the body frame in such a way that each rolling member is securely held and freely rotated at its pivoted axis within the strings in relation to the leg movement of the occupant. The rolling members are acting as pressure points for massaging the occupant leg being rested on the massager unit. The rolling members are rotated at an angle between 180 degrees and 360 degrees, where the rolling members comprise rotating rollers or balls made of wood, steel and/or plastic.
[0014] Moreover, the adjustable mechanism comprises a pair of elongated brackets that are pivotally connected with each other whereas free ends of the brackets are respectively and pivotally attached to the body frame and the seat cushion mount. The adjustable mechanism may alternately comprise at least one elongated bracket whose one end is pivotally attached to the body frame and proximal end is attached to the seat cushion mount through a saw-tooth locking member. The adjustable mechanism is manually actuated by the occupant to move the body frame away from and towards the seat cushion in order to pivotally operate the massager unit between use (locked) and (closed) positions, respectively. When the massager unit is in the use position, the rolling members in the body frame are in pressure contact against the load of the occupant leg due to gravity. When the massager unit is in the closed position, the brackets are arranged in the adjustable mechanism in such a way that the body frame is in proximity to the edge of the seat cushion, far away from the occupant leg.

[0015] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to an automotive seat system comprising a seat cushion mount, and a pair of leg massager units individually attached on the seat cushion mount and placed in the front area of a seat cushion for massaging occupant legs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be further apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the several figures of the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example only one form of this present invention. The invention will be discussed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle seat system for a driver seating position and an with highlighted area where the driver’s leg feels medium to high range of muscle stress during driving the vehicle, in accordance with the prior art;
[0018] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic view of an automotive seat system integrated with a pair of massager units being in a closed position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic view of the automotive seat system integrated with the pair of massager units being in a use position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3A illustrates an enlarged view of a body frame and rolling members of the massager unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3B illustrates a detailed view depicting an occupant leg being in pressure contact with the rolling members of the massager unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively illustrate a detailed view depicting one example of an adjustable mechanism of the massager unit when it is in a use position and a closed position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view depicting another example of an adjustable mechanism of the massager unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The following description is of an exemplary embodiment of the invention only, and is not limited in scope, applicability or configuration of the invention. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the structural/operational features described in these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth herein. It should be appreciated that the description herein may be adapted to be employed with alternatively configured devices having different shapes, components, and the like and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for the purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.
[0025] The present invention will be described based on the illustrated examples as shown below. The present embodiment will be described in the paragraphs herein below by referring to the accompanying drawings. An integrated or add-on massager unit for an automotive seat system is described herein.
[0026] The present invention mainly focuses on the driver’s comfort enhancement by using self-movement generated by an occupant (10), i.e. by a driver while driving a manual transmission vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to an automobile seat system (20) that is provided with an integrated or add-on leg massager unit (1) to enhance the driver (or occupant) comfort, as shown in FIG. 2A, which illustrates a schematic view of an automotive seat system (20) integrated

with a pair of massager units (1) being in a closed position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The automotive seat system (20) has an integrated or add-on massager unit (1) that is assembled to the front area of a seat cushion mount (6) via an adjustable mechanism (8, 9). The adjustable mechanism (8, 9) is arranged to adjust the position of the massager unit (1) in relation to desired usage conditions, i.e. arranged to adjust the massager unit (1) between locked/use and unlocked/closed positions. The present massager unit (1) is attached to any existing vehicle seat system (20), in either left or right hand driven vehicles with manual transmission, as the parts can be symmetrically interchanged. Further, the present massager unit (1) can also be used in automatic transmission vehicles as an added feature.
[0027] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic view of the automotive seat system (20) integrated with the pair of massager units (1) being in a used position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The massager unit (1) is assembled and attached directly to a seat cushion mount (6) of the automotive seat system (20) for massaging the occupant or driver leg (5) while driving the vehicle and operating the accelerator, brake, and/or clutch of the vehicle. The massager unit (1) is primarily composed of a body frame (4), a plurality of spaced-apart rolling members (3) and an adjustable mechanism (8, 9). The body frame (4) is formed with a large and wide opening (4a) at its centre, where the body frame (4) is shaped as a rectangular and curved rigid frame to support the occupant leg (5), as shown in FIG. 3A, which illustrates an enlarged view of the body frame (4) and the rolling members (3) of the massager unit (1), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The body frame (4) is disclosed as a rectangular or square frame with large central opening (4a) to receive and accommodate all the rolling members (3) within it. The body frame (4) is shaped to surround an optimal contact area of the occupant leg (5), i.e. the body frame (4) is formed in a curvature shape (4b) at its upper surface to get optimum contact area with the driver leg (5).
[0028] FIG. 3B illustrates a detailed view depicting an occupant leg (5) being in pressure contact with the rolling members (3) of the massager unit (1), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The spaced-apart

rolling members (3) are vertically and horizontally aligned one after the other in a matrix configuration for massaging the occupant legs (5). The rolling members (3) are also referred to as rotating rollers or balls, where it is referred to as rolling members (3) throughout the specification only for the purpose of clarification and explanation but not by the way of any limitations. The rolling members (3) are acting as massaging pressure points for massaging the occupant leg (5) that is rested on the massager unit (1). The rolling members (3) are rotated at an angle between 180 degrees and 360 degrees for ultimate pressure point creation to the occupant leg (5), where the rolling members (3) are made of wood, steel, and/or plastic.
[0029] The rolling members (3) are positioned and secured within the opening of the body frame (4) in such a way that each rolling member is freely and independently rotated around its pivoted axis when the rolling members (3) are in contact with the occupant leg (5). The rolling members (3) are connected with each other through wires or strings (3a) being attached to all inner side edges of the body frame (4) in such a way that the rolling members (3) are securely placed within the opening (4a) of the body frame (4). In particular, the rolling members (3) are held by means of various ways like strings (3a), wires, or plastic jaws in such a way the rolling members (3) are freely rotated at its pivoted axis within the strings (3a), wires, or plastic jaws in relation to movement of the occupant leg (5).
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5, the adjustable mechanism (8, 9) through which the body frame (4) is attached to the seat cushion mount (6) moves and adjusts the massager unit (1) between locked and unlocked positions with respect to the occupant requirement or the movement of occupant leg (5). The adjustable mechanism (8, 9) allows adjusting the position of the massager unit (1) in relation to the desired use condition. The adjustable mechanism (8, 9) is used for deployment of the massager unit (1) from closed to use positions and vice versa. The adjustable mechanism (8, 9) can be pivotally spring-loaded towards and actuated against the occupant leg (5), so that the rollers or rolling members (3) are always in pressure contact with the optimal contact area of the back portion of the occupant leg (5), which applies adequate pressure against the load of the occupant leg (5) coming downwards due to gravity.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the deployable massager unit (1) is assembled to the seat cushion mount (6), where a pair of leg massager units (1) is positioned and placed in the front area of a seat cushion (2) to massage two legs (5) of the occupant (10). The massager unit (1) is equipped with the rolling members (3) acting as pressure points, while the adjustable mechanism (8, 9) moves and adjusts the massager unit (1) between locked and unlocked positions. This present massager unit (1) uses leg movements of the driver as an energy source for massaging operations without any external power sources, i.e. the rolling members (3) are secured into the body frame (4) in such a way that the rolling members (3) are free to revolve around their pivot axes with the movement of driver leg without any additional power sources.
[0032] Working Principle: The occupant (10) pulls out the leg massager unit (1) in such a way that the body frame (4) of the leg massager unit (1) is in pressure contact with the occupant leg (5) and is adjusted to suit the position of the occupant leg (5), as is clearly shown in FIG. 3B. The body frame (4) is mechanized and operated by means of the adjustable mechanism (8, 9) for adjusting the massager unit (1) according to the occupant leg position. The adjustable mechanism (8, 9) is used to achieve adaptability of the massager unit (1) into the automotive seat system (20) without affecting the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle interior. As a result, the massager unit (1) creates the pressure points which apply localized pressure on occupant leg or calf muscles, which increases blood flow and oxygen supply to the muscle to relieve the stress.
[0033] In the massager unit (1) of the present invention, the rolling members (3) along with the adjustable mechanism (8, 9) in the massager unit (1) can prevent the need for any external source of energy to provide the massaging to leg or calf muscles, i.e. the massage is achieved solely by using driver’s leg movements during operation of the vehicle controls. In particular, the adjustable mechanism (8, 9) is designed and configured to achieve multi-directional movement to align with the occupant legs (5). The adjustable mechanism (8, 9) is designed with different arrangements to deploy the massager unit (1) to be in use or closed positions and

adjust the position of the massager unit (1) with respect to the height and weight of the occupant (10). This adjustable mechanism (8, 9) can be achieved by using various available mechanical configurations, like telescopic, pneumatic, or linkages. The adjustable mechanism (8, 9) needs manual force to maneuver the massager unit (1) from the use to closed positions or vice versa.
[0034] FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively illustrate a detailed view depicting one example of an adjustable mechanism (8) of the massager unit (1) when it is in the use and closed positions. In one exemplary arrangement, the adjustable mechanism (8) is arranged with a pair of elongated brackets (8a) whose first ends are pivotally connected with each other, where the second end of one bracket (8a) is pivotally attached to a rear side portion of the body frame (4) whereas the second end of another bracket (8a) is pivotally attached to a part of the seat cushion mounting or mount (6). In a use or locked position as shown in FIG. 4A, the brackets (8a) of the adjustable mechanism (8) are manually actuated by the occupant (10) to unfold and move the body frame (4) of the massager unit (1) away from the vehicle seat cushion (2). In a closed or unlocked position as shown in FIG. 4B, the brackets (8a) of the adjustable mechanism (8) are manually actuated by the occupant (10) to fold and move the body frame (4) of the massager unit (1) closer towards the seat cushion (2). In the closed position, the brackets (8a) are arranged in such a way that the massager unit (1) is in close proximity to the edge of the seat cushion (2), which facilitates the driver to drive the vehicle in normal operation without any hindrance due to the massager unit (1).
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view depicting another example of adjustable mechanism (9) of the massager unit (1). In another exemplary arrangement, the adjustable mechanism (9) is arranged with an elongated bracket (9a) whose one end is pivotally attached to the rear side portion of the body frame (4) of the massager unit (1). This elongated bracket (9a) is arranged with a saw-tooth structure (9b) with a locking member (9c) at its proximal end being attached to the seat cushion mount (6) for linear movement of the bracket (9a) to enable the massager unit (1) to be moved between locked (use) and unlocked (closed) positions, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0036] In a use or locked position, the bracket (9a) of the adjustable mechanism (9) is manually actuated by the occupant (10) to pull and linearly move the body frame (4) of the massager unit (1) towards the leg (5) and away from the vehicle seat cushion (2). In a closed or unlocked position, the bracket (9a) of the adjustable mechanism (9) is manually actuated by the occupant (10) to push and linearly move the body frame (4) of the massager unit (1) away from the leg (5) and closer towards the seat cushion (2). In the closed position, the bracket (9a) is arranged in such a way that the massager unit (1) is in close proximity to the edge of the seat cushion (2), which facilitates the driver to drive the vehicle in normal operation without any hindrance due to the massager unit (1).
[0037] When the massager unit (1) is in the use position, the rolling members (3) in the body frame (4) are in pressure contact against the load of the occupant leg (5) due to gravity. Whereas when the massager unit (1) is in the closed position, the brackets (8a, 9a) are arranged in such a way that the body frame (4) is in proximity to the edge of the seat cushion (2) far away from the occupant leg (5). The freely rotating rolling members (3) come in contact with the driver’s leg (5), which provide a support as well as a free movement of the leg (5) with massaging effect without any burden to the driver.
[0038] During vehicle operation, the occupant’s (driver’s) legs (5) move while operating the vehicle ABC system. This self-movement of the legs (5) forces the freely rotating rolling members (3) to move accordingly, and as a result, the massager unit (1) provides the massaging effect to the leg or calf muscles of the occupant (10) due to the pressure points created by the rolling members (3). These concentrated pressure points created by the rolling members (3) can apply pressure to increase blood flow in the leg or knee or calf muscles of the occupant (10), which causes an increased supply of oxygen to the muscles. Thus, it provides muscle relaxation and relieves or reduces the stress level to the driver during the operation of the ABC system. Similarly, when the occupant (10) does not want to massage the legs (5), the occupant (10) can just put the massager unit (1) back into the seat cushion (2) by manually pushing the body frame (4) back into the closed position via the adjustable mechanism (8, 9).

[0039] This integrated or add-on leg massager unit (1) is placed in front area of the seat cushion (2) and is assembled in the automobile seat system (20), which enhances the occupant comfort by massaging the occupant’s legs (5) while driving (operating the vehicle ABC system). The occupant’s leg movement acts as a source of energy to drive the massager unit (1) without any external power sources, like electrical, pneumatic, or magnetic. Also, multiple rolling members (3) of the massager unit (1) can create multiple pressure contact points on the occupant legs (5), which massages the occupant body muscles and provides the feeling of relaxation. If the legs (5) are massaged frequently during a long drive or city traffic drive, the driving stress level is relieved and the occupant (10) feels more relaxed, which is achieved by providing the deployable massager unit (1) assembled on the seat cushion (2). Thus, the present invention enhances the driver comfort by utilizing a self-movement generated by the driver legs (5) while operating the vehicle ABC controls, and by simultaneously applying pressure contact against the rolling members (3) for massaging the legs (5) without restricting the driver’s leg movement.
[0040] The present massager unit (1) maintains vehicle safety as it does not interfere with any bodily movement of the occupant (10), especially affecting the driving. The present massager unit (1) is cost-effective, simple in structure, and uses occupant movement to generate the massaging effect (self-operating system), i.e. no separate power actuation systems are required. This massager unit (1) is integratable or adaptable to any existing vehicle seat system (20). The massager unit (1) is a potential solution to the occupant (10) who is facing leg or knee or calf pain as their medical problem.
[0041] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. Although the present invention has been described referring to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be recognized that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the specifications and drawings are to be regarded in

an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with respect to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

1. A massager unit (1) being assembled to a seat cushion mount (6) of an
automotive seat system (20), comprising:
a body frame (4) formed with a wide opening (4a) at its centre, the body frame (4) is shaped to surround an optimal contact area of an occupant leg (5);
a plurality of spaced-apart rolling members (3) vertically and horizontally aligned one after the other in a matrix configuration for massaging the occupant leg (5); and
an adjustable mechanism (8, 9) through which the body frame (4) is attached to the seat cushion mount (6) in order to move and adjust the massager unit (1) between locked and unlocked positions with respect to the occupant requirement,
wherein the rolling members (3) are positioned and secured within the opening (4a) of the body frame (4) in such a way that each rolling member (3) is independently rotated around its pivoted axis when the rolling members (3) are in contact with the occupant leg (5).
2. The massager unit (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body frame (4) is shaped as a rectangular and curved rigid frame to support the occupant leg (5).
3. The massager unit (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rolling members (3) are connected with each other through strings (3a) being attached to all inner side edges of the body frame (4) in such a way that each rolling member (3) is securely held and freely rotated at its pivoted axis within the strings (3a) in relation to movement of the occupant leg (5).
4. The massager unit (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the rolling members (3) are acting as pressure points for massaging the occupant leg (5) being rested on the massager unit (1).
5. The massager unit (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the rolling members (3) are rotated at an angle between 180 degrees and 360 degrees.

6. The massager unit (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the rolling members (3) comprise rotating rollers or balls made of wood, steel and/or plastic.
7. The massager unit (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustable mechanism (8) comprises a pair of elongated brackets (8a) that are pivotally connected with each other whereas free ends of the brackets (8a) are respectively and pivotally attached to the body frame (4) and the seat cushion mount (6).
8. The massager unit (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustable mechanism (9) comprises at least one elongated bracket (9a) whose one end is pivotally attached to the body frame (4) and proximal end is attached to the seat cushion mount (6) through a saw-tooth locking member (9b, 9c).
9. The massager unit (1) as claimed in claims 1, 7 and 8, wherein the adjustable mechanism (8, 9) is manually actuated by the occupant (10) to move the body frame (4) away from and towards a seat cushion (2) in order to pivotally operate the massager unit (1) between use (locked) and closed (unlocked) positions, respectively.
10. The massager unit (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein when the massager unit (1) is in the use position, the rolling members (3) in the body frame (4) are in pressure contact against the load of the occupant leg (5) due to gravity.
11. The massager unit (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, wherein when the massager unit (1) is in the closed position, the brackets (8a, 9a) are being arranged in the adjustable mechanism (8, 9) in such a way that the body frame (4) is in proximity to the edge of the seat cushion (2) far away from the occupant leg (5).
12. An automotive seat system (20) comprising a seat cushion mount (6), and a pair of massager units (1), as claimed in claims 1 to 11, individually attached on the seat cushion mount (6) and placed in the front area of a seat cushion (2) for massaging occupant legs (5).