US 7,578,554 B2
Thigh extension system for a vehicle seat
Joel R. Lee, Homewood, Ill. (US); Jordan M. Mackey, Chicago, Ill. (US); and Peter A. Sullivan, Chicago, Ill. (US)
Assigned to Illinois Tool Works Inc., Glenview, Ill. (US)
Filed on Oct. 23, 2006, as Appl. No. 11/585,004.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/737679, filed on Nov. 17, 2005.
Prior Publication US 2007/0108817 A1, May 17, 2007
Int. Cl. A47C 3/00 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 297—284.11  [297/337] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A thigh extender system for a vehicle seat, comprising:
a securing bracket configured to be secured to structure within a vehicle, said securing bracket comprising an adjustment guide track having a plurality of recessed grooves separated by a plurality of teeth;
an extension bracket movably secured to said securing bracket, said extension bracket comprising a fixed arm track; a lever engaging arm positioned within said arm track; and a lever operatively connected to said lever engaging arm, said lever engaging arm having a curved channel formed therein; and
a latching member comprising a boss and a protuberance, said boss being positioned within said curved channel, said protuberance being configured to be retained within each of said recessed grooves, wherein movement of said lever engaging arm in a first linear direction causes said latching member to move in a second linear direction that is perpendicular to said first linear direction.