U.S. patent application number 11/548550 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-01 for integrated child car seat.
Invention is credited to Neil Michael Frank.
Application Number | 20080100109 11/548550 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39329255 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080100109 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frank; Neil Michael |
May 1, 2008 |
INTEGRATED CHILD CAR SEAT
Abstract
An integrated seat comprises a first seat and an integrated
tractable seating arrangement that can be extended from a stored
position into a usable position. The first seat may be a vehicle
seat, and the integrated tractable seating arrangement may be a
child seat. The integrated tractable seat may be positioned so that
it is forward-facing or rear-facing. The integrated tractable seat
may be extended, positioned, and retracted automatically, such as
by remote control.
Inventors: |
Frank; Neil Michael; (Dix
Hills, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ELLIOT FURMAN
15 WEST 81ST STREET #11J
NEW YORK
NY
10024
US
|
Family ID: |
39329255 |
Appl. No.: |
11/548550 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/238 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 1/00 20130101; B60N
2/3081 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/238 |
International
Class: |
A47C 15/00 20060101
A47C015/00 |
Claims
1. An integrated seat comprising: a first seat comprising a first
seat back connected to a first seat base; a tractable seating
arrangement integrated within said first seat, said tractable
seating arrangement comprising, a second seat back at least
partially integrated within at least one of said first seat back
and said first seat base; a second seat base at least partially
integrated within at least one of said first seat back and said
first seat base; means for extending said tractable seating
arrangement from a stored position to a usable position, wherein
said second seat base and said second seat back are connected when
in the usable position; and means for rotating said tractable
seating arrangement between a forward-facing position and a
rear-facing position.
2. The integrated seat of claim 1 further comprising means for
moving said second seat base in a horizontal direction.
3. The integrated seat of claim 1 further comprising means for
moving said second seat back in the vertical direction.
4. The integrated seat of claim 1 wherein said first seat comprises
a vehicle seat.
5. The integrated seat of claim 1 wherein said tractable seating
arrangement comprises a child car seat.
6. The integrated seat of claim 1 wherein said second seat back is
detachably hinged to said second seat base.
7. The integrated seat of claim 1 wherein said second seat back is
fixed to said second seat base.
8. The integrated seat of claim 1 wherein said means for rotating
comprises a pivot point on said second seat base for pivoting said
second seat base.
9. The integrated seat of claim 1 further comprising automatic
means for automatically extending, positioning, and retracting said
tractable seating arrangement.
10. The integrated seat of claim 9 further comprising remote
control means for remotely controlling said tractable seating
arrangement.
11. The integrated seat of claim 1 further comprising means for
lengthening the second seat back.
12. The integrated seat of claim 1 further comprising means for
widening the second seat base and second seat back.
13. The integrated seat of claim 1 wherein said tractable seating
arrangement further comprises at least one of the following: a
padded insert, an air bag, a pocket, a fastener, a tray, a
removable arm rest, a removable headrest, a cup holder, a
hook-and-loop fastener, and a storage compartment.
14. The integrated seat of claim 1 wherein said first seat
comprises a bench type automobile seat.
15. The integrated seat of claim 14 further comprising at least one
more tractable seating arrangement integrated with said first
seat.
16. The integrated seat of claim 1 wherein said first seat
comprises a wheel chair.
17. The integrated seat of claim 1 wherein said tractable seating
arrangement further comprises a safety belt.
18. The integrated seat of claim 1 further comprising a carrying
handle connected to said tractable seating arrangement, and means
for releasing said tractable seating arrangement so that it can be
carried separately from said first seat.
19. An integrated seat comprising: first seat back; a back cushion
detachably attached to said first seat back; a first seat base
attached to said first seat back; a base cushion attached to said
first seat base; a tractable seating arrangement comprising, a
second seat base moveably attached to said back cushion and located
within said first seat back and said back cushion; and a second
seat back moveably attached to said second seat base and located
within said first seat back and said back cushion.
20. The integrated seat of claim 19 wherein said tractable seating
arrangement further comprises at least one of the following: a
safety belt, a padded insert, an air bag, a pocket, a fastener, a
tray, a removable arm rest, a removable headrest, a cup holder, a
hook-and-loop fastener, and a storage compartment.
21. The integrated seat of claim 19 further comprising remote
control means for remotely extending, positioning, and retracting
said tractable seating arrangement.
22. An integrated seat comprising: first seat back; a back cushion
detachably attached to said first seat back; a first seat base
attached to said first seat back; a base cushion attached to said
first seat base; a tractable seating arrangement comprising, a
second seat base moveably attached to said back cushion and located
within said first seat back and said back cushion; and a second
seat back moveably attached to said second seat base and located
within said first seat back and said back cushion; automatic means
for automatically extending, positioning, and retracting said
tractable seating arrangement; and means for releasing said
tractable seating arrangement so that it can be carried separately
from said first seat.
23. An integrated seat comprising: a first seat comprising a first
seat back connected to a first seat base; a tractable seating
arrangement integrated within said first seat, said tractable
seating arrangement comprising, a second seat back at least
partially integrated within at least one of said first seat back
and said first seat base; a second seat base at least partially
integrated within at least one of said first seat back and said
first seat base; means for extending said tractable seating
arrangement from a stored position to a usable position, wherein
said second seat base and said second seat back are connected when
in the usable position; means for rotating said tractable seating
arrangement between a forward-facing position and a rear-facing
position; automatic means for automatically extending, positioning,
and retracting said tractable seating arrangement; remote control
means for remotely controlling said tractable seating arrangement;
a carrying handle connected to said tractable seating arrangement;
and means for releasing said tractable seating arrangement so that
it can be carried separately from said first seat.
24. The integrated seat of claim 23 wherein said tractable seating
arrangement further comprises at least one of the following: a
padded insert, an air bag, a pocket, a fastener, a tray, a
removable arm rest, a removable headrest, a cup holder, a
hook-and-loop fastener, and a storage compartment.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Child car seats, including seats for infants and toddlers,
are required by law depending on the age and size of the child.
Children are too small to safely use standard restraint systems
such as seatbelts without modification. Parents have available to
them child car seats in multiple sizes and configurations. These
child car seats are positioned on a conventional rear car seat and
secured to the conventional rear car seat according to manufacturer
and government recommendations. Children sit and are secured in the
child car seat.
[0002] Typically, for the smallest children the child car seat is
secured to the conventional rear car seat in either a
forward-facing or rear-facing position with the seatbelt (lap belt
or lap/shoulder belt combination) provided in all vehicles. The
child is then secured to the child car seat with a restraint system
(such as a 5-point harness, an overhead shield, or a t-shield)
permanently connected to the child car seat.
[0003] For larger children, a forward-facing child car seat called
a booster seat is often used. The booster seat is placed on the
conventional rear car seat, the child sits in the booster seat, and
the lap/shoulder belt of the vehicle is used to secure both the
child and the booster seat to the conventional rear car seat.
[0004] When the child car seat is installed, the seat is not usable
by an adult. Since installing and uninstalling a child car seat is
often cumbersome and time consuming, many parents often simply
leave the child car seat installed, thus sacrificing some or all of
the rear seat of their car. In addition, when the child car seat is
not installed, it must be stored somewhere, oftentimes in the trunk
or back storage area of the vehicle. So, some or all of the trunk
thus becomes unusable for storing common items such as groceries
and luggage. Parents must also purchase child car seats of various
sizes and configurations to accommodate their growing children.
[0005] Many child car seat manufacturers have attempted to make
their product easier to manipulate by making them out of lighter
materials, and including a handle for carrying the car seat, but
this does not eliminate, and only slightly reduces the awkwardness
and annoyance of constantly having to swap, install, and uninstall
child car seats.
[0006] Thus, a need presently exists for an adjustable child car
seat that is integrated and is storable, collapsible, and
extendable from a conventional rear vehicle seat.
SUMMARY
[0007] An integrated seat comprises a first seat and an integrated
tractable seating arrangement. The tractable seating arrangement is
integrated within the first seat. The tractable seating arrangement
can be extended from a stored position within the first seat into a
usable position outside of the first seat. The first seat comprises
a first seat back and a first seat base. The integrated tractable
seating arrangement comprises a second seat back and a second seat
base. The integrated seat also comprises means for extending said
tractable seating arrangement from a stored position to a usable
position. When in the usable position, the second seat base and the
second seat back are connected. The integrated seat also comprises
means for rotating the tractable seating arrangement between a
forward-facing position and a rear-facing position. In one
embodiment, the tractable seating arrangement may be extended,
positioned (such as rotated), or retracted automatically by
pressing a button or a switch.
[0008] The foregoing paragraph has been provided by way of general
introduction and it should not be used to narrow the scope of the
following claims. The embodiments will now be described with
reference to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of a first seat with an
integrated tractable seating arrangement in a usable position.
[0010] FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of a first seat with an
integrated tractable seating arrangement in a usable position.
[0011] FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of a first seat with an
integrated tractable seating arrangement in a usable position.
[0012] FIG. 1D illustrates a side view of a first seat with an
integrated tractable seating arrangement in a usable and rotated
position, with the tractable seating arrangement in a rear-facing
configuration.
[0013] FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of a first seat with an
integrated tractable seating arrangement in a stored position in
the first seat back.
[0014] FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of a first seat with an
integrated tractable seating arrangement in a stored position in
the first seat back.
[0015] FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of a first seat with an
integrated tractable seating arrangement in a stored position in
the first seat back.
[0016] FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of a first seat with an
integrated tractable seating arrangement in a stored position in
the first seat base.
[0017] FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of a first seat with an
integrated tractable seating arrangement in a stored position in
the first seat base.
[0018] FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of a first seat with an
integrated tractable seating arrangement in a stored position in
the first seat base.
[0019] FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a first seat with an
integrated tractable seating arrangement in a usable position with
a sliding member attached to the first seat base.
[0020] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of a first seat with an
integrated tractable seating arrangement in a stored position with
a sliding member attached to the first seat base.
[0021] FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of an expandable tractable
seating.
[0022] FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of a tractable seating
arrangement in an exemplary expanded position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D show a first seat 100 with an
integrated tractable seating arrangement 102 in an extended and
usable position. FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show a first seat 100 with an
integrated tractable seating arrangement 102 in a stored position.
FIGS. 1A and 2A show a top view. FIGS. 1B and 2B show a front view.
FIGS. 1C and 2C show a side view. FIG 1D also shows a side
view.
[0024] Briefly, with reference to the side views of FIGS. 1C and
2C, in the stored position (FIG. 2C), the first seat is usable as a
conventional seat. Such a conventional seat may typically be the
rear seat in an automobile or other type of vehicle. First seat 100
includes a first seat base 110 including a base cushion 108, and a
first seat back 104 including a back cushion 106. A tractable
seating arrangement 102 is integrated and stored within the first
seat 100 as shown by the dotted lines.
[0025] The tractable seating arrangement 102 is extended from the
first seat 100 as shown in FIG. 1C by separating back cushion 106
from first seat back 104 in the direction indicated by arrow 107 in
FIG. 2C. With the tractable seating arrangement 102 extended, an
infant or toddler may be placed and secured in the tractable
seating arrangement 102.
[0026] FIG. 2C shows the tractable seating arrangement 102 in a
forward-facing position. The tractable seating arrangement 102 may
also be rotated to position it in a rear-facing position as shown
in FIG. 1D.
[0027] When the tractable seating arrangement is no longer needed
for carrying the child, back cushion 106 is returned and connected
to first seat back 104, thereby storing the tractable seating
arrangement and freeing up the first seat for use by an adult or
older child. Not shown is a safety belt such as a lap or
lap/shoulder belt for the first seat. Such safety belts are well
understood in the art and are standard to all automobiles.
[0028] Examining FIG. 2C in greater detail, first seat 100
comprises a first seat base 110 including base cushion 108
connected to first seat back 104. Back cushion 106 is detachably
attached to first seat back 104 at sliding pivot 118. First seat
back 104 and back cushion 106 are secured together with latch
204.
[0029] The tractable seating arrangement 102 is extended from a
stored position (FIG. 2C) to an open position (FIG. 1C) by
releasing latch 204, at which time back cushion 106 can slide
vertically and then rotate about the pivot point of sliding pivot
118 so that it rests on base cushion 107. That is, back cushion 106
is connected in a hinged manner to first seat back 104.
[0030] In one embodiment, sliding pivot 118 includes a sliding
channel fixed to first seat back 104, and a slider or pin secured
in the sliding channel. The slider is further attached to back
cushion 106 such that back cushion 106 is free to rotate about the
axis of the slider or pin. In other embodiments, back cushion 106
is hinged to first seat back 104 by using one or more of butterfly
hinges, pivot hinges, butt hinges, and the like.
[0031] With particular reference to FIG. 1C, once tractable seating
arrangement 102 is extended, back cushion 106 may be secured to
base cushion 106 in many conventional ways including snaps,
buckles, straps, and the like. In one embodiment, strap 123 which
is anchored to the bottom of base cushion 108, clips or buckles to
latch 204.
[0032] Examining FIGS. 1A-1D and 2A-2C, with particular reference
to FIG. 1C and 2C, tractable seating arrangement 102 includes a
second seat back 112 and second seat base 114. The second seat back
112 and second seat base 114 are connected at point 103 (FIG. 1D)
which allows the second seat back 112 and second seat base 114 to
fold up. Point 103 may comprise a slideable pin, hinges, screws,
nuts and bolts, welds, and the like. The tractable seating
arrangement 102 also comprises a harness or safety belt 117 (FIG.
1B). Such harnesses or safety belts are well understood in the
art.
[0033] Second seat base 114 is secured to back cushion 106 by
channel 116 into which a roller pin 120 or a disk or equivalent is
locked (FIG. 1A). When locked, the tractable seating arrangement is
fixed in position on the first seat. When unlocked, the tractable
seating arrangement is free to move horizontally as indicated by
the arrow 119 of FIGS. 1C and 1D, and is also free to rotate about
the axis of roller pin 120 as indicated by arrow 113 in FIG. 1A.
This allows the tractable seating arrangement to be moved into the
rear-facing position shown in FIG. 1D. Once in position, the
tractable seating arrangement is locked into position.
[0034] While various embodiments comprise a channel 116 and roller
pin 120 to allow tractable seating arrangement 102 to move in a
horizontal direction and to rotate, it should be apparent to one
skilled in the art that the teachings of the invention may be
employed for any arrangement that is capable of moving tractable
seating arrangement 102 in a horizontal direction and rotating
tractable seating arrangement 102 about the pivot point. Hence, in
various embodiments, channel 116 and roller pin 120 can be
replaced, without limitation, by a shaft and pin arrangement,
slider crank arrangement with a pin centrally connected to the
slider, and the like.
[0035] In one embodiment, tractable seating arrangement 102 is
pivoted about a pin. The pin is connected at a right angle to the
shaft. Further, the shaft is slideably connected to back cushion
106. Many other embodiments are possible. In another embodiment,
tractable seating arrangement 102 is vertically adjustable, that
is, the distance between the second seat base 114 and the base
cushion 108 is adjustable by way of a piston, pin, shaft, or guide
(not shown) connecting the second seat base to the channel 116.
[0036] In another embodiment, the tractable seating arrangement may
be released completely from the channel-pin arrangement or
equivalent and carried away to be used as a conventional baby
carrier. Later, the tractable seating arrangement may be simply
locked into the channel. In this embodiment, the tractable seating
arrangement comprises a handle for carrying the baby carrier. The
handle is connected, for example, to the second seat back. The
tractable seating arrangement is released completely from the
channel-pin arrangement or equivalent by pressing, for example, a
button located on the carrying handle. In another embodiment the
button may be part of a remote control as disclosed below. Either
way, pressing the button moves or repositions components of the
channel-pin arrangement or equivalent so that the tractable seating
arrangement is released from the channel or equivalent. Once
released, the tractable seating arrangement may be carried as a
separate seat from the first seat. The tractable seating
arrangement is reconnected to the first seat by placing the
tractable seating arrangement in alignment with the channel-pin
arrangement or equivalent and pressing, snapping, or latching into
place.
[0037] The above disclosure shows a tractable seating arrangement
integrated into the first seat back, however it should be apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art that the tractable seating
arrangement could equivalently be integrated into the first seat
base. In this embodiment, the tractable seating arrangement folds
up out of the base cushion, rather than folding down out of the
back cushion.
[0038] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a top view, a front view, and a side
view of a first seat 300 with an integrated tractable seating
arrangement 302 in a stored position. In this embodiment, the
tractable seating arrangement 302 is stored in first seat base
308.
[0039] First seat 300 comprises tractable seating arrangement 302,
a first seat back 304, a base cushion 306, and a first seat base
308. The tractable seating arrangement is extendable and rotateable
through various means as described below. Tractable seating
arrangement 302 is stored within base cushion 306 and first seat
base 308. Tractable seating arrangement 302 comprises second seat
back 310 and second seat base 312. Base cushion 306 is removable to
expose tractable seating arrangement 302. Once exposed, tractable
seating arrangement 302 is raised to the level of base cushion 306
and locked into the usable position as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B,
1C, and 1D. Tractable seating arrangement 302 can be rotated to be
configured in the forward-facing or rear-facing direction. In
addition, first seat 300 comprises means for moving tractable
seating arrangement in horizontal and vertical directions. In an
embodiment of the invention, the means for extending tractable
seating arrangement 302, and the means for rotating tractable
seating arrangement 302 are similar in form and functionality as
described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1D.
[0040] The means for extending and rotating may include additional
guides, members, links, shafts, pistons, pins, and the like for
mechanically positioning the tractable seating arrangement. In one
embodiment, tractable seating arrangement 302 folds to be stored so
that second seat back is level with and becomes part of base
cushion 306. In this embodiment, it is not necessary to remove base
cushion 306 to expose and position tractable seating arrangement
302.
[0041] FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a first seat 400 with an
integrated tractable seating arrangement 402 in a usable position
with a sliding member attached to the first seat base. FIG. 4B
illustrates a side view of first seat 400 with integrated tractable
seating arrangement 402 in a stored position with a sliding member
attached to the first seat base.
[0042] First seat 400 comprises a first seat back 404 and first
seat base 406. First seat back 404 comprises a front back 408 and a
rear back 410. A second seat base 412 is disposed between front
back 408 and rear back 410. Second seat base 412 is connected to
front back 408 and may be either permanently hinged or detachably
hinged to front back 408. First seat base 406 comprises a sliding
member 414. Sliding member 414 is slidably connected to first seat
base 406. Sliding member 414 comprises a rear-facing member 416 and
a second seat back 418.
[0043] In an embodiment of the invention, second seat back 418 is
opened in the direction indicated by arrow 420. In another
embodiment of the invention, second seat back 418 is removed from
front back 408. In this embodiment, second seat back 418 is
detachably hinged to front back 408. Sliding member 414 is slid in
the direction indicated by arrow 422. Once rear-facing member 416
is locked into the position shown in FIG. 4B, second seat base 412
is locked to rear-facing member 416, forming tractable seating
arrangement 402.
[0044] Tractable seating arrangement 402 can be configured, moved,
and rotated in the forward-facing or rear-facing direction, as
described above with reference to the other figures. Rear back 410
and sliding member 414 with second seat back 418 may be moved,
positioned and locked by any number of channels, guides, hinges,
anchors, buckles, straps, locks, bearings, and the like.
[0045] FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of the expandable tractable
seating arrangement. FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the
tractable seating arrangement in an exemplary expanded
position.
[0046] As already discussed, tractable seating arrangement 102
comprises second seat back 112, and second seat base 114. In order
to accommodate children of varying sizes, in one embodiment, the
tractable seating arrangement 102 is expandable so that the second
seat base 114 and second seat back 112 can be widened, and that
second seat back 112 can be lengthened.
[0047] Second seat back 112 and second seat base 114 comprise a
vertical split indicated by line 502 to form a left portion 504 and
a right portion 506. Left portion 504 and right portion 506 are
slideably connected using any number of guides, channels, and the
like. Left portion 504 and right portion 506 may be separated in
the directions indicated by arrows 508 and 510, thereby widening
the tractable seating arrangement.
[0048] Tractable seating arrangement 102 comprises a central
portion 512 which fills the gap formed when left portion 504 and
right portion 506 are separated. In one embodiment, center portion
512 comprises an inflatable cavity, such as an inflatable bag which
is inflated either manually or automatically to the desired size
and firmness. When not expanded, the inflatable bag is stored
between left portion 504 and right portion 506 in a cavity (not
shown). So, in operation, left portion 504 and right portion 506
are separated by a length desired by a user, exposing the deflated
bag. The deflated bag is then inflated to form a safe and
comfortable center portion 512. In another embodiment, center
portion 512 comprises a padded insert placed into the gap formed
between left portion 504 and right portion 506.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, tractable seating arrangement
102 may also comprise horizontal split 514 for expanding tractable
seating arrangement 102 in the vertical direction, thereby
lengthening the second seat back 112. For example, horizontal split
514 allows second seat back 108 to be vertically extended in the
direction indicated by arrow 516. In various embodiments of the
invention, tractable seating arrangement 102 may include one or
more off-center splits, splits close to the arm, and the like.
[0050] As already mentioned, first seat 100 may be an automobile or
other type of vehicle seat while tractable seating arrangement 102
may be a child car seat. In the usable position, an infant or
toddler is placed in the tractable seating arrangement 102 and
secured with harness 117. Many different types of harnesses may be
used, such as a 5-point harness, an overhead shield, or a t-shield.
In another embodiment, harness 117 is removable or storable or
covered so that it does not interfere with the comfort of the
child, and the safety belt of the vehicle is used to secure the
toddler to tractable seating arrangement 102. All vehicles have
safety belts, most commonly of the shoulder-lap belt type. In
another embodiment, the vehicle safety belt is used to secure the
tractable child seat, providing an extra level of protection.
[0051] The tractable seating arrangement may include modifications
such as storage pockets, compartments, rings, loops, cup holders,
trays, hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like for holding items or
connecting items such as bottles, games, food, trays, hygienic
items, and the like, to the tractable seating arrangement. The
tractable seating arrangement may include slide-on or attachable
padding such as head rests, arm rests, foot rests, and the like.
The arms or rests of the tractable seating arrangement may be
removable, or replaceable with different sized arms. Further, the
tractable seating arrangement may comprise various air bags in
various positions on and in the tractable seating arrangement which
can be inflated to surround, protect, or cradle a child. These can
be used as pillows or padding for comfort and safety, and can also
be activated in the event of an accident in the same manner as an
air bag is deployed in auto accidents.
[0052] Also, tractable seating arrangement 102 may be made of any
number of materials such as aluminum, steel, other metals, alloys,
wood, plastic, polymers, rubber, foam, sponge-like materials, and
synthetic materials. Materials that can compress and conform to the
occupant of the tractable seating arrangement such as various
fabrics and paddings may be used.
[0053] The steps of extending or storing the tractable child seat,
for example, unlatching, extending, optionally rotating, locking,
and the like can be done either manually or automatically. For
automatic operation, the present invention includes electric motors
such as stepper motors, DC motors, hydraulic pumps, pneumatic
pumps, air pumps, actuators such as mechanical, electric,
hydraulic, and pneumatic actuators, gears, rack and pinion
arrangements, slider crank arrangement, solenoids, hydraulic and
pneumatic piston arms, linkage mechanisms, pulley arrangements,
electromagnetic latches, switches, magnetic locks, valves, and the
like.
[0054] In one embodiment, at least one switch or button is provided
on a dashboard of the automobile or other vehicle. A user opens or
closes tractable seating arrangement 102, rotates tractable seating
arrangement 102, moves tractable seating arrangement 102, and so
on, by actuating or pressing the switches or buttons. In another
embodiment, the switch or button is located near tractable seating
arrangement 102, for example on the side of first seat 100, or
stored in a pocket in or near tractable seating arrangement 102. In
another embodiment, the switches or buttons are part of a wireless
remote control, such as an infrared or radio frequency remote
control. The switches or buttons may also unlock doors or start the
engine of the vehicle so that, for example, when the button is
pressed, the door closest to the tractable seating arrangement
opens and the tractable seating arrangement is extended to a usable
position.
[0055] In operation, as discussed, for manual operation, tractable
seating arrangement 102 may be moved from the stored position as
shown in FIGS. 2A-2C to the usable position as shown in FIGS.
1A-1D, and back, by manually unlocking any latches or locks such as
latch 204, then pulling, pushing, and repositioning the movable
components of first seat 100 such as, but not limited to, second
seat base 114, second seat back 112, back cushion 106, and then
locking the components into place. The movement of the components
of first seat 100 is guided by guiding members. The guiding members
may include one or more channels, rollers, bearings, bends,
anchors, and the like.
[0056] In automatic operation, electronic, electrical, and
electromechanical components perform the pulling, pushing, and
repositioning described above. For example, first seat 100 may
include motors, actuators, and switches disposed within first seat
100 such as, but not limited to, first seat base 110 and first seat
back 104. The motors, actuators, and latches lock, release, and
reposition the movable components.
[0057] The motors may include electric motors such as stepper
motors, AC motors, and DC motors, and may be powered by a vehicle
battery. The motors may also include hydraulic motors powered by a
hydraulic pump. The actuators may include mechanical, hydraulic,
and pneumatic actuators connected to, for example, gears, rack and
pinion arrangements, slider crank arrangement, hydraulic and
pneumatic piston arms, linkage mechanisms, pulley arrangements, and
the like. These and other components may be fixed to first seat
100, and oriented in different directions to facilitate the
repositioning of the components of first seat 100.
[0058] This embodiment may comprise still further components such
as, for example, a solenoid bolt. The solenoid bolt locks and
releases the tractable seating arrangement in channel 116. An
electric stepper motor may be used in conjunction with a gear
arrangement to rotate tractable seating arrangement 102. The gear
arrangement may comprise a worm gear connected to the axle of the
electric stepper motor and a worm wheel fixed to second seat base
114, concentric with the pivot hole.
[0059] Also, a solenoid bolt can be used as a lock to prevent
horizontal or vertical movement of tractable seating arrangement
102. Once the solenoid bolt is released, a hydraulic pump is
activated and the hydraulic pump actuates a hydraulic piston. The
actuated hydraulic piston pushes or pulls tractable seating
arrangement 102 to provide the movement in the horizontal direction
(arrow 119 of FIG. 1C). A similar arrangement may be used for
moving tractable seating arrangement 102 in a vertical direction.
Electric motors may be used in addition to, or in place of, the
hydraulic pump.
[0060] Expanding or collapsing the aforementioned air bags, air
cavities, or air pockets may also be done automatically by way of
air pumps and electromechanical valves.
[0061] The motors, pumps, valves, and the like are easily
controlled by any conventional and well understood electronic
control system. In one embodiment, pressing the buttons or switches
to extend, position, or retract the tractable seating arrangement
causes a series of electric signals to be output by a control box
connected between the buttons and the motors, pumps, and valves.
The electric signals activate the components with an intensity,
duration, and order necessary for proper extending, positioning,
and retracting. Such control systems are well understood by those
of ordinary skill in the art.
[0062] Finally, while various embodiments of the invention are
described herein with first seat 100 being a vehicle seat, it
should now evident to those skilled in the art that first seat 100
may comprise any number of seats, such as, without limitation, a
bench type seat, a wheel chair, a relaxing chair, an office chair,
a lounge chair, a couch, and the like. If the vehicle seat is a
bench type seat, as found in most automobiles, the bench type seat
may include more than one tractable seating arrangement and each
tractable seating arrangement may be used independently of the
other. For example, a first tractable seating arrangement may be
used in forward-facing position and a second tractable seating
arrangement may be used in a rear-facing position. Or the first
tractable seating arrangement may be used, while the second is in a
stored position.
[0063] The foregoing detailed description has set forth a few of
the many forms that this invention can take. It is intended that
the foregoing detailed description be understood as an illustration
of selected forms that the invention can take and not as a
limitation to the definition of the invention. It is only the
following claims, including all equivalents that are intended to
define the scope of this invention.
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