U.S. patent application number 12/989195 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-12 for automatically adjustable seat.
Invention is credited to Michael J. Fafard, Steven C. Flowers, James S. Phares, Raymond L. Tanguay.
Application Number | 20110109136 12/989195 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41200505 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110109136 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fafard; Michael J. ; et
al. |
May 12, 2011 |
AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTABLE SEAT
Abstract
Automatically adjustable seating apparatus are described. The
automatically adjustable seating apparatus include first and second
seat bottom portions that at least one of which is moveable. The
first and/or second seat bottom portions are moveable by automatic
adjusters that alter the position of a seat bottom portion between
a retracted position and an extended position. When the moveable
seat bottom portion or portions are in their retracted position,
the automatically adjustable seating apparatus is configured as two
seats back-to-back, and when the seat bottom portion or portions
are in their extended positions, the automatically adjustable
seating apparatus forms a substantially flat surface.
Inventors: |
Fafard; Michael J.;
(Nashville, GA) ; Phares; James S.; (Farmington
Hills, MI) ; Tanguay; Raymond L.; (Nashville, GA)
; Flowers; Steven C.; (Nashville, GA) |
Family ID: |
41200505 |
Appl. No.: |
12/989195 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
April 13, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2009/040344 |
371 Date: |
December 22, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12107459 |
Apr 22, 2008 |
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12989195 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/244 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 29/04 20130101;
B63B 2029/043 20130101; A47C 1/032 20130101; A47C 11/00 20130101;
A47C 17/16 20130101; A47C 1/03211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/244 |
International
Class: |
A47C 15/00 20060101
A47C015/00; A47C 1/032 20060101 A47C001/032 |
Claims
1. An automatically adjustable seating apparatus comprising: a
frame; a first seat bottom portion slideably attached to the frame,
the first seat bottom portion moveable on the frame by a first seat
bottom portion automatic adjuster to alter the position of the
first seat bottom portion between a first seat bottom portion
retracted position and a first seat bottom portion extended
position; and a second seat bottom portion slideably attached to
the frame, the second seat bottom portion moveable on the frame by
a second seat bottom portion automatic adjuster to alter the
position between a second seat bottom portion retracted position
and a second seat bottom portion extended position; wherein when
the first seat bottom portion and second seat bottom portion are in
their retracted positions, the automatically adjustable seating
apparatus is configured as two seats back-to-back, and when the
first seat bottom portion and second seat bottom portion are in
their extended positions, the automatically adjustable seating
apparatus forms a substantially flat surface.
2. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 1,
further comprising: a first seat back having an upper portion and a
lower portion, the lower portion pivotally attached to the first
seat bottom portion; and a second seat back having an upper portion
and a lower portion, the lower portion pivotally attached to the
second seat bottom portion and the upper portion pivotally attached
to the upper portion of the first seat back.
3. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 1,
further comprising a controller operatively interconnected with the
first seat bottom portion automatic adjuster and the second seat
bottom portion automatic adjuster for controlling the position of
the first seat bottom portion and the second seat bottom
portion.
4. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 3,
wherein the controller is capable of adjusting the first seat
bottom portion automatic adjuster and the second seat bottom
portion automatic adjuster to maintain a position between the
retracted and extended positions.
5. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 3,
wherein the controller has selectable pre-selected positions
between the retracted and extended positions.
6. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 1,
wherein the first seat bottom portion automatic adjuster and the
second seat bottom portion automatic adjuster are electrically
driven.
7. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 1,
wherein the first seat bottom portion is attached to a first seat
frame and the first seat frame is slideably attached to the
frame.
8. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 1,
wherein the second seat bottom portion is attached to a second seat
frame and the second seat frame is slideably attached to the
frame.
9. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 1,
further comprising an intermediate position between the first seat
bottom portion retracted position and the first seat bottom portion
extended position.
10. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 1,
further comprising an intermediate position between the second seat
bottom portion retracted position and the second seat bottom
portion extended position.
11. An automatically adjustable seating apparatus comprising: a
frame; a first seat bottom portion slideably attached to the frame,
the first seat bottom portion moveable on the frame by an automatic
adjuster to alter the position of the first seat bottom portion
between a retracted position and an extended position; and a second
seat bottom portion; wherein when the first seat bottom portion is
in the retracted position, the automatically adjustable seating
apparatus is configured as two seats back-to-back, and when the
first seat bottom portion is in the extended position, the
automatically adjustable seating apparatus forms a substantially
flat surface.
12. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 11,
further comprising: a first seat back having an upper portion and a
lower portion, the lower portion pivotally attached to the first
seat bottom portion; and a second seat back having an upper portion
and a lower portion, the lower portion pivotally attached to the
second seat bottom portion and the upper portion pivotally attached
to the upper portion of the first seat back.
13. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 11,
further comprising a controller operatively interconnected with the
automatic adjuster for controlling the position of the first seat
bottom portion.
14. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 13,
wherein the controller is capable of adjusting the automatic
adjuster to maintain a position between the retracted and extended
positions.
15. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 13,
wherein the controller has selectable pre-selected positions
between the retracted and extended positions.
16. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 11,
wherein the automatic adjuster is electrically driven.
17. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 11,
wherein the first seat bottom portion is attached to a first seat
frame and the first seat frame is slideably attached to the
frame.
18. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 11,
further comprising an intermediate position between the first seat
bottom portion retracted position and the first seat bottom portion
extended position.
19. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus of claim 11,
further comprising an intermediate position between the second seat
bottom portion retracted position and the second seat bottom
portion extended position.
20. An automatically adjustable seating apparatus comprising: a
first seat bottom portion, the first seat bottom portion moveable
by a first seat bottom portion automatic adjuster to alter the
position of the first seat bottom portion between a first seat
bottom portion retracted position and a first seat bottom portion
extended position; a first seat back having an upper portion and a
lower portion, the lower portion pivotally attached to the first
seat bottom portion; a second seat bottom portion, the second seat
bottom portion moveable by a second seat bottom portion automatic
adjuster to alter the position between a second seat bottom portion
retracted position and a second seat bottom portion extended
position; a second seat back having an upper portion and a lower
portion, the lower portion pivotally attached to the second seat
bottom portion and the upper portion pivotally attached to the
upper portion of the first seat back; and a controller operatively
interconnected with the first seat bottom portion automatic
adjuster and the second seat bottom portion automatic adjuster for
controlling the position of the first seat bottom portion and the
second seat bottom portion, wherein when the first seat bottom
portion and second seat bottom portion are in their retracted
positions, the automatically adjustable seating apparatus is
configured as two seats back-to-back, and when the first seat
bottom portion and second seat bottom portion are in their extended
positions, the automatically adjustable seating apparatus forms a
substantially flat surface.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] In some environments, such as, for example, on a boat, space
can be at a premium. Hybrid furnishings are sometimes developed for
such environments of limited space so that multiple functions can
be performed or multiple activities accomplished in a fixed amount
of space. An example of such a hybrid furnishing is a seat with
storage space built into the seat base.
SUMMARY
[0002] Automatically adjustable seating apparatus are described.
The first automatically adjustable seating apparatus includes a
frame, a first seat bottom portion, and a second seat bottom
portion. The first and second seat bottom portions are slideably
attached to the frame and are moveable by automatic adjusters to
alter the position of the seat bottom portions between retracted
positions and extended positions. When the first seat bottom
portion and second seat bottom portion are in their retracted
positions, the automatically adjustable seating apparatus is
configured as two seats back-to-back, and when the first seat
bottom portion and second seat bottom portion are in their extended
positions, the automatically adjustable seating apparatus forms a
substantially flat surface.
[0003] A second automatically adjustable seating apparatus is also
described. The second automatically adjustable seating apparatus
includes a frame, a first seat bottom portion, and a second seat
bottom portion. The first seat bottom portion is slideably attached
to the frame and is moveable by an automatic adjuster to alter the
position of the first seat bottom portion between a retracted
position and an extended position. The position of the second seat
bottom portion is fixed. When the first seat bottom portion is in
its retracted position, the second automatically adjustable seating
apparatus is configured as two seats back-to-back, and when the
first seat bottom portion is in its extended position, the second
automatically adjustable seating apparatus forms a substantially
flat surface.
[0004] The details of these and other embodiments of the invention
are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description
below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are perspective views of an
automatically adjustable seating apparatus configured as two seats
back-to-back (FIG. 1A), in an intermediate position between a
retracted position and an extended position (FIG. 1B), and
configured as a substantially flat surface (FIG. 1C).
[0006] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are side views of an automatically
adjustable seating apparatus configured as two seats back-to-back
(FIG. 2A), in an intermediate position between a retracted position
and an extended position (FIG. 2B), and configured as a
substantially flat surface (FIG. 2C).
[0007] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are top views of a frame for use with
the automatically adjustable seating apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and
2 in the positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, i.e., with the
automatically adjustable seating apparatus configured as two seats
back-to-back (FIG. 3A), in an intermediate position between a
retracted position and an extended position (FIG. 3B), and
configured as a substantially flat surface (FIG. 3C).
[0008] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a control system for an
automatically adjustable seating apparatus such as the
automatically adjustable seating apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0009] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are perspective views of an
automatically adjustable seating apparatus configured as two seats
back-to-back (FIG. 5A), in an intermediate position between a
retracted position and an extended position (FIG. 5B), and
configured as a substantially flat surface (FIG. 5C).
[0010] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are side views of an automatically
adjustable seating apparatus configured as two seats back-to-back
(FIG. 6A), in an intermediate position between a retracted position
and an extended position (FIG. 6B), and configured as a
substantially flat surface (FIG. 6C).
[0011] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are top views of a frame for use with
the automatically adjustable seating apparatus shown in FIGS. 5 and
6 in the positions shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, i.e., with the
automatically adjustable seating apparatus configured as two seats
back-to-back (FIG. 7A), in an intermediate position between a
retracted position and an extended position (FIG. 7B), and
configured as a substantially flat surface (FIG. 7C).
[0012] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a control system for an
automatically adjustable seating apparatus such as the
automatically adjustable seating apparatus shown in FIGS. 5 and
6.
[0013] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] An automatically adjustable seating apparatus is described.
The term automatically adjustable, when used to described the
seating apparatus, is intended to mean that the seat is not
manually adjusted by an operator, i.e., no physical pushing or
pulling of the seat is required by the operator. Rather, the seat
is automatically adjusted through an interaction with a controller
that controls the seat position. The automatically adjustable
seating apparatus can be configured, in a first arrangement, as two
seats arranged back-to-back. The two seats have bottom portions and
back portions. The two seat bottom portions are slideably attached
to a frame and are moveable by automatic adjusters between
retracted positions and extended positions. When both bottom
portions are in their retracted positions, the automatically
adjustable seating apparatus is configured as two seats
back-to-back. When both bottom portions are in their extended
positions, the automatically adjustable seating apparatus is
configured as a substantially flat surface.
[0015] A second automatically adjustable seating apparatus is also
described. The second automatically adjustable seating apparatus
can be configured, in a first arrangement, as two seats arranged
back-to-back. The two seat portions have bottom portions and back
portions. The first seat bottom portion is slideably attached to a
frame and is moveable by an automatic adjuster between a retracted
position and an extended position. When the first seat bottom
portion is in the retracted position, the second automatically
adjustable seating apparatus is configured as two seats
back-to-back. When the first seat bottom portion is in the extended
position, the second automatically adjustable seating apparatus is
configured as a substantially flat surface.
[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1A-C and FIGS. 2A-C, an automatically
adjustable seating apparatus 100 comprises a base portion 110, a
first seat 120, and a second seat 130. The first seat 120 is formed
by a first seat bottom portion 140 and a first seat back 150. The
second seat 130 is formed by a second seat bottom portion 160 and a
second seat back 170. The first seat bottom portion 140, the first
seat back 150, second seat bottom portion 160, and second seat back
170 can be ergonomically shaped to adapt to the preference of a
user or the intended environment in which the automatically
adjustable seating apparatus will be used. For example, the first
seat back 150 and second seat back 170 could be high to provide
head and neck support or low if such support is not needed in a
particular application. Further, the first seat bottom portion 140,
the first seat back 150, second seat bottom portion 160, and second
seat back 170 can be made from materials suitable for the
environment in which they will be used, i.e., if the automatically
adjustable seating apparatus is to be used in a marine environment,
materials resistant to degradation by water and/or salt can be
used. For further example, the first seat bottom portion 140, the
first seat back 150, second seat bottom portion 160, and second
seat back 170 can be formed of shaped foam and covered with an
outer covering material such as a vinyl, polyurethane, or fabric.
The width of the automatically adjustable seating apparatus 100 can
vary from the width of a single seat to wide enough to seat several
persons depending on the intended application. Additional
components not shown in the drawings such as side bolsters can be
utilized with the automatically adjustable seating apparatus
100.
[0017] The first seat back 150 has an upper portion 180 and a lower
portion 190, and the first seat bottom portion 140 has a front
portion 200 and a back portion 210. The lower portion 190 of the
first seat back 150 is pivotally attached to the back portion 210
of the first seat bottom portion 140 along a first pivot attachment
seam 220. The second seat back 170 also has an upper portion 230
and a lower portion 240, and the second seat bottom portion 160
also has a front portion 250 and a back portion 260. The lower
portion 240 of the second seat back 170 is pivotally attached to
the back portion 260 of the first seat bottom portion 160 along a
second pivot attachment seam 270. The first seat back 150 is
further pivotally attached at its upper portion 180 to the upper
portion 230 of the second seat back 170 along a third pivot
attachment seam 280. Each of the first pivot attachment seam 220,
the second pivot attachment seam 270, and third pivot attachment
seam 280 can comprise a pivot apparatus such as a single hinge or
multiple hinges.
[0018] FIGS. 1A-C and 2A-C show the automatically adjustable
seating apparatus configured as two seats back-to-back (FIGS. 1A
and 2A), in an intermediate position between a retracted position
and an extended position (FIGS. 1B and 2B), and configured as a
substantially flat surface (FIGS. 1C and 2C). The first seat bottom
portion 140 is extendable between a first seat bottom portion
retracted position and a first seat bottom portion extended
position. Similarly, the second seat bottom portion 160 is
extendable between a second seat bottom portion retracted position
and a second seat bottom portion extended position. FIGS. 1A and 2A
show the first seat bottom portion 140 in the first seat bottom
portion retracted position and the second seat bottom portion 160
in the second seat bottom portion retracted position, in which
configuration the automatically adjustable seating apparatus 100 is
configured as two seats back-to-back. FIGS. 1C and 2C show the
first seat bottom portion 140 in the first seat bottom portion
extended position and the second seat bottom portion 160 in the
second seat bottom portion extended position, in which
configuration the automatically adjustable seating apparatus is
configured as a substantially flat surface. FIGS. 1B and 2B show
the first seat bottom portion 140 and second seat bottom portion
160 in a position between their retracted and extended positions.
The first seat bottom portion 140 and second seat bottom portion
160 are automatically adjustable between their retracted and
extended positions depending on the devices used to adjust their
positions. The maintenance of positions of the first seat bottom
portion 140 and second seat bottom portion 160 between their
retracted and extended positions is contemplated depending on the
preference of a user making the adjustment. For example, the
positions shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B may be adopted by a user in
order to recline rather than sit upright (first seat bottom portion
140 and second seat bottom portion 160 fully retracted) or
substantially lie flat (first seat bottom portion 140 and second
seat bottom portion 160 fully extended).
[0019] Automatically adjustable seat 100 includes a frame 300,
which is shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C. The frame 300 includes a fixed
portion 310, a first seat frame 320, and a second seat frame 330.
The first seat frame 320 and second seat frame 330 are slideably
attached to the fixed portion 310. The fixed portion 310 of the
frame 300 includes rails 340 that are oriented parallel to each
other. The rails 340 are supported by longitudinal members 350, an
inner perpendicular cross member 360, and outer perpendicular cross
members 370. The first seat frame 320 includes first seat frame
parallel members 380 that are slideably attached to the rails 340.
The first seat frame parallel members 380 are connected by a first
seat frame parallel cross member 390. The first seat frame parallel
cross member 390 includes a first seat frame adaptor 400 for
connection to a first seat bottom portion automatic adjuster 410.
The first seat bottom portion automatic adjuster 410 includes a
first seat bottom portion automatic adjuster shaft 420 that is
moveable by the first seat bottom portion automatic adjuster 410.
The term automatic as used herein to describe an adjustor means the
adjustor is capable of self-movement when an appropriate external
signal is received, e.g., the adjustor moves an adjuster shaft upon
a signal from a controller. The first seat bottom portion automatic
adjuster shaft 420 is connected to the first seat frame adaptor
400. Similarly, the second seat frame 330 includes second seat
frame parallel members 430 that are slideably attached to the rails
340. The second seat frame parallel members 430 are connected by a
second seat frame parallel cross member 440. The second seat frame
parallel cross member 440 includes a second seat frame adaptor 450
for connection to a second seat bottom portion automatic adjuster
460. The second seat bottom portion automatic adjuster 460 includes
an second seat bottom portion automatic adjuster shaft 470 that is
moveable by the second seat bottom portion automatic adjuster 460.
The second seat bottom portion automatic adjuster shaft 470 is
connected to the second seat frame adaptor 450. The first seat
bottom portion automatic adjuster 410 and second seat bottom
portion automatic adjuster 460 are connected to the frame 300 at
the inner perpendicular cross member 360 by pins 470 inserted
through matching adjuster channels 490 on the automatic adjusters
and cross member channels 492 on the inner perpendicular cross
member 360. The first seat bottom portion 140 includes is attached
to the first seat frame 320 and the second seat bottom portion 160
is attached to the second seat frame 330.
[0020] The frame 300 is made from materials suitable for the
environment and load expected to be placed on the frame 300. For
example, the components of the frame 300 can be made from steel,
aluminum, plastic, or combinations thereof. The first seat frame
320 and second seat frame 330 can be slideably attached to the
rails 340 through the use, for example, of a bearing assembly. The
first seat bottom portion automatic adjuster 410 and second seat
bottom portion automatic adjuster 460 can be, for example, a
pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or an electric motor
actuator. Further, the first seat bottom portion automatic adjuster
410 and second seat bottom portion automatic adjuster 460 can, for
example, drive or actuate a shaft, rod, chain, or cable. The first
seat bottom portion automatic adjuster shaft 420 and second seat
bottom portion automatic adjuster shaft 470 can be, for example, a
shaft or threaded rod depending on the mechanism of the first seat
bottom portion automatic adjuster 410 and second seat bottom
portion automatic adjuster 460. The fixed portion 310 of the frame
300 can be attached to a surface in a desired location.
[0021] The first seat bottom portion automatic adjuster 410 and
second seat bottom portion automatic adjuster 460 are operatively
interconnected to a controller 500, shown in FIG. 4. The controller
500 has hardware and/or software configured for operation of these
components 410 and 460, and may comprise any suitable programmable
logic controller or other control device, or combination of control
devices, that is programmed or otherwise configured to perform as
recited in the claims. Specifically, the controller 500 controls
the first seat bottom portion automatic adjuster 410 and second
seat bottom portion automatic adjuster 460 to move the first seat
bottom portion 140 and second seat bottom portion 160 between the
retracted position and the extended position as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2. The controller 500 includes a user interface 510, which
provides means for an operator to operate the automatically
adjustable seat 100. The user interface 510 can be one or more
devices with which a user can interact, such as, for example,
switches, buttons, toggle switches, a computer controlled touch
pad, or combinations thereof. The operation of the first seat
bottom portion automatic adjuster 410 and second seat bottom
portion automatic adjuster 460 can be controlled simultaneously,
i.e., a single switch can be used to control the first seat bottom
portion automatic adjuster 410 and second seat bottom portion
automatic adjuster 460 to extend and retract. The controller 500
can provide a user with the ability to select one or more
pre-selected positions for the automatically adjustable seating
apparatus 100. Further, the controller 500 can provide a user with
the ability to adjust the automatically adjustable seating
apparatus 100 to maintain a position between the retracted and
extended positions, such as a position shown in FIGS. 1B and
2B.
[0022] A second automatically adjustable seating apparatus 600 is
shown in FIGS. 5A-C and FIGS. 6A-C. As shown, the second
automatically adjustable seating apparatus 600 comprises a base
portion 610, a first seat 620, and a second seat 630. The first
seat 620 is formed by a first seat bottom portion 640 and a first
seat back 650. The second seat 630 is formed by a second seat
bottom portion 660 and a second seat back 670. The first seat
bottom portion 640, the first seat back 650, second seat bottom
portion 660, and second seat back 670 can be ergonomically shaped
to adapt to the preference of a user or the intended environment in
which the second automatically adjustable seating apparatus will be
used. For example, the first seat back 650 and second seat back 670
could be high to provide head and neck support or low if such
support is not needed in a particular application. Further, the
first seat bottom portion 640, the first seat back 650, second seat
bottom portion 660, and second seat back 670 can be made from
materials suitable for the environment in which they will be used,
i.e., if the automatically adjustable seating apparatus is to be
used in a marine environment, materials resistant to degradation by
water and/or salt can be used. For further example, the first seat
bottom portion 640, the first seat back 650, second seat bottom
portion 660, and second seat back 670 can be formed of shaped foam
and covered with an outer covering material such as a vinyl,
polyurethane, or fabric. The width of the second automatically
adjustable seating apparatus 600 can vary from the width of a
single seat to wide enough to seat several persons depending on the
intended application. Additional components not shown in the
drawings such as side bolsters can be utilized with the second
automatically adjustable seating apparatus 600.
[0023] The first seat back 650 has an upper portion 680 and a lower
portion 690, and the first seat bottom portion 640 has a front
portion 700 and a back portion 710. The lower portion 690 of the
first seat back 650 is pivotally attached to the back portion 710
first seat bottom portion 640 along a first pivot attachment seam
720. The second seat back 670 also has an upper portion 730 and a
lower portion 740, and the second seat bottom portion 660 also has
a front portion 750 and a back portion 760. The lower portion 740
of the second seat back 670 is pivotally attached to the back
portion 760 of the first seat bottom portion 660 along a second
pivot attachment seam 770. The first seat back 650 is further
pivotally attached at its upper portion 680 to the upper portion
730 of the second seat back 670 along a third pivot attachment seam
780. Each of the first pivot attachment seam 720, the second pivot
attachment seam 770, and third pivot attachment seam 780 can
comprise a pivot apparatus such as a single hinge or multiple
hinges.
[0024] FIGS. 5A-C and 6A-C show the second automatically adjustable
seating apparatus configured as two seats back-to-back (FIGS. 5A
and 6A), in an intermediate position between a retracted position
and an extended position (FIGS. 5B and 6B), and configured as a
substantially flat surface (FIGS. 5C and 6C). The first seat bottom
portion 640 is extendable between a first seat bottom portion
retracted position and a first seat bottom portion extended
position. The position of the second seat bottom portion 660 is
fixed, i.e., the second seat bottom portion is not moved by an
automatic adjuster. FIGS. 5A and 6A show the first seat bottom
portion 640 in the first seat bottom portion retracted position, in
which configuration the second automatically adjustable seating
apparatus 600 is configured as two seats back-to-back. FIGS. 5C and
6C show the first seat bottom portion 640 in the first seat bottom
portion extended position, in which configuration the second
automatically adjustable seating apparatus 600 is configured as a
substantially flat surface. FIGS. 5B and 6B show the first seat
bottom portion 640 in a position between its retracted and extended
positions. The first seat bottom portion 640 is automatically
adjustable between its retracted and extended positions depending
on the device used to adjust its position. The maintenance of
positions of the first seat bottom portion 640 between its
retracted and extended positions is contemplated depending on the
preference of a user making the adjustment. For example, the
positions shown in FIGS. 5B and 6B may be adopted by a user in
order to recline rather than sit upright (first seat bottom portion
640 fully retracted) or substantially lie flat (first seat bottom
portion 640 fully extended).
[0025] Second automatically adjustable seat 600 includes a frame
800, which is shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C. The frame 800 includes a
fixed portion 810, a first seat frame 820, and a second seat frame
830. The first seat frame 820 is slideably attached to the fixed
portion 810. The second seat frame 830 is fixedly attached to the
fixed portion. The fixed portion 810 of the frame 800 includes
rails 840 that are oriented parallel to each other. The rails 840
are supported by longitudinal members 850, an inner perpendicular
cross member 860, and outer perpendicular cross members 870. The
first seat frame 820 includes first seat frame parallel members 880
that are slideably attached to the rails 840. The length of the
first seat frame parallel members 880 can be adjusted for example,
related to the distance the first seat bottom portion 640 travels
to achieve its fully extended position. The first seat frame
parallel members 880 are connected by a first seat frame parallel
cross member 890. The first seat frame parallel cross member 890
includes a first seat frame adaptor 900 for connection to a first
seat bottom portion automatic adjuster 910. The first seat bottom
portion automatic adjuster 910 includes a first seat bottom portion
automatic adjuster shaft 920 that is moveable by the first seat
bottom portion automatic adjuster 910. The first seat bottom
portion automatic adjuster shaft 920 is connected to the first seat
frame adaptor 900. The first seat bottom portion automatic adjuster
910 is connected to the frame 800 at the inner perpendicular cross
member 860 by pin 930 inserted through a matching adjuster channel
940 on the automatic adjuster 910 and cross member channels 950 on
the inner perpendicular cross member 860. The first seat bottom
portion 640 is attached to the first seat frame 820 and the second
seat bottom portion 660 is attached to the second seat frame
830.
[0026] The frame 800 is made from materials suitable for the
environment and load expected to be placed on the frame 800. For
example, the components of the frame 800 can be made from steel,
aluminum, plastic, or combinations thereof. The first seat frame
820 can be slideably attached to the rails 840 through the use, for
example, of a bearing assembly. The first seat bottom portion
automatic adjuster 910 can be driven or actuated, for example,
pneumatically, hydraulically, or by a motor. Further, the first
seat bottom portion automatic adjuster 910 can, for example, drive
or actuate a shaft, rod, chain, or cable. The first seat bottom
portion automatic adjuster shaft 920 and can be, for example, a
shaft or threaded rod depending on the mechanism of the first seat
bottom portion automatic adjuster 910. The fixed portion 810 of the
frame 800 can be attached to a surface in a desired location.
[0027] The first seat bottom portion automatic adjuster 910 of the
second seat 600 is operatively interconnected to a controller 1000,
shown in FIG. 8. The controller 1000 has hardware and/or software
configured for operation of the first seat bottom portion automatic
adjuster 910, and may comprise any suitable programmable logic
controller or other control device, or combination of control
devices, that is programmed or otherwise configured to perform as
recited in the claims. Specifically, the controller 1000 controls
the first seat bottom portion automatic adjuster 910 to move the
first seat bottom portion 640 between its retracted position and
extended position as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The controller 1000
includes a user interface 1010, which provides means for an
operator to operate the second automatically adjustable seat 600.
The user interface 1010 can be one or more devices as described
above for user interface 510. The controller 1000 can provide a
user with the ability to select one or more pre-selected positions
for the second automatically adjustable seating apparatus 600.
Further, the controller 1000 can provide a user with the ability to
adjust the second automatically adjustable seating apparatus 600 to
maintain a position between the retracted and extended positions,
such as a position shown in FIGS. 5B and 6B.
[0028] As used herein, the terms substantially flat or
substantially flat surface when applied to the surface of the
seating apparatus are intended to mean a surface that is generally
parallel or horizontal, i.e., not tilted or sloped. Such a
substantially flat surface can be used, for example, for a person
to lie down upon or to lay equipment upon. The frame of reference
for a surface being generally parallel or horizontal can be, for
example, a floor or the deck of a boat. In the example of a surface
being parallel or horizontal with reference to the deck of a boat,
in use the deck of a boat may not continually be horizontal, i.e.,
in use or in rough seas the boat may be in constant motion, but the
surface will remain substantially flat, i.e., parallel or
horizontal with reference to the deck of the boat. The positions of
the automatically adjustable seating apparatus 100 shown in FIGS.
1C and 2C and the positions of the second automatically adjustable
seating apparatus 600 shown in FIGS. 5C and 6C are considered to be
substantially flat surfaces within the scope of this description
and the claims.
[0029] The heights of the automatically adjustable seat bottom
portion 110 and second automatically adjustable seat bottom portion
610 depend upon the desired height of the seating surface of the
automatically adjustable seating apparatus 100 or second
automatically adjustable seating apparatus 600, i.e., the height of
the surface of the first seat bottom portion 140 and second seat
bottom portion 160 of the automatically adjustable seating
apparatus 100 or the height of the surface of the first seat bottom
portion 640 and second seat bottom portion 660 of the second
automatically adjustable seating apparatus 600. The base portion
110 of the automatically adjustable seating apparatus 100 and base
portion 610 of the second automatically adjustable seating
apparatus 600 could be set within a floor or deck if the
automatically adjustable seat is mounted on a floor or deck.
[0030] The present invention is not limited in scope by the
embodiments disclosed herein which are intended as illustrations of
a few aspects of the invention and any embodiments which are
functionally equivalent are within the scope of this invention.
Various modifications of the apparatus and methods in addition to
those shown and described herein will become apparent to those
skilled in the art and are intended to fall within the scope of the
appended claims. Further, while only certain representative
combinations of the apparatus and method steps disclosed herein are
specifically discussed in the embodiments above, other combinations
of the apparatus components and method steps will become apparent
to those skilled in the art and also are intended to fall within
the scope of the appended claims. Thus a combination of components
or steps may be explicitly mentioned herein; however, other
combinations of components and steps are included, even though not
explicitly stated. The term "comprising" and variations thereof as
used herein is used synonymously with the term "including" and
variations thereof and are open, non-limiting terms.
* * * * *