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. (end of abstract)

Automatically adjustable seat description/claims

Brief Patent Description

Full Patent Description

Patent Application Claims

BACKGROUND

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

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.

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.

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

FIGS. 1A, 2B, and 2C 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).

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).

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).

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.

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).

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).

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).

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.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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Previous Patent Application:
Foldable chair
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Convertible chair
Industry Class:
Chairs and seats

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