AU2021107278A4 - An adapter and method of use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

(Figure 1) The present invention relates to an adapter and method of use for adapting a chair into a bucket seat, especially a bucket seat for use with a racing simulator cockpit. In one form, the adapter includes: a base configured to be mounted atop a seat of the chair, said base including at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending upwardly from opposed side edges of the base; and at least one back support configured to be mounted on a backrest of the chair to, in use, engage with at least a lower back of an occupant, said at least one back support including at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending forward from opposed side edges ofthe atleast one back support. 1/1 10016 130 16016 13413 164 6 1201215 1502 1100 1404 170 Figure 1

Description

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ANADAPTERANDMETHODOFUSETHEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an adapter and method of use for adapting a chair into a bucket seat, especially a bucket seat for use with a racing simulator cockpit.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Racing simulators are becoming increasingly popular not only as a recreational activity but also as a training facility for professional racing drivers.

[0003] Generally, a wide range of racing simulators are available ranging from base models simply including a display and a gaming console to high end models including, amongst other items, a base frame, a seat, a pedal set, a steering assembly and one or more motion simulators.

[0004] A problem in general with the base and lower end models is that the simulators lack the authenticity of a driver's race car environment. For example, it is common practice with such models to use an ordinary chair with the simulator. Such a practice severely detracts from the racing experience creating disconnect between the occupant and the simulated racing experience.

[0005] Further, the cost of upgrading a base or lower end model to include an integrated racing or bucket seat is often outside the budget of many racing simulator enthusiasts.

[0006] In some such instances, an enthusiast may acquire a racing office chair or the like having a characteristic bucket seat shape for use with their racing simulator. However, such chairs are expensive and again may be outside the budget of many racing simulator enthusiasts. Further, such chairs due to their distinctive shape may be detract from the aesthetics of a room and therefore be undesirable for everyday use when not being used with the racing simulator.

[0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide an adapter and method of use thereof, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adapter for adapting a chair into a bucket seat, said adapter including: a base configured to be mounted atop a seat of the chair, said base including at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending upwardly from opposed side edges of the base;and at least one back support configured to be mounted on a backrest of the chair to, in use, engage with at least a lower back of an occupant, said at least one back support including at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending forward from opposed side edges ofthe atleast one back support.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adapter kit for adapting a chair into a bucket seat, said kit including: a base configured to be mounted atop a seat of the chair, said base including at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending upwardly from opposed side edges of the base;and at least one back support configured to be mounted on a backrest of the chair to, in use, engage with at least a lower back of an occupant, said at least one back support including at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending forward from opposed side edges ofthe atleast one back support.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a base for use with, or forming part of the kit of the second aspect, said base configured to be mounted atop a seat of a chair, said base including at least one central portion and winged out edges extending upwardly from opposed side edges of the base.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a back support for use with, or forming part of the kit of the second aspect, said back support configured to be mounted on a backrest of a chair, said back support including at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending forward from opposed side edges of the back support.

[0013] Advantageously, the present invention readily adapts an ordinary chair into a bucket chair for use with a racing simulator thereby providing a user with a more authentic racing car environment without the need to commit to a higher end simulator model or acquiring a special racing chair. Further, when not being used, the adapter may be readily removed from the chair thereby reverting the chair to its ordinary appearance and not detracting from the aesthetics of a room.

[0014] As indicated above, the adapter of the present invention is for adapting a chair into a bucket seat for use with a racing simulator. It will therefore be convenient to describe the adapter and method of use thereof with reference to this example application. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the adapter and method of use are in no way limited to this example application and are capable of broader applications to any scenario in which a bucket seat is desired.

[0015] The chair may be any suitable chair. Typically, the chair may include a seat atop of which an occupant may sit, one or more legs extending downward from the seat for supporting the seat above a support surface and a backrest extending upwardly from the seat for supporting a back of an occupant when seated in the chair.

[0016] The adapter may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0017] The adapter preferably further includes at least one head support configured to be mounted on an upper portion of the backrest of the chair for, in use, supporting a head of the occupant. Like the base and the at least one back support, said at least one head support may include at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending forward from opposed side edges of the at least one head support.

[0018] The base, the at least one back support and/or the at least one head support may be connected together or may be separate adapter pieces, preferably the latter.

[0019] The base, the at least one back support and/or the at least one head support may each include a body. The body may define a shape of the part of the adapter.

[0020] For example, the base may include a base body.

[0021] The at least one back support may include a back support body.

[0022] The at least one head support may include a head support body.

[0023] Each body may be of solid or hollow construction.

[0024] In some embodiments, each body may have a substantially rigid structure formed from material or materials, such as, e.g., plastic, rubber and/or metal material or materials, preferably plastic, more preferably polyvinyl chloride ("PVC"). In some such embodiments, the body may be formed by injection moulding.

[0025] In other embodiments, each body may have a substantially deformable and resilient structure formed from a foam material or materials. For example, the base body may be formed from a closed cell foam, typically a high-density closed cell foam, such as, e.g., a polyurethane foam.

[0026] The base, the at least one back support and/or the at least one head support may further include a cover for covering the body. The cover may be removable. The cover may be formed from a fabric material or materials, preferably a durable, breathable fabric, such as, e.g., vinyl.

[0027] The base body may be of any suitable shape to rest atop a seat of the chair, preferably rectangular.

[0028] The base body may include a pair of opposed surfaces. The pair of opposed surfaces may include a lower surface configured to rest atop the seat of the chair and an opposed upper surface atop of which an occupant may sit.

[0029] The opposed surfaces may be interconnected by opposing edges. The opposing edges may include a front edge corresponding to a front of the chair, an opposed rear edge and opposed side edges extending therebetween.

[0030] In some embodiments, the upper surface may be substantially flat.

[0031] In other embodiments, the upper surface may include one or more contours configured to complement the seat of an occupant.

[0032] As indicated, the base includes at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending upwardly from the opposed side edges of the base. The at least one central portion and the winged outer edges may be of unitary or separate construction, preferably unitary.

[0033] The winged outer edges may be of any suitable size and shape to partially enclose an occupant sitting atop the base.

[0034] Each winged outer edge may extend at least partially along a side edge of the base, preferably entirely along. Likewise, each winged outer edge may extend in a linear or curvilinear direction along each side edge, preferably linear.

[0035] In some embodiments, each winged outer edge may extend a constant height upwardly from the side edge of the base.

[0036] In other embodiments, each winged outer edge may define a gradient extending along the side edge of the base. Preferably, each winged outer edge may taper in height from the front edge to the opposed rear edge.

[0037] In some embodiments, the at least one central portion may be padded.

[0038] For example, in some such embodiments, the base may include a cushion located atop the at least one central portion. The cushion may be of unitary or separate construction with the at least one central portion.

[0039] If of separate construction, the cushion may be releasably fastened atop the at least one central portion with one or more mechanical fasteners, such as, e.g., hook-and-loop type fasteners.

[0040] As indicated, the adapter further includes at least one back support configured to be mounted on a back rest of the chair to, in use, engage with at least a lower back of an occupant.

[0041] The back support body may be of any suitable shape to rest against a backrest of the chair, preferably to provide lumbar support to an occupant.

[0042] The back support body may include a pair of opposed surfaces. The pair of opposed surfaces may include a rear surface configured to rest against the backrest of the chair and an opposed front surface against which an occupant may rest.

[0043] The opposed surfaces may be interconnected by opposing edges. The opposing edges may include an upper edge, an opposed lower edge located adjacent or in proximity to the base and opposed side edges extending therebetween.

[0044] The outer surface may include one or more contours configured to complement an occupant's back, preferably define the lumbar support.

[0045] As indicated, the at least one back support includes at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending forward from the opposed side edges of the at least one back support, preferably to partially enclose an occupant resting thereon. The at least one central portion and the winged outer edges may be of unitary or separate construction, preferably unitary.

[0046] Each winged outer edge may extend at least partially along a side edge of the at least one back support, preferably entirely along. Likewise, each winged outer edge may extend in a linear or curvilinear direction along each side edge, preferably curvilinear.

[0047] In some embodiments, each winged outer edge may extend forward a constant distance from the side edge of the back support.

[0048] In other embodiments, each winged outer edge may define a gradient extending along the side edge of the back support. Typically, each winged outer edge may taper from the lower edge to the upper edge, preferably so as to not interfere with an occupant's shoulders.

[0049] In some embodiments, the at least one central portion may be padded.

[0050] In some such embodiments, the back support may include a cushion located atop the at least one central portion. The cushion may be of unitary or separate construction with the at least one central portion.

[0051] If of separate construction, the cushion may be configured to be releasably fastened against the at least one central portion with one or more mechanical fasteners, such as, e.g., hook-and-loop type fasteners.

[0052] The at least one back support may be of any suitable height, as defined between the upper and lower edges, to engage with at least the lower back of an occupant, preferably to provide lumbar support.

[0053] In some embodiments, the at least one back support may be of a height to engage with the shoulders of an occupant.

[0054] In other embodiments, the adapter may include more than one back support for supporting different regions of an occupant's back.

[0055] For example, in some such embodiments the adapter may include a lower back support and an upperback support.

[0056] In other such embodiments, the adapter may include a lower back support, a middle back support and an upper back support.

[0057] As indicated, the adapter preferably further includes at least one head support configured to be mounted on an upper portion of the backrest of the chair to, in use, support the head of the occupant.

[0058] The head support body may be of any suitable shape to rest against the backrest of the chair and provide head support to an occupant.

[0059] The head support body may include a pair of opposed surfaces. The pair of opposed surfaces may include a rear surface configured to rest against the backrest of the chair and an opposed front surface against which an occupant's head may rest.

[0060] The opposed surfaces may be interconnected by opposing edges. The opposing edges may include an upper edge, an opposed lower edge located adjacent or in proximity to the back support and opposed side edges extending therebetween.

[0061] In some embodiments, the outer surface may be substantially flat.

[0062] In other embodiments, the outer surface may include one or more contours configured to complement an occupant's head.

[0063] As indicated, the at least one head support includes at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending forward from the opposed side edges of the at least one head support, preferably to partially enclose an occupant's head resting thereon. The at least one central portion and the winged outer edges may be of unitary or separate construction, preferably unitary.

[0064] Each winged outer edge may extend at least partially along a side edge of the at least one head support, preferably entirely along. Likewise, each winged outer edge may extend in a linear or curvilinear direction along each side edge, preferably curvilinear.

[0065] In some embodiments, each winged outer edge may extend forward a constant distance from the side edge of the head support.

[0066] In other embodiments, each winged outer edge may define a gradient extending along the side edge of the head support. Preferably, each winged outer edge may taper from the upper edge to the lower edge so as to not interfere with an occupant's shoulders.

[0067] In some embodiments, the at least one central portion may be padded.

[0068] In some such embodiments, the head support may include a cushion located atop the at least one central portion. The cushion may be of unitary or separate construction with the at least one central portion.

[0069] If of separate construction, the cushion may be configured to be releasably fastened against the at least one central portion with one or more mechanical fasteners, such as, e.g., hook-and-loop type fasteners.

[0070] The base, the at least one back support and/or the at least one head support may be mounted to the chair in any suitable way, preferably releasably.

[0071] For example, in some embodiments, the various components may be fastened to the chair with one or more fasteners, such as, e.g., one or more mechanical fasteners and/or one or more or chemical fasteners.

[0072] In some such embodiments, the one or more mechanical fasteners may include a clip or clamp extending from a lower surface of the base or the rear surface of the at least one back support or head support and configured to clip or clamp to part of the chair.

[0073] In other such embodiments, the one or more mechanical fasteners may include a threaded fastener or the like configured to extend through an opening defined in the base, the back support and/or the head support and respectively fasten the base, the back support and/or the head support to the chair.

[0074] In some such embodiments, the one or more chemical fasteners may include a wet adhesive, a dry adhesive and/or double-sided adhesive tape extending between the rear surface of the back support and/or the head support and the chair and the lower surface of the base and the chair.

[0075] In other embodiments, the base and the back support may be mounted to the chair by a connecting mechanism or part thereof. The connecting mechanism or parts thereof may or may not be of integral formation with the base, the back support and/or the head support and the chair.

[0076] In some such embodiments, the connecting mechanism may include a first part associated with a rear surface of the back support and/or the head support and/or the lower surface of the base and a second part connectable to the first past and associated with the chair.

[0077] The connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female portions that couple together, such as, e.g., a threaded connection, an interference (snap-fit) type connection, a bayonet-type connection or a hook-and-loop type connection.

[0078] In some such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the lower surface of the base and the rear surface of the back support and/or the head support may include a male formation configured to be inserted into or coupled with a respective female formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism associated with corresponding parts or portions of the chair.

[0079] Conversely, in other such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the base, the back support and/or the head support may include a female formation configured to at least partially receive or be coupled with a male formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism associated with the corresponding parts or portions of the chair.

[0080] In further embodiments, the base, the back support and/or the head support may each be mounted to the chair with at least one fastener including a loop, strap or band.

[0081] In some such embodiments, the loop, strap or fastener may extend from each of the base, the back support and/or the head support and be configured to be at least partially wound or wrapped around or about the seat of the chair and the backrest of the chair, respectively.

[0082] The loop, strap or band may each extend from the base, the back support and/or the head support to a free end, preferably from a side edge to the free end.

[0083] The loop, strap or band may be of any suitable length extending from the side edge to the free end to extend around the seat or backrest of the chair and be secured in place. For example, the loop, strap or band may have a length of between about 100mm and about 750mm, preferably about 300mm and about 600mm.

[0084] When extended around or about the seat or backrest of the chair, the loop, strap or band may be secured in place by a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be operatively associated with the loop, strap or band in any suitable way.

[0085] In some embodiments, the securing mechanism may include buckle or clasp operatively associated with a proximal end of the loop, strap or band or opposite side edge of the base, back support and/or head support and configured to secure the free end of the loop, strap or band, preferably releasably.

[0086] Conversely in other embodiments, the securing mechanism in the form of a buckle or clasp may be operatively associated with the free end of the loop, strap or band and configured to secure the free end to a remainder of the loop, strap or band, preferably releasably.

[0087] For example, in some such embodiments, the loop, strap or band may include one or more openings extending in a spaced arrangement at least partially along a length of the loop, strap or band, and a prong or male formation of the buckle or clasp may be configured to be selectively inserted into one of the openings to secure the loop, strap or band in place.

[0088] In other embodiments, the securing mechanism may be in the form a hook and loop fastening system including at least one hook fastener portion and at least one loop fastener portion configured to be releasably fastened together.

[0089] The hook and loop fastening system may include one of a hook fastener portion and a loop fastener portion associated with one side of the loop, strap or band and the other of the hook fastener portion and the loop fastener portion associated with an opposite side of the loop, strap or band.

[0090] In some such embodiments, the respective portions may extend at least partially along a length of each side of the loop, strap or band, preferably extending entirely along the length of each side.

[0091] In other such embodiments, each side of the loop, strap or band may include more than one respective discrete fastener portion, preferably arranged in a spaced arrangement along the length of the side of the loop, strap or band.

[0092] In use, the loop, strap or band may be wound or wrapped around or about the seat or backrest of the chair and secured in place through engagement of the at least one hook fastener portion and the at least one loop fastener portion provided on opposed sides of the loop, strap or band.

[0093] In other such embodiments, each of the base, the back support and/or the head support may include at least one pair of opposed loops, straps or bands extending from opposite side edges and configured to at least partially extend around or about the seat or backrest of the chair and be fastened together, preferably releasably.

[0094] The pairs of opposed loops, straps or bands may be fastened together by a securing mechanism as previously described, preferably a hook and loop fastening system. Preferably, one of each pair of opposed loops, straps or bands may include at least one hook fastener portion defined thereon and the other of the pair of opposed loops, straps or bands may include at least one loop fastener portion defined thereon.

[0095] In some embodiments, the loops, straps or bands may include an adjuster for adjusting a length of the loop, strap or band.

[0096] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of adapting a chair to be a bucket seat, said method including: mounting a base atop a seat of the chair, said base including at least one central portion and winged out edges extending upwardly from opposed side edges of the base; and mounting at least one back support on a backrest of the chair to, in use, engage with at least a lower back of an occupant, said at least one back support including at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending forward from opposed side edges of the at least one back support.

[0097] The method may include one or more features or characteristics of the adapter as hereinbefore described.

[0098] The method may preferably further include mounting at least one head support on an upper portion of the backrest of the chair to, in use, support a head of an occupant, said at least one head support including at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending forward from opposed side edges of the at least one back support.

[0099] The mounting may include extending one or more loops, straps or bands around or about the seat or backrest of the chair and fastening the one or more loops, straps or bands relative thereto to mount the base, the back support and/or the head support to the chair.

[00100] In preferred embodiments, the mounting may include extending a pair of opposed loops, straps or bands at least partially about or around the seat or the backrest of the chair and fastening the opposed loops, straps or bands relative to each other to mount the base, the back support and/or the head support to the chair. Each pair of loops, straps or bands are preferably fastened together by a hook and loop fastening system.

[00101] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[00102] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00103] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[00104] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00105] Figure 1 shows an adapter (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention for adapting a chair into a bucket seat, especially for use with a racing simulator.

[00106] Referring to Figure 1, the adapter includes a base (110) configured to be mounted atop a seat of a chair. The base (110) includes a central portion (112) and winged outer edges

(114) extending upwardly from opposed side edges (145) of the base (110).

[00107] The adapter (100) includes a back support (120) configured to be mounted on a backrest of the chair to, in use, engage with a lower back of an occupant and provide lumbar support. The back support (120) also includes a central portion (122) and winged outer edges (124) extending forward from opposed side edges (155) of the back support (120).

[00108] The adapter (100) further includes a head support (130) configured to be mounted on an upper portion of the backrest of the chair for, in use, supporting a head of the occupant. Like the base (110) and the back support (120), the head support (130) includes a central portion (132) and winged outer edges (134) extending forward from opposed side edges (165) of the head support (130).

[00109] The adapter (100) is for use with any chair having a seat atop of which an occupant may sit, one or more legs extending downward from the seat for supporting the seat above a support surface and a backrest extending upwardly from the seat for supporting a back of an occupant when seated in the chair.

[00110] As shown, the base (110), the back support (120) and the head support (130) are each of separate construction.

[00111] Each includes a body defining a shape of the respective part of the adapter (100).

[00112] The base (110) includes a base body (140).

[00113] The back support (120) includes a back support body (150).

[00114] The head support (130) includes a head support body (160).

[00115] Each body (140, 150, 160) is of solid construction formed from a closed cell, high density foam, such as, e.g., a polyurethane foam.

[00116] Further, the adapter (100) further includes a cover (170) for covering each respective body (140, 150, 160). The cover (170) is formed from a durable, breathable fabric, such as, e.g., vinyl.

[00117] The base body (140) is of a rectangular shape to rest atop a seat of a chair.

[00118] The base (110) includes a pair of opposed surfaces. The opposed surfaces include a lower surface (142) configured to rest atop the seat of the chair and an opposed upper surface (144) atop of which an occupant sits.

[00119] The opposed surfaces are interconnected by opposing edges. The opposing edges include a front edge (146) corresponding to a front of the chair, an opposed rear edge (148) and opposed side edges (145) extending therebetween.

[00120] As shown, the upper surface (144) is substantially flat.

[00121] The winged outer edges (114) extend upwardly from the opposed side edges (145) of the base (110). The central portion (112) and the winged outer edges (114) are unitary construction.

[00122] Each winged outer edge (114) extends entirely along the side edge (145) of the base (110) in a linear direction tapering in height from the front edge (146) to the opposed rear edge (148).

[00123] The central portion (112) is padded.

[00124] The back support (120) has a substantially rectangular shape for resting against a backrest of the chair and providing lumbar support to an occupant.

[00125] The back support (150) includes a pair of opposed surfaces. The opposed surfaces include a rear surface (152) configured to rest against the backrest of the chair and an opposed front surface (154) against which an occupant rests.

[00126] The opposed surfaces are interconnected by opposing edges. The opposing edges include an upper edge (156), an opposed lower edge (158) located adjacent or in proximity to the base (110) and opposed side edges (155) extending therebetween.

[00127] The front surface (154) includes one or more contours defined thereon and configured to complement an occupant's back to define the lumbar support.

[00128] Again, the winged outer edges (124) extend forward from the opposed side edges (155) of the back support (120) to partially enclose an occupant resting thereon. The central portion (122) and the winged outer edges (124) are of unitary construction.

[00129] Each winged outer edge (124) extends entirely along a side edge (155) of the back support (120). Likewise, each winged outer edge (124) extends in a curvilinear direction along each side edge (155) to taper from the lower edge (158) to the upper edge (156) so as to not interfere with an occupant's shoulders.

[00130] The central portion (122) is padded.

[00131] Like the back support (120), the head support (130) has a substantially rectangular shape for resting against an upper portion of a backrest of a chair and providing support to an occupant's head.

[00132] The head support (130) include a pair of opposed surfaces. The opposed surfaces include a rear surface (162) configured to rest against the backrest of the chair and an opposed front surface (164) against which an occupant's head rests.

[00133] The opposed surfaces are interconnected by opposing edges. The opposing edges include an upper edge (166), an opposed lower edge (168) located adjacent or in proximity to the back support (120) and opposed side edges (165) extending therebetween.

[00134] Again, the winged outer edges (134) extending forward from the opposed side edges (165) of the head support (130) to partially enclose an occupant's head resting thereon. The central portion (132) and the winged outer edges (134) are of unitary construction.

[00135] Each winged outer edge (134) extend entirely along a side edge (165) of the head support (130) in a curvilinear direction tapering from the upper edge (166) to the lower edge (168) so as to not interfere with an occupant's shoulders.

[00136] The central portion (132) is padded.

[00137] Each of the base (110), the back support (120) and the head support (130) are releasably mounted to the chair by at least one pair of opposed straps (180) extending from the respective side edges (145, 155, 165) and configured to extend at least partially around or about the seat or backrest of the chair and be fastened together.

[00138] Each pair of opposed straps (180) are configured to be fastened together by a hook and loop fastening system. One of each pair of opposed straps (180) includes at least one hook fastener portion defined thereon and the other of the pair of opposed straps (180) includes at least one loop fastener portion defined thereon.

[00139] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises'and 'comprise'include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00140] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00141] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. An adapter for adapting a chair into a bucket seat, said adapter including: a base configured to be mounted atop a seat of the chair, said base including at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending upwardly from opposed side edges of the base;and at least one back support configured to be mounted on a backrest of the chair to, in use, engage with at least a lower back of an occupant, said at least one back support including at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending forward from opposed side edges ofthe atleast one back support.

2. The adapter of claim 1, further including at least one head support configured to be mounted on an upper portion of the backrest of the chair for, in use, supporting a head of the occupant, said at least one head support including at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending forward from opposed side edges of the at least one head support.

3. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the at least one back support extends along a height of the backrest of the chair and includes at least one head support for supporting a head of the occupant.

4. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base and the at least one back support are releasably mounted to the chair.

5. A method of adapting a chair to be a bucket seat, said method including: mounting a base atop a seat of the chair, said base including at least one central portion and winged out edges extending upwardly from opposed side edges of the base; and mounting at least one back support on a backrest of the chair to, in use, engage with at least a lower back of an occupant, said at least one back support including at least one central portion and winged outer edges extending forward from opposed side edges of the at least one back support.

Date: 25 August 2021