US20220105839A1 - Vehicle seat convertible into utility platform - Google Patents
Vehicle seat convertible into utility platform Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220105839A1 US20220105839A1 US17/062,390 US202017062390A US2022105839A1 US 20220105839 A1 US20220105839 A1 US 20220105839A1 US 202017062390 A US202017062390 A US 202017062390A US 2022105839 A1 US2022105839 A1 US 2022105839A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- seat
- seat cushion
- configuration
- platform configuration
- cushion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/32—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles convertible for other use
- B60N2/36—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles convertible for other use into a loading platform
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/80—Head-rests
- B60N2/882—Head-rests detachable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
- B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
- B60R16/03—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems or for
Definitions
- the various aspects and embodiments described herein relate to apparatus for providing an automotive vehicle seat removable and convertible into a platform, such as a table, a desk, a workbench, and/or a sawhorse.
- Automotive vehicles may be driven to perform various activities, including camping, off-roading, tailgating, and exercising. Performing such activities may involve parking a vehicle and setting up an environment to prepare for those activities. For example, camping may warrant one to set up a cooking, eating, chopping, or placement surface. Off-roading or working on the vehicle may create a need to place tools on a flat surface in an organized fashion or perform work on small vehicle parts on the spot. Additionally, performing such activities may require a convenient power outlet to operate electrical tools. Using a surface either on the exterior or in the interior of the vehicle to perform such activities may damage the vehicle and provide to be inconvenient due to uneven and tight working spaces.
- Transporting a portable table or a workbench may take up unwanted cargo space and may cause unwanted movement inside the vehicle, contributing to buzz, squeak, and rattle (“BSR”) as well as cosmetic damage to the vehicle. Further, such portable tables may not have a power source or a power outlet compatible to draw power from the vehicle. As such, there is a need for improved an improved utility platform.
- a removable vehicle seat convertible from a seat configuration into a utility or work platform configuration is disclosed herein.
- the seat in the utility platform configuration may be a table, desk, workbench, or sawhorse.
- the seat In the platform configuration, the seat may be used as a platform to place, organize, and work on various items.
- the seat may have designated locations on it to place or hang certain items.
- the seat may have a power source and a power outlet to connect and operate electrical tools.
- a removable vehicle seat convertible from a seat configuration into a platform configuration.
- the seat may include a seat cushion.
- the seat cushion may have a front end and a back end.
- the seat may be removably engaged with a floor of an interior of the vehicle in the seat configuration.
- the front end may be positioned on a ground surface at a non-parallel direction to the ground surface in the platform configuration.
- the seat may have a seat back.
- the seat back may have a top end, a bottom end, and a rear surface.
- the seat back may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion.
- the bottom end may be oriented towards the back end.
- the rear surface may be usable as a load-bearing utility surface in the platform configuration.
- the seat cushion may support the seat back from the bottom end in the platform configuration.
- the seat may include a headrest removably attached to the top end.
- the headrest may be engaged with a bumper or tailgate of the vehicle.
- the bumper or the tailgate may support the seat back from the top end in the platform configuration.
- the headrest may have a head resting portion and a mounting portion.
- the mounting portion may comprise at least one pin.
- the pin may have a first end and a second end. The first end may be removably inserted into at least one hole in the head resting portion in the seat configuration. The second end may be removably inserted into at least one hole in the top end in the seat configuration.
- the at least one pin may be detached from the head resting portion and attached to at least one receiving hole in the bumper or the tailgate of the vehicle in the platform configuration.
- the seat may have a compartment located in the seat back or the seat cushion or a fastener on the seat back or the seat cushion to store the detached head resting portion of the headrest in the platform configuration.
- the seat may have at least one mounting fixture on the seat back to mount at least one item in the seat configuration or the platform configuration.
- the seat may have a power source and a power outlet in electrical communication with the power source for electronically connecting one or more electronic devices.
- the seat may have at least one locking member.
- the locking member may have a first end and a second end.
- the locking member may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion or the seat back from one of the first and second ends.
- the at least one locking member may be lockingly engageable with the other of the seat cushion or the seat back from the other of the first and second ends to lock the seat cushion and the seat back in place relative to each other in the platform configuration.
- the at least one locking member may be an armrest.
- the headrest may be engaged with a cavity shaped and sized to receive the headrest.
- the cavity may be located on the bumper or the tailgate in the platform configuration.
- the rear surface of the seat back may have a depression shaped and sized to receive a portable cooler, cooking equipment, or an electronic device.
- a removable vehicle seat convertible from a seat configuration into a platform configuration.
- the seat may have a seat cushion.
- the seat cushion may have a front end, a back end, and a bottom surface.
- the seat cushion may be removably engaged with a floor of an interior of the vehicle in the seat configuration.
- the bottom surface may be usable as a load-bearing utility surface in the platform configuration.
- the seat may have a seat back.
- the seat back may have a top end and a bottom end.
- the seat back may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion.
- the bottom end may be oriented towards the back end.
- the top end may be positioned on a ground surface at a non-parallel direction to the ground surface in the platform configuration to support the seat cushion from the back end.
- the seat may have a headrest removably attached to the top end with at least one pin.
- the at least one pin may have a first end and a second end.
- the first end may be removably inserted into at least one hole in the headrest in the seat configuration.
- the second end may be removably inserted into at least one hole in the top end in the seat configuration.
- One of the first and second ends may be removably inserted into at least one hole in a bumper or a tailgate of the vehicle in the platform configuration to support the seat cushion from the front end.
- the seat may have a compartment located in the seat back or the seat cushion or a fastener on the seat back or the seat cushion to store the detached head resting portion of the headrest in the platform configuration.
- the seat may have at least one mounting fixture on the seat back to mount at least one item in the seat configuration or the platform configuration.
- the seat may have a power source and a power outlet in electrical communication with the power source for electronically connecting one or more electronic devices.
- the rear surface of the seat back may have a depression shaped and sized to receive a portable cooler, cooking equipment, or an electronic device.
- the seat may have at least one locking member.
- the locking member may have a first end and a second end.
- the locking member may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion or the seat back from one of the first and second ends.
- the at least one locking member may be lockingly engageable with the other of the seat cushion or the seat back from the other of the first and second ends to lock the seat cushion and the seat back in place relative to each other in the platform configuration.
- the at least one locking member may be an armrest.
- a removable vehicle seat convertible from a seat configuration into a platform configuration.
- the seat may have a seat cushion.
- the seat cushion may have a back end.
- the seat cushion may be removably engage with a floor of an interior of the vehicle in the seat configuration.
- the seat may have a seat back.
- the seat back may have a top end and a bottom end.
- the seat back may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion.
- the bottom end may be oriented towards the back end.
- the seat back may form a V-shape with the seat cushion in the platform configuration.
- the V-shape may be upside down relative to a ground surface in the platform configuration.
- the seat back and the seat cushion may define a first leg of the platform in the platform configuration.
- the seat may have a board.
- the board may be supported by the first leg on one side and by a second leg on another side.
- the second leg may be defined by a bumper or a tailgate of the vehicle.
- the seat may have at least one mounting fixture on the seat back or the seat cushion to mount at least one item in the seat configuration or the platform configuration.
- the seat may have a power source and a power outlet in electrical communication with the power source for electronically connecting one or more electronic devices.
- the seat may have at least one locking member.
- the locking member may have a first end and a second end.
- the locking member may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion or the seat back from one of the first and second ends.
- the at least one locking member may be lockingly engageable with the other of the seat cushion or the seat back from the other of the first and second ends to lock the seat cushion and the seat back in place relative to each other in the platform configuration.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle according to an aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an interior of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 having a removable seat according to an aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 3A illustrates the removable seat shown in FIG. 2 in a platform configuration according to an aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the removable seat shown in FIG. 3A according to an aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 4A illustrates the removable seat shown in FIG. 2 in a platform configuration according to an aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the removable seat shown in FIG. 4A according to an aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 5A illustrates the removable seat shown in FIG. 2 in a platform configuration according to an aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of the removable seat shown in FIG. 5A according to an aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 6 illustrates the removable seat shown in FIG. 2 in a platform configuration according to an aspect of the invention.
- a vehicle 100 is shown in the FIGS. with a removable seat or removable seats 102 convertible from a seat configuration to a platform configuration.
- the seat 102 in platform configuration may be a table, a desk, a workbench and/or a sawhorse.
- the seat 102 may be removed from an interior 108 of the vehicle 100 and placed on the ground 110 next to the vehicle 100 .
- a cushion 112 of the seat 102 may be positioned approximately perpendicular to the ground 110 and a back 114 of the seat 102 may be positioned approximately parallel to the ground 110 .
- a rear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may advantageously define a working surface or a load-bearing utility surface.
- the seat cushion 112 may be a first support leg of the rear surface 113 .
- a bumper 120 or a tailgate 122 of the vehicle 100 may be a second support leg of the rear surface 113 .
- the seat 102 may include a power source and an outlet 104 to power or charge electrical and electronic devices.
- the seat 102 may include one or more mounting fixtures 132 to secure and organize various tools and items on the seat 102 .
- the seat back 114 may advantageously have a depression 107 having the shape of a base of a cooler 105 or a cooking equipment (e.g., portable stove, grill, oven, etc.) to help place and secure them onto the rear surface 113 .
- the seat 102 in initiating the conversion process, may be removed from the interior 108 of the vehicle 100 and set on the ground surface 110 in close proximity to the vehicle 100 . In this position, a front end 123 of the seat cushion 112 may be positioned on the ground 110 at a non-parallel direction the ground 110 .
- a headrest 116 removably attached to a top end 168 of the seat back 114 may be engaged with a bumper 120 or a tailgate 122 of the vehicle 100 to support the seat back 114 from the top end 168 .
- the seat back 114 attached to and supported by the seat cushion 112 from a bottom end 128 of the seat back 114 may be used as a load-bearing utility surface.
- the seat 102 in initiating the conversion process, may be removed from the interior 108 of the vehicle 100 and set on the ground surface 110 in close proximity to the vehicle 100 .
- the top end 168 of the seat back 114 may be positioned on the ground 110 at a non-parallel direction to the ground 110 .
- a headrest 116 removably attached to the top end 168 with at least one pin 117 may be removably inserted into at least one hole 119 in the bumper 120 or the tailgate 122 of the vehicle 100 once the headrest 116 is removed.
- the bumper 120 or the tailgate 122 may support the seat cushion 112 from the front end 123 .
- the seat cushion 112 attached to and supported by the seat back 114 from a back end 124 of the seat cushion 112 may be used as a load-bearing utility surface.
- the seat 102 in initiating the conversion process, may be removed from the interior 108 of the vehicle 100 and set on the ground 110 in close proximity to the vehicle 100 .
- the seat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may form a V-shape with each other, the V-shape being upside down relative to the ground 110 .
- the seat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may collectively define a first support leg and the bumper 120 or the tailgate 122 may define a second support leg of a board 154 .
- the board 154 may be used as a load-bearing utility surface.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the vehicle 100 having the removable and convertible seat 102 (see FIGS. 2-6 ).
- the vehicle 100 is a conveyance capable of transporting a person, an object, or a permanently or temporarily affixed apparatus.
- the vehicle 100 may have an automatic or manual transmission.
- the vehicle 100 may be a self-propelled wheeled conveyance, such as a car, an SUV, a truck, a bus, a van or other motor or battery driven vehicle.
- the vehicle 100 may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, or any other type of vehicle that includes a motor/generator.
- the FIGS. depict an SUV by example.
- the vehicle 100 may have a bumper or bumpers 120 or a tailgate 122 that the seat 102 may be attached or positioned in relation to.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the interior 108 of the vehicle 100 having the removable seats 102 .
- the seats 102 may be a third row of seats, such as the seats 102 in FIG. 2 .
- the seats 102 may be in any other row of seats.
- the seats 102 may be next to seats 130 .
- the removable seats 102 may be attached to the floor 126 of the interior 108 with a fastener.
- the fastener may be a latch.
- the latch or any other fastener used in attaching the seats 102 may be designed to engage and disengage quickly, frequently, and with relative ease compared to the seats 130 , which may not be designed to be removed and reinstalled often (e.g., including many hard-to-reach screws).
- the seats 102 may not be power seats that are electrically connected to a battery and seat adjustment system of the vehicle 100 . This may reduce removal and reinstallation times as well as complexity of the removal and reinstallation processes of the seats 102 .
- the seat 102 may have the external appearance of a conventional vehicle seat and function like one in the seat configuration.
- the removable seats 102 and the seats 130 may have the same shape and size.
- the removable seats 102 may be shaped or sized differently than the seats 130 .
- FIG. 3A illustrates the removable seat 102 removed from the vehicle 100 and positioned on the ground 110 and the headrest 116 resting on the rear bumper 120 in a platform configuration.
- the headrest 116 may rest on the tailgate 122 or a trunk 136 (see FIG. 2 ) of the vehicle 100 .
- the resting surface 118 may be a cavity shaped and sized to receive the headrest 116 .
- the seat cushion 112 may be positioned at a non-parallel direction the ground 110 such that its front end 123 is on the ground 110 .
- the seat cushion 112 may form a straight angle with the ground 110 as shown.
- the seat back 114 may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion 112 .
- the seat 102 may be anchored to the ground 110 .
- stakes may be used to anchor the seat 102 to the ground 110 from the seat cushion 112 or the seat back 114 .
- a pivot joint 140 may go through the bottom end 128 of the seat back 114 and the back end 124 of the seat cushion 112 .
- the seat back 114 may recline (i.e., pivot away from the seat cushion 112 ) or fold in (i.e., pivot towards the seat cushion 112 ).
- the rear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may be parallel to the ground 110 .
- the rear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may be leveled with a horizontal plane. For example, a level may be built into or onto the seat back 114 to assist with leveling.
- the angle of the seat cushion 112 with respect to the ground 110 may be adjusted to level the rear surface 113 . Once such an angle is formed, the seat back 114 may be locked into place relative to the seat cushion 112 .
- the locking may be achieved via a locking member or members 142 .
- the locking members 142 may be arms. The arms 142 may stop movement of the seat back 114 relative to the seat cushion 112 or vice versa.
- the arms 142 may be pivotally attached to the seat back 114 from a first end 144 and removably engaged with the seat cushion 112 from a second end 146 as shown in FIG. 3A .
- the second end 146 may have a hole that can receive a pin attached to the seat cushion 112 .
- the arms 142 may be tucked back when not in use.
- the arms 142 may be detached from the seat 102 and stored away.
- the arms 142 may be armrests in the seat configuration.
- the arms 142 may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion 112 from the first end 144 and removably engaged with the seat back 114 from the second end 146 .
- the arms 142 may be on one side of the seat 102 or on both sides as shown in FIG. 3B .
- the seat 102 may be used as a table by example.
- FIG. 3A shows the seat 102 as a table to set a cooler 105 down, which may be useful in outdoor activities, including camping and tailgating.
- the rear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may advantageously have a depression 107 having the shape of a base of the cooler 105 to help place and secure the cooler 105 onto the rear surface 113 as shown.
- the depression 107 can function as a dock for cooking equipment (e.g., portable stove, grill, oven, etc.).
- the rear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may be made from a durable and abrasion resistant material (e.g., rubber, ballistic nylon, Rhino liner coating, etc.).
- the seat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may be otherwise made from fabric or leather.
- the seat 102 may have at least one mounting fixture 132 to mount and organize tools and items.
- the mounting fixture 132 may be on the rear surface 113 of the seat back 114 as shown in FIG. 3A .
- the mounting fixture 132 may be on the headrest 116 or on the seat cushion 112 .
- the mounting fixture 132 may be functional in both the platform and the seat configurations.
- the mounting fixture 132 may be a hook, ring, band, string, or another structure that can hold an object in place against gravity.
- the user may mount keys on the mounting fixture 132 as shown in FIG. 3B or a cellular phone, a speaker, a cable, a spatula, a utensils, or any other device, tool, or item that may be used in an outdoor activity or while working on the vehicle 100 .
- the seat 102 may include a power outlet 104 to plug in electronic or electrical devices.
- the power outlet 104 may be located on the seat back 114 as shown in FIG. 3A .
- the power outlet 104 may be located on the seat cushion 112 .
- the power outlet 104 may be in electrical communication with a power source.
- the power source may be inside or attached to the seat 102 .
- the power outlet 104 may also draw power from a battery of the vehicle 100 .
- the power source may be rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, a solar panel, or a power generator.
- the power outlet 104 may be located on the headrest 116 .
- the headrest 116 may have a power source, such as a battery, that can be recharged away from the seat 102 (e.g., inside the vehicle, at home, at garage, etc.) by detaching the headrest 116 from the seat 102 .
- the power outlet 104 may be a conventional AC power outlet or a type of universal serial bus (“USB”) connector.
- FIG. 4A illustrates the removable seat 102 removed from the vehicle 100 and positioned on the ground 110 and one or more pins 117 of the headrest 116 being disconnected from the headrest 116 and connected to the rear bumper 120 in a platform configuration.
- the one or more pins 117 may be connected to the tailgate 122 or a trunk 136 (see FIG. 2 ) of the vehicle 100 .
- Each of the pins 117 may be received by a hole 119 .
- the pins 117 may be lockingly engageable with the holes 119 .
- each of the pins 117 may have a recess that engage with a tab that may be pushed up and down with a spring inside the hole 119 .
- the pins 117 may retract inside the seat back 114 from the top end 168 when a headrest 116 is not desired in the seat configuration.
- the headrest 116 may be stored in a storage compartment 134 shaped and sized to receive the headrest 116 .
- the storage compartment 134 may be located in the seat cushion 112 or the seat back 114 .
- the storage compartment 134 may be accessible from the bottom surface 164 of the seat cushion 112 as shown.
- the storage compartment 134 may be accessible from the rear surface 113 of the seat back 114 .
- the seat 102 may include a fastener 138 , for example an elastic band, to secure the headrest 116 to the seat 102 when the headrest 116 is being stored.
- the pins 117 may have an adjustable length.
- the user may change the proximity of the seat 102 to the vehicle 100 with the adjustable length of the pins 117 .
- the pins 117 may have attachable segments or telescoping bodies.
- the pins 117 may be replaced with rods to increase the distance between the seat 102 and the vehicle 100 further.
- the seat cushion 112 may be positioned at a non-parallel direction the ground 110 such that its front end 123 is on the ground 110 .
- the seat cushion 112 may form a straight angle with the ground 110 as shown.
- the seat back 114 may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion 112 .
- a pivot joint 140 may go through the bottom end 128 of the seat back 114 and the back end 124 of the seat cushion 112 .
- the seat back 114 may recline (i.e., pivot away from the seat cushion 112 ) or fold in (i.e., pivot towards the seat cushion 112 ).
- the rear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may be parallel to the ground 110 .
- the rear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may be leveled with a horizontal plane. For example, a level may be built into or onto the seat back 114 to assist with leveling.
- the angle of the seat cushion 112 with respect to the ground 110 may be adjusted to level the rear surface 113 . Once such an angle is formed, the seat back 114 may be locked into place relative to the seat cushion 112 .
- the seat 102 may be used as a table, a workbench, or a sawhorse by example.
- the rear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may be made from a durable and abrasion resistant material (e.g., rubber, ballistic nylon, Rhino liner coating, etc.).
- the seat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may be otherwise made from fabric or leather.
- FIGS. 4A, 4B show a plurality of mounting fixtures 132 being used to mount and organize tools and items.
- the mounting fixtures 132 may be on the rear surface 113 of the seat back 114 .
- FIG. 4B shows a tablet and a cellular phone both engaged with mounting fixtures 132 that serve as charging docks.
- the seat 102 may include a power outlet 104 to plug in electronic or electrical devices using a power cord.
- the devices may be held by the mounting fixtures 132 as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B .
- the power outlet 104 may be located on the seat back 114 .
- FIG. 5A illustrates the removable seat 102 removed from the vehicle 100 and positioned on the ground 110 and one or more pins 117 connecting the seat back 114 to the headrest 116 in the seat configuration instead connecting the seat cushion 112 to the rear bumper 120 in a platform configuration.
- a first end 170 of each of the pins 117 may be disconnected from holes 148 in the top end 168 of the seat back 114 and a second end 172 of each of the pins 117 may be disconnected from the headrest 116 from holes 149 in the headrest 116 .
- the first end 170 of the pins 117 may each be inserted into holes 150 in the front end 123 of the seat cushion 112 .
- the second end 172 of the pins 117 may each be inserted into holes 119 in the rear bumper 120 .
- the second end 172 of the pins 117 may be connected to the tailgate 122 or a trunk 136 (see FIG. 2 ) of the vehicle 100 .
- the first end 170 and the second end 172 of the pins 117 may be interchangeable.
- the pins 117 may be lockingly engageable with the holes 119 , 148 , 149 , 150 .
- each of the pins 117 may have a recess that engage with a tab that may be pushed up and down with a spring inside the holes 119 , 148 , 149 , 150 .
- the holes 119 , 148 , 149 , 150 may be covered with plugs when not being used.
- the pins 117 may retract inside the seat back 114 from the top end 168 into the holes 148 when a headrest 116 is not desired in the seat configuration.
- the headrest 116 may be stored in a storage compartment 134 shaped and sized to receive the headrest 116 .
- the storage compartment 134 may be located in the seat cushion 112 or the seat back 114 .
- the storage compartment 134 may be accessible from the bottom surface 164 of the seat cushion 112 as shown.
- the storage compartment 134 may have a cover 165 that sits flush with the bottom surface 164 as shown in FIG. 5B .
- the storage compartment 134 may be accessible from the rear surface 113 of the seat back 114 .
- the pins 117 may have an adjustable length. The user may change the proximity of the seat 102 to the vehicle 100 with the adjustable length of the pins 117 .
- the pins 117 may have attachable segments or telescoping bodies.
- the pins 117 may be replaced with rods to increase the distance between the seat 102 and the vehicle 100 further.
- the seat back 114 may be positioned at a non-parallel direction the ground 110 such that its top end 168 is on the ground 110 .
- the seat back 114 may form a straight angle with the ground 110 as shown.
- the seat cushion 112 may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion 112 .
- a pivot joint 140 may go through the bottom end 128 of the seat back 114 and the back end 124 of the seat cushion 112 .
- the seat back 114 may recline (i.e., pivot away from the seat cushion 112 ) or fold in (i.e., pivot towards the seat cushion 112 ).
- the bottom surface 164 of the seat cushion 112 may be parallel to the ground 110 .
- the bottom surface 164 of the seat cushion 112 may be leveled with a horizontal plane. For example, a level may be built into or onto the seat cushion 112 to assist with leveling.
- the angle of the seat back 114 with respect to the ground 110 may be adjusted to level the bottom surface 164 . Once such an angle is formed, the seat cushion 112 may be locked into place relative to the seat back 114 .
- the seat 102 may be used as a table by example.
- the bottom surface 164 of the seat cushion 112 may have a groove 106 having the shape of a base of an item, which may include a laptop and cooking equipment (e.g., portable stove, grill, oven, etc.).
- the groove 106 may help place and secure the item onto the bottom surface 164 .
- the bottom surface 164 of the seat cushion 112 may be made from a durable and abrasion resistant material (e.g., rubber, ballistic nylon, Rhino liner coating, etc.).
- the seat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may be otherwise made from fabric or leather.
- the seat 102 may include a power outlet 104 to plug in electronic or electrical devices.
- the power outlet 104 may be located on the seat cushion 112 as shown in FIG. 5A .
- FIG. 6 illustrates the seat 102 removed from the vehicle 100 and set on the ground 110 in front of the rear bumper 120 and the tailgate 122 where the seat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may form a V-shape with each other.
- the V-shape may be upside down relative to the ground 110 .
- the seat back 114 may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion 112 .
- a pivot joint 140 may go through the bottom end 128 of the seat back 114 and the back end 124 of the seat cushion 112 .
- the seat back 114 may recline (i.e., pivot away from the seat cushion 112 ) or fold in (i.e., pivot towards the seat cushion 112 ).
- the seat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may collectively define a first support leg, and the bumper 120 , tailgate 122 , or the trunk 136 may define a second support leg for a board 154 .
- the board 154 may be used as a working surface or a load-bearing utility surface.
- the board 154 may be parallel to the ground 110 . In some embodiments, the board 154 may be leveled with a horizontal plane. For example, a level may be built into or onto the board 154 to assist with leveling. The angle between the seat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may be adjusted to level the board 154 . Once such an angle is formed, the seat back 114 may be locked into place relative to the seat cushion 112 . In some embodiments, the headrest 116 may be removed such that the top end 168 of the seat back 114 is on the ground 110 . In such embodiments, the pins 117 (see FIG. 4A ) may be removed from the seat back 114 or retracted into the seat back 114 . Holes 148 (see FIG.
- the board 154 may sit on a flat resting surface 125 on the seat 102 .
- the resting surface 125 may be on the seat back 114 .
- the resting surface 125 may be on the seat cushion 112 or the intersection of the seat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 .
- the board 154 may be fastened to the seat 102 .
- clips, tiedown straps, and pins may be used to fasten the board 154 to the seat 102 .
- the seat 102 may be used as a table, a desk, a workbench and/or a sawhorse, for example.
- the board 154 may have a depression 107 having the shape of a base of an item, which may include a laptop and cooking equipment (e.g., portable stove, grill, oven, etc.). The depression 107 may help place and secure the item onto the board 154 .
- the board 154 may have a groove 106 (see FIGS. 5A, 5B ).
- the board 154 may be stored away in the vehicle 100 , for instance under a compartment in the trunk 136 (see FIG. 2 ).
- the board 154 may be reduced to a compact size and stored in or on the seat 102 .
- the board 154 may be attached to the bottom surface 164 of the seat cushion 112 .
- the board 154 may have detachable segments.
- the board 154 may fold up.
- the board 154 may rest on a resting surface 118 on the rear bumper 120 .
- the resting surface 118 may be a recess shaped and sized to receive the board 154 .
- the board 154 may be fastened to the resting surface 118 .
- clips, tiedown straps, and pins may be used to fasten the board 154 to the resting surface 118 .
- the board 154 may be made from metal, plastic, wood, mineral, or glass.
- the board 154 may be abrasion resistant.
- the seat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may be made from fabric or leather.
- the seat may include one or more mounting fixtures 132 .
- the mounting fixtures 132 may be on the bottom surface 164 of the seat cushion 112 .
- the seat 102 may include a power outlet 104 to plug in electronic or electrical devices. The devices may be held by the mounting fixtures 132 as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the power outlet 104 may be located on the seat cushion 112 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A removable vehicle seat convertible from a seat configuration into a platform configuration. In the seat configuration, the seat may include a cushion having a front end and a back end removably engaged with a floor of an interior of the vehicle. In the platform configuration, the front end may be positioned on the ground at a non-parallel direction to the ground. The seat may includer a back having a top end, a bottom end, and a rear surface pivotally attached to the cushion. The bottom end may be oriented towards the back end. The rear surface may be usable as a load-bearing utility surface. The cushion may support the back from the bottom end. The seat may include a headrest removably attached to the top end. The headrest may be engaged with a bumper or a tailgate of the vehicle and support the back from the top end.
Description
- The various aspects and embodiments described herein relate to apparatus for providing an automotive vehicle seat removable and convertible into a platform, such as a table, a desk, a workbench, and/or a sawhorse.
- Automotive vehicles may be driven to perform various activities, including camping, off-roading, tailgating, and exercising. Performing such activities may involve parking a vehicle and setting up an environment to prepare for those activities. For example, camping may warrant one to set up a cooking, eating, chopping, or placement surface. Off-roading or working on the vehicle may create a need to place tools on a flat surface in an organized fashion or perform work on small vehicle parts on the spot. Additionally, performing such activities may require a convenient power outlet to operate electrical tools. Using a surface either on the exterior or in the interior of the vehicle to perform such activities may damage the vehicle and provide to be inconvenient due to uneven and tight working spaces. Transporting a portable table or a workbench may take up unwanted cargo space and may cause unwanted movement inside the vehicle, contributing to buzz, squeak, and rattle (“BSR”) as well as cosmetic damage to the vehicle. Further, such portable tables may not have a power source or a power outlet compatible to draw power from the vehicle. As such, there is a need for improved an improved utility platform.
- A removable vehicle seat convertible from a seat configuration into a utility or work platform configuration is disclosed herein. The seat in the utility platform configuration may be a table, desk, workbench, or sawhorse. In the platform configuration, the seat may be used as a platform to place, organize, and work on various items. The seat may have designated locations on it to place or hang certain items. The seat may have a power source and a power outlet to connect and operate electrical tools.
- In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be a removable vehicle seat convertible from a seat configuration into a platform configuration. The seat may include a seat cushion. The seat cushion may have a front end and a back end. The seat may be removably engaged with a floor of an interior of the vehicle in the seat configuration. The front end may be positioned on a ground surface at a non-parallel direction to the ground surface in the platform configuration. The seat may have a seat back. The seat back may have a top end, a bottom end, and a rear surface. The seat back may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion. The bottom end may be oriented towards the back end. The rear surface may be usable as a load-bearing utility surface in the platform configuration. The seat cushion may support the seat back from the bottom end in the platform configuration. The seat may include a headrest removably attached to the top end. The headrest may be engaged with a bumper or tailgate of the vehicle. The bumper or the tailgate may support the seat back from the top end in the platform configuration.
- The headrest may have a head resting portion and a mounting portion. The mounting portion may comprise at least one pin. The pin may have a first end and a second end. The first end may be removably inserted into at least one hole in the head resting portion in the seat configuration. The second end may be removably inserted into at least one hole in the top end in the seat configuration. The at least one pin may be detached from the head resting portion and attached to at least one receiving hole in the bumper or the tailgate of the vehicle in the platform configuration.
- The seat may have a compartment located in the seat back or the seat cushion or a fastener on the seat back or the seat cushion to store the detached head resting portion of the headrest in the platform configuration. The seat may have at least one mounting fixture on the seat back to mount at least one item in the seat configuration or the platform configuration. The seat may have a power source and a power outlet in electrical communication with the power source for electronically connecting one or more electronic devices.
- The seat may have at least one locking member. The locking member may have a first end and a second end. The locking member may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion or the seat back from one of the first and second ends. The at least one locking member may be lockingly engageable with the other of the seat cushion or the seat back from the other of the first and second ends to lock the seat cushion and the seat back in place relative to each other in the platform configuration. The at least one locking member may be an armrest.
- The headrest may be engaged with a cavity shaped and sized to receive the headrest. The cavity may be located on the bumper or the tailgate in the platform configuration. The rear surface of the seat back may have a depression shaped and sized to receive a portable cooler, cooking equipment, or an electronic device.
- In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be a removable vehicle seat convertible from a seat configuration into a platform configuration. The seat may have a seat cushion. The seat cushion may have a front end, a back end, and a bottom surface. The seat cushion may be removably engaged with a floor of an interior of the vehicle in the seat configuration. The bottom surface may be usable as a load-bearing utility surface in the platform configuration. The seat may have a seat back. The seat back may have a top end and a bottom end. The seat back may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion. The bottom end may be oriented towards the back end. The top end may be positioned on a ground surface at a non-parallel direction to the ground surface in the platform configuration to support the seat cushion from the back end. The seat may have a headrest removably attached to the top end with at least one pin. The at least one pin may have a first end and a second end. The first end may be removably inserted into at least one hole in the headrest in the seat configuration. The second end may be removably inserted into at least one hole in the top end in the seat configuration. One of the first and second ends may be removably inserted into at least one hole in a bumper or a tailgate of the vehicle in the platform configuration to support the seat cushion from the front end.
- The seat may have a compartment located in the seat back or the seat cushion or a fastener on the seat back or the seat cushion to store the detached head resting portion of the headrest in the platform configuration. The seat may have at least one mounting fixture on the seat back to mount at least one item in the seat configuration or the platform configuration. The seat may have a power source and a power outlet in electrical communication with the power source for electronically connecting one or more electronic devices. The rear surface of the seat back may have a depression shaped and sized to receive a portable cooler, cooking equipment, or an electronic device.
- The seat may have at least one locking member. The locking member may have a first end and a second end. The locking member may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion or the seat back from one of the first and second ends. The at least one locking member may be lockingly engageable with the other of the seat cushion or the seat back from the other of the first and second ends to lock the seat cushion and the seat back in place relative to each other in the platform configuration. The at least one locking member may be an armrest.
- In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be a removable vehicle seat convertible from a seat configuration into a platform configuration. The seat may have a seat cushion. The seat cushion may have a back end. The seat cushion may be removably engage with a floor of an interior of the vehicle in the seat configuration. The seat may have a seat back. The seat back may have a top end and a bottom end. The seat back may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion. The bottom end may be oriented towards the back end. The seat back may form a V-shape with the seat cushion in the platform configuration. The V-shape may be upside down relative to a ground surface in the platform configuration. The seat back and the seat cushion may define a first leg of the platform in the platform configuration. The seat may have a board. The board may be supported by the first leg on one side and by a second leg on another side. The second leg may be defined by a bumper or a tailgate of the vehicle.
- The seat may have at least one mounting fixture on the seat back or the seat cushion to mount at least one item in the seat configuration or the platform configuration. The seat may have a power source and a power outlet in electrical communication with the power source for electronically connecting one or more electronic devices.
- The seat may have at least one locking member. The locking member may have a first end and a second end. The locking member may be pivotally attached to the seat cushion or the seat back from one of the first and second ends. The at least one locking member may be lockingly engageable with the other of the seat cushion or the seat back from the other of the first and second ends to lock the seat cushion and the seat back in place relative to each other in the platform configuration.
- Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the present invention.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle according to an aspect of the invention. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an interior of the vehicle shown inFIG. 1 having a removable seat according to an aspect of the invention. -
FIG. 3A illustrates the removable seat shown inFIG. 2 in a platform configuration according to an aspect of the invention. -
FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the removable seat shown inFIG. 3A according to an aspect of the invention. -
FIG. 4A illustrates the removable seat shown inFIG. 2 in a platform configuration according to an aspect of the invention. -
FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the removable seat shown inFIG. 4A according to an aspect of the invention. -
FIG. 5A illustrates the removable seat shown inFIG. 2 in a platform configuration according to an aspect of the invention. -
FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of the removable seat shown inFIG. 5A according to an aspect of the invention. -
FIG. 6 illustrates the removable seat shown inFIG. 2 in a platform configuration according to an aspect of the invention. - A
vehicle 100 is shown in the FIGS. with a removable seat orremovable seats 102 convertible from a seat configuration to a platform configuration. Theseat 102 in platform configuration may be a table, a desk, a workbench and/or a sawhorse. Theseat 102 may be removed from an interior 108 of thevehicle 100 and placed on theground 110 next to thevehicle 100. Acushion 112 of theseat 102 may be positioned approximately perpendicular to theground 110 and a back 114 of theseat 102 may be positioned approximately parallel to theground 110. Arear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may advantageously define a working surface or a load-bearing utility surface. Theseat cushion 112 may be a first support leg of therear surface 113. Abumper 120 or atailgate 122 of thevehicle 100 may be a second support leg of therear surface 113. Theseat 102 may include a power source and anoutlet 104 to power or charge electrical and electronic devices. Theseat 102 may include one or more mountingfixtures 132 to secure and organize various tools and items on theseat 102. The seat back 114 may advantageously have adepression 107 having the shape of a base of a cooler 105 or a cooking equipment (e.g., portable stove, grill, oven, etc.) to help place and secure them onto therear surface 113. - In an embodiment, in initiating the conversion process, the
seat 102 may be removed from theinterior 108 of thevehicle 100 and set on theground surface 110 in close proximity to thevehicle 100. In this position, afront end 123 of theseat cushion 112 may be positioned on theground 110 at a non-parallel direction theground 110. Next, aheadrest 116 removably attached to atop end 168 of the seat back 114 may be engaged with abumper 120 or atailgate 122 of thevehicle 100 to support the seat back 114 from thetop end 168. The seat back 114 attached to and supported by theseat cushion 112 from abottom end 128 of the seat back 114 may be used as a load-bearing utility surface. - In an embodiment, in initiating the conversion process, the
seat 102 may be removed from theinterior 108 of thevehicle 100 and set on theground surface 110 in close proximity to thevehicle 100. In this position, thetop end 168 of the seat back 114 may be positioned on theground 110 at a non-parallel direction to theground 110. Next, aheadrest 116 removably attached to thetop end 168 with at least onepin 117 may be removably inserted into at least onehole 119 in thebumper 120 or thetailgate 122 of thevehicle 100 once theheadrest 116 is removed. Thebumper 120 or thetailgate 122 may support theseat cushion 112 from thefront end 123. Theseat cushion 112 attached to and supported by the seat back 114 from aback end 124 of theseat cushion 112 may be used as a load-bearing utility surface. - In an embodiment, in initiating the conversion process, the
seat 102 may be removed from theinterior 108 of thevehicle 100 and set on theground 110 in close proximity to thevehicle 100. In this position, theseat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may form a V-shape with each other, the V-shape being upside down relative to theground 110. Theseat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may collectively define a first support leg and thebumper 120 or thetailgate 122 may define a second support leg of aboard 154. Theboard 154 may be used as a load-bearing utility surface. -
FIG. 1 illustrates thevehicle 100 having the removable and convertible seat 102 (seeFIGS. 2-6 ). Thevehicle 100 is a conveyance capable of transporting a person, an object, or a permanently or temporarily affixed apparatus. Thevehicle 100 may have an automatic or manual transmission. Thevehicle 100 may be a self-propelled wheeled conveyance, such as a car, an SUV, a truck, a bus, a van or other motor or battery driven vehicle. For example, thevehicle 100 may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, or any other type of vehicle that includes a motor/generator. The FIGS. depict an SUV by example. Thevehicle 100 may have a bumper orbumpers 120 or atailgate 122 that theseat 102 may be attached or positioned in relation to. -
FIG. 2 illustrates theinterior 108 of thevehicle 100 having theremovable seats 102. In some embodiments, there may be asingle seat 102. In some embodiment, there may be two ormore seats 102. In some embodiments, theseats 102 may be a third row of seats, such as theseats 102 inFIG. 2 . In some embodiments, theseats 102 may be in any other row of seats. Theseats 102 may be next toseats 130. Theremovable seats 102 may be attached to thefloor 126 of the interior 108 with a fastener. By example and not limitation, the fastener may be a latch. The latch or any other fastener used in attaching theseats 102 may be designed to engage and disengage quickly, frequently, and with relative ease compared to theseats 130, which may not be designed to be removed and reinstalled often (e.g., including many hard-to-reach screws). In some embodiments, theseats 102 may not be power seats that are electrically connected to a battery and seat adjustment system of thevehicle 100. This may reduce removal and reinstallation times as well as complexity of the removal and reinstallation processes of theseats 102. Theseat 102 may have the external appearance of a conventional vehicle seat and function like one in the seat configuration. In some embodiments, theremovable seats 102 and theseats 130 may have the same shape and size. In some embodiments, theremovable seats 102 may be shaped or sized differently than theseats 130. -
FIG. 3A illustrates theremovable seat 102 removed from thevehicle 100 and positioned on theground 110 and theheadrest 116 resting on therear bumper 120 in a platform configuration. Alternatively, theheadrest 116 may rest on thetailgate 122 or a trunk 136 (see FIG. 2) of thevehicle 100. There may be a restingsurface 118 on therear bumper 120. The restingsurface 118 may be a cavity shaped and sized to receive theheadrest 116. Theseat cushion 112 may be positioned at a non-parallel direction theground 110 such that itsfront end 123 is on theground 110. For example, theseat cushion 112 may form a straight angle with theground 110 as shown. The seat back 114 may be pivotally attached to theseat cushion 112. In some embodiments, theseat 102 may be anchored to theground 110. For example, stakes may be used to anchor theseat 102 to theground 110 from theseat cushion 112 or the seat back 114. A pivot joint 140 may go through thebottom end 128 of the seat back 114 and theback end 124 of theseat cushion 112. The seat back 114 may recline (i.e., pivot away from the seat cushion 112) or fold in (i.e., pivot towards the seat cushion 112). - In some embodiments, the
rear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may be parallel to theground 110. In some embodiments, therear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may be leveled with a horizontal plane. For example, a level may be built into or onto the seat back 114 to assist with leveling. The angle of theseat cushion 112 with respect to theground 110 may be adjusted to level therear surface 113. Once such an angle is formed, the seat back 114 may be locked into place relative to theseat cushion 112. The locking may be achieved via a locking member ormembers 142. In some embodiments, the lockingmembers 142 may be arms. Thearms 142 may stop movement of the seat back 114 relative to theseat cushion 112 or vice versa. In some embodiments, thearms 142 may be pivotally attached to the seat back 114 from afirst end 144 and removably engaged with theseat cushion 112 from asecond end 146 as shown inFIG. 3A . For example, thesecond end 146 may have a hole that can receive a pin attached to theseat cushion 112. In some embodiments, thearms 142 may be tucked back when not in use. In some embodiments, thearms 142 may be detached from theseat 102 and stored away. In some embodiments, thearms 142 may be armrests in the seat configuration. In some embodiments, thearms 142 may be pivotally attached to theseat cushion 112 from thefirst end 144 and removably engaged with the seat back 114 from thesecond end 146. Thearms 142 may be on one side of theseat 102 or on both sides as shown inFIG. 3B . - In the platform configuration, the
seat 102 may be used as a table by example. For instance,FIG. 3A shows theseat 102 as a table to set a cooler 105 down, which may be useful in outdoor activities, including camping and tailgating. In such embodiments, therear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may advantageously have adepression 107 having the shape of a base of the cooler 105 to help place and secure the cooler 105 onto therear surface 113 as shown. In an example, thedepression 107 can function as a dock for cooking equipment (e.g., portable stove, grill, oven, etc.). Therear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may be made from a durable and abrasion resistant material (e.g., rubber, ballistic nylon, Rhino liner coating, etc.). Theseat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may be otherwise made from fabric or leather. - The
seat 102 may have at least one mountingfixture 132 to mount and organize tools and items. The mountingfixture 132 may be on therear surface 113 of the seat back 114 as shown inFIG. 3A . In some embodiments, the mountingfixture 132 may be on theheadrest 116 or on theseat cushion 112. The mountingfixture 132 may be functional in both the platform and the seat configurations. The mountingfixture 132 may be a hook, ring, band, string, or another structure that can hold an object in place against gravity. The user may mount keys on the mountingfixture 132 as shown inFIG. 3B or a cellular phone, a speaker, a cable, a spatula, a utensils, or any other device, tool, or item that may be used in an outdoor activity or while working on thevehicle 100. - The
seat 102 may include apower outlet 104 to plug in electronic or electrical devices. Thepower outlet 104 may be located on the seat back 114 as shown inFIG. 3A . In some embodiments, thepower outlet 104 may be located on theseat cushion 112. Thepower outlet 104 may be in electrical communication with a power source. The power source may be inside or attached to theseat 102. Thepower outlet 104 may also draw power from a battery of thevehicle 100. By example and not limitation, the power source may be rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, a solar panel, or a power generator. In some embodiments, thepower outlet 104 may be located on theheadrest 116. Theheadrest 116 may have a power source, such as a battery, that can be recharged away from the seat 102 (e.g., inside the vehicle, at home, at garage, etc.) by detaching theheadrest 116 from theseat 102. By example and not limitation, thepower outlet 104 may be a conventional AC power outlet or a type of universal serial bus (“USB”) connector. -
FIG. 4A illustrates theremovable seat 102 removed from thevehicle 100 and positioned on theground 110 and one ormore pins 117 of theheadrest 116 being disconnected from theheadrest 116 and connected to therear bumper 120 in a platform configuration. Alternatively, the one ormore pins 117 may be connected to thetailgate 122 or a trunk 136 (seeFIG. 2 ) of thevehicle 100. Each of thepins 117 may be received by ahole 119. Thepins 117 may be lockingly engageable with theholes 119. For example, each of thepins 117 may have a recess that engage with a tab that may be pushed up and down with a spring inside thehole 119. Thepins 117 may retract inside the seat back 114 from thetop end 168 when aheadrest 116 is not desired in the seat configuration. Theheadrest 116 may be stored in astorage compartment 134 shaped and sized to receive theheadrest 116. Thestorage compartment 134 may be located in theseat cushion 112 or the seat back 114. Thestorage compartment 134 may be accessible from thebottom surface 164 of theseat cushion 112 as shown. Alternatively, thestorage compartment 134 may be accessible from therear surface 113 of the seat back 114. Theseat 102 may include afastener 138, for example an elastic band, to secure theheadrest 116 to theseat 102 when theheadrest 116 is being stored. In some embodiments, thepins 117 may have an adjustable length. The user may change the proximity of theseat 102 to thevehicle 100 with the adjustable length of thepins 117. For example, thepins 117 may have attachable segments or telescoping bodies. In some embodiments, thepins 117 may be replaced with rods to increase the distance between theseat 102 and thevehicle 100 further. - The
seat cushion 112 may be positioned at a non-parallel direction theground 110 such that itsfront end 123 is on theground 110. For example, theseat cushion 112 may form a straight angle with theground 110 as shown. The seat back 114 may be pivotally attached to theseat cushion 112. A pivot joint 140 may go through thebottom end 128 of the seat back 114 and theback end 124 of theseat cushion 112. The seat back 114 may recline (i.e., pivot away from the seat cushion 112) or fold in (i.e., pivot towards the seat cushion 112). - In some embodiments, the
rear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may be parallel to theground 110. In some embodiments, therear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may be leveled with a horizontal plane. For example, a level may be built into or onto the seat back 114 to assist with leveling. The angle of theseat cushion 112 with respect to theground 110 may be adjusted to level therear surface 113. Once such an angle is formed, the seat back 114 may be locked into place relative to theseat cushion 112. - In the platform configuration, the
seat 102 may be used as a table, a workbench, or a sawhorse by example. Therear surface 113 of the seat back 114 may be made from a durable and abrasion resistant material (e.g., rubber, ballistic nylon, Rhino liner coating, etc.). Theseat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may be otherwise made from fabric or leather.FIGS. 4A, 4B show a plurality of mountingfixtures 132 being used to mount and organize tools and items. The mountingfixtures 132 may be on therear surface 113 of the seat back 114. By example and not limitation,FIG. 4B shows a tablet and a cellular phone both engaged with mountingfixtures 132 that serve as charging docks. Theseat 102 may include apower outlet 104 to plug in electronic or electrical devices using a power cord. The devices may be held by the mountingfixtures 132 as shown inFIGS. 4A, 4B . Thepower outlet 104 may be located on the seat back 114. -
FIG. 5A illustrates theremovable seat 102 removed from thevehicle 100 and positioned on theground 110 and one ormore pins 117 connecting the seat back 114 to theheadrest 116 in the seat configuration instead connecting theseat cushion 112 to therear bumper 120 in a platform configuration. Afirst end 170 of each of thepins 117 may be disconnected fromholes 148 in thetop end 168 of the seat back 114 and asecond end 172 of each of thepins 117 may be disconnected from theheadrest 116 from holes 149 in theheadrest 116. Thefirst end 170 of thepins 117 may each be inserted intoholes 150 in thefront end 123 of theseat cushion 112. Thesecond end 172 of thepins 117 may each be inserted intoholes 119 in therear bumper 120. Alternatively, thesecond end 172 of thepins 117 may be connected to thetailgate 122 or a trunk 136 (seeFIG. 2 ) of thevehicle 100. In some embodiments, thefirst end 170 and thesecond end 172 of thepins 117 may be interchangeable. Thepins 117 may be lockingly engageable with theholes pins 117 may have a recess that engage with a tab that may be pushed up and down with a spring inside theholes holes pins 117 may retract inside the seat back 114 from thetop end 168 into theholes 148 when aheadrest 116 is not desired in the seat configuration. Theheadrest 116 may be stored in astorage compartment 134 shaped and sized to receive theheadrest 116. Thestorage compartment 134 may be located in theseat cushion 112 or the seat back 114. Thestorage compartment 134 may be accessible from thebottom surface 164 of theseat cushion 112 as shown. Thestorage compartment 134 may have acover 165 that sits flush with thebottom surface 164 as shown inFIG. 5B . Alternatively, thestorage compartment 134 may be accessible from therear surface 113 of the seat back 114. In some embodiments, thepins 117 may have an adjustable length. The user may change the proximity of theseat 102 to thevehicle 100 with the adjustable length of thepins 117. For example, thepins 117 may have attachable segments or telescoping bodies. In some embodiments, thepins 117 may be replaced with rods to increase the distance between theseat 102 and thevehicle 100 further. - The seat back 114 may be positioned at a non-parallel direction the
ground 110 such that itstop end 168 is on theground 110. For example, the seat back 114 may form a straight angle with theground 110 as shown. Theseat cushion 112 may be pivotally attached to theseat cushion 112. A pivot joint 140 may go through thebottom end 128 of the seat back 114 and theback end 124 of theseat cushion 112. The seat back 114 may recline (i.e., pivot away from the seat cushion 112) or fold in (i.e., pivot towards the seat cushion 112). - In some embodiments, the
bottom surface 164 of theseat cushion 112 may be parallel to theground 110. In some embodiments, thebottom surface 164 of theseat cushion 112 may be leveled with a horizontal plane. For example, a level may be built into or onto theseat cushion 112 to assist with leveling. The angle of the seat back 114 with respect to theground 110 may be adjusted to level thebottom surface 164. Once such an angle is formed, theseat cushion 112 may be locked into place relative to the seat back 114. - In the platform configuration, the
seat 102 may be used as a table by example. Thebottom surface 164 of theseat cushion 112 may have agroove 106 having the shape of a base of an item, which may include a laptop and cooking equipment (e.g., portable stove, grill, oven, etc.). Thegroove 106 may help place and secure the item onto thebottom surface 164. Thebottom surface 164 of theseat cushion 112 may be made from a durable and abrasion resistant material (e.g., rubber, ballistic nylon, Rhino liner coating, etc.). Theseat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may be otherwise made from fabric or leather. Theseat 102 may include apower outlet 104 to plug in electronic or electrical devices. Thepower outlet 104 may be located on theseat cushion 112 as shown inFIG. 5A . -
FIG. 6 illustrates theseat 102 removed from thevehicle 100 and set on theground 110 in front of therear bumper 120 and thetailgate 122 where theseat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may form a V-shape with each other. The V-shape may be upside down relative to theground 110. The seat back 114 may be pivotally attached to theseat cushion 112. A pivot joint 140 may go through thebottom end 128 of the seat back 114 and theback end 124 of theseat cushion 112. The seat back 114 may recline (i.e., pivot away from the seat cushion 112) or fold in (i.e., pivot towards the seat cushion 112). Theseat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may collectively define a first support leg, and thebumper 120,tailgate 122, or thetrunk 136 may define a second support leg for aboard 154. Theboard 154 may be used as a working surface or a load-bearing utility surface. - In some embodiments, the
board 154 may be parallel to theground 110. In some embodiments, theboard 154 may be leveled with a horizontal plane. For example, a level may be built into or onto theboard 154 to assist with leveling. The angle between theseat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may be adjusted to level theboard 154. Once such an angle is formed, the seat back 114 may be locked into place relative to theseat cushion 112. In some embodiments, theheadrest 116 may be removed such that thetop end 168 of the seat back 114 is on theground 110. In such embodiments, the pins 117 (seeFIG. 4A ) may be removed from the seat back 114 or retracted into the seat back 114. Holes 148 (seeFIG. 5A ) in thetop end 168 of the seat back 114 may be covered with plugs. Theboard 154 may sit on aflat resting surface 125 on theseat 102. The restingsurface 125 may be on the seat back 114. In some embodiments, the restingsurface 125 may be on theseat cushion 112 or the intersection of theseat cushion 112 and the seat back 114. Theboard 154 may be fastened to theseat 102. By example and not limitation, clips, tiedown straps, and pins may be used to fasten theboard 154 to theseat 102. - In the platform configuration, the
seat 102 may be used as a table, a desk, a workbench and/or a sawhorse, for example. Theboard 154 may have adepression 107 having the shape of a base of an item, which may include a laptop and cooking equipment (e.g., portable stove, grill, oven, etc.). Thedepression 107 may help place and secure the item onto theboard 154. In some embodiments, theboard 154 may have a groove 106 (seeFIGS. 5A, 5B ). In some embodiments, theboard 154 may be stored away in thevehicle 100, for instance under a compartment in the trunk 136 (seeFIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, theboard 154 may be reduced to a compact size and stored in or on theseat 102. For example, theboard 154 may be attached to thebottom surface 164 of theseat cushion 112. In some embodiments, theboard 154 may have detachable segments. In some embodiments, theboard 154 may fold up. Theboard 154 may rest on a restingsurface 118 on therear bumper 120. The restingsurface 118 may be a recess shaped and sized to receive theboard 154. Theboard 154 may be fastened to the restingsurface 118. By example and not limitation, clips, tiedown straps, and pins may be used to fasten theboard 154 to the restingsurface 118. Theboard 154 may be made from metal, plastic, wood, mineral, or glass. Theboard 154 may be abrasion resistant. Theseat cushion 112 and the seat back 114 may be made from fabric or leather. - The seat may include one or more mounting
fixtures 132. The mountingfixtures 132 may be on thebottom surface 164 of theseat cushion 112. Theseat 102 may include apower outlet 104 to plug in electronic or electrical devices. The devices may be held by the mountingfixtures 132 as shown inFIG. 6 . Thepower outlet 104 may be located on theseat cushion 112. - Exemplary embodiments of the methods/systems have been disclosed in an illustrative style. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. Although minor modifications to the teachings herein will occur to those well versed in the art, it shall be understood that what is intended to be circumscribed within the scope of the patent warranted hereon are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advancement to the art hereby contributed, and that that scope shall not be restricted, except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (20)
1. A removable vehicle seat convertible from a seat configuration into a platform configuration comprising:
a seat cushion having a front end and a back end removably engaged with a floor of an interior of the vehicle in the seat configuration, the front end being positioned on a ground surface at a non-parallel direction to the ground surface in the platform configuration;
a seat back having a top end, a bottom end, and a rear surface pivotally attached to the seat cushion, the bottom end being oriented towards the back end, the rear surface being usable as a load-bearing utility surface and the seat cushion supporting the seat back from the bottom end in the platform configuration;
a headrest removably attached to the top end, the headrest being engaged with a bumper or tailgate of the vehicle, the bumper or the tailgate supporting the seat back from the top end in the platform configuration; and
a locking member having a first end and a second end pivotally attached to the seat cushion or the seat back from one of the first end or the second end, the locking member being lockingly engageable with the other of the seat cushion or the seat back from the other of the first end or the second end to lock the seat cushion and the seat back in place relative to each other in the platform configuration.
2. The removable vehicle seat of claim 1 , wherein the headrest has a head resting portion and a mounting portion, the mounting portion comprising at least one pin having a first end and a second end, the first end being removably inserted into at least one hole in the head resting portion and the second end being removably inserted into at least one hole in the top end in the seat configuration, the at least one pin being detached from the head resting portion and attached to at least one receiving hole in the bumper or the tailgate of the vehicle in the platform configuration.
3. The removable vehicle seat of claim 2 , further comprising a compartment located in the seat back or the seat cushion or a fastener on the seat back or the seat cushion to store the detached head resting portion of the headrest in the platform configuration.
4. The removable vehicle seat of claim 1 , further comprising at least one mounting fixture on the seat back to mount at least one item in the seat configuration or the platform configuration.
5. The removable vehicle seat of claim 1 , further comprising a power source and a power outlet in electrical communication with the power source for electronically connecting one or more electronic devices.
6. The removable vehicle seat of claim 1 , wherein the locking member is an armrest.
7. (canceled)
8. The removable vehicle seat of claim 1 , wherein the headrest is engaged with a cavity shaped and sized to receive the headrest located on the bumper or the tailgate in the platform configuration.
9. The removable vehicle seat of claim 1 , wherein the rear surface of the seat back has a depression shaped and sized to receive a portable cooler, cooking equipment, or an electronic device.
10. A removable vehicle seat convertible from a seat configuration into a platform configuration comprising:
a seat cushion having a front end, a back end, and a bottom surface removably engaged with a floor of an interior of the vehicle in the seat configuration, the bottom surface being usable as a load-bearing utility surface in the platform configuration;
a seat back having a top end and a bottom end pivotally attached to the seat cushion, the bottom end being oriented towards the back end, the top end being positioned on a ground surface at a non-parallel direction to the ground surface in the platform configuration to support the seat cushion from the back end; and
a headrest removably attached to the top end with at least one pin having a first end and a second end, the first end being removably inserted into at least one hole in the headrest and the second end being removably inserted into at least one hole in the top end in the seat configuration, one of the first and second ends being removably inserted into at least one hole in the front end and another of the first and second ends being removably inserted into at least one hole in a bumper or a tailgate of the vehicle in the platform configuration to support the seat cushion from the front end.
11. The removable vehicle seat of claim 10 , further comprising at least one mounting fixture on the seat cushion to mount at least one item in the seat configuration or the platform configuration.
12. The removable vehicle seat of claim 10 , further comprising a power source and a power outlet in electrical communication with the power source for electronically connecting one or more electronic devices.
13. The removable vehicle seat of claim 10 , further comprising at least one locking member having a first end and a second end pivotally attached to the seat cushion or the seat back from one of the first and second ends, the at least one locking member being lockingly engageable with the other of the seat cushion or the seat back from the other of the first and second ends to lock the seat cushion and the seat back in place relative to each other in the platform configuration.
14. The removable vehicle seat of claim 13 , wherein the at least one locking member is an armrest.
15. The removable vehicle seat of claim 10 , further comprising a compartment located in the seat back or the seat cushion or a fastener on the seat back or the seat cushion to store the detached headrest in the platform configuration.
16. The removable vehicle seat of claim 10 , wherein the bottom surface of the seat cushion has a depression shaped and sized to receive a portable cooler, cooking equipment, or an electronic device.
17. A removable vehicle seat convertible from a seat configuration into a platform configuration comprising:
a seat cushion having a back end removably engaged with a floor of an interior of the vehicle in the seat configuration;
a seat back having a top end and a bottom end pivotally attached to the seat cushion, the bottom end being oriented towards the back end, the seat back forming a V-shape with the seat cushion in the platform configuration, the V-shape being upside down relative to a ground surface in the platform configuration, the seat back and the seat cushion defining a first leg of the platform in the platform configuration; and
a board supported by the first leg on one side and supported by a second leg on another side, the second leg being defined by a bumper or a tailgate of the vehicle.
18. The removable vehicle seat of claim 17 , further comprising a power source and a power outlet in electrical communication with the power source for electronically connecting one or more electronic devices.
19. The removable vehicle seat of claim 17 , further comprising at least one locking member having a first end and a second end pivotally attached to the seat cushion or the seat back from one of the first and second ends, the at least one locking member being lockingly engageable with the other of the seat cushion or the seat back from the other of the first and second ends to lock the seat cushion and the seat back in place relative to each other in the platform configuration.
20. The removable vehicle seat of claim 17 , further comprising at least one mounting fixture on the seat cushion or the seat back to mount at least one item in the seat configuration or the platform configuration.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/062,390 US11273737B1 (en) | 2020-10-02 | 2020-10-02 | Vehicle seat convertible into utility platform |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/062,390 US11273737B1 (en) | 2020-10-02 | 2020-10-02 | Vehicle seat convertible into utility platform |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US11273737B1 US11273737B1 (en) | 2022-03-15 |
US20220105839A1 true US20220105839A1 (en) | 2022-04-07 |
Family
ID=80683358
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/062,390 Active US11273737B1 (en) | 2020-10-02 | 2020-10-02 | Vehicle seat convertible into utility platform |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US11273737B1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11565613B2 (en) * | 2020-09-30 | 2023-01-31 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Vehicle seat convertible into vehicle access and loading tool |
Family Cites Families (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2612207A (en) * | 1949-11-22 | 1952-09-30 | James D Branson | Bumper seat for automobiles |
US5462334A (en) * | 1994-04-05 | 1995-10-31 | Sedorcek; Frank J. | Sport utility seat for removable attachment to an open truck and bumper of an automobile |
US5551750A (en) * | 1994-05-13 | 1996-09-03 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Headrest booster seat |
KR19980029867U (en) | 1996-11-28 | 1998-08-17 | 양재신 | Car seat with umbrella storage area |
JPH10338066A (en) | 1997-06-06 | 1998-12-22 | Aichi Mach Ind Co Ltd | Detachable seat |
US6095059A (en) * | 1998-04-08 | 2000-08-01 | Riley; William F. | Portable seat assembly |
FR2821028B1 (en) | 2001-02-16 | 2003-10-17 | Faurecia Sieges Automobile | SEAT DEVICE COMPRISING A FOLDING BACK |
FR2887191B1 (en) | 2005-06-20 | 2008-12-19 | Faurecia Sieges Automobile | MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT COMPRISING A FOLDING BACK IN TABLET POSITION ON THE SEAT |
JP4637864B2 (en) * | 2007-01-31 | 2011-02-23 | トヨタ紡織株式会社 | Storage structure for vehicle seat |
JP5193553B2 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2013-05-08 | テイ・エス テック株式会社 | Misoperation prevention mechanism and vehicle storage seat |
US7896432B2 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2011-03-01 | Dunkel Peter L | Multi purpose vehicle furniture system |
FR2952591B1 (en) * | 2009-11-16 | 2012-02-24 | Antolin Grupo Ing Sa | ARRANGEMENT OF VEHICLE INTERIOR |
US8894031B2 (en) * | 2011-03-17 | 2014-11-25 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Seating system for a motor vehicle |
US8424946B2 (en) * | 2011-06-13 | 2013-04-23 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Table and chair(s) removable from an automotive vehicle |
JP5751083B2 (en) * | 2011-08-11 | 2015-07-22 | トヨタ紡織株式会社 | Vehicle seat |
DE102012015518A1 (en) * | 2012-08-03 | 2014-05-15 | Sitech Sitztechnik Gmbh | Seat bench for vehicle, has first seat functioned as base seats and including interlock units for binding at vehicle base of body, and second seat floating over vehicle base, where second seat stays reversible connection with base seat |
GB2521438B (en) * | 2013-12-20 | 2017-01-11 | Jaguar Land Rover Ltd | Apparatus for mounting to a vehicle |
US10160364B2 (en) * | 2016-09-13 | 2018-12-25 | Robert Howe | Tailgate table |
CN106672122A (en) | 2017-03-09 | 2017-05-17 | 小环科技(深圳)有限公司 | Electric vehicle and seat thereof |
US20200269784A1 (en) | 2017-12-06 | 2020-08-27 | Adient Engineering and IP GmbH | Inductive power coupler for a vehicle seat and vehicle seat |
US10793043B2 (en) * | 2018-01-02 | 2020-10-06 | Ernest Peter Tovani | Vehicle-mounted expandable table system |
US20200156514A1 (en) * | 2018-11-20 | 2020-05-21 | Do-Cal Enterprises, LLC | Seat Stand And Method Of Using Same |
US10889223B2 (en) * | 2018-11-23 | 2021-01-12 | Zachary D Pascarella | Retrofittable vehicle extension table |
US10532683B1 (en) * | 2018-12-18 | 2020-01-14 | John Bowman | Vehicle table |
FR3092533B1 (en) * | 2019-02-07 | 2021-02-19 | Faurecia Sieges Dautomobile | Enclosure device for motor vehicle seat |
US10946775B2 (en) * | 2019-04-09 | 2021-03-16 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Vehicle seat storage system |
-
2020
- 2020-10-02 US US17/062,390 patent/US11273737B1/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US11273737B1 (en) | 2022-03-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20210138954A1 (en) | Truck bed accessory mounting panels | |
US6390547B1 (en) | Seat assembly | |
US11377036B2 (en) | Automotive vehicle through body storage with combination door and step | |
EP1097057A1 (en) | Floor mounted retention system | |
US8251429B2 (en) | Striker webbing guide assembly | |
US20030047957A1 (en) | Underseat storage arrangement | |
US8424946B2 (en) | Table and chair(s) removable from an automotive vehicle | |
US9669713B2 (en) | Vehicle with an auxiliary power pack | |
JP2004529806A (en) | Modular equipment for vehicles | |
US11273737B1 (en) | Vehicle seat convertible into utility platform | |
US10093242B2 (en) | Vehicle mountable carrier system | |
US11840197B2 (en) | Vehicle mounted accessory | |
US9718415B2 (en) | Vehicle-mounted integrated housing and removable tool box system | |
USRE40004E1 (en) | Adjustable shelf for vehicular campers | |
US20030127482A1 (en) | Storage system for a vehicle | |
US20060108179A1 (en) | Portable vehicle ladder system and method | |
US20120085269A1 (en) | Table Assembly | |
CN208855536U (en) | Entertain support system | |
US20220144352A1 (en) | Combination vehicle panel | |
US20190071022A1 (en) | Configurable storage device for a motor vehicle | |
US20170120837A1 (en) | Auxiliary storage mounting arrangement for a vehicle | |
CN108454498A (en) | The guide rail that side suitable for pick up compartment is installed | |
US20140139084A1 (en) | Adjustable modular toolbox system | |
US10471907B2 (en) | Vehicle jack bracket assembly | |
US20090038515A1 (en) | Portable shelf for automobiles |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DHAMRAT, HAMSHIVRAJ SINGH;BABIAN, LINDSAY A.;SIGNING DATES FROM 20200930 TO 20201001;REEL/FRAME:053965/0259 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |