WO2005002398A1 - Ensembles sieges reglables - Google Patents

Ensembles sieges reglables Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005002398A1
WO2005002398A1 PCT/IB2004/002230 IB2004002230W WO2005002398A1 WO 2005002398 A1 WO2005002398 A1 WO 2005002398A1 IB 2004002230 W IB2004002230 W IB 2004002230W WO 2005002398 A1 WO2005002398 A1 WO 2005002398A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
seat
seating assembly
hole
assembly according
adjustable seating
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2004/002230
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Douglas H. Hemphill
Original Assignee
Zodiac Hurricane Technologies, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Zodiac Hurricane Technologies, Inc. filed Critical Zodiac Hurricane Technologies, Inc.
Publication of WO2005002398A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005002398A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C3/00—Chairs characterised by structural features; Chairs or stools with rotatable or vertically-adjustable seats
    • A47C3/20—Chairs or stools with vertically-adjustable seats
    • A47C3/26—Chairs or stools with vertically-adjustable seats with vertical, or inclined toothed rack; with peg-and-notch mechanism

Definitions

  • This invention relates to seats (or, conceivably, other load-bearing devices) and more particularly, although not exclusively, to adjustable seating assemblies used in connection with boats or other marine craft.
  • 6,098,567 to Ullman likewise incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference, discloses seats designed to permit drivers of marine vessels to use their thigh and leg muscles as shock-absorbing elements. These seats may be shaped as saddles and resiliently suspended on supports. Typically when they are used, the thighs of the driver . . . take a forwards-downwards directed position while the shanks are angled backwards-downwards . . . . At optimum driving position the knee angle is between 80 and 160 degrees and thigh-torso angle is between 100 and 160 degrees.
  • the driver obtains a good stability sideways at the same time as the driver can take a half standing position with only slightly bent knees.
  • driver and passengers may change positions within the vessels either during or between voyages, and the sizes of both drivers and passengers may change from time to time.
  • the ability to vary the height of seats such as disclosed in the Ullman patent could be useful in accommodating differing sizes of drivers and passengers.
  • such an ability to vary the seat height particularly if rapid and easy, could be used advantageously to enhance, if not optimize, the shock-mitigating properties of the seats of the Ullman patent for different users of them.
  • the present invention provides assemblies for adjusting the position of seats relative to a deck, floor, or other surface. Unlike the mechanism of the Kirkland patent, the assemblies of the present invention need not include any gas-filled power cylinder or other pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism for effecting raising or lowering of the seats. Instead, such adjustments may be made wholly manually if desired, and typically quickly and easily. Further, the adjustments may be made without using tools, hence avoiding the cost of both tools and pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms.
  • Seating assemblies consistent with some versions of the invention include an outer tube (or similar structure, which need not be tubular in shape) connected to a boat deck or other surface. Usually this tube will protrude upward from the surface normal thereto, although other orientations of the tube may exist instead.
  • the assemblies further comprise an inner tube (or similar structure, again not necessarily tubular in shape) designed to slide within the outer tube and on which the base of a seat is mounted.
  • inner tube or similar structure, again not necessarily tubular in shape
  • Incorporated into the inner tube are complex-shaped cut-outs into which pins may be inserted, beneficially (although not necessarily) with a friction fit.
  • pins which preferably are attached to the inner tubes, permit an inner tube to be locked within an outer tube at various preset positions.
  • the cut-outs additionally allow movement of the pins between the preset positions.
  • To adjust tlie height of the seat its base may be lifted and rotated approximately ninety degrees. Rotating the seat in this manner removes the pins from their nests and permits them to run up or down a vertical channel.
  • the seat then may be lifted or depressed as desired to change its vertical position; when another preset height is achieved, the seat base may be rotated in an opposite direction (again approximately ninety degrees) to allow the pins to enter into an associated cut-out nest.
  • a sharp push on the seat base may lock the pins into position within the nest.
  • the invention may be employed in appropriate circumstances in other types of craft and for other types of seats or load- bearing devices.
  • Other versions of the invention include a dampening system and a pipe having multiple holes, with some holes spaced generally vertically and some spaced horizontally.
  • a collar attached to a bracket for a seat likewise contains openings which may be aligned with pairs of horizontally-spaced holes present in the pipe.
  • the collar is adapted to slide vertically along the exterior of the pipe; when its openings are aligned with desired holes in the pipe, bolts (including through bolts), pins, or other fasteners may be passed through the aligned openings and holes to fix the position of the seat.
  • Preferred versions of these embodiments include a resilent spring blade assembly designed to function as part of a dampening, or shock absorbing, system, especially (although not exclusively) when the seat is in the form of a saddle. Also included may be a pair of coil springs or other resilient elements. An end of each of these springs may be attached at or near the uppermost portion of the pipe, with the other end of each spring attached at or near the seat base. These other resilient elements attempt to bias the seat upward when tlie position-fixing mechanism is disengaged, thus serving to compensate for at least some of the weight of the seat and thereby facilitate its lifting.
  • These embodiments of the invention additionally may have modular base frames to, among other things, facilitate in-line placement of multiple seats.
  • an initial base frame may comprise a forward leg and two rear legs separated by a generally horizontal beam.
  • two seats may be connected in line.
  • a similar process may be employed to connect a third and any subsequent seats in line when necessary or desired.
  • Handles may extend upward from either or both of any forward or rear legs or from any other portion of the assemblies. It thus is an optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide adjustable seating assemblies. It is also an optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide seating assemblies omitting any pneumatic or hydraulic adjustment mechanism. It is an additional optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide seating assemblies whose seats may be adjusted manually, without need for any tools.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary seating assembly of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the assembly of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevational view of the cut-out depicted in FIGS. 1-2.
  • FIG. 4 is a generally elevational view of another exemplary seating assembly of the present invention with its seat in a lower position.
  • FIG. 5 is a generally elevational view of the assembly of FIG. 4 with its seat in an upper position.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of two seating assemblies consistent with FIG. 4 attached in line.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of portions of the assembly of FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of additional portions of the assembly of FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 9 is an elevational view of yet additional portions of the seating assembly of FIG. 4.
  • FIGS. 1-2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION Illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 is seating assembly 10 of the present invention.
  • Assembly 10 is especially adapted for use in a boat or other marine craft. It is, however, potentially well-suited for use otherwise.
  • assembly 10 includes outer structure 14, inner structure 18, and seat 22.
  • Base 26 of outer structure 14 preferably is connected to a deck, floor, or other surface, while seat 22 is connected to inner structure 18.
  • inner structure 18 attaching to a surface and outer structure 14 attaching to seat 22.
  • Outer structure 14 may, but need not, be tubular.
  • FIGS. 1-2 depict outer structure 14 as having square cross-section, for example.
  • outer structure 14 advantageously includes cut-out 30.
  • cut-out 30 includes a (generally) vertical channel 34 from which three curved, hook-like channels 38 (denoted 38a, 38b, and 38c) extend.
  • the spacing between adjacent channels 38 represents the incremental height adjustment available for seat 22, while the distance between the uppermost and lowermost channels 38a and 38c, respectively, represents the maximum distance the seat 22 may be adjusted.
  • Such spacing and distance need not be constant (either from assembly to assembly or from hook-like channel to hook-like channel within an assembly), however, and that more or fewer than three hook-like channels 38 may be incorporated into cut-out 30.
  • channels 38 need not necessarily be shaped or configured as shown in FIGS. 1-3.
  • pin 42, receptacle 46, and optional guide 50 and collar 54 are shown in FIGS. 1-2.
  • Receptacle 46 affixed inside inner structure 18 and aligned with opening 58, is designed to receive pin 42 and maintain pin 42 in position relative to the remainder of inner structure 18.
  • outer structure 14 typically is made of two parts—denoted 14A and 14B in FIG. l ⁇ to allow initial insertion of inner structure 18 (with pin 42 inserted therein) into the outer structure 14, collar 54 may be used to retain parts 14A and 14B together.
  • Both guide 50 and collar 54 also may contain openings, enumerated 62 and 66 respectively, adapted to receive (and effectively guide) inner structure 18 as it slides, or otherwise moves, within outer structure 14. At least guide 50, furthermore, could be configured to receive fastener 70, which would penetrate either part 14A or 14B and help retain guide 50 in place within outer structure 14. As illustrated, inner structure 18 is tubular, although it need not necessarily be so. Regardless of shape, however, inner structure 18 advantageously is adapted to move within outer structure 14, hence allowing seat 22 to be raised or lowered relative to base 26. As noted above, such movement may be guided by respective openings 62 and 66 of guide 50 and collar 54. FIG. 2 depicts seat 22 in its lowermost position relative to deck 74 to which base 26 is mounted.
  • opening 58 from which pin 42 extends, is aligned with (nested in) channel 38c.
  • a user need merely lift seat 22 upward, raising inner structure 18 so that pin 42 moves to position "A" within cut-out 30 (see FIG. 3).
  • pin 42 preferably is friction fitted into a channel 38, some force may be required to dislodge pin 42 therefrom when seat 22 is lifted.
  • the user pivots seat 22 (preferably, but not necessarily, approximately ninety degrees) about an axis coincident with the central axis of inner structure 18, rotating pin 42 to position "B" in FIG. 3.
  • FIGS. 4-9 Seating assembly 100 of the present invention. As with assembly 10, assembly 100 is particularly useful in boats or other marine craft. It too, however, conceivably could be used other than in marine craft. Included in assembly 100 may be any or all of seat 104, base frame 108, adjustment pipe 112, collar 116, seat base 120, and fasteners 124. Also illustrated in FIGS. 4-9 are spring blade assembly 128, resilient elements 132a and 132b, and rod 136, each of which optionally may be incorporated into assembly 100.
  • assembly 100 incorporates each of these components, as so including these components facilitates formation of an adjustable, shock-absorbing seat that may be positioned in line with other, similar seats.
  • seat 104 beneficially is shaped as a saddle.
  • Such seat 104 additionally may include backrest 140 and openings aligned with corresponding openings in collar 116 and through which fasteners 124 may protrude.
  • backrest 140 is partly or entirely hollow so as to receive, in a hollow portion, pipe 112.
  • seat 104 need not be shaped as a saddle and, for example, need not necessarily have backrest 140.
  • frame 108 may contain forward leg 144, rear legs 148, and beam 152.
  • Frame 108 likewise may, if desired, include one or more handles 156. If present, handles 156 typically will connect to (or be integrally formed with) and extend upward from leg 144 or legs 148, although they may be positioned elsewhere as appropriate.
  • Beam 152 connects forward leg 144 to rear legs 148, the latter of which preferably are U-shaped for stability.
  • Rear legs 148 need not be U-shaped, however, and may comprise more or fewer than the two such legs depicted in FIGS. 4-5.
  • FIG. 4 shows seat 104 in its lowermost vertical position, while FIG.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates seat 104 in its uppermost vertical position.
  • FIG. 6, furthermore, details two assemblies 100 and 100' positioned in line.
  • base frame 108' of assembly 100' differs from frame 108, in that no forward leg 144 is used.
  • rear legs 148 of assembly 100 function also as forward supports for assembly 100', with similar rear legs 148' providing rear support for the assembly 100'.
  • Those skilled in the art will recognize that other means for providing in-line seating may be employed; as well, more than the two seats 104 shown in FIG. 6 may be coimected.
  • Vertical adjustment of seat 104 occurs principally using adjustment pipe 112, collar 116, and fasteners 124. Connected directly or indirectly to the interior of seat 104 are collar 116 and base 120, so that all three components move together.
  • Adjustment pipe 112 includes, on side 160a, a series of vertically- spaced holes 164, five of which are illustrated in FIG. 8.
  • An identical series of vertically-spaced holes 168 exist in opposite side 160b of pipe 112. Consequently, at any vertical level at which a hole 164 exists, a corresponding hole 168 spaced only horizontally therefrom likewise will exist. This vertically-aligned set of a hole 164 and a hole 168 will permit a rod- or pin-like projection of fastener 124 to pass therethrough.
  • Pipe 112 preferably has rectangular cross-section (as shown in FIGS. 7- 8), although it may alternatively be cylindrical (in which case corresponding sets of holes 164 and 168 will be circumferentially-spaced by one hundred eighty degrees) or otherwise shaped as desired.
  • Pipe 112 preferably is connected to or integrally formed with assembly 128, which in turn is connected or integrally formed with frame 108 (or 108').
  • Frame 108 (or 108') in its turn, is connected to a deck, floor, or other surface. Consequently, the position of pipe 112 is (more or less) fixed relative to such deck, floor, or surface.
  • collar 116 and base 120 may slide, or otherwise move, vertically along pipe 112 so as to change the vertical position of seat 104.
  • fastener 124 may be employed to retain the seat 104 in the desired position.
  • Assembly 128 together, in some versions, with rod 36 operates to dampen vibrations to which a user of seat 104 may otherwise be subjected.
  • Resilient elements 132a and 132b extend vertically alongside pipe 112. In the embodiment of assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 7-9, element 132a extends along side 160b of pipe 112, while element 132b extends along side 160a.
  • bracket 172 which may connect upper ends of pipe 112 and rod 136 (if present), and hook 176, which may be connected to or integrally formed with base 120.
  • a first end of each of elements 132a and 132b may connect to bracket 172, and a second end of each element 132a and 132b may connect to hook 176.
  • elements 132a and 132b may connect directly to pipe 112 and base 120.
  • elements 132a and 132b function to compensate for at least some of the weight of seat 104, facilitating its repositioning.
  • two resilient elements 132a and 132b are depicted in FIG. 9, more or fewer such elements may be utilized instead.
  • Assemblies 10 and 100 (and 100') thus provide readily-adjustable seats 22 and 104, respectively.
  • assembly 10 or 100 (or 100') is used in connection with seats of the type disclosed in the Ullman patent, adjusting the seat to accommodate users of differing heights (or leg lengths) may be especially advantageous for purposes of shock absorption.
  • seat 22 or 104 could be replaced with a platform or other load-bearing device, in which case assembly 10 or 100 (or 100') could be used to adjust the height or another position of the platform or device.

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  • Special Chairs (AREA)

Abstract

Ensembles sièges réglables dans lesquels il est possible de régler la hauteur du siège manuellement sans recourir à des outils ni à des mécanismes pneumatiques et hydrauliques. Dans certains modes de réalisation, des découpes de forme complexe peuvent recevoir des goupilles permettant de verrouiller le siège dans la position voulue. Le déverrouillage, par contre, peut se faire par une simple action de levage et de rotation du siège. Dans d'autres variantes, des boulons, des goujons ou d'autres éléments de fixation peuvent être insérés dans ou à travers des ouvertures alignées associées à la base du siège et à son bâti.
PCT/IB2004/002230 2003-07-08 2004-07-05 Ensembles sieges reglables WO2005002398A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US61510903A 2003-07-08 2003-07-08
US10/615,109 2003-07-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005002398A1 true WO2005002398A1 (fr) 2005-01-13

Family

ID=33564491

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2004/002230 WO2005002398A1 (fr) 2003-07-08 2004-07-05 Ensembles sieges reglables

Country Status (1)

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WO (1) WO2005002398A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1488009A (en) * 1975-05-23 1977-10-05 Lucas Electrical Ltd Article of furniture
GB2029207A (en) * 1978-09-08 1980-03-19 Emu Spa Height adjusting device
US4254991A (en) * 1979-01-25 1981-03-10 Venieris George I Cushioned seat for powerboat
US6138973A (en) * 1998-09-15 2000-10-31 Brunswick Corporation Adjustable seat pedestal

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1488009A (en) * 1975-05-23 1977-10-05 Lucas Electrical Ltd Article of furniture
GB2029207A (en) * 1978-09-08 1980-03-19 Emu Spa Height adjusting device
US4254991A (en) * 1979-01-25 1981-03-10 Venieris George I Cushioned seat for powerboat
US6138973A (en) * 1998-09-15 2000-10-31 Brunswick Corporation Adjustable seat pedestal

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