Folding seat assembly

Abstract

A folding seat assembly to provide easy access to a storage area behind the seat for use particularly in boats or aircraft. The seat assembly allows a seat (32) to be folded into a seat box (1) and rides on a pivot pin (27) within a track aperture (26). A lock (11) is provided to secure the seat within the seat box. An upper handle (9) on the bottom of the seat frame assist the user in lowering the seat to an open use position. A lower handle (10) allows the seat box to be lifted upward for access to storage and equipment behind the seat. The seat box is supported in the latter position by at least one lifter (21) attached to a back of the seat box and a support on the boat or aircraft in which the seat assembly is used.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to folding seats and more particularly to a folding seat for a boat or aircraft with easy access to equipment in a storage space behind the seat. [0002] In many situations where space is limited due to size and weight limitations, particularly in boats and aircraft, every available space must be used to store things, including the space behind seats. Thus, often batteries and items of equipment are located behind seats of boats and aircraft. Unfortunately, due to such a location access to batteries and other items of equipment behind the seats is limited, thereby making maintenance and service difficult. In many cases the seat cushions must be removed from a seat and even then a person has only limited access to the battery equipment through the opening and seat support. [0003] Thus a need exists for a seat assembly that allows for easy access to a storage location beneath the seat. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] The primary...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a seat that can be secured in a folded up position to prevent it from falling onto a person.

[0008] The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a seat having a frame with a front rail, back rail, and two side rails, which folds into a box. The seat is connected to upright elongated track rails on each side by a rotary pin which moves within an aperture from a top seat-open position to a bottom seat-closed position. The seat frame may have side support arms connecting each side rail to the seat box. A locking means may be provided on the seat to hold the seat in the folded and closed position. At least one upper handle may be provided to assist in pulling down the seat frame from a folded position. A lower handle allows the entire seat box to be lifted upward and supported by lifters when access to storage behind the seat is desired.

Problems solved by technology

In many situations where space is limited due to size and weight limitations, particularly in boats and aircraft, every available space must be used to store things, including the space behind seats.

Unfortunately, due to such a location access to batteries and other items of equipment behind the seats is limited, thereby making maintenance and service difficult.

In many cases the seat cushions must be removed from a seat and even then a person has only limited access to the battery equipment through the opening and seat support.

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