Abstract:
An electrically-operated seating apparatus for use on a boat which assists a user in standing up or sitting down is intended for use by elderly and/or disabled users, particularly in low-riding boats such as bass-boats, ski-boats and the like. The apparatus comprises a chair assembly mounted to the boat deck and a drive assembly which raises the seat up and down and tilts seat portion forward with the aid of electrical drive motors. In such a manner, the user can be assisted when getting into or out of the chair. Each side of the seat portion is provided with a small armrest to help secure the individual as well as aid in the lifting and lowering process. The electric motors would be powered from the boat battery and controlled through a set of arm-mounted switches.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention filed on Feb. 20, 2009 at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to fishing boats, and in particular, to an adjustable boat seat particularly designed for ease of access and adjustment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Fishing is a popular pastime around the world. Large, motorized boats represent a significant aspect of this hobby. In particular, significant fishing investments such as large boats are statistically most often undertaken by individuals later in life who are disposed with greater amounts of disposable income and free time. 
     Statistically, these individuals most predisposed to spending large amounts of time on boats for activities such as fishing are also those most prone to physical disabilities and ailments which make such endeavors more difficult. In particular, many such individuals may have difficulty with the constant standing and sitting associated with fishing. The act of standing, sitting, or readjusting position once situated in a fishing seat on a boat can cause great distress, especially when undertaken repeatedly. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide automatic or adjustable seats or chairs for boats. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,234,989, issued in the name of Pearcy, describes an adjustable pedestal for a boat seat. The Pearcy apparatus comprises a telescoping base which allows a user to adjust the height of their seat in a vertical manner. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,155, issued in the name of Binder, describes a method for providing vertically adjustable boat furniture. The Binder apparatus uses a system of pistons to raise and lower a seating surface on a boat. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,649, issued in the name of Wann, describes a bass boat adjustable seat apparatus. The Wann apparatus allows a user to rotate their seat about a central axis. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses do not provide for both horizontal and vertical adjustability as well as rotational motion. Also, many such apparatuses do not allow a user to tilt the seat forward in order to help those with physical disadvantages easy access to and from the seat. In addition, many such apparatuses are not suitably adapted for use on a boating surface. Furthermore, many such apparatuses are not adjustable in a manner which is automatic or physically undemanding for those with physical disadvantages. Accordingly, there exists a need for an adjustable boat seat without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a boat seat which provides a full range of adjustability and accessibility to those with physical disadvantages in a manner which is simple and physically undemanding. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to comprise a chair, an adjusting mechanism, a chair mount, a pedestal, and a foot. The adjusting mechanism is connected to the chair in a manner that adjustably positions the chair between forwardly tilted and normally upright positions. The foot is connected to the pedestal and is fastenable to a boat deck. 
     Another object of the present invention is to comprise the adjusting mechanism of a control pad, lower and upper platforms, and first and second pairs of crossed links. The control pad is connected to the chair and comprises a plurality of motion control switches. The first and second pairs of crossed links connect corresponding first and second side portions of the lower and upper platforms. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to affix the lower platform to the chair mount and the upper platform to the chair and lower platform. The first and second pairs of crossed links comprise “X”-shaped supports which connect side portions of the upper and lower platforms. The seat further comprises first and second axles which perpendicularly connect corresponding lower ends of the first and second pairs of crossed links. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise the adjusting mechanism of electrically powered rotatable first and second jacks. The first jack transfers forward and rearward motion onto the second axle to cause a scissor-like lifting action to the upper platform and chair. The second jack raises and lowers a rear portion of the upper platform when subjected to an upward or downward motion, respectively. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise the adjusting mechanism of first and second guides located on first and second sides of the rear portion of the upper platform. The guides engage with the first axle to guide the seat into place. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of allowing a user to adjustably position the chair between forward tilted and normally upright positions in an automatic manner, thus providing easy access and adjustability in particular for persons with physical disadvantages. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of an adjustable seat  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective rear view of the adjustable seat  10  in a lowered state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective rear view of the adjustable seat  10  in a raised state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective rear view of a mechanism  20  in a raised and tilted state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective top view of a control pad  41 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective rear view of a mechanism  20  in a raised and tilted state opposite of  FIG. 3A , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
         
           
                 
               
                 
                 
               
             
                 
                     
                 
                 
                   DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
               
                 
                     
                 
               
            
             
                 
                   10 
                   adjustable seat 
                 
                 
                   11 
                   chair 
                 
                 
                   12 
                   first arm 
                 
                 
                   13 
                   second arm 
                 
                 
                   14 
                   pedestal 
                 
                 
                   15 
                   foot 
                 
                 
                   16 
                   chair mount 
                 
                 
                   20 
                   adjusting mechanism 
                 
                 
                   21 
                   lower platform 
                 
                 
                   22 
                   upper platform 
                 
                 
                    23a 
                   first link 
                 
                 
                    23b 
                   third link 
                 
                 
                    24a 
                   second link 
                 
                 
                    24b 
                   fourth link 
                 
                 
                   25 
                   first axle 
                 
                 
                   26 
                   second axle 
                 
                 
                   27 
                   first nut 
                 
                 
                   28 
                   first jack 
                 
                 
                    29a 
                   first slot 
                 
                 
                    29b 
                   second slot 
                 
                 
                   31 
                   second jack 
                 
                 
                   32 
                   second nut 
                 
                 
                   33 
                   first screw 
                 
                 
                   34 
                   second screw 
                 
                 
                    37a 
                   third slot 
                 
                 
                    37b 
                   fourth slot 
                 
                 
                    38a 
                   first guide 
                 
                 
                    38b 
                   second guide 
                 
                 
                   39 
                   jack window 
                 
                 
                   41 
                   control pad 
                 
                 
                   42 
                   first switch 
                 
                 
                   43 
                   second switch 
                 
                 
                   44 
                   first cord 
                 
                 
                   45 
                   receptacle 
                 
                 
                   46 
                   second cord 
                 
                 
                   47 
                   power cord 
                 
                 
                   48 
                   access aperture 
                 
                 
                   49 
                   male plug 
                 
                 
                   60 
                   deck 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
            
           
         
       
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3C . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a battery powered adjustable boat seat apparatus (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means to assist a user in standing up or sitting down in a boat. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective front view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10 , depicted as mounted thereupon a boat deck  60 , comprises a chair  11 , a first arm  12 , a second arm  13 , a pedestal  14 , a foot  15  and a chair mount  16 . The first arm  12  comprises a control pad  41  comprising a pair of motion control switches  42  and  43 . The pair of arms  12  and  13  is designed to comfortably retain a user while seated thereupon the chair  11 . The assembly of the pedestal  14  and the foot  15  provides the means for permanently fastening the apparatus  10  thereupon an upper portion of the deck  60  and for securely supporting the assembly of the chair  11  and the adjusting mechanism  20 . The chair mount  16  provides a means for securely fastening the lower platform  21  thereonto the pedestal  14 . Depending on the intended usage of the boat, the assembly of pedestal  14  and the foot  15  can be designed to be a fixed or rotational configuration, either of which is secured thereupon the deck  60  by means of bolts, screws, or toe clamps. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , a perspective rear view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10 , shown in a lowered and upright position, comprises a lower platform  21  and an upper platform  22 . The lower platform  21  is shown affixed thereto the chair mount  16  portion of the pedestal  14 . A first pair of crossed links  23   a  and  24   b  connects a first side portion of the lower platform  21  to a corresponding side portion of the upper platform  22 , and a second pair of crossed links  23   b  and  24   b  connects a second side portion of the lower platform  21  to a corresponding side portion of the upper platform  22 . The interior portion of the chair  11  is envisioned to comprise a supporting frame made of materials such as, but not limited to: steel, aluminum, or plastics, in shapes such as, but not limited to: tubing, extrusions or stampings. This frame is securely fastened thereonto the upper platform  22  and envisioned to comprise an appropriate plurality of cushioning springs covered with any of a variety of moisture resistant padding materials. The exterior portion of the chair  11  is envisioned to comprise a water resistant covering made of materials such as, but not limited to: vinyl, artificial leather, rubber, or any suitable fabric or plastic materials, all envisioned to be decorated in attractive colors and themes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2B , a perspective rear view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is shown in a raised and upright state of adjustment. The raising action is transmitted from the lower platform  21  thereonto the upper platform  22  by the motion of the two (2) pairs of crossed links  23   a ,  23   b ,  24   a  and  24   b  in a manner which is similar to the action of a state-of-the-art scissor table. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3C  various perspective rear views of the adjusting mechanism  20  of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The adjusting mechanism  20 , depicted in a raised and forward-tilted position, comprises the lower platform  21  and the upper platform  22 , a first link  23   a , a second link  24   a , a third link  23   b  and a fourth link  24   b . A lower end of the first link  23   a  is pivotally connected thereonto a rearward end portion of a first side portion of the lower platform  21  while the opposite upper end of the first link  23   a  is slidingly connected thereonto a forward end portion of a first side portion of the upper platform  22  by means of a third slot  37   a . A lower end of the second link  24   a  is pivotally connected thereonto an outer end of a second axle  26  while the opposite upper end of the second link  24   a  is pivotally connected to an outer end of a first axle  25 . Furthermore, the center of the first link  23   a  is pivotally connected thereonto the center of the second link  24   a , and each outer end of the second axle  26  is slidingly guided by means of a first slot  29   a  and a second slot  29   b  provided therewithin the frontward side end portions of the lower platform  22 . In like manner, a corresponding third link  23   b  and fourth link  24   b  are assembled thereonto a second side of the platforms  21  and  22  and the corresponding opposite ends of the axles  25  and  26 , wherein the opposite upper end of the third link  23   b  is slidingly connected thereonto a forward end portion of a second side portion of the upper platform  22  by means of a fourth slot  37   b . The resulting X-like disposition of the first link  23   a , the second link  24   a , the third link  23   b  and the fourth link  24   b  is designed to allow the upper platform  22  to be raised upwardly away from the lower platform  21  in a symmetrically uniform action, while maintaining the stability of the apparatus  10 . A jack window  39  located at a central rear location of the lower platform  21  is designed to provide a clear space to accommodate the second jack  31  when the chair  11  is in a lowered state. The adjusting mechanism  20  further comprises an electrically powered first jack  28 , wherein an electric motor imparts a clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation thereonto a first screw  33 , thereby imparting a forward or rearward motion thereonto a first nut  27 . The first nut  27  is designed to transfer a forward or rearward motion thereonto the second axle  26 , which, in turn, induces a scissor-like lifting action thereonto the crossed links  23   a  and  24   a  and  23   b  and  24   b , thereby lifting the upper platform  22  and the chair  11  attached thereonto. A second jack  31 , envisioned to function in a manner which is similar to the first jack  28 , imparts a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation thereupon a second screw  34 . The second nut is designed to transfer an upward or downward motion thereonto a second nut  32 , thereby raising or lowering the rear portion of the upper platform  22 , thus tilting the chair  11  forwardly or returning it to a normally upright position. A first guide  38   a  provided therewithin the rear portion of the first side of the upper platform  22 , and a second guide  38   b  provided therewithin the rear portion of the second side of the upper platform  22  are designed to ensure the scissor-like lifting action of the links  23   a ,  23   b ,  24   a  and  24   b  when the guides  38   a  and  38   b  are resting thereonto the ends of the first axle  25 , while proving the rear portion of the upper platform  22  the freedom to be lifted thereinto the forwardly tilted position. A first cord  44  supplies electric power to the second jack  31 , while a second cord  46  supplies electric power to the first jack  28 , whereby both cords  44  and  46  are contained therewithin the pedestal  14  and terminate therewithin a receptacle  45 , thus providing a means of connecting the apparatus  10  thereto the battery of the boat by means a power cord  47  whereby a first end comprises a male plug  49  connected thereto the female receptacle  45 . The power cord  47  is routed therethrough an access aperture  48  thus allowing the second end of the power cord  47  to be connected to the battery of the boat by means of appropriate terminals. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3B , a partial perspective top view of the first arm  12  containing the control pad  41  of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The control pad  41  comprises a first switch  42  and a second switch  43 . The first switch  42  controls the upward and downward motion of the chair  11 , wherein the appropriate commands are clearly designated as “U” for up and “D” for down in close proximity to the switch  42 . Likewise, the second switch  43  controls the tilting of the chair and its functions are clearly marked as “F” for forward tilt and “R” for returning the chair to the normally upright position. 
     Alternative embodiments of the present invention  10  can comprise alternate electrically driven chair positioning mechanisms, such as, but not limited to: rack-and-pinion, worm-and-pinion, or hydraulic jacks. Furthermore, alternate embodiments could comprise options such as, but not limited to: a seat belt, a safety harness, or a restraining locking bar. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: receiving, unpacking and inspecting the apparatus  10  components; transferring the apparatus  10  components thereonto the boat deck  60 ; choosing a suitable deck  60  location; preparing the deck  60  location as needed; installing and securing the foot  15  and the pedestal  14  thereonto the deck  60 ; affixing the lower platform  21  thereto the chair mount  16 ; affixing the chair  11  thereonto the upper platform  22 ; connecting the first end of the power cord  47  thereonto the receptacle  45 ; routing the power cord  47  therethrough the access aperture; connecting the second end of the power cord  47  thereonto the boat battery; testing the raising and lowering function of the chair  11  by moving the first switch  42  alternately between the “U” and “D” positions; testing the tilting function by moving the second switch  43  alternately between the “F” and “R” positions; performing any necessary adjustments; and repeating the testing until a smooth and consistent operation is ensured. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.