Abstract:
A folding seat combination is configured for use with and installation on a vehicle such as a golf cart type recreational vehicle. The folding seat combination provides selective positioning of seat, footrest, and backrest components, respectively each between upright and downward positions thereof, to alternately accommodate easy transport of either of additional passengers or materials. With the seat and footrest features in their upright positions and the backrest in its upward position, optional golf bag securing straps may be used to secure golf bags in the cart, as so configured for the transportation of materials rather than passengers in such location. With the footrest in an upright position, relatively loose items stored in an otherwise relatively open storage area of the cart may be contained and prevented from bouncing out during operation the cart.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of previously filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “FOLDING SEAT COMBINATION,” assigned U.S. Ser. No. 60/904,533 filed Mar. 1, 2007, and which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present subject matter relates to accessories for recreational vehicles. More specifically, the present subject matter is directed to a convertible folding seat and storage combination for use with a golf cart type recreational vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The use of golf cart type recreational vehicles is well known in recreational and sporting environments. In addition to use on golf courses to transport golfers and their equipment, such carts find other uses in fulfilling transportation needs in other types of off road environments as well such as, but not limited to, transportation of individuals and materials in large convention halls or outdoor areas where it may desirable to transport individuals or materials quickly and where other types of conveyances may not be appropriate because of size and other considerations. 
         [0004]    Various arrangements of golf cart type vehicles are known and manufactured by companies including E-Z-Go, Club Car, Yamaha, Textron, and Fairplay, such as represented by the disclosures of U.S. Design Pat. Nos. D345,717; D369,762; D373,099; D395,023; D498,704; and D514,981. 
         [0005]    In many instances known golf cart type recreational vehicles provide storage space in the rear portion of the cart so that various items in addition to a driver and, possibly, a passenger, may also be transported. Further, it is known to provide additional seating in the rear of similar type carts. Such seating may be configured to face forward or rearward but most often these seats may be configured to be positioned only in one direction or the other. Quite often such seats are substantially permanently installed so that use of such carts is more limited and less versatile. 
         [0006]    In light of recognized deficiencies in known golf cart type recreational vehicles, alternative seating accessories that provide configuration variety to afford maximum use of the golf cart type recreational vehicles for all types of transportation needs remains a desired goal. 
         [0007]    While various implementations of golf cart seating accessories and golf bag securing configurations have been developed, no design has emerged that generally encompasses all of the desired characteristics as hereafter presented in accordance with the present subject matter. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In view of the recognized features encountered in the prior art and addressed by the present subject matter, improved convertible (folding) seat combinations for use with golf cart type recreational vehicles have been developed. 
         [0009]    In an exemplary configuration, a convertible folding seat and storage combination in accordance with the present technology provides a folding seat combination apparatus that may either be retrofitted to a golf cart type recreational vehicle, or provided as original equipment to such a vehicle, to provide additional seating for individuals or alternatively to secure transportation of golf bags or other items. In such exemplary configuration, the present subject matter may be disposed in alternate positions thereof, one for accommodating seating functionality (for persons) and another for accommodating transportation of materials. 
         [0010]    It should be appreciated that while the present subject matter is described herein as being for use with golf cart type recreational vehicles, such is not a limitation of the present subject matter as the convertible folding seat and storage combination may well be used in combination with other type vehicles. For example, the convertible folding seat and storage combination might be mounted on the rear of a small utility type pick-up truck where optional seating might be used and a functional “tailgate” can be provided by placing the footrest of the present subject matter in an upright position. 
         [0011]    In one of its simpler forms, a convertible folding seat and storage combination may incorporate a frame configured for attachment to a golf cart type recreational vehicle that includes a seat portion that, in a first down position may provide additional seating for individuals and in an up position may provide access to a storage area of the cart. 
         [0012]    Another positive aspect of such type of device is that the folding seat combination may optionally include securing straps attached to the underside of a seat cushion that may be used to secure golf bags or other items for transport in the cart while the seat is in an up position thereof. 
         [0013]    In accordance with aspects of certain embodiments of the present subject matter, a footrest feature may be provided that may be configured to be moved between respective up or down positions. When moved to its down position, the footrest provides a footrest function for individual passengers. In an exemplary up position thereof, the footrest provides a partial closure for the normally open storage area of a golf cart type recreational vehicle so as to assist in retaining items relatively loosely placed in the storage area formed thereby. 
         [0014]    In accordance with certain aspects of other embodiments of the present subject matter, the folding seat combination includes a backrest cushion portion that may also be positioned in an alternate up or down position. In an exemplary down position thereof, the backrest cushion portion provides a backrest function for individual passengers while in an exemplary up position thereof the backrest cushion portion may cooperate with the seat portion while it is in an up position to assist in securing the seat portion in the up position. 
         [0015]    In accordance with yet additional aspects of further embodiments of the present subject matter, a latching apparatus may be provided to secure the footrest in an exemplary up position thereof. 
         [0016]    One present exemplary embodiment may relate to a convertible folding seat and storage combination, comprising a frame configured for attachment to a vehicle; a seat portion movably attached to such frame, such seat portion having an upper side and an underside, with a storage area formed under such seat portion; a backrest portion attached to such frame; and a footrest portion attached to such frame. Preferably, such seat portion is movably attached to such frame such that such seat portion may selectively be alternately positioned in one of a down position thereof so as to provide seating for an individual with such storage area situated thereunder, and in an up position thereof so as to provide full access to such storage area. 
         [0017]    Other present exemplary embodiments of such present exemplary convertible folding seat and storage combination may include other features, for example, such as such backrest portion and footrest portion may be respectively movably attached to such frame such that such backrest portion and footrest portion may selectively be alternately positioned in one of respective down positions thereof so as to provide a backrest and footrest respectively for an individual seated on such seat portion when in the down position thereof, and in respective up positions thereof for assisting to secure such seat portion and to provide at least partial closure of such storage area respectively when such seat portion is in the up position thereof. Still further, such combination may also include at least one pair of securing straps attached to such underside of such seat portion, for securing at least one item for transport while such seat portion is in an up position thereof. Also, certain embodiments may include a latch movably attached to such frame, and configured to be selectively engaged with such footrest portion such that such latch may secure such footrest portion in such up position thereof. 
         [0018]    Another present exemplary embodiment may relate to a vehicle, comprising a front seat configured to provide seating for a vehicle operator; and a rear convertible seat comprising a frame attached to such vehicle, a seat portion attached to such frame with a storage area formed under such seat portion, a backrest portion attached to such frame, and a footrest portion attached to such frame. Preferably, such seat portion may be movably attached to such frame such that such seat portion may selectively be alternately positioned in one of a down position thereof so as to provide seating for an individual with such storage area situated thereunder, and in an up position thereof so as to provide full access to such storage area. Still further, such vehicle may comprise a golf cart type recreational vehicle, and include a securing device for securing at least one golf bag to such vehicle. 
         [0019]    Additional objects and advantages of the present subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the detailed description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referred and discussed features and elements hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the present subject matter without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or materials for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts, features, or the like. 
         [0020]    Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of the present subject matter may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features, steps, or their equivalents (including combinations of features, parts, or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description of such figures). Additional embodiments of the present subject matter, not necessarily expressed in the summarized section, may include and incorporate various combinations of aspects of features or components referenced in the summarized objects above, and/or other features or components as otherwise discussed in this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates a right rear oblique view of an exemplary golf cart with an exemplary convertible folding seat and storage combination constructed in accordance with the present technology, secured to the exemplary golf cart, and with such convertible combination features in respective exemplary down positions thereof; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates a right rear oblique view of an exemplary golf cart, similar to the  FIG. 1  view thereof, with an exemplary present convertible folding seat and storage combination attached, and illustrating the present seat and footrest features in respective exemplary upright positions thereof; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  illustrates a partially assembled/partially exploded view of frame features for an exemplary convertible combination in accordance with the present technology; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  illustrates a partial view of a present exemplary convertible combination illustrating a view of the footrest features thereof in an exemplary upright position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  illustrates a left rear oblique view complimentary to that of present  FIG. 2 , illustrating a more detailed view of such convertible folding seat and storage combination of the present subject matter with the seat and footrest features thereof both in exemplary upright positions; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  illustrates an enlarged view in isolation of an exemplary latch mechanism for holding the seat portion of the convertible combination in an upright position, in accordance with present subject matter. 
       
    
    
       [0028]    Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the present subject matter. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    As discussed in the Summary of the Invention section, the present subject matter is particularly concerned with improved convertible folding seat and storage combination subject matter for use with golf cart type recreational vehicles. 
         [0030]    Selected combinations of aspects of the disclosed technology correspond to a plurality of different embodiments of the present subject matter. It should be noted that each of the exemplary embodiments presented and discussed herein should not insinuate limitations of the present subject matter. Features or aspects illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in combination with aspects of another embodiment to yield yet further embodiments. Additionally, certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or features not expressly mentioned but which perform the same or similar function. 
         [0031]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the subject convertible folding seat and storage combination (also referred to herein as a folding seat combination, or other shortened references). Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a right rear oblique view of a golf cart generally  200  with the subject folding seat combination generally  100  constructed in accordance with the present technology attached. As may be seen in  FIG. 1 , folding seat combination  100  corresponds to a frame generally  110  to which footrest  120 , seat  130 , backrest  140 , and a respective pair of armrests  150 ,  152  may be secured. A more detailed description of frame  110  is presented in connection with present  FIG. 3 . 
         [0032]    In an exemplary configuration, footrest generally  120  may be secured to frame  110  for example, by way of a plurality of hinges, such as exemplary hinges  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 . Such hinges permit movement of footrest  120  to either a respective downward position thereof as illustrated in  FIG. 1  or an upright position thereof as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . A latch mechanism  112  may be secured to armrest portion generally  114  of frame  110  to further hold footrest  120  in its relative upright position. It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, footrest  120  may be solidly secured to frame  110  as by stitch welding, for example, or by any other suitable means if movement to an upright position is not desired. 
         [0033]    It will be noticed that with seat  130  and footrest  120  both in their downward positions (present  FIG. 1 ), partial access may be had to storage area generally  160  of golf cart  200 . Footrest  120  may correspond to or encompass a number of different features including a foot supporting surface  138  ( FIG. 1 ), a back panel  134 , and a number of generally triangular supports  132 , all of which will be described more fully herein with reference to present  FIG. 4 . 
         [0034]    With reference now to  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated a right rear oblique view of golf cart  200  with an exemplary folding seat combination  100  attached illustrating the seat  130  and footrest  120  each in their upright positions and with backrest  140  respectively in a downward position. With seat  130  placed in such an exemplary upright position, access is more substantially available to storage area  160  at the rear of golf cart  200 . Further, it will be observed that an optional golf bag holder or securement feature  170  may be situated to the underside of seat  130  so as to be exposed and available for securing golf bags or other items when seat  130  is in such an upright position. With footrest  120  in its upright position, storage area  160  is at least partially closed to the immediate rear of vehicle  200 , so as to assist in preventing items that might be relatively loosely placed in storage area  160  from bouncing out of such area  160  during movement of golf cart  200 . 
         [0035]    Positioning backrest  140  in its downward position ( FIG. 2 ) also per present subject matter assists in maintaining seat  130  in an upward position. Latch mechanism  112  may be used to assist in more securely maintaining footrest  120  in its upright position. An exemplary configuration of latching mechanism  112  is more fully described herein with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0036]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , there is illustrated a partially assembled/partially exploded exemplary frame  110  for a present folding seat combination  100  in accordance with the present technology. It should be appreciated that the components illustrated in  FIG. 3  are shown laid out prior to assembly and are illustrated in such a configuration only for reference purposes. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure herewith, the various components require repositioning before they may be attached to one another to form assembled frame  110 . 
         [0037]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , frame  110  includes a hinged backrest support  210  supported by way of a pair of hinges  202 ,  204  from a pair of upright supports  212 ,  214 . Upright supports  212 ,  214  are coupled, respectively, at right angles to frame portions  216 ,  218  and may be further coupled together and reinforced by lateral support portion  220 . Frame portions  216 ,  218  may be employed as mounting portions of frame  110 , for example, to secure the assembled frame to golf cart  200  (whether as part of a “retrofit” to an existing vehicle or as part of features initially integrated during manufacture of such vehicle  200 ). In an exemplary embodiment, upright portions  212 ,  214  and corresponding frame portions  216 ,  218  may correspond to an integral portion appropriately bent at right angles to provide the required configuration. Alternatively, the various parts may be provided as separate pieces and later joined together by commonly available means, including, but not limited to, welding, riveting, and securing by nut and bolt. 
         [0038]    With further reference to  FIG. 3 , frame portions  216 ,  218  may be coupled to seat supports  232 ,  234 , respectively, by way of hinges  242 ,  244 . Further, seat bottom support  230  (shown in  FIG. 3  in disassembled form as positioned between the two halves of support structure corresponding to frame portions  216 ,  232 , and  218 ,  234  respectively) may be secured by appropriate commonly available means similar to those commonly available means previously mentioned to the far ends  246 ,  248  of seat supports  232 ,  234 , respectively. Additional view of the assembled portions of the frame relating to the seat support portions are seen and further described herein with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
         [0039]    Further with respect to  FIG. 3 , optional golf bag holder  170  may be secured to end portions  246 ,  248  of seat supports  232 ,  234  proximate seat bottom support  230  by any suitable and commonly available means. Optional golf bag support  170  may be provided as a separate assembly comprising a support structure on which is positioned one or more strap assemblies herein illustrated for example as straps  172 ,  174 . Straps  172 ,  174  may correspond to any suitable straps that may be employed to retain a golf bag or other items including, but not limited to, an integral elastomeric loop strap through which loop a golf bag or other items may be inserted, a pair of separable straps secured together in use by any suitable means including, but not limited to, hook and loop type closures, snap closures, buckles, tied ends, or any other suitable means, or any other suitable securing arrangement. 
         [0040]    Further with respect to  FIG. 3 , armrest supports  114 ,  116  are illustrated in the disassembled view as if lying on the ground or a flat pre-assembly support surface. It should be appreciated from  FIG. 3  taken with the other Figures in this application that armrest supports  114 ,  116  will be rotated into a relatively upright position to be positioned for inclusion as a portion of frame  110 . Reference to  FIG. 1 , for example, additionally illustrates the final positioning of armrest supports  114 ,  116 . 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , there is illustrated a partial view of an exemplary folding seat combination  100  constructed in accordance with the present subject matter and illustrating a close-up view of footrest  120  in an upright position thereof. As may be seen in  FIG. 4 , footrest  120  may correspond to a generally flat portion  138  on which passenger&#39;s feet or other items may be placed when footrest  120  is positioned in its downward position. The generally flat portion  138  of footrest  120  may be supported for example by securing by any suitable means a back panel  134  perpendicular to the back edge of generally flat portion  138 , and by the placement of a plurality of generally triangular supports  132  as illustrated, engaging both back panel  134  and the underneath side of generally flat portion  138  of footrest  120 . All of the components corresponding to footrest  120  including back panel  134 , foot support portion  138 , and generally triangular supports  132  may be secured together by any suitable means commonly available. In an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, stitch welds  136  appropriately positioned at multiple locations (as well understood to those of ordinary skill in the art without additional disclosure) may accomplish such securing. Other welding techniques may be employed as well as other joining techniques. 
         [0042]    With reference now to  FIG. 5 , there is illustrated a relatively enlarged left oblique rear view complimentary to that of  FIG. 2  illustrating a more detailed view of folding seat combination  100  in accordance with the present technology, with the seat  130  and footrest  120  both illustrated in their respective upright positions. As may be seen in  FIG. 5 , footrest  120  may be positioned in an upright position by rotation of the front edge of footrest  120  upwardly through operation of a plurality of hinge couplings secured at the back edge of footrest  120 . Representative such hinges  124 ,  126  may be seen in the lower right corner of  FIG. 5 . Further with respect to hinge couplings, hinges  242 ,  244  previously mentioned as coupling supports  216 ,  232 , and  218 ,  234  may also be more clearly seen, positioned such that movement of seat  130  between upright and downward positions may be accomplished. 
         [0043]    With reference now to  FIG. 6 , there is illustrated an exemplary latch mechanism generally  112  for holding footrest  120  of the folding seat combination in an upright position. Latch mechanism  112  corresponds in this exemplary embodiment to a shaped member  300  secured to armrest portion  114  of frame  110  ( FIG. 1 ) by the use of a nut and bolt configuration  302  through a hole in one end of such member  300 . Shaped member  300  of latch mechanism  112  includes a hand or finger operated portion  304  that may be used to alternatively and selectively position latch mechanism  112  in either of a relatively upright or relatively downward position, to selectively either release or lock the latch mechanism. Latch mechanism  112  includes a recessed portion  306  configured to engage with a bolt or other rod-like element (not illustrated) as may be secured to the side of footrest  120  such that a portion of such element may be partially surrounded and captured by recessed portion  306  so as to achieve a locking position when desired, so as to assist in maintaining footrest  120  in an upright position. Such bolt or rod-like element may be secured to footrest  120  in any suitable manner. In the instance that a blot is used, such bolt may be selected such that a significant portion thereof extends into the path of the latch mechanism  112  so as to be captured thereby. Alternatively, a rod-like element may be welded or otherwise secured to footrest  120  to provide an equivalent capturable element for cooperative interaction with latch mechanism  112 . It should be appreciated that other forms of latches, for example, magnetic latches, may be employed to perform the function of latch mechanism  112 . 
         [0044]    While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. For example, the present subject matter is not particularly limited to the specifics of many aspects of a recreational vehicle with which the present subject matter may be used. For example, whether such vehicle is battery powered or powered by some form of combustion engine, would normally not affect the present subject matter. Likewise, whether the vehicle has a “top” or canopy, or whether it has a particular body style or design, would generally not directly affect the present subject matter. Further, whether the present subject matter is provided as a vehicle retrofit, or whether such subject matter is integrally provided as such vehicle is initially assembled does not affect the broader aspects of the present subject matter. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.