Abstract:
A seating system for use with a vehicle. The seating system includes: a seat device arranged proximal to a rear edge of the vehicle, arranged to be deployed at least partially beyond the rear edge; and a platform arranged to be moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the platform is arranged to be positioned for use as a footrest by a user seated on the seat device.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a deployable seat system, in particular, but not exclusively, a deployable seat system that is configured to be deployed from a vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Vehicles such as sports utility vehicles or pickup trucks typically comprise a closure element such as a tailgate or a split tailgate that opens downwards (i.e. a drop down tailgate). The downwards-opening tailgates on these vehicles typically open to be level with the base or floor of the boot (i.e. the load floor). This allows for ease of loading of cargo and other luggage into the boot of the vehicle if a user places the cargo onto the drop down tailgate and pushes it along the load floor into the boot. In this way, especially if the items are heavy or bulky, the user would not have to reach into the vehicle to load the cargo. 
         [0003]    Further, drop down tailgates are usually designed to be able to support the full weight of users standing or sitting on it, particularly when the vehicle is stationary. 
         [0004]    However, in vehicles with a single tailgate that opens sideways or upwards, sitting at the rear of the vehicle when it is stationary is hindered by the lip of the boot and may also have reduced headroom. 
         [0005]    Vehicles with high ground clearance can be difficult for users to enter and exit. Accordingly, steps or support surfaces may be provided for users. Typically, the steps are permanently fixed to the exterior of a vehicle with high ground clearance, and may be configured to move into a stowed configuration. However, attachments such as steps to the exterior of the vehicle can adversely affect the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. 
         [0006]    Further, the rear closure element (i.e. the tailgate) of vehicles with high ground clearance may be relatively higher from the ground than the side doors in order to maximise the approach and departure angle of the vehicle. This can make the tailgate particularly difficult to use to enter and exit the vehicle. 
         [0007]    Vehicle users transporting bicycles typically affix cycle carriers or bicycle racks to the vehicle for carrying the bicycles. Cycle carriers are typically mounted to the rear of the vehicle, particularly on vehicles with high ground clearance, where roof-mounted cycle carriers are less suitable as the height of the vehicle makes it difficult to load and unload bicycles. Most cycle carriers and bicycle racks are multi-component devices that the user must spend time carefully assembling and attaching securely to the vehicle. 
         [0008]    The present invention has been devised to mitigate or overcome at least some of the above-mentioned problems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a seating system for use with a vehicle, the seating system comprising: a seat device arranged proximal to a rear edge of the vehicle and moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and a platform arranged to be moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein, in the deployed configuration, the platform is arranged to be positioned for use as a footrest by a user seated on the seat device. 
         [0010]    Bodywork of the vehicle may conceal the platform when the platform is in the stowed configuration. It may be that the platform is positioned behind, within or underneath a rear bumper of the vehicle when the platform is in the stowed configuration. The platform may be deployed from its position behind, within or underneath the rear bumper. Advantageously, a concealed platform is more aesthetically pleasing and reduces the chances of damage to the platform when the platform is not in use. 
         [0011]    The seat device may be arranged to be deployed at least partially beyond the rear edge of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle may comprise a boot and the seat device forms at least part of a load floor of the boot when in the closed configuration. 
         [0012]    Additionally, the seating system of any of the above aspects of the present invention may further comprise the following. 
         [0013]    The seat device may comprise a seat and a seatback, wherein: in the open configuration, the seatback and seat are separated such that a user can sit on the seat with their back against the seatback; and in the closed configuration, the seatback being at least substantially positioned on top of the seat. 
         [0014]    Optionally, the seat device may hinge between the open configuration and the closed configuration. 
         [0015]    The seating system may comprise at least one from the group of: a runner, a rail, a guide and a track; and wherein the seat device is arranged to be deployed at least partially beyond the rear edge of the vehicle by sliding. The runner, the rail, the guide and/or the track may be affixed proximal to an edge of the seat of the seat device 
         [0016]    When the seat device comprises a seat and a seatback, a back of the seatback may be substantially flat to form the at least part of the load floor of the boot when the seat device is in the closed configuration. 
         [0017]    When the seat device comprises a seat and a seatback, a back of the seatback may be substantially flush with the load floor of the boot when the seat device is in the closed configuration. 
         [0018]    If the seat device is deployed at least partially beyond the rear edge of the vehicle, the platform may extend further beyond the rear edge when in the deployed configuration. 
         [0019]    When the seat device comprises a seat and a seatback, the front of the seatback may be of complementary shape to the seat of the seat device. 
         [0020]    The seat device may be a bench-style seat with no demarcation to indicate the seating positions. 
         [0021]    When the seat device comprises a seat and a seatback, the back of the seatback may comprise a means for securing objects. The means for securing objects comprises at least one of: a hook or a net. 
         [0022]    The seat device may be deployed at least partially beyond the rear edge of the vehicle whilst in the closed configuration. 
         [0023]    The deployable platform may be arranged to be concealed by a moveable cover when in the stowed configuration. 
         [0024]    The deployable platform may be arranged to be concealed by bodywork of the vehicle when the platform is in the stowed configuration. Said bodywork that conceals the platform in the stowed position may comprise a rear bumper of the vehicle. It may be that the platform is positioned behind, within or underneath a rear bumper of the vehicle when the platform is in the stowed configuration. The platform may be deployed from its position behind, within or underneath the rear bumper. Advantageously, a concealed platform is more aesthetically pleasing and reduces the chances of damage to the platform when the platform is not in use. 
         [0025]    The platform may be arranged in its deployed configuration to provide a support surface disposed partway between ground level and a lower edge of a vehicle closure element opening. The closure element opening may be the opening to a boot of the vehicle. 
         [0026]    Optionally, a first side of the deployable platform comprises a means for enhancing grip. 
         [0027]    The platform may be arranged in its deployed configuration to provide a means for securing at least one bicycle. The means for securing at least one bicycle may comprise a clamp, a lock or other suitable means for temporarily engaging the at least one bicycle for attachment to the platform. 
         [0028]    The platform system may comprise a means for rotating the platform when in the deployed configuration. The means for rotating the platform may comprise a hinge joint, a pivot joint or other suitable means. The ability to rotate the platform is beneficial if the platform is being used as a bicycle rack, then the bicycles on the platform may be rotated away from the vehicle to enable, for example, the tailgate of the vehicle to be opened for access to the boot of the vehicle. 
         [0029]    The means of rotating the platform may be arranged with interlocks to optionally secure the platform at a plurality of angles. For example, a first interlock may be used to secure the platform at an angle suitable for securing the bicycles whilst the vehicle is in motion, and a second interlock may be used to secure the platform at an angle suitable for securing the bicycles whilst the platform is rotated and the tailgate is open. 
         [0030]    The platform may be arranged in its deployed configuration to provide a support surface disposed partway between ground level and a lower edge of a vehicle closure element opening and/or a means for securing at least one bicycle. 
         [0031]    Optionally, a first side of the platform comprises the support surface and a second side of the platform comprises the means for securing at least one bicycle. The platform may be arranged to be moveable between first and second configurations, the first side of the platform being directed substantially upwards in the first configuration and the second side of the platform being directed substantially upwards in the second configuration. This has the benefit of making the means for securing at least one bicycle relatively further away from the vehicle than when the platform is configured to provide the support surface. 
         [0032]    The first side of the platform and the second side of the platform may be substantially opposite sides of the platform. 
         [0033]    The platform system may comprise a means for rotating the platform to move the platform between the first and second configurations. In this way, the means of rotating the platform may be used to configure the first side of the platform to face substantially upwards to provide the support surface, or to configure the second side of the platform to face substantially upwards in to provide the means for securing at least one bicycle 
         [0034]    The platform may comprise lights. The lights may comprise one or more from the group comprising of: a rear position light, a brake light, a reversing light and a turn signal lights. Additionally or alternatively, the platform may comprise a registration plate holder. 
         [0035]    The platform system may comprise a means for deploying the platform between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. The means for deploying the platform may comprise at least one from the group comprising of: a telescopic arm, a runner, a rail, a guide, a track or a hinge. The means for deploying the platform may comprise one or more actuators. The or each actuators may be controlled from the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the or each actuator may be controlled wirelessly, for example using a radio frequency vehicle key fob. 
         [0036]    The platform may be arranged to be hidden within the vehicle bodywork when in the stowed configuration and is arranged to be at least partially located at least partially outside the vehicle bodywork when in the deployed configuration. 
         [0037]    The invention may extend to a vehicle comprising the seating system of any of the above aspects of the invention. The seat device of the seating system may face away from the vehicle when deployed at least partially beyond the rear edge of the vehicle. The vehicle may comprise a means for moving the moveable cover, wherein the moveable cover is arranged to be at least part of the rear bumper of the vehicle. 
         [0038]    According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a platform system for use with a vehicle, the platform system comprising a deployable platform configurable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration wherein the deployable platform is arranged to be concealed by a moveable cover when in the stowed configuration. 
         [0039]    The movable cover may comprise bodywork of the vehicle, such as a rear bumper of the vehicle. It may be that the platform is positioned behind, within or underneath a rear bumper of the vehicle when the platform is in the stowed configuration. The platform may be deployed from its position behind, within or underneath the rear bumper. Advantageously, a concealed platform is more aesthetically pleasing and reduces the chances of damage to the platform when the platform is not in use. 
         [0040]    The platform may be arranged in its deployed configuration to provide a support surface disposed partway between ground level and a lower edge of a vehicle closure element opening. The closure element opening may be the opening to a boot of the vehicle. 
         [0041]    Optionally, a first side of the deployable platform comprises a means for enhancing grip. 
         [0042]    The platform may be arranged in its deployed configuration to provide a means for securing at least one bicycle. The means for securing at least one bicycle may comprise a clamp, a lock or other suitable means for temporarily engaging the at least one bicycle for attachment to the platform. 
         [0043]    The platform system may comprise a means for rotating the platform when in the deployed configuration. The means for rotating the platform may comprise a hinge joint, a pivot joint or other suitable means. The ability to rotate the platform is beneficial if the platform is being used as a bicycle rack, then the bicycles on the platform may be rotated away from the vehicle to enable, for example, the tailgate of the vehicle to be opened for access to the boot of the vehicle. 
         [0044]    The means of rotating the platform may be arranged with interlocks to optionally secure the platform at a plurality of angles. For example, a first interlock may be used to secure the platform at an angle suitable for securing the bicycles whilst the vehicle is in motion, and a second interlock may be used to secure the platform at an angle suitable for securing the bicycles whilst the platform is rotated and the tailgate is open. 
         [0045]    The platform may be arranged in its deployed configuration to provide a support surface disposed partway between ground level and a lower edge of a vehicle closure element opening and/or a means for securing at least one bicycle. 
         [0046]    Optionally, a first side of the platform comprises the support surface and a second side of the platform comprises the means for securing at least one bicycle. The platform may be arranged to be moveable between first and second configurations, the first side of the platform being directed substantially upwards in the first configuration and the second side of the platform being directed substantially upwards in the second configuration. This has the benefit of making the means for securing at least one bicycle relatively further away from the vehicle than when the platform is configured to provide the support surface. 
         [0047]    According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a platform system for use with a vehicle, the platform system comprising a platform, wherein a first side of the platform comprises a support surface and a second side of the platform comprises a means for securing at least one bicycle, wherein the platform system is moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration, the first side of the platform being directed substantially upwards in the first configuration and the second side of the platform being directed substantially upwards in the second configuration. 
         [0048]    The first side of the platform and the second side of the platform may be substantially opposite sides of the platform. 
         [0049]    The platform system may comprise a means for rotating the platform to move the platform between the first and second configurations. In this way, the means of rotating the platform may be used to configure the first side of the platform to face substantially upwards to provide the support surface, or to configure the second side of the platform to face substantially upwards in to provide the means for securing at least one bicycle 
         [0050]    The platform may comprise lights. The lights may comprise one or more from the group comprising of: a rear position light, a brake light, a reversing light and a turn signal lights. Additionally or alternatively, the platform may comprise a registration plate holder. 
         [0051]    The platform system may comprise a means for deploying the platform between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The first and second configurations are variants of the deployed configuration. The means for deploying the platform may comprise at least one from the group comprising of: a telescopic arm, a runner, a rail, a guide, a track or a hinge. The means for deploying the platform may comprise one or more actuators. The or each actuator may be controlled from the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the or each actuator may be controlled wirelessly, for example using a radio frequency vehicle key fob. 
         [0052]    The platform may be arranged to be hidden within the vehicle bodywork when in the stowed configuration and is arranged to be at least partially located at least partially outside the vehicle bodywork when in the deployed configuration. Said bodywork may comprise a rear bumper of the vehicle. 
         [0053]    It may be that the platform is positioned behind, within or underneath a rear bumper of the vehicle when the platform is in the stowed configuration. The platform may be deployed from its position behind, within or underneath the rear bumper. Advantageously, a concealed platform is more aesthetically pleasing and reduces the chances of damage to the platform when the platform is not in use. 
         [0054]    The invention may extend to a vehicle comprising the platform system. The vehicle may comprise a means for moving the moveable cover, wherein the moveable cover is arranged to be at least part of the rear bumper of the vehicle. 
         [0055]    Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0056]    One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0057]      FIGS. 1 a  to 1 f    are schematic diagrams showing a deployable seat device and a deployable platform in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIGS. 2 a  to 2 h    are schematic diagrams showing a deployable platform in accordance with another aspect of the present invention; and 
           [0059]      FIGS. 3 a  to 3 d    are schematic diagrams showing a side view of the deployable platform in different configurations. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0060]    The present invention provides a deployable seat device and a deployable platform in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The deployable seat device and deployable platform may be deployed independently of each other and configured to be deployed from the rear of a vehicle. An example sequence showing the deployment of the deployable seat device and the deployable platform is shown in  FIGS. 1 a    to  1   f.    
         [0061]      FIG. 1 a    shows a vehicle  100  comprising a closure element (i.e a tailgate  102 ), a rear bumper  104 , a deployable seat device (not visible in  FIG. 1 a   ) and a deployable platform (not visible in  FIG. 1 a   ) in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The deployable seat device and the deployable platform are in their stowed configuration in  FIG. 1   a.    
         [0062]    The deployment sequence begins with the tailgate  102  being opened as shown in  FIG. 1 b   , pivoting upwards and rotating about a horizontal axis proximate to the roof of the vehicle  100 . The tailgate comprises pneumatic struts to assist the opening of the tailgate  102  and hold it in an open position. The open tailgate  102  exposes a boot  106  (i.e. a trunk) of the vehicle  100 . In other embodiments, the tailgate  102  may pivot sideways about a vertical axis proximate to the side of the vehicle  100 . The closure element opening comprises a lower edge  107 . 
         [0063]    The rear bumper  104  is then opened as shown in  FIG. 1 c   , pivoting downwards and rotating about a horizontal axis proximate to the underside of the vehicle  100 . The bumper  104  is configured to be a damage tolerant sacrificial part of the vehicle  100  that reduces damage to other parts of the vehicle  100  in the event of a collision. The bumper is also configured to be a moveable cover for the deployable platform. In other embodiments, other parts of the vehicle bodywork may be configured to conceal the platform. 
         [0064]      FIG. 1 d    shows the deployable platform  108  in its deployed configuration. The deployable platform  108  is arranged on a first end of a telescopic arm (see  FIGS. 3 a  to 3 d   ) that allows it to slide out from its stowed position behind the bumper  104 . A second end of the telescopic arm is anchored to the chassis of the vehicle  100 . The telescopic arm comprises interlocks to securely hold the arm in the extended and retracted configurations. In other embodiments, more than one telescopic arm may be used to support the platform  108 . 
         [0065]    The seat device is deployed in two stages. Firstly, as shown in  FIG. 1   e,  the seat device  110  is extended out from the base of the boot  106 . The seat device  110  comprises a seatback  112  and a seat  114 . In  FIG. 1   e,  the seat device is shown in its closed configuration, with the seatback  112  folded down on to the seat  114 . The front of the seatback  123  and the seat  114  comprise complementary shapes such that the back of the seatback  117  forms the flat load floor of the boot  106 . The seat device comprises runners that are proximal to the sides of the seat  114 . The runners are used to slide the seat device  110  from its stowed position in the boot  106 . In other embodiments, the seat device  110  may slide out of the boot  106  on a rail, a guide or a track. 
         [0066]    Once the first stage of deploying the seat device  110  is complete, a well  116  is revealed below the load floor of the boot  106 . The well may be arranged to contain luggage or a spare wheel and a set of tools. The runners proximal to the sides of the seat  114  are arranged to maximise the opening of the well  116 . 
         [0067]    The first stage deployment of the seat device  110  may be used independently of the platform  108  to ease the loading of goods into the boot  106  of the vehicle  100  as it effectively brings the floor of the boot (i.e. the back of the seatback  112 ) out of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the back of the seatback  112  may comprise hooks and/or netting to aid in securing luggage items. 
         [0068]    The second stage of deployment of the seat device  110  into its open configuration involves the seatback  112  rotating into a substantially upright position. This is shown in  FIG. 1   f,  where the seat device and the platform are both shown in their respective deployed configurations into a seating system  119 . In other embodiments, the seat device  110  may be arranged to deploy into its open configuration prior to sliding out from the boot  106  of the vehicle  100 . 
         [0069]    Once the seat device  110  is deployed, the seat device forms a bench suitable for one or more users to sit on. The deployed seat device  110  may be relatively high off the ground  200 . Accordingly, the users may use the platform  108 , which may be further away from the vehicle  100  than the seat device  110 , as a step or support surface to ease access to the seat device  110  and/or as a footrest when using the seat device  110 . 
         [0070]    In order to stow the seat device  110  and the platform  108 , the sequence is reversed as shown going from  FIG. 1 f    to  1   a.    
         [0071]    The platform  108  in its deployed configuration can fully support the weight of a plurality of users, and the telescopic arm is arranged to transfer the load to the vehicle chassis. The first side  118  of the platform  108  is contoured and textured to improve grip for users, for example, comprising a rubber surface, a diamond plate pattern, a ridged pattern, or any other contoured and textured profile. 
         [0072]    When the vehicle is in the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 d   , it also increases the ease of access for domesticated animals such as dogs that may use the platform  108  to access the boot  106 . 
         [0073]    The platform  108  may be deployed independently of the seat device  110 .  FIGS. 2 a  to 2 c    show the platform being deployed while the tailgate  102  remains closed. 
         [0074]      FIG. 2 a    shows the vehicle  100  comprising a platform system with the platform  108  in its stowed configuration. The rear bumper  104  is then opened as shown in  FIG. 2 b   , pivoting downwards and rotating about a horizontal axis proximate to the underside of the vehicle  100 . The deployable platform  108  is supported by the telescopic arm which extends out to deploy the deployable platform  108 .  FIG. 2 c    shows the deployable platform  108  of the platform system  121  in its deployed configuration. In the configuration shown in  FIG. 2 c   , the platform may be used as a vantage point. 
         [0075]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the platform  108  comprises a further stage of deployment as shown in  FIGS. 2 d    to  2   f.    
         [0076]    The platform  108  is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation  303  proximate to the first end of the telescopic arm.  FIG. 2 d    shows the platform  108  rotating with the first side  118  pointing away from the vehicle  100 . The rotation continues for approximately 180 degrees from its starting orientation, until a second side  120  of the platform  108  faces upwards (see  FIG. 2 e   ). 
         [0077]    The second side  120  is configured as a bicycle rack to receive one or more bicycles. The second side  120  comprises mounting arms  122  that are configured as means for securing each bicycle frame and grooves for the each bicycle wheel. The rear edge of the platform  108  in the bicycle rack configuration comprises lights  124 . The lights  124  as shown in the example of  FIGS. 2 e    (and  2   f ) include one or more from the group comprising a rear position light, a brake light, a reversing light and at least two turn signal lights. The lights  124  are controlled by a driver of the vehicle (for example, via a dashboard) and duplicate the lights on the rear of vehicle which may be obscured from other vehicles when bicycles are attached to the bicycle rack. Additionally or alternatively, the rear edge of the platform  108  in the bicycle rack configuration may comprise reflectors. 
         [0078]      FIG. 2 f    shows two bicycles  126  mounted to the bicycle rack configuration of platform  108 . 
         [0079]    The platform  108  can be further rotated to point the bicycle rack away from the vehicle  100  as shown in  FIG. 2 g   . This allows the tailgate  102  to be opened even when bicycles  126  are attached to the platform  108  as shown in  FIG. 2 h   . The platform  108  comprises a plurality of interlocks to hold securely the platform  108  at the desired angle. 
         [0080]      FIG. 3 a    shows a side view of the platform system  121  in its stowed configuration. The telescopic arm  300  is connected at the first end  302  to the platform  108  via a hinge joint  304 . The second end  306  of the telescopic arm  300  is anchored to the chassis  308  of the vehicle  100 , for example, via bolts, screws or other suitable means of fastening. In other embodiments, the second end  306  of the telescopic arm  300  is anchored to the body structure of the vehicle  100 . The bumper  104  is shown closed in  FIG. 3 a    to conceal the stowed platform  108  and is configured to open by pivoting downwards and rotating about a horizontal axis  310  proximate to the underside of the vehicle  100 . 
         [0081]    The second side  120  of the platform  108  is shown with a pair of grooves  312  that are arranged to receive the wheels of the bicycles. 
         [0082]    In  FIG. 3 b   , the bumper  104  has opened and the telescopic arm  300  has extended to deploy the platform  108 . The platform  108  is connected to the telescopic arm via a hinge joint  304 .  FIG. 3 c    shows the platform  108  rotating about an axis  303  governed by the hinge joint  304 . The axis  303  extends substantially in the y-direction of the vehicle, i.e. laterally with respect to the vehicle. 
         [0083]      FIG. 3 d    shows the platform  108  with the second side  120  facing upwards in the bike rack configuration. The hinge joint  304  is located at a distal end of the platform  108  (i.e. distal with respect, in use, to a vehicle), and this means that, the platform in its bike rack configuration is located further away from the vehicle, i.e. further behind the vehicle, than when in its step/support surface configuration (as shown in  FIG. 3 b   ). This increased spacing from the vehicle  100  reduces the risk of any bicycles attached to the bike rack causing damage to the vehicle  100 . To achieve an increased spacing, the hinge joint  304  and axis of rotation  303  may be located anywhere between a longitudinally central position on the platform and the edge of the platform distal from the vehicle. Optionally, the axis of rotation  303  is between the distal edge of the platform and a position halfway between the longitudinally central position and the distal edge. 
         [0084]    In other embodiments, the axis of rotation  303  (which extends substantially in the y-direction) may be at a position on the platform which is substantially central in the longitudinal direction (i.e. x-direction). In such a case, rotation of the platform into the bike rack configuration will not provide increased spacing of the platform from the vehicle. Instead, in order to provide the increased spacing from the vehicle in the bike rack configuration, the telescopic arm  300  may be configured to extend further to allow the platform  108  to deploy the bicycle rack configuration further away from the vehicle  100 , i.e. the telescopic arm  300  may be arranged to extend and be locked into more than one extended position. In another embodiment, a combination of a further extended position and an axis of rotation between the central position and the distal edge of the platform may be used to achieve increased spacing of the platform from the vehicle in the bike rack configuration. 
         [0085]    Many modifications may be made to the above examples without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims. 
         [0086]    For example, the platform may be joined to the telescopic arm via more than one hinge joint. In the above embodiment the platform is movably or deployably attached to the vehicle via an attachment element which is a telescopic arm, but the skilled man will appreciate that other attachment element or elements may be used. For example, the platform  108  may be attached via a hinge mechanism, and so deploy by rotating rather than by the sliding action of the telescopic arm. Similarly, the seat may be movably or deployably attached to the vehicle via attachment elements which are runners, but the skilled man will appreciate that other attachment element or elements may be used. For example, the seat may be attached via a hinge mechanism. 
         [0087]    A further example is where the first side  118  of the platform  108  may be used as a bicycle rack as well as a footrest and step/support surface. This reduces the complexity of the deployment mechanism as the platform  108  would not have to rotate to change between footrest and bicycle rack configurations. 
         [0088]    In addition to lights  124 , the rear edge of the platform  108  in the bicycle rack configuration may further comprise a registration plate holder. 
         [0089]    In another embodiment, the platform system may be as described above, with the difference that it is not deployable from the vehicle. That is, instead of the platform being supported by and attached to the vehicle by a support member such as a telescopic arm, the platform may instead be supported in a position for use and attached to the vehicle by a static attachment member or arm. The arrangement still benefits from the feature of the platform being moveable between first and second configurations, the first configuration providing a step or support surface, and the second configuration providing a bicycle rack. As in the above embodiment, the platform can still be attached rotatably to the support member via a hinge, for rotation between the first and second configurations.