Improvements in Folding Seats.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 15 h Oct., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 10th Aug.. 1896-Accepted, 12th Sept., 1996
Improvements in Folding Seats.
I, WILLIS WALTON FRANTZ, of Waynesborough, in the County of Franklin,
and State of Pennsylvania, one of the United States of America, Lime Merchant,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to folding seats which are to be used as auxiliary seats in
vehicles. The auxiliary seat is provided with two similar frames, which are
pivotally connected together at or about their centers.
Each frame consists of a rectangular loop or link of resilient material, such as
steel, and one loop is narrower than the other so that the two loops may be pivoted
together in a crossed position.
A strip of flexible material, such as carpet, connects the upper portions of the
two frames, and a second similar strip connects the lower portions of the two
frames. The side portions of the loops are curved outwardly in opposite directions
above and below their pivots so as to form spaces on each side adapted to receive
and accommodate the limbs of persons sitting side by side on the same vehicle
seat.
When the auxiliary seat is placed on the front part of an ordinary vehicle seat,
capable of accommodating two persons, it affords accommodation for a third person
without inconveniencing the two persons occupying the vehicle seat, or obliging
them to sit wider apart.
The upper flexible strip forms the seat portion of the auxiliary seat, and the
lower strip rests upon the cushion of the vehicle seat, conforms to the irregularities
of its surface and prevents it from being abrade i by comach with the frames.
When not required in use, the auxiliary seat can be folded up and laid in the
hottom of the vehicle.
The two frames are pivotally connected together in any approved manner. By
preference holes are drilled about half-way through each frame, and pins provided
with hemispherical ends are made to fit loosely in the holes. One portion of the
outer loop is sprung over the end of the second pin after the first pin has been
placed in position. The resiliency of the steel loops keeps both pins in position
and permits the loops to turn freely on their pivots without rubbing against each
other, and prevents all noise or rattle at the joints.
Dated this 15th day of October 1895.
WHEATLEY & MACKENZIE,
40 Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agents.
1, WILLIS WALTON FRANTZ, of Waynesborough, in the County of Franklin,
aud State of Pennsylvania, one of the United States of America, Lime Merchant,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is
to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
This invention relates to folding seats, and it consists in the novel construction
and combination of the parts hereinafter fully described and claimed.

page_text: Figure 1 is n front view of the seat.
Figure 2 is a side view of the seat.
Figure 3 is a detail sectional view of one of the pivot joints of the seat.
Figure 4 is a detail view of one of the loops.
The seat is provided with two similar frames A, which are pivotally connected
together at or about their center+. Each frame & consists of a rect ingul ir p
or link of resilient material, such as steel, and one loop is narrower thin the other
so that the two loops may be crossed and pivoted together.
A strip of flexible material B, such as carpet, connerts the upper portions of the
two frames, and a second similar strip connects the lower porti ins of the two
frames.
The side portions a of the Lops are bent outwardly in opposite directions
above and below their pivots, so as to form spaces D on each side adapted to
receive and accommodate the limbs of persons sitting side by side on the -12
seat.
E is a portion of an ordinary vehicle seat adapted to accommodate two persons.
When the auxiliary seat is placed at the front part of the center of the seat Eit
affords accommodation for a third person without inconveniencing the two persons
occupying the sent E, or obliging them to sit wiler apart.
The upper flexible strip B forms the seat portion of the auxiliary seat, and the
lower flexible strip Crests upon the cushions of the seat E, cinforms to the
irregularities of their surface and prevents them from being abraded by contact
with the frames. When not required in use the auxiliary seat can be folded up
and land in the bottom of the vehicle.
The twe fratre pivotally connected by pins / Holes gare drilled about
half way through each frame, and the pin-are provided with hemispherical
ends and are made to fit loosely in the holes g. One side portion of the outer
link is sprung over the end of the second pin after the first pin has been placed in
position. The resiliency of the steel links keeps both pins in position and permits
the links to turn freely on their pivots without rabbing against each other, so that
there is no rattle at the joints.
Having no v particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :
1. Au auxiliary seat comprising two crossed and pivoted loops curved to form
spaces for accommodating the limbs of persons, and flexible strips connecting
together the two upper and the two lower portions of the said loops, substantially
as bet forth.
2. A seat comprising two loops, pivot pins provide with hemispherical ends
engaging with holes extending part-way through the side portions of the said loops,
and flexible strips connecting together the two upper and the two lower portions of
the said loops, substantially as set forth.
Dated this 10th day of August 1896.
WHEATLEY & MACKENZIE,
40 Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agents.