Patent Description:
An example of such flying equipment, specifically, a flight suit, is described in <CIT>, although the invention is not so limited. Other alternative personal flying equipment, for example, not having propulsion units held in the hand, may also use the chair of the invention.

Such flying equipment typically requires a user to land on their feet. The inventor has discovered that personal flying equipment can be more difficult to land on an unstable base, such as a moving vehicle.

<CIT> discloses a rehabilitation walker for children with cerebral palsy.

According to the invention, there is provided a vehicle assembly defined by the claims. In preferred embodiments, a chair is mounted on, or forms part of a vehicle, such as a boat.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference will be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:.

<FIG> show an embodiment of a chair <NUM> in accordance with the invention. The chair <NUM> comprises: a seat <NUM>; a torso support <NUM>; a structure <NUM>; and a base <NUM>.

The chair <NUM> preferably has a length, L1, in the forward direction of at least <NUM>, but more preferably at least <NUM>. The longer the chair <NUM> in the forward direction, the better it is able to resist the impact of the user on landing.

The chair <NUM> is intended to be for use in take-off or landing of a user wearing personal flying equipment. It should be noted that the user's flight is not perfectly accurate, and the user may wish to land on a moving vehicle. Therefore, the chair <NUM> preferably has a narrow seat <NUM> and narrow structure <NUM> that enables the user's legs free movement, but a wide torso support <NUM> for receiving the user's torso on landing. The torso support <NUM> as described below, is advantageously configured to provide a centering reaction force to the user's torso as landing takes place. Moreover, the chair is useful for enabling comfort of the user when carrying inactive propulsion units in his/her hands.

The seat <NUM> is arranged for the user to straddle. That is, the user can sit on the seat with his/her legs extending either side of the seat <NUM>. To enable this, the seat <NUM> has a width, W10, of between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably. The wider the seat <NUM>, the more comfort, but the harder it is for the seat <NUM> to be straddled.

The seat <NUM> is mounted on a seat portion <NUM> of the structure <NUM>. In preferred configurations of the structure <NUM>, the seat portion <NUM> may extend below the seat <NUM>. In which case, the seat portion <NUM> has a maximum width, W100, of no more than <NUM>, so that the user can straddle the seat <NUM> and the seat portion <NUM>. The seat <NUM> is preferably cushioned. The upper surface of the seat <NUM> or, if provided, the cushioning of the seat <NUM> may be curved or shaped to have greater depth at its rearmost end. Alternatively, or in addition, the seat <NUM> may be sloped to have a lower front end than rear end. These measures can bias the user forwards towards the torso support <NUM>. This can also be particularly advantageous to prevent the user falling off the chair <NUM> when the chair <NUM> is on a vehicle that may be subject to a variety of accelerations.

The rear edge of the seat <NUM> defines the rearmost end of the chair <NUM>.

The seat <NUM> defines a forward direction, which is the direction that the user faces when sitting on the seat <NUM>, facing the torso support <NUM>. Perpendicular to the forward direction are the lateral and vertical directions. The width of the seat <NUM> is measured in the lateral direction.

The torso support <NUM> is for supporting a torso of the user sat on the seat <NUM>. The torso support <NUM> is spaced from the seat <NUM> by a distance selected such that a user may sit on the seat and lean forward to contact their torso, preferably their chest on the torso support <NUM>. That is, the chair <NUM> is intended for the user to face the torso support <NUM> when seated. The concavity of the torso support <NUM> is open on the side facing the seat <NUM>.

The torso support <NUM> extends outwardly to either side of the structure <NUM> leaving a space below for receiving a respective leg of the user sat straddling the seat <NUM>. The torso support <NUM> preferably extends outwardly from the structure <NUM> by a distance, X20, of between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The torso support <NUM> is elongate and concave. For example, the torso support <NUM> may be said to generally define a C-shape. The torso support <NUM> preferably extends by a distance, L20, of between <NUM> and <NUM> in the lateral direction from end to end, preferably <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the torso support <NUM> may have an adjustable width (for example, it may comprise telescopic arms supporting cushioning). The width would be adjustable between <NUM> and <NUM>.

It may be a curved concave shape or made up of straight sections. The torso support <NUM> is preferably cushioned. The cushioning of the torso support <NUM> may be curved with thicker cushioning at its distal ends, that is, the end at greater distance from the structure <NUM>. This can bias the user towards the centre of the torso support <NUM>.

The torso support <NUM> preferably has a width, W20, perpendicular to the its length, which is the direction of its elongation, of between <NUM> and <NUM>. The width and length define the area which the user's torso may contact when sat on the seat <NUM>. A narrower torso support <NUM> would not be comfortable for a landing user to impact against, whereas a wider torso support would be a hindrance to the carrying of equipment.

The torso support <NUM> is preferably tilted away from the seat <NUM> (that is, such that the centre of the torso support <NUM> is lower than the distal ends of the torso support <NUM>). In preferred embodiments, the angle of the torso support <NUM> may be adjustable.

The ends of the torso support <NUM> preferably extend at an angle from one another. Preferably, the angle between the ends of the torso support <NUM> is in the range <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees, most preferably <NUM> degrees. That angle may be defined between straight sections of the torso support <NUM>, or if curved, between tangents of the torso support <NUM> at its distal ends.

The torso support <NUM> is mounted on a torso portion <NUM> of the structure <NUM>. The torso portion <NUM> may be an arm <NUM> extending to the middle of the torso support <NUM>. The arm <NUM> may extend from the seat portion <NUM>. The user may, on landing or take-off, wish to avoid engaging the arm with his/her legs. It is therefore preferred that the width, W200, of the torso portion/arm <NUM> is no more than the width of the seat, or no more than <NUM>.

In preferred embodiments, the angle of the arm <NUM> may be adjustable to enable the tilt angle of the torso support <NUM> to be adjusted. Preferably, the torso support <NUM> may be adjusted over a range of <NUM> degrees.

The structure <NUM> extends from a base <NUM>. In preferred embodiments, the base <NUM> is rigidly connected to the structure <NUM>. It may, for example, be integrally connected to the structure <NUM>, or a separate component to which the structure <NUM> is connected. The rigid connection means that the base <NUM> cannot move or rotate relative to the structure <NUM>, such that the chair <NUM> is held stationary relative to anything to which the base <NUM> is attached.

The structure <NUM> extends in the forward direction. The structure <NUM> is preferably elongate such that its length in the forward direction is greater than its width in the lateral direction. Preferably, the length of the chair <NUM> is defined by the length of the structure <NUM>, and so the structure <NUM> has a length in the forward direction of at least <NUM>, but more preferably at least <NUM>.

The structure <NUM> is preferably formed as a framework of beam members, such as metal beam members.

The base <NUM> extends laterally from the structure <NUM>. In this way, the base <NUM> provides stability to the structure <NUM>, to prevent it from wobbling relative to the ground or vehicle. The base <NUM> preferably has a width, W40, in the lateral direction of at least <NUM>, most preferably at least <NUM>. The base <NUM> width could be much wider, but preferably the width is up to <NUM>. The base <NUM> may be formed of one or more separate members 400a, 400b extending from the structure <NUM>. In which case, the width of the base is defined by the widest member.

Struts <NUM> between the base <NUM> and a portion of the structure <NUM> spaced from the base <NUM> may, optionally, be provided for additional rigidity. Struts <NUM> are preferably provided in one or more pairs on opposing sides of the structure <NUM>. However, struts <NUM> are preferably not located between the seat <NUM> and the torso support <NUM>, where they would reduce the freedom of movement of the user's legs. Struts <NUM> are preferably located forwardly of the torso support <NUM>.

As can be seen in the preferred embodiment, the base <NUM> defines a planar surface <NUM> (the surface of contact of the chair <NUM> with the ground). Base surface <NUM>, however, need not be planar. For example, the base surface <NUM> may be the upper surface of a vehicle such as a boat, and may be slightly curved.

In the discussion that follows, angles and distances relative to the base surface <NUM> defined by the base <NUM> are discussed. When the base surface is planar, angles are to be considered relative to the surface, and distances measured along the surface normal. When the base surface is curved or slightly curved, the angle of a line is to be considered relative to the tangent to the base surface where the line intersects the base surface, and distances measured along the relevant surface normal.

The torso support <NUM> is preferably inclined (such that the plane of its concavity is tilted and the centre of the torso support <NUM> is lower than the distal ends of the torso support <NUM>) relative to the base surface <NUM> by an angle in the range <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees, preferably <NUM> degrees.

Although not essential, in the specific embodiment, the arm <NUM> therefore also extends relative to the base surface <NUM> at an angle in the range <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees, preferably <NUM> degrees.

The lowermost part of the torso support <NUM> is spaced from the base <NUM> by a distance, H20, of at least <NUM>, preferably <NUM>. Any lower, and it could in some cases obstruct the flight of the user.

The torso support <NUM> has an upper surface preferably spaced from the base <NUM> by a distance of no more than <NUM>. The upper surface of the torso support <NUM> preferably defines the highest point on the chair <NUM>. Accordingly, the user resting on the torso support <NUM> can see forward of the chair <NUM>.

The length of the seat <NUM> in the forward direction, L10, is preferably at least <NUM>, more preferably at least <NUM>. The seat <NUM> has a front edge, which is the forwardmost extent of the seat <NUM>.

In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to limit the length of the seat <NUM> to no more than <NUM> in order to ensure that any propulsion units carried on the back of the user do not burn the seat <NUM>.

The torso support <NUM> defines one or more rear-facing concave contact surfaces <NUM> for contact with the torso of a user. The rearmost extent of the contact surface <NUM> is preferably level, or substantially level, with the front edge of the seat <NUM>. The rearmost extent of the contact surface <NUM> may be spaced from the front edge of the seat <NUM> by a distance, S20, of no more than <NUM> in the forward direction.

The structure <NUM> preferably extends forwardly beyond the rearmost part of the contact surface <NUM> (i.e., the centre of the torso support <NUM>). The structure <NUM> preferably extends forwardly beyond the contact surface <NUM> by a distance, X30, of at least <NUM>.

The chair <NUM> may be used by a user having personal flying equipment that comprises a propulsion unit <NUM> worn by the user on each hand/forearm. Such propulsion units <NUM> may be heavy. Accordingly, in some embodiments, an attachment device <NUM> is mounted on the chair <NUM> and a complementary attachment device may be provided on the flight propulsion units <NUM>.

In some embodiments, an attachment device <NUM> is mounted on the torso support <NUM> at either end, as shown in the figures. In other embodiments, the attachment devices <NUM> might be provided elsewhere on the chair <NUM>, but preferably in a location that can be reached by a user seated on the seat <NUM>. For example, the attachment devices <NUM> may be located <NUM> to <NUM> (preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, most preferably <NUM>) forwardly of the ends of the torso support <NUM>. In this way, a user may comfortably attach the propulsion units <NUM> to the chair <NUM> via the attachment devices <NUM> while seated on the seat <NUM>.

Preferably, the attachment device <NUM> enables the propulsion units to be attached to the end of the torso support <NUM> in a manner that prevents their rotation.

Further embodiments of the invention may therefore include a mounted propulsion unit and chair assembly comprising a pair of propulsion units detachably attached to the attachment devices.

Any complementary attachment devices may be used. However, in preferred embodiments, the attachment device <NUM> of the chair <NUM> may be a channel, arranged to receive an elongate member forming part of the propulsion unit.

A preferred set of complementary attachment devices <NUM>, <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The first attachment device <NUM> may be in the form of a slotted channel. That is, the first attachment device <NUM> may comprise a channel <NUM> having a slot <NUM>. The end of the channel <NUM> or slot <NUM> may be blocked by a stop <NUM>. The attachment device <NUM> may be mounted to the ends of the torso support <NUM> such that the slot is accessible by the user, for example, facing laterally outwardly with respect to the chair <NUM>.

The second attachment device <NUM> may be an elongate member with a T-shaped cross-section. That is, the second attachment device <NUM> may comprise a blade <NUM> extending from a distal side of a rib <NUM>, where the proximal side of the rib <NUM> may be mounted to a propulsion unit <NUM> as shown.

In use, the propulsion unit may be attached to the torso support <NUM> by inserting the blade <NUM> into the channel <NUM>, with the rib <NUM> extending through the slot <NUM>.

Preferably, the blade <NUM> may have a tapered end <NUM> for assisting the insertion of the blade <NUM> into the channel <NUM>.

Preferably, the slot <NUM> may have an angled opening <NUM> for assisting the insertion of the rib <NUM> into the slot <NUM>.

Whereas, the attachment devices <NUM>, <NUM> have been depicted such that the second attachment device <NUM> is mounted to a propulsion unit <NUM> and the first attachment device is mounted to the chair <NUM>, embodiments are envisaged in which the first attachment device <NUM> is mounted to a propulsion unit <NUM> and the second attachment device is mounted to the chair <NUM>.

The chair <NUM> may comprise a fuel storage vessel, such as a tank or bladder (not shown), which may be used for refuelling the personal flying equipment while the user is seated on the seat <NUM>.

The chair <NUM> described above may be secured to the ground or a vehicle or may form part of a vehicle, and by used for the take-off or landing of a user of personal flying equipment.

Taking as an example a user flying with propulsion units on each hand and on the rear of his/her torso, the user may approach the chair <NUM> from the rearmost end, facing the contact surface <NUM>. As the user approaches the chair <NUM>, the user may extend his/her legs either side of the seat <NUM> and seat portion <NUM>. Depending on the height and angle of the user's approach, his/her legs may straddle the arm/torso portion <NUM> to which the torso support <NUM> is mounted. The user will then reduce height until seated on the seat <NUM>. If the user is further forward than desired, contact can be made with the contact surface <NUM>, preventing the user from overshooting the seat <NUM> any further. If the user is not adequately centred, contact with the contact surface <NUM> can provide a reaction force preventing the user from unintentionally moving away from seat <NUM> in the lateral direction. The reaction force can further act to centre the user.

The chair <NUM> may be advantageously employed on a vehicle. The chair <NUM> may be mounted on a surface of the vehicle that is accessible by the user in-flight. That is, the chair <NUM> may be mounted on an external surface of the vehicle. Alternatively, the surface may be an internal surface that is accessible by the user in-flight.

The chair <NUM> can be used for landing on a vehicle that is moving. For example, the vehicle may be a surface of an automobile. The chair <NUM> is of particular utility when used on a boat (for example a "rib" - rigid-hulled inflatable boat). The user may have difficulty in landing on a boat that is under the influence of waves, causing the desired landing surface to pitch and roll and vary in height. The use of the chair <NUM> can enable the user to more safely land on such a vehicle.

Claim 1:
A vehicle assembly comprising a chair (<NUM>) and a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is: a boat; a raft; an automobile; a submarine; or an aircraft, wherein the chair (<NUM>) is for use in take-off or landing of a user wearing personal flying equipment and is mounted on a surface of the vehicle such that it is accessible by the user in-flight, the chair (<NUM>) comprising:
a seat (<NUM>) for the user to straddle such that the user faces in a forward direction;
a torso support (<NUM>) for supporting a torso of the user sitting on the seat (<NUM>), the torso support (<NUM>) being concave and thereby defining an opening facing the seat (<NUM>);
a structure (<NUM>) to which the seat (<NUM>) and torso support (<NUM>) are mounted; and
a base member (<NUM>) rigidly connected to the structure (<NUM>) and extending outwardly therefrom,
wherein the torso support (<NUM>) extends outwardly to either side of the structure (<NUM>) leaving a space below for receiving a leg of the user sat on the seat (<NUM>).