Patent ID: 8028641

Claim:
A convertible bench seat/platform for installation on a deck of a boat and movable between an inboard position adjacent to a side of the deck for use as a bench seat and an inverted outboard position for use as a platform, comprising; a frame assembly including a seat frame and a backrest frame; said seat frame comprising a generally rectangular vertical frame component with parallel spaced longitudinal top and bottom ends and laterally opposed ends, and a generally rectangular horizontal frame component extending outwardly from said vertical frame component defining a seat pan for receiving one or more seat cushions; said backrest frame comprising a generally rectangular upper frame component for receiving one or more backrest cushions, said backrest frame pivotally connected with said vertical frame component of said seat frame to pivot relative thereto between an upright position and a folded position disposed over said seat pan; and a hinge member having a first leg secured to said longitudinal bottom end of said seat frame vertical frame component, and a second leg adapted to be secured to the deck of the boat closely adjacent to a side of the deck to allow pivotal movement of said seat frame assembly as a unit between an inboard position on the boat adjacent to the side of the deck for use as a bench seat and an inverted outboard position for use as a platform.