CA3041800C - Vehicle extendable seats and method of use - Google Patents
Vehicle extendable seats and method of use Download PDFInfo
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- CA3041800C CA3041800C CA3041800A CA3041800A CA3041800C CA 3041800 C CA3041800 C CA 3041800C CA 3041800 A CA3041800 A CA 3041800A CA 3041800 A CA3041800 A CA 3041800A CA 3041800 C CA3041800 C CA 3041800C
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- sliding seat
- facing sliding
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 13
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 230000001131 transforming effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000009466 transformation Effects 0.000 description 3
- ODINCKMPIJJUCX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium oxide Chemical compound [Ca]=O ODINCKMPIJJUCX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241001274197 Scatophagus argus Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
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Abstract
Adjustable driver's side and passenger's side side-facing sliding seat assemblies. Each side- facing sliding seat assembly is adjustable between an original seat orientation to an extended, sleeping surface configuration wherein the two side-facing sliding seat assemblies converge together, forming a flat sleeping surface. The side-facing sliding seat assemblies may also mate with a lay-flat sofa bed assembly for a larger flat sleeping surface. Each of the side- facing sliding seat assemblies may be powered and adjustable using a motor to transform between their two respective configurations.
Description
VEHICLE EXTENDABLE SEATS AND METHOD OF USE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to side-facing vehicle seats and method for use thereof, and more specifically to side-facing sliding seats for mounting into a vehicle for sitting or sleeping, their methods of installation and their methods of use.
2. Description of the Related Art
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Luxury vans and recreational vehicles are often outfitted with sofas and seats which can be transferred into beds for sleeping while traveling.
Unfortunately, these sofas are rarely the most comfortable place to sleep in when converted into the bed. The conventional sofa-bed leaves a gap between the seat cushion and the back cushion when converted into the bed, and they produce a subtle "v" shape, not lying entirely flat.
Unfortunately, these sofas are rarely the most comfortable place to sleep in when converted into the bed. The conventional sofa-bed leaves a gap between the seat cushion and the back cushion when converted into the bed, and they produce a subtle "v" shape, not lying entirely flat.
[0004] Additionally, vehicles can have side-facing sliding seats or jack-knife seats or sofas. They are manual pieces which are pulled out and which may mate with the sofa element in the vehicle. These existing seats have exposed elements, creating a hazard.
They also do not create a completely flush sleeping surface with the sofa bed assembly.
In the case of jack-knife seats, these cause an uneven sleeping surface that is not completely flat.
They also do not create a completely flush sleeping surface with the sofa bed assembly.
In the case of jack-knife seats, these cause an uneven sleeping surface that is not completely flat.
[0005] Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for a side-facing sliding seats for vehicles with the advantages and features of the present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention generally provides adjustable driver's side and passenger's side side-facing sliding seat assemblies. Each side- seat assembly is adjustable between an original seat orientation to an extended, sleeping surface configuration wherein the two side-facing sliding seat assemblies converge together, forming a sleeping surface between adjacent cushions and an included sofa-bed assembly.
[0007] The side-facing sliding seats can be powered using a motor or other power source which allows for automatic conversion between the two orientations.
[0008] The side-facing sliding seats may be identical or may be slightly different in orientation depending on the physical constraints of the vehicle. They could be mounted onto legs which are affixed to the floor and/or the wheel well of the vehicle, or may be mounted to the top of built-in cabinets within the vehicle.
[0009] The side-facing sliding seats provide inward-facing seats when in the seat orientation. When extended into a sleeping configuration, a modular cushion element may be inserted behind the seat cushion to fill in the gap left when the cushion is extended to the sleeping surface configuration.
[0009a] In a broad aspect, the present invention provides a side-facing sliding seat assembly system for a vehicle, the side-facing sliding seat assembly system comprising: a first side-facing sliding seat assembly and a second side-facing sliding seat assembly;
each of said first and second side-facing sliding seat assemblies comprising a respective first and second base portion connected to a respective first and second seat cushion; and each of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly transformable between a respective first, original seat configuration and a second, extended orientation; and a first motor connected to said first base portion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly; a second motor connected to said second base portion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly; each said first and second motor configured to activate a respective first and second slide within a respective first and second slide rail; a switch configured to activate at least one of said first and second motors; whereby said first motor is further configured to automatically transform said first side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-23 - 2a -said second, extended orientation; whereby said second motor is further configured to automatically transform said second side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and said second, extended orientation; and wherein said first seat cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second seat cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly mate to form a single flat sleeping surface when each of said first and second side-facing sliding seat assemblies are placed into respective second, extended orientations.
[0009b] In another broad aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle side-facing sliding seat assembly system, the system comprising: a first side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a first base portion, a first slide rail connected to said first base portion, a first support portion, a first slide connected to said first support portion, and a first seat cushion; a second side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a second base portion, a second slide rail connected to said second base portion, a second support portion, a second slide connected to said second support portion, and a second seat cushion; said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly each transformable between a respective first, original seat configuration and a second, extended orientation; a first motor connected to said base portion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly, said first motor configured to activate said slide within said slide rail of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly; a second motor connected to said base portion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly, said second motor configured to activate said slide within said slide rail of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly; whereby said first motor is further configured to automatically transform said first side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and said second, extended orientation; whereby said second motor is further configured to automatically transform said second side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and said second, extended orientation; and wherein said first seat cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly contacts and rests adjacent to said second seat cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly when both of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly are in each respective second, extended orientation, thereby forming a flat, congruous surface.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-23 - 2b -10009c1 In another broad aspect, the present invention provides a method of deploying transformable furniture within a vehicle, the method comprising the steps:
installing a first side-facing sliding seat assembly within the vehicle, said first side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a first base portion, a first slide rail connected to said first base portion, a first support portion, a first slide connected to said first support portion, and a first seat cushion; installing a second side-facing sliding seat assembly, said second side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a second base portion, a second slide rail connected to said second base portion, a second support portion, a second slide connected to said second support portion, and a second seat cushion; transforming each of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly from a respective first, seat configuration to a respective second, extended configuration; and activating a first motor connected to said base portion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly, thereby moving said slide within said slide rail of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly; activating a second motor connected to said base portion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly, thereby moving said slide within said slide rail of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly; and whereby said cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly is placed into contact with and rests adjacent to said cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly, thereby forming a flat, congruous surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009a] In a broad aspect, the present invention provides a side-facing sliding seat assembly system for a vehicle, the side-facing sliding seat assembly system comprising: a first side-facing sliding seat assembly and a second side-facing sliding seat assembly;
each of said first and second side-facing sliding seat assemblies comprising a respective first and second base portion connected to a respective first and second seat cushion; and each of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly transformable between a respective first, original seat configuration and a second, extended orientation; and a first motor connected to said first base portion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly; a second motor connected to said second base portion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly; each said first and second motor configured to activate a respective first and second slide within a respective first and second slide rail; a switch configured to activate at least one of said first and second motors; whereby said first motor is further configured to automatically transform said first side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-23 - 2a -said second, extended orientation; whereby said second motor is further configured to automatically transform said second side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and said second, extended orientation; and wherein said first seat cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second seat cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly mate to form a single flat sleeping surface when each of said first and second side-facing sliding seat assemblies are placed into respective second, extended orientations.
[0009b] In another broad aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle side-facing sliding seat assembly system, the system comprising: a first side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a first base portion, a first slide rail connected to said first base portion, a first support portion, a first slide connected to said first support portion, and a first seat cushion; a second side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a second base portion, a second slide rail connected to said second base portion, a second support portion, a second slide connected to said second support portion, and a second seat cushion; said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly each transformable between a respective first, original seat configuration and a second, extended orientation; a first motor connected to said base portion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly, said first motor configured to activate said slide within said slide rail of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly; a second motor connected to said base portion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly, said second motor configured to activate said slide within said slide rail of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly; whereby said first motor is further configured to automatically transform said first side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and said second, extended orientation; whereby said second motor is further configured to automatically transform said second side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and said second, extended orientation; and wherein said first seat cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly contacts and rests adjacent to said second seat cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly when both of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly are in each respective second, extended orientation, thereby forming a flat, congruous surface.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-23 - 2b -10009c1 In another broad aspect, the present invention provides a method of deploying transformable furniture within a vehicle, the method comprising the steps:
installing a first side-facing sliding seat assembly within the vehicle, said first side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a first base portion, a first slide rail connected to said first base portion, a first support portion, a first slide connected to said first support portion, and a first seat cushion; installing a second side-facing sliding seat assembly, said second side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a second base portion, a second slide rail connected to said second base portion, a second support portion, a second slide connected to said second support portion, and a second seat cushion; transforming each of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly from a respective first, seat configuration to a respective second, extended configuration; and activating a first motor connected to said base portion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly, thereby moving said slide within said slide rail of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly; activating a second motor connected to said base portion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly, thereby moving said slide within said slide rail of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly; and whereby said cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly is placed into contact with and rests adjacent to said cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly, thereby forming a flat, congruous surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof
[0011] Fig. 1 is three-dimensional isometric view of a preferred embodiment driver's side side-facing sliding seat in a first, original configuration.
[0012] Fig. 2 is a three-dimensional exploded isometric view thereof
[0013] Fig. 3 is a side elevational view thereof
[0014] Fig. 4 is a front elevational view thereof
[0015] Fig. 5 is a rear elevational view thereof Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-23
[0016] Fig. 6 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a leg frame element thereof.
[0017] Fig. 7 is a three-dimensional isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 shown in an extended orientation with a gap for a modular cushion.
[0018] Fig. 8 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown with a modular cushion inserted into the gap.
[0019] Fig. 9 is a side elevational view thereof.
[0020] Fig. 10 is a bottom plan view thereof.
[0021] Fig. 11 is a three-dimensional isometric view of the leg frame element of Fig.
6 shown in an extended orientation.
6 shown in an extended orientation.
[0022] Fig. 12 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a preferred embodiment passenger's side side-facing sliding seat in a first, original extended.
[0023] Fig. 13 is an exploded three-dimensional isometric view thereof.
[0024] Fig. 14 is a side elevational view thereof.
[0025] Fig. 15 is a front elevational view thereof.
[0026] Fig. 16 is a rear elevational view thereof
[0027] Fig. 17 is a bottom plan view thereof.
[0028] Fig. 18 is a three-dimensional isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 12 shown in an extended orientation with a gap for a modular cushion.
[0029] Fig. 19 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown with a modular cushion inserted into the gap.
[0030] Fig. 20 is a side elevational view thereof.
[0031] Fig. 22 is a bottom plan view thereof.
[0032] Fig. 22 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a leg frame element thereof.
CA 304.1800 2019-04-29
CA 304.1800 2019-04-29
[0033] Fig. 23 is a three-dimensional isometric view of the leg frame element of Fig.
18 shown in an extended orientation.
18 shown in an extended orientation.
[0034] Fig. 24 is a three-dimensional isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in combination with a built-in cabinet element.
[0035] Fig. 25 is an exploded isometric view thereof.
[0036] Fig. 26 is a top plan view thereof.
[0037] Fig. 27 is a side elevational view thereof.
[0038] Fig. 28 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown in an extended orientation with a gap for a modular cushion.
[0039] Fig. 29 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown with a modular cushion inserted into the gap.
[0040] Fig. 30 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a frame element thereof shown in an extended orientation.
[0041] Fig. 31 is a top plan view thereof.
[0042] Fig. 32 is a bottom plan view thereof.
100431 Fig. 33 is a three-dimensional view of a system incorporating elements of the embodiment of Figs. 1-23 shown in combination with a sofa bed assembly installed within a van.
[0044] Fig. 34 is a rear elevational view thereof.
[0045] Fig. 35 is another three-dimensional view thereof.
[0046] Fig. 36 is a three-dimensional view thereof shown in an extended and flattened orientation.
[0047] Fig. 37 is a rear elevational view thereof.
[0048] Fig. 38 is another three-dimensional view thereof.
CA 304.1800 2019-04-29 [0049] Fig. 39 is a three-dimensional view of a system incorporating elements of the embodiment of Figs. 24-33 shown in combination with a sofa bed assembly installed within a van.
[0050] Fig. 40 is a rear elevational view thereof.
[0051] Fig. 41 is another three-dimensional view thereof.
[0052] Fig. 42 is a three-dimensional view thereof shown in an extended and flattened orientation.
[0053] Fig. 43 is a rear elevational view thereof.
[0054] Fig. 44 is another three-dimensional view thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
I. Introduction and Environment [0055] As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[0056] Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.
CA 304.1800 2019-04-29 II. Preferred Embodiment Driver's Side Side-Facing Sliding Seat Assembly 2 [0057] As shown in the figures, the present invention provides a side-facing sliding seat assembly, shown here as a driver's side of a vehicle side-facing sliding seat assembly 2, which can be transformed from a seat as shown in Fig. 1 to an extended configuration as shown in Fig. 8, which provides a larger sleeping surface when combined with a sofa-bed assembly. The side-facing sliding seat assembly 2 generally includes a leg assembly 12, a cushion 8, and a mounting bracket 4. The leg assembly 12 includes the legs 22 and a slide rail 20 for allowing extension of the entire assembly. The legs 22 allows for installation over a wheel well, and could be removed such that the remaining assembly may be installed directly onto a cabinet within the vehicle.
[0058] Fig. 2 shows how the slide 16 mounts to the slide rail 20, and underneath of the support plate 18 and cushion 8, which allows the transformation of the side-facing sliding seat assembly 2. When extended as shown in Fig. 7, a gap is formed which can be filled with a modular cushion 10, providing a larger surface which, when combined with the passenger-side seat assembly 52 and a sofa-bed, provides a larger sleep surface within the vehicle. This is shown in more detail in Figs. 33 ¨ 44 [0059] The entire side-facing sliding seat assembly 2 could be transformed from the first, original configuration to the second, extended configuration using manual controls or via a powered control. The side-facing sliding seat could be connected to the power of the vehicle and a switch or other controls could be used to mechanically transform the side-facing sliding seat between configurations.
[0060] The entire side-facing sliding seat assembly 2 could be transformed from the first, configuration to the second configuration using manual controls or via a powered control. The side-facing sliding seat assembly could be connected to the power of the vehicle and a switch or other controls could be used to mechanically transform the side-facing sliding seat between configurations. The motor 32 controls the physical movement of the side-facing sliding seat assembly slide when transforming between configurations. A power source 40 which is activated by a switch or control 42 would signal the motor to move the pieces of the side-facing sliding seat assembly 2. The motor 32 could be placed in any orientation to allow for installation of elements beneath the side-facing sliding seat assembly 2.
CA 304.1800 2019-04-29 [0061] Two such side-facing sliding seat assemblies could be installed across from one another in a vehicle. The two could be identical, or could feature a slightly alternative embodiment as required by the additional features of the vehicle interior.
When the two are extended, the cushions 8 of the two respective side-facing sliding seats are pressed together in the center of the vehicle and form no gap for a continuous surface.
III. Passenger Side Side-facing sliding seat Assembly 52 [0062] As shown in Figs. 12 - 23, an alternative embodiment side-facing sliding seat assembly, shown here as a passenger side of a vehicle side-facing sliding seat assembly 52, which can be transformed from a seat as shown in Fig. 12 to an extended configuration as shown in Fig. 19, which provides a larger sleeping surface when combined with a sofa-bed assembly. The side-facing sliding seat assembly 52 generally includes a leg assembly 62, a cushion 58, and a mounting bracket 54. The leg assembly 62 includes the legs 72 and a slide rail 70 for allowing extension of the entire assembly. The leg 22 allows for installation over a wheel well, and could be removed such that the remaining assembly may be installed directly onto a cabinet within the vehicle. This embodiment could be used when the passenger side of a vehicle differs from the driver's side and requires a cutout or additional modular cushions.
[0063] Fig. 13 shows how the slide 66 mounts to the slide rail 70, and underneath of the support plate 68 and cushion 58, which allows the transformation of the side-facing sliding seat assembly 52. When extended as shown in Fig. 18, a gap is formed which can be filled with modular cushions 60, 61, providing a larger surface which, when combined with the driver-side scat assembly 2 and a sofa-bed, provides a larger sleep surface within the vehicle. This is shown in more detail in Figs. 33 ¨ 44 [0064] The entire side-facing sliding seat assembly 52 could be transformed from the first configuration to the second configuration using manual controls or via a powered control. The side-facing sliding seat assembly could be connected to the power of the vehicle and a switch or other controls could be used to mechanically transform the side-facing sliding seat assembly between configurations. The motor 84 controls the physical movement of the side-facing sliding seat assembly slide when transforming between configurations. A power source 80 which is activated by a switch or control 82 would signal the motor to move the pieces of the side-facing sliding seat assembly 52. The motor 84 could be placed in any CA 304.1800 2019-04-29 orientation to allow for installation of elements beneath the side-facing sliding seat assembly 2.
[0065] This side-facing sliding seat assembly could be installed across from the previous embodiment side-facing sliding seat assembly 2 in a vehicle. When the two are extended, the cushions 8, 58 of the two respective side-facing sliding seats are pressed together in the center of the vehicle and form no gap for a continuous surface.
IV. Alternative Embodiment Box Slide Side-Facing Sliding Seat Assembly 102 [0066] As shown in Figs. 24¨ 32, an alternative embodiment side-facing sliding seat assembly 102 can be placed on a constructed cabinet clement 122 in lieu of the leg elements 22, 72 of the previous embodiments. This would be used in vehicles where cabinets are built over the wheel wells or where the wheel wells are not intruding on the space within the rear area of the van.
[0067] Otherwise these side-facing sliding seat assemblies 102 function nearly identically to the previous embodiments. The side-facing sliding seat assembly 102 generally includes a base assembly 112, a cushion 108, and a mounting bracket 104. A
slide rail 120 affixed to a slide plate 121 allows for extension of the entire assembly and would be mounted to the cabinet 122.
[0068] Fig. 25 shows how the slide 116 mounts to the slide rail 120, and underneath of the support plate 118 and cushion 108, which allows the transformation of the side-facing sliding seat assembly 102. When extended as shown in Fig. 28, a gap is formed which can be filled with a modular cushion 110 as shown in Fig. 29, providing a larger surface which, when combined with a second side seat assembly 52 and a sofa-bed, provides a larger sleep surface within the vehicle. This is shown in more detail in Figs. 33 ¨ 44.
[0069] The entire side-facing sliding seat assembly 102 could be transformed from the first configuration to the second configuration using manual controls or via a powered control. The side-facing sliding seat assembly could be connected to the power of the vehicle and a switch or other controls could be used to mechanically transform the side-facing sliding seat between configurations. The motor 132 controls the physical movement of the side-facing sliding seat assembly slide when transforming between configurations. A
power CA 304.1800 2019-04-29 source 140 which is activated by a switch or control 142 would signal the motor to move the pieces of the side-facing sliding seat assembly 102. The motor 132 could be placed in any orientation to allow for installation of elements beneath the side-facing sliding seat assembly 102.
[0070] Two such side-facing sliding seat assemblies could be installed across from one another in a vehicle. The two could be identical, or could feature a slightly alternative embodiment as required by the additional features of the vehicle interior.
When the two are extended, the cushions 108 of the two respective side-facing sliding seats are pressed together in the center of the vehicle and form no gap for a continuous surface.
I. Vehicle Assembly 202 Embodiment with Sofa Bed 206 [0071] Figs. 33 ¨ 36 show a vehicle assembly 202 for being installed within a van 204 where the first side seat assembly 2 and second side seat assembly 52 are installed within the interior of the van in proximity to a sofa bed assembly 206 which has a seat portion 208 and a rear portion 210. As can be seen in Figs. 33 and 34, the side seat assemblies 2, 52 are installed over the wheel wells 212.
100721 Figs. 33 ¨ 35 show how the side-facing sliding seat assemblies 2, 52 and the sofa bed assembly 206 would be positioned in a first, upright orientation designed for sitting within the rear portion of the van. Figs. 36 ¨ 38 show how the side seat assemblies 2, 52 and sofa bed assembly 206 would be positioned in a second, sleeping-area configuration where the side-facing sliding seat assemblies 2, 52 are extended and the sofa bed assembly 206 is in a laid-flat orientation.
II. Vehicle Assembly 302 Embodiment with Sofa Bed 206 [0073] Similar to the embodiment above, Figs. 39 ¨44 show an alternative embodiment vehicle assembly 302 in a different sized van 304 which includes a similar sofa bed assembly 206, but which also includes the third embodiment side seat assemblies 102 installed in proximity with the sofa bed assembly.
[0074] Figs. 39 ¨ 41 show how the side-facing sliding seat assemblies 102 and the sofa bed assembly 206 would be positioned in a first, upright orientation designed for sitting within the rear portion of the van. Figs. 42 ¨ 44 show how the side seat assemblies 102 and sofa bed assembly 206 would be positioned in a second, sleeping-area configuration where the side-facing sliding seat assemblies 102 are extended and the sofa bed assembly 206 is in a laid-flat orientation.
[0075] It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.
CA 304.1800 2019-04-29
100431 Fig. 33 is a three-dimensional view of a system incorporating elements of the embodiment of Figs. 1-23 shown in combination with a sofa bed assembly installed within a van.
[0044] Fig. 34 is a rear elevational view thereof.
[0045] Fig. 35 is another three-dimensional view thereof.
[0046] Fig. 36 is a three-dimensional view thereof shown in an extended and flattened orientation.
[0047] Fig. 37 is a rear elevational view thereof.
[0048] Fig. 38 is another three-dimensional view thereof.
CA 304.1800 2019-04-29 [0049] Fig. 39 is a three-dimensional view of a system incorporating elements of the embodiment of Figs. 24-33 shown in combination with a sofa bed assembly installed within a van.
[0050] Fig. 40 is a rear elevational view thereof.
[0051] Fig. 41 is another three-dimensional view thereof.
[0052] Fig. 42 is a three-dimensional view thereof shown in an extended and flattened orientation.
[0053] Fig. 43 is a rear elevational view thereof.
[0054] Fig. 44 is another three-dimensional view thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
I. Introduction and Environment [0055] As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[0056] Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.
CA 304.1800 2019-04-29 II. Preferred Embodiment Driver's Side Side-Facing Sliding Seat Assembly 2 [0057] As shown in the figures, the present invention provides a side-facing sliding seat assembly, shown here as a driver's side of a vehicle side-facing sliding seat assembly 2, which can be transformed from a seat as shown in Fig. 1 to an extended configuration as shown in Fig. 8, which provides a larger sleeping surface when combined with a sofa-bed assembly. The side-facing sliding seat assembly 2 generally includes a leg assembly 12, a cushion 8, and a mounting bracket 4. The leg assembly 12 includes the legs 22 and a slide rail 20 for allowing extension of the entire assembly. The legs 22 allows for installation over a wheel well, and could be removed such that the remaining assembly may be installed directly onto a cabinet within the vehicle.
[0058] Fig. 2 shows how the slide 16 mounts to the slide rail 20, and underneath of the support plate 18 and cushion 8, which allows the transformation of the side-facing sliding seat assembly 2. When extended as shown in Fig. 7, a gap is formed which can be filled with a modular cushion 10, providing a larger surface which, when combined with the passenger-side seat assembly 52 and a sofa-bed, provides a larger sleep surface within the vehicle. This is shown in more detail in Figs. 33 ¨ 44 [0059] The entire side-facing sliding seat assembly 2 could be transformed from the first, original configuration to the second, extended configuration using manual controls or via a powered control. The side-facing sliding seat could be connected to the power of the vehicle and a switch or other controls could be used to mechanically transform the side-facing sliding seat between configurations.
[0060] The entire side-facing sliding seat assembly 2 could be transformed from the first, configuration to the second configuration using manual controls or via a powered control. The side-facing sliding seat assembly could be connected to the power of the vehicle and a switch or other controls could be used to mechanically transform the side-facing sliding seat between configurations. The motor 32 controls the physical movement of the side-facing sliding seat assembly slide when transforming between configurations. A power source 40 which is activated by a switch or control 42 would signal the motor to move the pieces of the side-facing sliding seat assembly 2. The motor 32 could be placed in any orientation to allow for installation of elements beneath the side-facing sliding seat assembly 2.
CA 304.1800 2019-04-29 [0061] Two such side-facing sliding seat assemblies could be installed across from one another in a vehicle. The two could be identical, or could feature a slightly alternative embodiment as required by the additional features of the vehicle interior.
When the two are extended, the cushions 8 of the two respective side-facing sliding seats are pressed together in the center of the vehicle and form no gap for a continuous surface.
III. Passenger Side Side-facing sliding seat Assembly 52 [0062] As shown in Figs. 12 - 23, an alternative embodiment side-facing sliding seat assembly, shown here as a passenger side of a vehicle side-facing sliding seat assembly 52, which can be transformed from a seat as shown in Fig. 12 to an extended configuration as shown in Fig. 19, which provides a larger sleeping surface when combined with a sofa-bed assembly. The side-facing sliding seat assembly 52 generally includes a leg assembly 62, a cushion 58, and a mounting bracket 54. The leg assembly 62 includes the legs 72 and a slide rail 70 for allowing extension of the entire assembly. The leg 22 allows for installation over a wheel well, and could be removed such that the remaining assembly may be installed directly onto a cabinet within the vehicle. This embodiment could be used when the passenger side of a vehicle differs from the driver's side and requires a cutout or additional modular cushions.
[0063] Fig. 13 shows how the slide 66 mounts to the slide rail 70, and underneath of the support plate 68 and cushion 58, which allows the transformation of the side-facing sliding seat assembly 52. When extended as shown in Fig. 18, a gap is formed which can be filled with modular cushions 60, 61, providing a larger surface which, when combined with the driver-side scat assembly 2 and a sofa-bed, provides a larger sleep surface within the vehicle. This is shown in more detail in Figs. 33 ¨ 44 [0064] The entire side-facing sliding seat assembly 52 could be transformed from the first configuration to the second configuration using manual controls or via a powered control. The side-facing sliding seat assembly could be connected to the power of the vehicle and a switch or other controls could be used to mechanically transform the side-facing sliding seat assembly between configurations. The motor 84 controls the physical movement of the side-facing sliding seat assembly slide when transforming between configurations. A power source 80 which is activated by a switch or control 82 would signal the motor to move the pieces of the side-facing sliding seat assembly 52. The motor 84 could be placed in any CA 304.1800 2019-04-29 orientation to allow for installation of elements beneath the side-facing sliding seat assembly 2.
[0065] This side-facing sliding seat assembly could be installed across from the previous embodiment side-facing sliding seat assembly 2 in a vehicle. When the two are extended, the cushions 8, 58 of the two respective side-facing sliding seats are pressed together in the center of the vehicle and form no gap for a continuous surface.
IV. Alternative Embodiment Box Slide Side-Facing Sliding Seat Assembly 102 [0066] As shown in Figs. 24¨ 32, an alternative embodiment side-facing sliding seat assembly 102 can be placed on a constructed cabinet clement 122 in lieu of the leg elements 22, 72 of the previous embodiments. This would be used in vehicles where cabinets are built over the wheel wells or where the wheel wells are not intruding on the space within the rear area of the van.
[0067] Otherwise these side-facing sliding seat assemblies 102 function nearly identically to the previous embodiments. The side-facing sliding seat assembly 102 generally includes a base assembly 112, a cushion 108, and a mounting bracket 104. A
slide rail 120 affixed to a slide plate 121 allows for extension of the entire assembly and would be mounted to the cabinet 122.
[0068] Fig. 25 shows how the slide 116 mounts to the slide rail 120, and underneath of the support plate 118 and cushion 108, which allows the transformation of the side-facing sliding seat assembly 102. When extended as shown in Fig. 28, a gap is formed which can be filled with a modular cushion 110 as shown in Fig. 29, providing a larger surface which, when combined with a second side seat assembly 52 and a sofa-bed, provides a larger sleep surface within the vehicle. This is shown in more detail in Figs. 33 ¨ 44.
[0069] The entire side-facing sliding seat assembly 102 could be transformed from the first configuration to the second configuration using manual controls or via a powered control. The side-facing sliding seat assembly could be connected to the power of the vehicle and a switch or other controls could be used to mechanically transform the side-facing sliding seat between configurations. The motor 132 controls the physical movement of the side-facing sliding seat assembly slide when transforming between configurations. A
power CA 304.1800 2019-04-29 source 140 which is activated by a switch or control 142 would signal the motor to move the pieces of the side-facing sliding seat assembly 102. The motor 132 could be placed in any orientation to allow for installation of elements beneath the side-facing sliding seat assembly 102.
[0070] Two such side-facing sliding seat assemblies could be installed across from one another in a vehicle. The two could be identical, or could feature a slightly alternative embodiment as required by the additional features of the vehicle interior.
When the two are extended, the cushions 108 of the two respective side-facing sliding seats are pressed together in the center of the vehicle and form no gap for a continuous surface.
I. Vehicle Assembly 202 Embodiment with Sofa Bed 206 [0071] Figs. 33 ¨ 36 show a vehicle assembly 202 for being installed within a van 204 where the first side seat assembly 2 and second side seat assembly 52 are installed within the interior of the van in proximity to a sofa bed assembly 206 which has a seat portion 208 and a rear portion 210. As can be seen in Figs. 33 and 34, the side seat assemblies 2, 52 are installed over the wheel wells 212.
100721 Figs. 33 ¨ 35 show how the side-facing sliding seat assemblies 2, 52 and the sofa bed assembly 206 would be positioned in a first, upright orientation designed for sitting within the rear portion of the van. Figs. 36 ¨ 38 show how the side seat assemblies 2, 52 and sofa bed assembly 206 would be positioned in a second, sleeping-area configuration where the side-facing sliding seat assemblies 2, 52 are extended and the sofa bed assembly 206 is in a laid-flat orientation.
II. Vehicle Assembly 302 Embodiment with Sofa Bed 206 [0073] Similar to the embodiment above, Figs. 39 ¨44 show an alternative embodiment vehicle assembly 302 in a different sized van 304 which includes a similar sofa bed assembly 206, but which also includes the third embodiment side seat assemblies 102 installed in proximity with the sofa bed assembly.
[0074] Figs. 39 ¨ 41 show how the side-facing sliding seat assemblies 102 and the sofa bed assembly 206 would be positioned in a first, upright orientation designed for sitting within the rear portion of the van. Figs. 42 ¨ 44 show how the side seat assemblies 102 and sofa bed assembly 206 would be positioned in a second, sleeping-area configuration where the side-facing sliding seat assemblies 102 are extended and the sofa bed assembly 206 is in a laid-flat orientation.
[0075] It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.
CA 304.1800 2019-04-29
Claims (14)
1. A side-facing sliding seat assembly system for a vehicle, the side-facing sliding seat assembly system comprising:
a first side-facing sliding seat assembly and a second side-facing sliding seat assembly;
each of said first and second side-facing sliding seat assemblies comprising a respective first and second base portion connected to a respective first and second seat cushion;
and each of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly transformable between a respective first, original seat configuration and a second, extended orientation; and a first motor connected to said first base portion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly;
a second motor connected to said second base portion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly;
each said first and second motor configured to activate a respective first and second slide within a respective first and second slide rail;
a switch configured to activate at least one of said first and second motors;
whereby said first motor is further configured to automatically transform said first side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and said second, extended orientation;
whereby said second motor is further configured to automatically transform said second side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and said second, extended orientation; and wherein said first seat cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second seat cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly mate to form a single flat sleeping surface when each of said first and second side-facing sliding seat assemblies are placed into respective second, extended orientations.
a first side-facing sliding seat assembly and a second side-facing sliding seat assembly;
each of said first and second side-facing sliding seat assemblies comprising a respective first and second base portion connected to a respective first and second seat cushion;
and each of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly transformable between a respective first, original seat configuration and a second, extended orientation; and a first motor connected to said first base portion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly;
a second motor connected to said second base portion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly;
each said first and second motor configured to activate a respective first and second slide within a respective first and second slide rail;
a switch configured to activate at least one of said first and second motors;
whereby said first motor is further configured to automatically transform said first side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and said second, extended orientation;
whereby said second motor is further configured to automatically transform said second side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and said second, extended orientation; and wherein said first seat cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second seat cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly mate to form a single flat sleeping surface when each of said first and second side-facing sliding seat assemblies are placed into respective second, extended orientations.
2. The side-facing sliding seat assembly system of claim 1, further comprising:
a sofa-bed assembly comprising a first, upright orientation and a second, lay-flat orientation;
wherein said seat cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said seat cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly mate with said sofa-bed assembly to form a larger single flat congruous sleeping surface when each of said first and second side-facing Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-22 sliding seat assemblies are placed into respective second, extended orientations and when said sofa-bed assembly is placed in said second, lay-flat orientation.
a sofa-bed assembly comprising a first, upright orientation and a second, lay-flat orientation;
wherein said seat cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said seat cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly mate with said sofa-bed assembly to form a larger single flat congruous sleeping surface when each of said first and second side-facing Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-22 sliding seat assemblies are placed into respective second, extended orientations and when said sofa-bed assembly is placed in said second, lay-flat orientation.
3. The side-facing sliding seat assembly system of claim 1, further comprising:
said first base portion comprising a first leg;
said second base portion comprising a second leg;
said first leg and said second leg each being affixed to an interior portion of the vehicle.
said first base portion comprising a first leg;
said second base portion comprising a second leg;
said first leg and said second leg each being affixed to an interior portion of the vehicle.
4. The side-facing sliding seat assembly system of claim 1, further comprising:
said first base portion comprising a first seat cushion support structure configured to support said first seat cushion;
said second base portion comprising a second seat cushion support structure configured to support said second seat cushion;
said first slide connected to said first seat cushion support structure;
said second slide connected to said second seat cushion support structure;
said first base portion including said first slide rail for slideably engaging said first slide; and said second base portion including said second slide rail for slideably engaging said second slide.
said first base portion comprising a first seat cushion support structure configured to support said first seat cushion;
said second base portion comprising a second seat cushion support structure configured to support said second seat cushion;
said first slide connected to said first seat cushion support structure;
said second slide connected to said second seat cushion support structure;
said first base portion including said first slide rail for slideably engaging said first slide; and said second base portion including said second slide rail for slideably engaging said second slide.
5. The side-facing sliding seat assembly system of claim 3, further comprising:
a first gap formed between a wall of the vehicle and said seat cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly when said first side-facing sliding seat assembly is placed in said second, extended orientation;
a first modular cushion configured to be inserted within said first gap;
a second gap formed between said wall of the vehicle and said seat cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly when said first side-facing sliding seat assembly is placed in said second, extended orientation;
a second modular cushion configured to be inserted within said second gap; and each of said first and second modular cushions, said first side-facing sliding seat assembly seat cushion, and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly seat cushion forming an extended, flat, congruous sleeping surface.
a first gap formed between a wall of the vehicle and said seat cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly when said first side-facing sliding seat assembly is placed in said second, extended orientation;
a first modular cushion configured to be inserted within said first gap;
a second gap formed between said wall of the vehicle and said seat cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly when said first side-facing sliding seat assembly is placed in said second, extended orientation;
a second modular cushion configured to be inserted within said second gap; and each of said first and second modular cushions, said first side-facing sliding seat assembly seat cushion, and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly seat cushion forming an extended, flat, congruous sleeping surface.
6. A vehicle side-facing sliding seat assembly system, the system comprising:
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-22 a first side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a first base portion, a first slide rail connected to said first base portion, a first support portion, a first slide connected to said first support portion, and a first seat cushion;
a second side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a second base portion, a second slide rail connected to said second base portion, a second support portion, a second slide connected to said second support portion, and a second seat cushion;
said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly each transformable between a respective first, original seat configuration and a second, extended orientation;
a first motor connected to said base portion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly, said first motor configured to activate said slide within said slide rail of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly;
a second motor connected to said base portion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly, said second motor configured to activate said slide within said slide rail of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly;
whereby said first motor is further configured to automatically transform said first side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and said second, extended orientation;
whereby said second motor is further configured to automatically transform said second side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and said second, extended orientation; and wherein said first seat cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly contacts and rests adjacent to said second seat cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly when both of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly are in each respective second, extended orientation, thereby forming a flat, congmous surface.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-22 a first side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a first base portion, a first slide rail connected to said first base portion, a first support portion, a first slide connected to said first support portion, and a first seat cushion;
a second side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a second base portion, a second slide rail connected to said second base portion, a second support portion, a second slide connected to said second support portion, and a second seat cushion;
said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly each transformable between a respective first, original seat configuration and a second, extended orientation;
a first motor connected to said base portion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly, said first motor configured to activate said slide within said slide rail of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly;
a second motor connected to said base portion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly, said second motor configured to activate said slide within said slide rail of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly;
whereby said first motor is further configured to automatically transform said first side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and said second, extended orientation;
whereby said second motor is further configured to automatically transform said second side-facing sliding seat assembly between said first, original seat configuration and said second, extended orientation; and wherein said first seat cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly contacts and rests adjacent to said second seat cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly when both of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly are in each respective second, extended orientation, thereby forming a flat, congmous surface.
7. The side-facing sliding seat assembly system of claim 6, further comprising:
said first base portion comprising a leg; and said first leg being affixed to an interior portion of the vehicle.
said first base portion comprising a leg; and said first leg being affixed to an interior portion of the vehicle.
8. The side-facing sliding seat assembly system of claim 6, further comprising:
said first side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a driver's side side-facing sliding seat assembly; and Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-22 said second side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a passenger's side side-facing sliding seat assembly.
said first side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a driver's side side-facing sliding seat assembly; and Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-22 said second side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a passenger's side side-facing sliding seat assembly.
9. The side-facing sliding seat assembly system of claim 6, further comprising:
a sofa-bed assembly comprising a back cushion, a sofa cushion, and a frame;
said sofa-bed assembly transformable between a first, sofa configuration and a second, bed configuration, wherein when in said second, bed configuration said sofa cushion and said rear cushion are placed adjacent to each other and are in a laid-flat configuration; and wherein said sofa cushion rests adjacent to said first seat cushion and said second seat cushion when said sofa-bed assembly is in said second, bed configuration, thereby forming an expanded flat, congruous surface between said sofa cushion, and first seat cushion; and said second seat cushion.
a sofa-bed assembly comprising a back cushion, a sofa cushion, and a frame;
said sofa-bed assembly transformable between a first, sofa configuration and a second, bed configuration, wherein when in said second, bed configuration said sofa cushion and said rear cushion are placed adjacent to each other and are in a laid-flat configuration; and wherein said sofa cushion rests adjacent to said first seat cushion and said second seat cushion when said sofa-bed assembly is in said second, bed configuration, thereby forming an expanded flat, congruous surface between said sofa cushion, and first seat cushion; and said second seat cushion.
10. The side-facing sliding seat assembly system of claim 9, further comprising:
a first gap formed between a first wall of the vehicle and said first side-facing sliding seat assembly cushion when said first side-facing sliding seat assembly is placed in said second, extended orientation;
a second gap formed between a second wall of the vehicle and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly cushion when said second side-facing sliding seat assembly is placed in said second, extended orientation;
a first modular cushion configured to be inserted within said first gap;
a second modular cushion configured to be inserted within said second gap; and wherein said first modular cushion and said second modular cushion form an expanded flat, congruous surface with said sofa cushion, said first side-facing sliding seat assembly cushion, and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly cushion.
a first gap formed between a first wall of the vehicle and said first side-facing sliding seat assembly cushion when said first side-facing sliding seat assembly is placed in said second, extended orientation;
a second gap formed between a second wall of the vehicle and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly cushion when said second side-facing sliding seat assembly is placed in said second, extended orientation;
a first modular cushion configured to be inserted within said first gap;
a second modular cushion configured to be inserted within said second gap; and wherein said first modular cushion and said second modular cushion form an expanded flat, congruous surface with said sofa cushion, said first side-facing sliding seat assembly cushion, and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly cushion.
11. A method of deploying transformable furniture within a vehicle, the method comprising the steps:
installing a first side-facing sliding seat assembly within the vehicle, said first side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a first base portion, a first slide rail connected to said first base portion, a first support portion, a first slide connected to said first support portion, and a first seat cushion;
installing a second side-facing sliding seat assembly, said second side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a second base portion, a second slide rail connected to said second base portion, Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-22 a second support portion, a second slide connected to said second support portion, and a second seat cushion;
transforming each of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly from a respective first, seat configuration to a respective second, extended configuration; and activating a first motor connected to said base portion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly, thereby moving said slide within said slide rail of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly;
activating a second motor connected to said base portion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly, thereby moving said slide within said slide rail of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly; and whereby said cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly is placed into contact with and rests adjacent to said cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly, thereby foming a flat, congruous surface.
installing a first side-facing sliding seat assembly within the vehicle, said first side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a first base portion, a first slide rail connected to said first base portion, a first support portion, a first slide connected to said first support portion, and a first seat cushion;
installing a second side-facing sliding seat assembly, said second side-facing sliding seat assembly comprising a second base portion, a second slide rail connected to said second base portion, Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-22 a second support portion, a second slide connected to said second support portion, and a second seat cushion;
transforming each of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said second side-facing sliding seat assembly from a respective first, seat configuration to a respective second, extended configuration; and activating a first motor connected to said base portion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly, thereby moving said slide within said slide rail of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly;
activating a second motor connected to said base portion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly, thereby moving said slide within said slide rail of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly; and whereby said cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly is placed into contact with and rests adjacent to said cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly, thereby foming a flat, congruous surface.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps:
installing a sofa-bed assembly within said vehicle, said sofa-bed assembly comprising a back cushion, a sofa cushion, and a frame; and transforming said sofa-bed assembly from a first, sofa configuration to a second, bed configuration;
whereby said sofa cushion of said sofa-bed assembly rests adjacent to said cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly, thereby forming an expanded flat, congruous surface.
installing a sofa-bed assembly within said vehicle, said sofa-bed assembly comprising a back cushion, a sofa cushion, and a frame; and transforming said sofa-bed assembly from a first, sofa configuration to a second, bed configuration;
whereby said sofa cushion of said sofa-bed assembly rests adjacent to said cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly and said cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly, thereby forming an expanded flat, congruous surface.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the steps:
activating a third motor connected to said sofa-bed assembly frame, thereby moving said sofa-bed assembly from said first, sofa configuration to said second, bed configuration.
activating a third motor connected to said sofa-bed assembly frame, thereby moving said sofa-bed assembly from said first, sofa configuration to said second, bed configuration.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps:
placing a first modular cushion into a first gap between said first side-facing sliding seat assembly seat cushion and a first wall of said vehicle; and placing a second modular cushion into a second gap between said second side-facing sliding seat assembly seat cushion and a second wall of said vehicle;
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-22 whereby said first modular cushion, said second modular cushion, said seat cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly, and said seat cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly combine to form a congruous, flat surface.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-22
placing a first modular cushion into a first gap between said first side-facing sliding seat assembly seat cushion and a first wall of said vehicle; and placing a second modular cushion into a second gap between said second side-facing sliding seat assembly seat cushion and a second wall of said vehicle;
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-22 whereby said first modular cushion, said second modular cushion, said seat cushion of said first side-facing sliding seat assembly, and said seat cushion of said second side-facing sliding seat assembly combine to form a congruous, flat surface.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-22
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US16/115,830 | 2018-08-29 | ||
| US16/115,830 US10300815B1 (en) | 2018-08-29 | 2018-08-29 | Vehicle extendable seats and method of use |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3041800A1 CA3041800A1 (en) | 2020-02-29 |
| CA3041800C true CA3041800C (en) | 2022-04-12 |
Family
ID=69642522
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3041800A Active CA3041800C (en) | 2018-08-29 | 2019-04-29 | Vehicle extendable seats and method of use |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA3041800C (en) |
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2019
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| Publication number | Publication date |
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| CA3041800A1 (en) | 2020-02-29 |
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