Vehicle Bucket Seat Adapter for Alternative Use/Utility

Abstract

Adapters may be used for connecting pieces of equipment that may not be directly connected. One adapter for a vehicle seat includes two rails and a metal plate connecting the rails. The rails further include a plurality of holes configured to receive two or more fastening bolts. The fastening bolts are configured to couple a vehicle seat to each of the two rails. The metal plate further includes at least one hole configured to receive a chair base protrusion.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat adapter, comprising: a first rail and a second rail, wherein each one of the first rail and second rail comprises: a plurality of holes configured to receive two or more fastening bolts, wherein the two or more fastening bolts are configured to couple a vehicle seat to the each one of the first rail and the second rail; and a metal plate connected to and positioned between the first rail and the second rail, wherein the metal plate comprises at least one hole, the at least one hole configured to receive a chair base protrusion, wherein the metal plate becomes fixedly coupled to the chair base when the central column of the chair base is received by the at least one hole of the metal plate.

2. The vehicle seat adapter as set forth in claim 1, wherein only one end of the first rail has a slope leading to the fastening holes and only one end of the second rail has a slope leading to the bolt mounting holes.

3. The vehicle seat adapter as set forth in claim 1, wherein both ends of the first rail and the second rail have slopes that lead down to the mounting brackets.

4. The vehicle seat adapter as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first rail, the second rail, and the metal player form a single body.

5. The vehicle seat adapter as set forth in claim 1, wherein each rail includes an armrest.

6. The vehicle seat adapter as set forth in claim 1, wherein the vehicle seat adapter includes wiring which supports the connection of an external battery to power the mounted seats electrical functions.

7. The vehicle seat adapter as set forth in claim 1, wherein the vehicle seat adapter includes wiring which may be plugged into an electrical outlet enabling the utilization of the mounted seats electrical functions.

8. An adapted vehicle seat system comprising: an automobile seat configured to seat one or more person; and a vehicle seat adapter comprising: a first rail and a second rail, wherein each one of the first rail and second rail comprises: a plurality of holes configured to receive two or more fasteners, wherein the two or more fasteners are configured to couple a vehicle seat to the each one of the first rail and the second rail; and a metal plate connected to and positioned between the first rail and the second rail; wherein the metal plate comprises at least one hole, the at least one hole configured to receive a chair base protrusion, wherein the metal plate becomes fixedly coupled to the chair base when the central column of the chair base is received by the at least one hole of the metal plate; and an office chair base comprising: a three or more of prongs configured to stabilize the office chair base; a metal tube located in the center of the three or more prongs extending vertically away from the three or more prongs, wherein a metal tube is configured to connect to the vehicle seat adapter; wherein; the office chair base is connected to the vehicle seat adapter by the metal tube extending from the office chair base.

9. The adapted vehicle seat system as set forth in claim 8, wherein the surface of the rails has a non-zero angle that leads to the fastening holes.

10. The adapted vehicle seat system as set forth in claim 8, wherein the surface of the rails is flush with the fastening holes.

11. The adapted vehicle seat system as set forth in claim 9, wherein the adapter includes wiring which supports the connection of an external battery to power the mounted seats electrical functions.

12. The adapted vehicle seat system as set forth in claim 9, wherein the vehicle seat adapter includes wiring which may be plugged into an electrical outlet enabling the utilization of the mounted seats electrical functions.

13. The adapted vehicle seat system as set forth in claim 10, wherein the adapter includes wiring which supports the connection of an external battery to power the mounted seats electrical functions.

14. The adapted vehicle seat system as set forth in claim 10, wherein the vehicle seat adapter includes wiring which may be plugged into an electrical outlet enabling the utilization of the mounted seats electrical functions.

15. A method for securing a vehicle seat to an adapter, the method comprising: providing the vehicle seat adapter as set forth in claim 1; a office chair base; and a vehicle seat; wherein the adapter is coupled to the office chair base; wherein the vehicle seat is coupled to the adapter and the vehicle seat adapter and vehicle seat are coupled to the office chair base.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the vehicle seat adapter is coupled to the vehicle seat by a plurality of bolts fastened to the vehicle seats mounting holes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment where the rails of the vehicle seat adapter that has no slope leading to the fastening holes, according to an illustrative interpretation.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a different example embodiment to that illustrated in FIG. 1, where the vehicle seat adapter contains slope that lead to the fastening holes, according to an illustrative interpretation.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows a side view of an example embodiment demonstrating how the vehicle seat is coupled to the adapter, according to an illustrative interpretation.

[0011] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of an adapted vehicle seat system implementing the embodiment in FIG. 1 which is coupled to both a vehicle seat and an office chair base and frame, according to an illustrative interpretation.

[0012] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of an adapted vehicle seat system implementing the embodiment in FIG. 2 which is coupled to both a vehicle seat and an office chair base and frame, according to an illustrative interpretation.

[0013] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an adapted vehicle seat system implementing the embodiment in FIG. 2 where the vehicle seat adapter is connected to both a vehicle seat and office chair base and frame. The system includes wiring for an external battery pack to provide power for the vehicle seat's electric functions, according to an illustrative interpretation.

[0014] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an adapted vehicle seat system implementing the embodiment in FIG. 2 where the vehicle seat adapter is connected to both a vehicle seat and office chair base and frame. The system includes wiring to plug into an electrical outlet to provide power for the vehicle seat's functionality, according to an illustrative interpretation.

[0015] It will be recognized that some or all the figures are schematic representations for purposes of illustration. The figures are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more embodiments with the explicit understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In general, vehicle seats are fastened to a seat bracket which is similarly bolted to the chassis of a vehicle. The seat bracket is commonly called the runway of a vehicle seat. Some seat brackets may be a single component while others include multiple individual components. Car manufacturers generally design their own seats and brackets which are unique to the manufacturer. Consequently, the point in the frame where a fastener may be inserted varies widely between different vehicles. Aftermarket vehicle seats and brackets are commonly sold for the purpose of installing a different vehicle seat a into vehicle; vehicle seats and brackets that are different from the original equipment manufacturer (hereinafter referred to as “OEM”). The invention disclosed herein may be manufactured to accommodate the specific proportions for both aftermarket and OEM seats and brackets. The accommodation would allow for the overlap of the fastening holes.

[0017] Vehicle seats may have electric functions. These seats will contain a motor and in some vehicles the motor is tucked underneath the seat so it is out of sight when riding in an automobile. The motor powers functionalities like seat movement as well as heating and cooling. The functionalities are generally utilized by manipulating a button, lever, or switch. The manipulation sends a signal through wires to the motor which gets its power to perform the function by a vehicles electrical system.

[0018] Office chairs are a common item in offices. There are many kinds of office chairs. Some models have wheels that allow for easy transportation of the chair. Other models do not have these wheels because of the increase in stability that may be gained from a less mobile design. For purposes of this disclosure, office chairs may generally be considered to have three structural elements. These elements are the seat, the frame, and the base. The seat is the component of an office chair that someone sits in. The frame is the component that houses the chair and connects to the base. The base is the portion that connects to the ground, and it also houses the frame and chair. These elements of office chairs may vary widely between models and manufacturers.

[0019] In some models, it is common to find a central column that extends from the base to the seat. In these models, one end of the central column is received by the base and the other end of the central column is received by of the frame.

[0020] Referring generally to the figures, the apparatus, systems, and methods relate to adapting an office chair base, particularly to adapt an office chair base to allow the connection of a different seat, such as an automobile vehicle seat. The object of the invention is to provide a surface to mount a vehicle seat to. It is another object of the invention to provide a similar surface that enables the connection to a portion of an office chair.

[0021] Some people may find that the seat in their automobile is quite comfortable to sit in for extended periods of time. Further, in their home or office, these same people may have office chairs which are not comfortable. If these people attempted to install their automobile seats onto their office chairs, they would be unable to do so. The invention at hand provides the means for a solution to those wishing to connect a vehicle seat onto an office chair.

[0022] Therefore, aspects of the present disclosure address the problem of incompatibility in connecting an automobile vehicle seat to an office chair by disclosing an adapter that enables the connection of a vehicle seat and an office chair.

[0023] In the present specification, an implementation showing a singular component should not be considered limiting; rather, the present disclosure is intended to encompass other implementations including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicants do not intend for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present implementations encompass present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration. The present implementations will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the implementations so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the implementations and alternatives apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 1 in general, the illustration depicts a perspective view of an example embodiment 100 of the vehicle seat adapter. The embodiment 100 includes the first and second rail 102(a-b) (hereafter referred to herein as “the rails 102”), which are identical to each other. Although the first and second rail are specifically qualified, either could be the first or the second. In this embodiment, the rails have a uniformly flush surface and contain fastening mounting holes 105(a-b). The surface of the rails 102 accommodate the runways of some vehicle seats so they may stack on top of the adapter. The fastening holes 105(a-b) and fastening holes 106(a-b) are present at both ends of the rails 102. Further, the metal plate 110 couples the rails 102(a-b). Further, the metal plate 110 is flush with the rails 102. Additionally, the metal plate 110 contains a hole 115 which supports the intake of a central column from an office chair.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2 in general, the illustration depicts a perspective view of an example embodiment 200 different to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1. The embodiment in this figure contains similar features and functions relative to FIG. 1. The embodiment includes the first and second rail 202(a-b) (hereafter referred to herein as “the rails 202”), which are identical to each other. Like the embodiment in FIG. 1, the first and second rail are qualified, however, either rail could be the first or second rail. Unlike FIG. 1, this embodiment does not have a flush surface leading to the fastening holes 210(a-b) or 211(a-b). Instead, each end of each rail of the rails 202 has a slope that leads down to the fastening holes 210(a-b) and 211(a-b). The rails 202 in this embodiment are designed to couple with vehicle seats with angled runways, that is runways where there is some degree of an angle that leads to the mounting holes. A vehicle seat may be positioned on top of the rails 202 and the metal plate 215, so the mounting holes of both the runway of the vehicle seat and this example embodiment overlap. The position may allow a fastener to be inserted which may then secure the two components together. Additionally, the metal plate 215 couples the rails 202. The metal plate 215 may be welded to the rails 202. Further, the metal plate 215 contains a hole 205 which the central column of an office chair may be inserted through.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 3 in general, the illustration depicts the rail 202a of the example embodiment in FIG. 2 coupling with an example runway of a vehicle seat 302. It should be noted that there are many different designs of vehicle seat runways. The runway of a vehicle seat (310) contains runway mounting holes 310(a-b). In this figure, the runway is positioned on the surface of the embodiment so there is an overlap between the runway mounting holes 310(a-b) and the fastening holes 202(a-b) of the rail 202a. The overlap of the two components creates a passage where a fastener may be inserted through the passage to connect the components. The direction arrow 320 demonstrates how the runway of the vehicle seat 302 may be positioned to couple with the rail 202a.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 4 in general, the illustration depicts an exploded view of an adapted vehicle seat system 400. The system includes a vehicle seat 402, the example embodiment 100 depicted in FIG. 1 and an office chair base and frame 490 (hereinafter referred to as “the chair base 490”). A vehicle seat 402 is positioned on top of the example embodiment 100 where the fastening hole 105a and the fastening hole 106a overlap with one side of the runway mounting hole 310a and runway mounting hole 310b. Similarly, the other side of the vehicle seat runway is positioned above the 102b rail so there is an overlap of fastening hole 105b and fastening hole 106b. Fasteners are inserted through the overlapping holes to couple the vehicle seat 402 to the example embodiment 100 which then forms an adapted vehicle seat complex. The central column is inserted into the vertical space 455 which further inserts through the holes in the swivel wheel base 470, the pneumatic cylinder 445, chair mechanism 440, and the hole 115 in the metal plate 110. The office chair base and frame contain a pneumatic lever 435 and the swivel wheels 450.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 5 in general, the illustration depicts an exploded view of an adapted vehicle seat system 500. The system includes a vehicle seat 402, the example embodiment 100 depicted in FIG. 1 and an office chair base and frame 490 (hereinafter referred to as “the chair base 490”). A vehicle seat 402 is positioned on top of the example embodiment 200 where the fastening hole 210a and the fastening hole 211a overlap with one side of the runway mounting hole 310a and runway mounting hole 310b. Similarly, the other side of the vehicle seat runway is positioned above the 202b rail so there is an overlap of fastening hole 210b and fastening hole 211b. Fasteners are inserted through the overlapping holes to couple the vehicle seat 402 to the example embodiment 200 which then forms an adapted vehicle seat complex. The central column is inserted into the vertical space 455 which further inserts through the holes in the swivel wheel base 470, the pneumatic cylinder 445, chair mechanism 440, and the hole 205 in the metal plate 215. The office chair base and frame contain a pneumatic lever 435 and the swivel wheels 450.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 6 in general, the illustration depicts a perspective view of a vehicle seat system 600 implementing an example embodiment. The system in this example includes a vehicle seat 402, an external battery 602, wiring 605, and the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 2. In the illustration, the vehicle seat 402 is fastened to the rails 202(a-b) of the embodiment 200 and is fastened to one side of the runway of the vehicle seat 402 with bolts in the fastening hole 210a and fastening hole 211a. In like fashion, rail 202b is fastened to the other side of the vehicle seat runway. An external battery 602 is included which may enable the operation of the seat's electrical functions. The functions may be employed by the manipulation of a button, switch, or lever. The button, switch, or lever, once manipulated, will then send a signal through the wire 605 to the motor located within or around the vehicle seat 402. The motor then performs the functions by utilizing the electrical energy transferred from the external battery pack 602.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 7 in general, the illustration depicts a perspective view of an adapted vehicle seat system 700 implementing an example embodiment. The system in this example includes a vehicle seat 402, an AC power plug 702, an electrical outlet 705, and the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 2. In the illustration, the vehicle seat 402 is fastened to the rails 202(a-b) of the embodiment 200. The embodiment 200 is fastened to the runway of the vehicle seat 402 with bolts in the fastening hole 210a and fastening hole 211a. The rail 202b is fastened to the runway of the vehicle seat in likewise fashion. The AC power plug 702 is plugged into an electrical outlet 705 which enables the operation of the vehicle seats electrical functions. The functionalities may be employed by the manipulation of a button, switch, or lever. The button, or switch, or lever, once manipulated, will then send a signal through the wire 710 to the motor located within or around the vehicle seat 402. The motor then performs the functions by utilizing the electrical energy transferred from the electrical outlet 705 which is provided by the AC power plug 702.