Seating Systems for Motor Vehicles
AssigneeFreedom Sciences, LLC
InventorsThomas A. Panzarella, Thomas A. Panzarella, David D. McClanahan, James B. Eldon, Ira C. Hoffman, Michael T. Martin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments of seating systems for motor vehicles facilitate two-dimensional movement of a seat in a horizontal plane. The seating systems can also facilitate vertical movement of the seat. The seating systems are motorized, and can be automatically controlled so that minimal movement and effort are required on the part of the user to enter and exit the vehicle.
Claims22
A seating system, comprising:
- a frame mountable on a mounting surface within a motor vehicle;
- a carriage assembly mounted on the frame and translating linearly in relation to the frame;
- a base assembly mounted on the carriage assembly and rotating in relation to the carriage assembly;
- a trolley assembly mounted on the base assembly and translating linearly in relation to the base assembly;
- and
- a seat mounted on the trolley assembly.
The system of clam 4, wherein the seat can translate in the first direction when the seat is located in the third position, in response to the linear translation of the carriage assembly in relation to the frame.
A method for moving an occupant seated in a motor vehicle from a first position within the motor vehicle to a second position outside of the motor vehicle, comprising:
- providing a seating system mountable on a surface of the motor vehicle and comprising a seat capable of moving in relation to the surface;
- moving the seat in a first direction away from the first position to align the seat with an opening in the motor vehicle;
- turning the seat to face the opening;
- and
- moving the seat through the opening and toward the second position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.