Independent height adjustment system for a seat assembly and machine using same
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorJohn C. Spangler, JR.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A height adjustment system for a seat assembly of a machine includes a first support member and a second support member vertically spaced from the first support member. A pneumatic bladder is operatively connected to the first support member and the second support member for adjusting a distance between the first support member and the second support member. At least two guide pins interconnect the first support member and the second support member at opposing ends thereof. A locking device maintains an adjusted distance between the first support member and the second support member. The height adjustment system is preferably independent from and may be positioned in series with a suspension system for the seat assembly.
Claims20
A height adjustment system for a seat assembly of a machine, comprising:
- a first support member;
- a second support member vertically spaced from the first support member;
- a pneumatic bladder operatively connected to the first support member and the second support member for adjusting a distance between the first support member and the second support member;
- at least two guide pins interconnecting the first support member and the second support member at opposing ends thereof;
- and
- a locking device for maintaining an adjusted distance between the first support member and the second support member.
A method of adjusting a seat assembly of a machine, including:
- releasing a locking device of at least two telescoping guide pins;
- adjusting a distance between a first support member and a second support member, at least in part, by adjusting an amount of pressurized air within a pneumatic bladder;
- and
- engaging the locking device of each of the two telescoping guide pins.
A machine, comprising:
- a machine body;
- a first support member attached to the machine body;
- a second support member vertically spaced from the first support member and defining a first support area;
- a third support member vertically spaced from the second support member and defining a second support area;
- and
- wherein one of a seat height adjustment system and a seat suspension system is positioned within the first support area and an other of the seat height adjustment system and the seat suspension system is positioned within the second support area.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.