Power drive apparatus for telescopic seating system

Abstract

Power drive apparatus is adapted for mounting beneath the forward or lower row of a telescopic seating system. The drive apparatus includes a frame which is adapted to be connected to the forward row of the seating system and extend beneath it. A reversible electric motor is mounted centrally of the frame with its axis transverse of the direction of travel of the unit. First and second rollers (as distinguished from wheels or endless track) are mounted to the frame for rotation about respective horizontal forward and rear axes extending transverse of the direction of movement of the rows between the use and storage positions. Each roller has an exterior covering of compressible, resilient material, preferably synthetic rubber. The rollers are preferably located in front of and behind the motor respectively to provide a four-wheel-drive effect. The apparatus fits beneath the deck of the lowest row in the seating system and can easily be retrofitted to an existing system.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.