Shock absorbing seat

#The present invention relates to outdoor seating and the like, and in particular to a hollow molded, shock absorbing seat for use in recreational boats, and other similar applications.

#Recreational boating has prompted the need for many configurations and styles of boat seating. One style that has developed is pedestal-style seating in which the seat is supported on a pedestal above a boat surface such as the boat deck. During operation of the boat, the seated user absorbs the shock transmitted from the boat surface, through the pedestal and into the seat. These shock forces are intensified when the associated boat is operated in rough or turbulent waters when the hull of the boat strikes large swells and wakes.

#Heretofore, boat seats have offered little in the way of suspension systems for adding comfort to the user. Typically, boat seats consist of a frame structure that is overlayed or covered with a foam padding which is then encased within a cover. The shock absorption of these seats is directly related to the amount of foam between the user and the seat frame, which has structural limitations.

#These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shock absorbing seat embodying the present invention, wither, bladder and cushion partially cut away;

#FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a front attachment portion and a connector;

#For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

#The reference numeral 10 (FIG. 1) generally designates a two-piece shock absorbing outdoor seat embodying the present invention. Seat 10 is particularly adapted for use in recreational boats and other similar applications. Seat 10 includes a cushion member 12 shaped to abuttingly support a seated user on an upper surface 14 thereof. Seat 10 also includes a one-piece, hollow molded seat body member 16 having a front portion 18 with a connector 20, a raised rear portion 22, and a recessed base portion 24 which defines an open top portion 25 and is shaped to position cushion member 12 thereover. Seat 10 further includes a shock-absorbing member 26 positioned over a central area 28 of recessed base portion 24. Shock-absorbing member 26 includes a flexibly resilient deck 30 which supports cushion member 12 on an upper side 32 thereof. Deck 30 includes a front attachment portion 34 mounted to connector 20 of front portion 18, and a rear attachment portion 36. Shock-absorbing member 26 also includes a plurality of longitudinally extensible spring members 38 each having a forward end 40 and a rearward end 42 (FIG. 3). A plurality of oval-shaped spring bosses 44 are integrally molded within raised rear portion 22 of seat body member 16 to define apertures 46 that extend in a fore-to-aft direction and which receive therethrough rearward ends 42 of spring members 38. Shock-absorbing member 26 further includes a connector rod 48 that extends along a back area 50 of raised rear portion 22 of seat body member 16. Connector rod 48 is connected with rearward ends 42 of spring members 38 to support deck 30 in a pre-tensed condition over recessed base portion 24 of seat body member 16 for absorbing shock loading applied in a downward direction to seat 10 by a seated user.

#Seat 10 is shown as part of a seat assembly 11 that includes seat 10 and a pedestal 52. In the illustrated example, seat body member 16 is constructed from a plastic or a material exhibiting similar properties. Seat body member 16 is preferably formed through a blow molding process similar to that disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/162,578, MOLDED TWO-PIECE SEAT SHELL, which is incorporated herein by reference. Although a blow molding process is preferred, it is foreseeable that any suitable method for hollow molding may be utilized.