Folding Boat Seat Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/719,847, which was filed on Nov. 13, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of boat seating. More specifically, the present invention relates to a collapsible additional seat for the inside of a bass boat. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Standard bass boats are typically equipped with only two seats, a design limitation that can significantly reduce the number of passengers the boat can safely carry. This minimal seating arrangement often leads to frustration, particularly in social or family settings where more people may want to join in on the fishing trip. To overcome this, many boat owners attempt to add makeshift seats or chairs to their boats. These improvised solutions may consist of folding chairs, benches, or even other objects repurposed as seating. Unfortunately, these additions are rarely designed for marine use and tend to be flimsy, unstable, and lacking the necessary safety features to ensure a secure experience on the water.

The risk of these makeshift seats collapsing or tipping over becomes even greater when the boat encounters choppy waters, makes sudden movements, or when passengers shift their weight unexpectedly. Not only can this lead to potential injuries, but it can also create a stressful and unsafe environment for everyone on board. The danger is not limited to adults either—children or elderly passengers are particularly vulnerable to accidents from these unstable seating arrangements.

Beyond the physical safety concerns, there's also a social aspect to consider. Fishing trips are often about bonding with friends and family, and the limited seating can leave people feeling left out when they are unable to participate. Whether it's a parent missing out on quality time with their children, or a friend who can't join in on the day's adventure, the lack of adequate seating can diminish the overall enjoyment of the outing. People who are left behind may feel excluded, especially if they are looking forward to the shared experience. This can be particularly disappointing in a setting meant to foster relaxation, connection, and enjoyment of the outdoors.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a seating device for a boat. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a folding boat seat device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a folding boat seat device that provides an additional seat for a bass boat. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a folding boat seat device that provides an additional seat for a bass boat, wherein the device provides a stable seat.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a folding boat seat device. The device is comprised of a seat designed for use in a boat. The seat is preferably made of waterproof foam but may be fabricated from various materials depending on desired durability. The device may feature a pivotally attached arm, made from foam or more rigid materials, and a backrest supported by a hinged support post. Both the arm and backrest can be locked into extended or collapsed positions using locking hinges. When collapsed, the seat can be secured to the backrest via a locking mechanism, allowing compact storage. The backrest can also be adjustable in height using telescopic support posts with locking mechanisms, and the device can be fastened to boat surfaces using mounting fasteners. The invention further comprises a method of usage, involving unfolding and locking the seat and arm for seating a user within a boat.

In this manner, the folding boat seat device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides an additional seat for a bass boat. In addition, the device provides an additional seat for a bass boat wherein the seat is stable. Further, the device can be easily folded when not in use.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a folding boat seat device comprised of a seat made from waterproof foam, plastic composites, or treated fabrics, depending on durability requirements. The seat may adopt various geometric shapes, with a square or rectangular configuration preferred. The seat includes at least one arm, pivotally attached via a hinge. The arm may be fabricated from the same waterproof foam or a more rigid material like aluminum or reinforced plastic for additional support.

The hinge used in the arm may be a locking hinge, allowing the arm to be secured in both an extended position, perpendicular to the seat, and a collapsed position, parallel to the seat when not in use. The locking mechanism can be spring-loaded or mechanical for secure positioning.

A backrest is attached to the seat, made from the same or alternative materials. The backrest is pivotally mounted on a support post connected to the seat via a locking hinge. The hinge allows the backrest to lock in an extended position, perpendicular to the seat, or in a collapsed position, parallel to the seat for compact storage, especially within a boat.

When fully collapsed, the seat can be secured to the backrest using a locking mechanism, which may include latches, clamps, or magnetic fasteners. The arms may fold inward to create a compact profile for storage.

The backrest is adjustable in height via a telescopic support post, which can be locked using a spring-loaded pin engaging preset holes or a friction-based system like a twist-lock mechanism. The device may also include mounting fasteners, such as brackets, screws, or bolts, allowing secure attachment to various surfaces within a boat.

The invention further includes a method of use where the seat is unfolded and locked in place, the arms are extended, and the device is secured to a boat surface, allowing a user to sit on the seat inside the boat.

Accordingly, the folding boat seat device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an additional seat for a bass boat. In addition, the device provides an additional seat for a bass boat wherein the seat is stable. Further, the device can be easily folded when not in use. In this manner, the folding boat seat device overcomes the limitations of existing bass boats known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a folding boat seat device of the present invention while partially unfolded in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a folding boat seat device of the present invention while partially folded in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a folding boat seat device of the present invention while fully folded in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a folding boat seat device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a seating device for a boat. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a folding boat seat device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a folding boat seat device that provides an additional seat for a bass boat. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a folding boat seat device that provides an additional seat for a bass boat, wherein the device provides a stable seat.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a folding boat seat device comprised of a seat made from waterproof foam, plastic composites, or treated fabrics, depending on durability needs. The seat can take various geometric shapes, with square or rectangular forms being preferred. It includes at least one arm, pivotally attached through a hinge. The arm may be constructed from the same waterproof foam or a more rigid material, such as aluminum or reinforced plastic, for additional support.

The arm's hinge may feature a locking mechanism, securing the arm in both an extended position, perpendicular to the seat and a collapsed position, parallel to the seat when not in use. The locking system can be spring-loaded or mechanical to ensure stability.

A backrest is connected to the seat, made from either the same or different materials. It is pivotally mounted on a support post with a locking hinge, allowing it to lock in an extended position, perpendicular to the seat, or a collapsed position, parallel to the seat, for compact storage, particularly in a boat.

When fully collapsed, the seat can be secured to the backrest using a locking mechanism, which could include latches, clamps, or magnetic fasteners. The arms fold inward to create a compact form for storage.

The backrest's height is adjustable through a telescopic support post, which can be locked using either a spring-loaded pin engaging preset holes or a friction-based twist-lock system. The device may also feature mounting fasteners, such as brackets, screws, or bolts, for secure attachment to different surfaces within a boat.

The method of use involves unfolding the seat, locking it in place, extending the arms, and securing the device to a boat surface, providing seating for the user inside the boat.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a folding boat seat device 100 of the present invention while partially unfolded in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is comprised of a seat 110. The seat 110 is preferably made from a waterproof foam material, although other materials such as plastic composites or treated fabrics may be used depending on the environment and the desired durability. The seat 110 may adopt any geometric configuration, though in the preferred embodiment, the seat 110 is square or rectangular. In one embodiment, the seat 110 is further comprised of at least one arm 130. The arm 130 is pivotally attached to the seat 110 via at least one hinge 132. The arm 130 may be fabricated from the same waterproof foam material as the seat 110 or from a more rigid material, such as aluminum or reinforced plastic, to provide additional structural support.

In one embodiment, the hinge 132 is a locking hinge, allowing the arm 130 to be secured in two primary configurations: an extended position, where the arm 130 is perpendicular to the top surface 112 of the seat 110, and a collapsed position, where the arm 130 lies parallel with the top surface 112 when not in use, as seen in FIG. 2. The locking hinge 132 may employ a spring-loaded or mechanical lock to ensure that the arm 130 remains firmly secured in both positions.

At least one backrest 120 is attached to the seat 110. The backrest 120 may be made from the same waterproof foam material or alternative materials to enhance durability or comfort. The backrest 120 is pivotally mounted to at least one support post 122, which is attached to the seat 110 via at least one hinge 114. The hinge 114 may be a locking hinge, designed to secure the backrest 120 in both an extended and collapsed position. In the extended position, the backrest 120 hinge 114 is locked perpendicular to the top surface 112 of the seat 110, providing optimal support for the user. In the collapsed position, the seat 110 folds upwards toward the backrest 120, and the hinge 114 locks in place so that the top surface 112 is parallel to the backrest 120, facilitating storage within the interior of a boat.

When fully collapsed, the seat 110 can be secured to the backrest 120 using at least one locking mechanism 150, as seen in FIG. 3. The locking mechanism 150 may comprise various devices, such as latches, clamps, or magnetic fasteners, depending on user preference or the intended environment of use. Additionally, the arms 130 may fold inward and be stored within/against the seat 110 to create a compact, folded profile when the device 100 is not in use.

In one embodiment, the backrest 120 is adjustable in height, allowing the user to raise or lower the backrest 120 to a desired position. More specifically, the support post 122 may be lengthened or shortened and secured at a desired height using at least one locking mechanism 124. In the preferred embodiment, the support post 122 is telescopic, with the locking mechanism 124 being a spring-loaded pin that engages preset holes 126 along the support post 122. Alternatively, a twist-lock mechanism or other adjustable friction-based locking system may be employed to achieve the same effect.

The support post 122 and/or other areas of the device 100 may be comprised of at least one mounting fastener 140. The fastener 140 allows the device 100 to be affixed to various surfaces within a boat to secure the device 100 to a boat. The fastener 140 may include, but is not limited to, a mounting bracket, screws, or bolts designed to penetrate or clamp onto surfaces.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 4. First, a device 100 is provided comprising a seat 110 with at least one arm 130 pivotally attached to the seat 110 via at least one hinge 114, allowing the arm 130 to move between an extended position and a collapsed position [Step 202]. Next, at least one backrest 120 with at least one pivotally attached support post 122 can be attached to a surface of a boat via a fastener 140 [Step 204]. Then, the seat 110 can be unfolded and locked such that a top surface 112 of the seat 110 is perpendicular to the backrest 120 [Step 206]. Next, the arm 130 can be unfolded such that the arm 130 is perpendicular to the top surface 112 [Step 208]. Finally, a user can sit on the seat 110 inside the boat [Step 210].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “folding boat seat device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the folding boat seat device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the folding boat seat device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the folding boat seat device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the folding boat seat device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the folding boat seat device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the folding boat seat device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.