US20060131941A1 - Two way seat - Google Patents

Two way seat Download PDF

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Publication number
US20060131941A1
US20060131941A1 US11/013,974 US1397404A US2006131941A1 US 20060131941 A1 US20060131941 A1 US 20060131941A1 US 1397404 A US1397404 A US 1397404A US 2006131941 A1 US2006131941 A1 US 2006131941A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
operator
seat
support
rest
torso
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/013,974
Inventor
Scott Hendron
Scott Bender
Jonathan Pope
Matt Branscomb
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Deere and Co
Original Assignee
Deere and Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Deere and Co filed Critical Deere and Co
Priority to US11/013,974 priority Critical patent/US20060131941A1/en
Assigned to DEERE & COMPANY reassignment DEERE & COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BENDER, SCOTT EDWARD, POPE, JONATHAN FREDERICK, BRANSCOMB, MATT RAYMOND, HENDRON, SCOTT SVEND
Priority to EP05111289A priority patent/EP1671838A2/en
Priority to JP2005362715A priority patent/JP2006168727A/en
Publication of US20060131941A1 publication Critical patent/US20060131941A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60NSEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60NSEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2002/247Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles to support passengers in a half-standing position

Definitions

  • the invention relates to seats for work vehicles. More specifically, it relates to a device and method for comfortably supporting an operator in a multiuse work vehicle, such as a compact loader backhoe, having a first operating position and a second operating position where, for example, the first operating position is a loader operating position and the second operating position is a backhoe operating position.
  • a multiuse work vehicle such as a compact loader backhoe
  • the invention provides a seating apparatus that affords the vehicle operator a semi standing position in multiple work positions conducive to operations on multiuse vehicles such as compact loader backhoes.
  • the seating apparatus provides a first portion, or torso rest, and a second portion, or partial seat support integral to the torso rest.
  • the torso rest is a relatively wide portion at a first end of the seating apparatus which is designed to act as a backrest in a first operator position and a front rest in a second operator position. When used as a backrest, the torso rest supports a rear portion of the operator's torso; when used as a front rest, the torso rest supports a front portion of the operator's torso.
  • the first portion narrows and angles toward the operator to form a short support, i.e., a partial or semi-seat support at the second portion of the seating apparatus.
  • the seating apparatus may include height adjustment to accommodate operators of different heights and builds. To transition from one mode of operation to another the operator is merely required to turn his/her body to the required position and use the torso rest as either a backrest or a front rest and use the semi-seat support as a partial seat support, as appropriate.
  • FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a work vehicle including an exemplary in embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is an oblique view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in which a sit bar is extended;
  • FIG. 3 is an oblique view of the embodiment of the two in which the sit bar is stowed.
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a compact work vehicle, i.e., a compact articulated loader backhoe or swing steer 1 incorporating an exemplary embodiment of the invention (see seating apparatus 100 ).
  • the swing steer 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a loader portion 10 ; a cab 30 ; and a backhoe portion 40 .
  • the loader portion 10 includes: front wheels 11 and a loader mechanism 20 . Also included in the loader portion 10 are the engine (not shown), hydraulic pump (not shown) and the transmission (not shown).
  • the backhoe portion 40 includes: rear wheels 41 ; a backhoe mechanism 50 ; and steering mechanism 60 .
  • the cab 30 includes: controls 31 , 32 ; roll bar 33 ; and the seating apparatus 100 .
  • FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the seating apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 .
  • the seating apparatus 100 of this exemplary embodiment of the invention includes: an integral operator rest 105 including a torso rest 110 and a semi-seat support 120 ; forearm rests 130 ; a plastic trim support 140 ; a control console molding 150 having apertures 151 , 152 for control levers 153 , 154 ; a sit bar assembly 160 ; and a height adjustment assist mechanism 170 .
  • the height adjustment assist mechanism 170 of this exemplary embodiment is a conventional hydraulic mechanism and, as such, is not detailed here. In this particular embodiment, height adjustment is ultimately accomplished via relative movements between a female slide 132 , to which the torso rest is attached, and a male slide 133 . The female slide 132 slides upon the male slide 133 during height adjustments.
  • the torso rest 110 is contoured to provide a comfortable backrest during loader operations, i.e., when the operator is facing the loader portion 10 and a comfortable front rest for the torso during backhoe operations, i.e., when the operator is facing the backhoe portion 40 .
  • Toward the top of and integral to the torso rest 110 are the arm rests 130 .
  • Toward the bottom of the torso rest 110 the operator rest 105 narrows and protrudes toward the loader portion 10 to form the semi-seat support 120 .
  • the semi-seat support 120 is shaped and dimensioned to provide partial support for the seat of the operator during loader operations and to provide little to no support and no interference during backhoe operations.
  • the torso rest 110 of this exemplary embodiment is rigidly attached to the control console 150 and the female slide 132 which includes rigidly attached sit bar support brackets 132 a .
  • the sit bar 161 of the sit bar assembly 160 is operatively attached to the support brackets 132 a as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and optionally affords additional support for the seat of the operator.
  • the sit bar 161 as two positions; a support position as illustrated in FIG. 2 which provides additional support for the seat of the operator, and a stowage position as illustrated in FIG. 3 which avoids interference with the operator during backhoe operations.
  • control console 150 Protruding from the torso rest 110 toward the backhoe portion 40 is the control console 150 including apertures 150 , 151 , 152 through which the controls 150 a for backhoe operations protrude. Also, rigidly attached to the female slide 132 and the control console 150 is a plastic trim support 140 which supports and maintains the shape of the trim 140 a illustrated in FIG. 1 .
  • the vehicle operator may merely assume a position facing the loader portion 10 or the backhoe portion 40 and lean against the torso rest 110 , using it (the torso rest 110 ), respectively, as a backrest or a front rest.
  • the semi-seat support 120 may partially support the seat of the operator; the sit bar 161 may optionally provide additional support for the seat of the operator in the support position illustrated in FIG. 2 .
  • the sit bar 161 is conveniently placed in the stowage position, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , and the arms of the operator are placed on the arm rests 130 to provide comfortable access to the backhoe controls 150 a and reduce potential operator arm fatigue.

Abstract

A seating apparatus includes a torso rest and a semi-seat support or partial support for the seat of the operator of a work vehicle. The torso rest provides support for the torso when the operator leans against the torso rest in a semi standing position and is contoured to act as a backrest in a first operator position and as a front rest in a operator second position. The semi-seat support acts as a partial seat support only in the first operator position. The seating apparatus may also include an additional stowable seat support, armrests, a height adjustment assist mechanism and/or a control console.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The invention relates to seats for work vehicles. More specifically, it relates to a device and method for comfortably supporting an operator in a multiuse work vehicle, such as a compact loader backhoe, having a first operating position and a second operating position where, for example, the first operating position is a loader operating position and the second operating position is a backhoe operating position.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Conventional seats for work vehicles are designed for vehicle operation from a fully seated operator position. In multiuse vehicles such as, for example, loader backhoes, in which the operator is required to control the work functions of the vehicle from different angular positions of the seat, the seats have traditionally been designed to rotate to each of the required angles. In many very compact vehicles in which space has been, traditionally, a problem, no seat to provided. In such cases the vehicle operator is required to operate the vehicle from a standing position.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In multiuse compact vehicles wear work operations may take hours or days to complete, the full standing position is not practical as it is physically tiring. Further, the fully seated position is often not feasible as it requires a rotatable seat in a vehicle in which space is not available. Such a situation requires that the operator have the advantage of comfortably operating the vehicle from at least two angles relative to the vehicle with a space saving seating arrangement.
  • The invention provides a seating apparatus that affords the vehicle operator a semi standing position in multiple work positions conducive to operations on multiuse vehicles such as compact loader backhoes. The seating apparatus provides a first portion, or torso rest, and a second portion, or partial seat support integral to the torso rest. The torso rest is a relatively wide portion at a first end of the seating apparatus which is designed to act as a backrest in a first operator position and a front rest in a second operator position. When used as a backrest, the torso rest supports a rear portion of the operator's torso; when used as a front rest, the torso rest supports a front portion of the operator's torso. The first portion narrows and angles toward the operator to form a short support, i.e., a partial or semi-seat support at the second portion of the seating apparatus. The seating apparatus may include height adjustment to accommodate operators of different heights and builds. To transition from one mode of operation to another the operator is merely required to turn his/her body to the required position and use the torso rest as either a backrest or a front rest and use the semi-seat support as a partial seat support, as appropriate.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Embodiments of the invention will be described in detail, with references to the following figures, wherein:
  • FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a work vehicle including an exemplary in embodiment of the invention;
  • FIG. 2 is an oblique view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in which a sit bar is extended;
  • FIG. 3 is an oblique view of the embodiment of the two in which the sit bar is stowed; and
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • DESCRIPTION OF FIG PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a compact work vehicle, i.e., a compact articulated loader backhoe or swing steer 1 incorporating an exemplary embodiment of the invention (see seating apparatus 100). The swing steer 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a loader portion 10; a cab 30; and a backhoe portion 40. The loader portion 10 includes: front wheels 11 and a loader mechanism 20. Also included in the loader portion 10 are the engine (not shown), hydraulic pump (not shown) and the transmission (not shown). The backhoe portion 40 includes: rear wheels 41; a backhoe mechanism 50; and steering mechanism 60. The cab 30 includes: controls 31, 32; roll bar 33; and the seating apparatus 100.
  • FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the seating apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the seating apparatus 100 of this exemplary embodiment of the invention includes: an integral operator rest 105 including a torso rest 110 and a semi-seat support 120; forearm rests 130; a plastic trim support 140; a control console molding 150 having apertures 151, 152 for control levers 153, 154; a sit bar assembly 160; and a height adjustment assist mechanism 170. The height adjustment assist mechanism 170 of this exemplary embodiment is a conventional hydraulic mechanism and, as such, is not detailed here. In this particular embodiment, height adjustment is ultimately accomplished via relative movements between a female slide 132, to which the torso rest is attached, and a male slide 133. The female slide 132 slides upon the male slide 133 during height adjustments.
  • The torso rest 110 is contoured to provide a comfortable backrest during loader operations, i.e., when the operator is facing the loader portion 10 and a comfortable front rest for the torso during backhoe operations, i.e., when the operator is facing the backhoe portion 40. Toward the top of and integral to the torso rest 110 are the arm rests 130. Toward the bottom of the torso rest 110, the operator rest 105 narrows and protrudes toward the loader portion 10 to form the semi-seat support 120. The semi-seat support 120 is shaped and dimensioned to provide partial support for the seat of the operator during loader operations and to provide little to no support and no interference during backhoe operations.
  • The torso rest 110 of this exemplary embodiment is rigidly attached to the control console 150 and the female slide 132 which includes rigidly attached sit bar support brackets 132 a. The sit bar 161 of the sit bar assembly 160 is operatively attached to the support brackets 132 a as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and optionally affords additional support for the seat of the operator. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sit bar 161 as two positions; a support position as illustrated in FIG. 2 which provides additional support for the seat of the operator, and a stowage position as illustrated in FIG. 3 which avoids interference with the operator during backhoe operations.
  • Protruding from the torso rest 110 toward the backhoe portion 40 is the control console 150 including apertures 150, 151, 152 through which the controls 150 a for backhoe operations protrude. Also, rigidly attached to the female slide 132 and the control console 150 is a plastic trim support 140 which supports and maintains the shape of the trim 140 a illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • During work operations for the illustrated swing steer 1, the vehicle operator may merely assume a position facing the loader portion 10 or the backhoe portion 40 and lean against the torso rest 110, using it (the torso rest 110), respectively, as a backrest or a front rest. During loader operations, the semi-seat support 120 may partially support the seat of the operator; the sit bar 161 may optionally provide additional support for the seat of the operator in the support position illustrated in FIG. 2. During backhoe operations, the sit bar 161 is conveniently placed in the stowage position, as illustrated in FIG. 3, and the arms of the operator are placed on the arm rests 130 to provide comfortable access to the backhoe controls 150 a and reduce potential operator arm fatigue.
  • Having described the illustrated embodiment, it will become apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims (10)

1. A two way seat comprising:
a torso rest; and
a semi-seat support, the torso rest being shaped to function as a backrest when an operator is in a first operator position and as a front rest when the operator is in a second operator position, the semi-seat support being shaped to provide partial seat support when the operator is in the first operator position, the semi-seat support providing no support when the operator is in the second operator position, the semi-seat support and the torso rest being integrated.
2. The two way seat of claim 1, further comprising at least one arm rest, the armrest integral with the torso rest.
3. The two way seat of claim 2, wherein the at least one armrest is structured to be useful only when the operator is in the second operator position.
4. The two way seat of claim 1, further comprising a console integral with the torso rest, the console located on the second side of the torso rest.
5. The two way seat of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable sit bar.
6. The two way seat of claim 5, wherein the adjustable sit bar has two positions.
7. The two way seat of claim 6, wherein the two positions include a hip support position and a stowage position, the stowage position providing no support.
8. The two way seat of claim 1, wherein the first operator position is a near standing position.
9. The two way seat of claim 1, wherein the second operator position is a near standing position.
10. The two way seat of claim 1, further comprising a height adjustment assist mechanism.
US11/013,974 2004-12-16 2004-12-16 Two way seat Abandoned US20060131941A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/013,974 US20060131941A1 (en) 2004-12-16 2004-12-16 Two way seat
EP05111289A EP1671838A2 (en) 2004-12-16 2005-11-25 Seat arrangement and vehicle
JP2005362715A JP2006168727A (en) 2004-12-16 2005-12-16 Seat device usable in two ways

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/013,974 US20060131941A1 (en) 2004-12-16 2004-12-16 Two way seat

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20060131941A1 true US20060131941A1 (en) 2006-06-22

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/013,974 Abandoned US20060131941A1 (en) 2004-12-16 2004-12-16 Two way seat

Country Status (3)

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US (1) US20060131941A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1671838A2 (en)
JP (1) JP2006168727A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120043795A1 (en) * 2009-02-25 2012-02-23 Agco Sa Foldaway Passenger Seat for Utility Vehicle

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100033003A1 (en) * 2006-09-01 2010-02-11 Mikael Sandberg Sit/stand support for a vehicle

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3754787A (en) * 1971-12-02 1973-08-28 W Garber Operating support for surgeons
US4832407A (en) * 1987-11-27 1989-05-23 Hector Serber Variable posture chair and method
US4943117A (en) * 1989-07-24 1990-07-24 Brown Shawn W Body weight distribution support chair
US5044472A (en) * 1989-12-05 1991-09-03 Crown Equipment Corporation Dual operator position for material handling vehicle
US5295728A (en) * 1990-01-23 1994-03-22 Schaevitz Lester P Ergonomic multi-position work stand
US5364151A (en) * 1993-04-21 1994-11-15 Mack Trucks, Inc. Adjustable seat apparatus for utility vehicle
US6182778B1 (en) * 1997-08-28 2001-02-06 Crown Equipment Corporation Materials handling vehicle having an expanded operator's compartment
US6189964B1 (en) * 1997-08-28 2001-02-20 Crown Equipment Corporation Operator's station for a lift truck including three position seat assembly
US6619747B2 (en) * 2001-04-25 2003-09-16 Kam Ko Torso and forearm supporting device for chairs and workstands

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3754787A (en) * 1971-12-02 1973-08-28 W Garber Operating support for surgeons
US4832407A (en) * 1987-11-27 1989-05-23 Hector Serber Variable posture chair and method
US4943117A (en) * 1989-07-24 1990-07-24 Brown Shawn W Body weight distribution support chair
US5044472A (en) * 1989-12-05 1991-09-03 Crown Equipment Corporation Dual operator position for material handling vehicle
US5295728A (en) * 1990-01-23 1994-03-22 Schaevitz Lester P Ergonomic multi-position work stand
US5364151A (en) * 1993-04-21 1994-11-15 Mack Trucks, Inc. Adjustable seat apparatus for utility vehicle
US6182778B1 (en) * 1997-08-28 2001-02-06 Crown Equipment Corporation Materials handling vehicle having an expanded operator's compartment
US6189964B1 (en) * 1997-08-28 2001-02-20 Crown Equipment Corporation Operator's station for a lift truck including three position seat assembly
US6619747B2 (en) * 2001-04-25 2003-09-16 Kam Ko Torso and forearm supporting device for chairs and workstands

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120043795A1 (en) * 2009-02-25 2012-02-23 Agco Sa Foldaway Passenger Seat for Utility Vehicle
US8960795B2 (en) * 2009-02-25 2015-02-24 Agco Sa Foldaway passenger seat for utility vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1671838A2 (en) 2006-06-21
JP2006168727A (en) 2006-06-29

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: DEERE & COMPANY, ILLINOIS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HENDRON, SCOTT SVEND;BENDER, SCOTT EDWARD;POPE, JONATHAN FREDERICK;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:016724/0687;SIGNING DATES FROM 20050421 TO 20050506

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: EXPRESSLY ABANDONED -- DURING EXAMINATION