Seat tilting mechanism

Abstract

The present invention provides mechanisms for tilting the seat of a tractor or similar vehicle. In some embodiments, a cam shaft provides dual opposing cams positioned under the seat, so that when the cam shaft is rotated, the cams tilt the seat to one side or another. A switch connects an electric motor to a power supply, such as the battery of the vehicle, so the vehicle's operator can activate the motor to rotate the cam shaft and thereby tilt the seat to a desired angle. When the vehicle traverses a slope and tilts to one side, the inventive mechanisms are useful to return the seat to a level position relative to the horizon, thereby allowing the operator to better maintain control of the vehicle and keep his or her back straight. This provides potentially greater safety and comfort for the operator.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/842,559, entitled “LEVELING SEAT,” filed on Sep. 6, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to mechanisms for tilting the seat of a tractor or similar vehicle.

1. Background of the Invention

People who operate tractors, other farm equipment, earth-movers, riding lawn mowers and similar vehicles often must traverse hilly terrain. If such a vehicle is equipped with a conventional, non-tilting seat, the operator will repeatedly lean and bend to compensate for the tilting of the vehicle as the vehicle drives across a slope. The operator frequently experiences discomfort and heightened fatigue, and may lose focus on the safe operation of the vehicle. Indeed, by leaning and bending, the operator may also lose optimal access to the vehicle's controls. Slopes of as little as 12-15 degrees can be very tiring and physically damaging to the operator. Thus, a mechanism for tilting a seat easily and quickly is desirable.

2. Description of Related Art

Mechanisms for tilting or leveling the seat of a tractor have been described before.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,770 describes a tiltable seat for a tractor that employs hydraulically-driven rams for leveling a seat in response to a shift in the operator's weight on the seat.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,337 describes a self-leveling seat mount in which the seat rests on rollers distributed in arcuate tracks. As the tractor tilts laterally, the seat rotates laterally to keep the operator level. Gravity drives the rotation of the seat.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,158 describes an adjustable vehicle seat mechanism that allows the operator to manually adjust the angle of inclination of the seat. That adjustment appears to be for general comfort of the operator and not in response to the occasional tilting of the vehicle as it crosses hilly terrain.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,636,001 describes a tiltable seat for a vehicle that uses a hydraulically-driven piston to tilt the seat. Here, the tilting action is triggered by a shift in the operator's weight.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,739 describes an automatic seat leveling device employing a sensor that controls a retractable and extendible operating rod that adjusts the level of the seat.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,347 describes a tilt seat adaptor in which the operator mechanically selects the tilt angle of the vehicle seat by manipulating a latch means. Retaining pins move through arcuate slots in the supporting structure under the seat.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,829 discloses a side pivot seat that senses the presence and position of an operator using a Hall effect sensor.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,933 describes a tiltable seat mount insert assembly in which the operator activates a vertically-mounted electromechanical linear actuator attached to the seat back by means of an electrical switch. The seat-tilting force is communicated through the seat back rather than under the operator's weight. In fact, the mechanisms of the '933 patent require a sturdy seat back rigidly mounted to the seat assembly. That requirement may preclude the use of the original seat of the vehicle if the original seat back is absent or too flimsy to support the tilting force. Moreover, that requirement may also impact the adjustability of the seat back, preventing the seat back from being raised, lowered, or leaned fore or aft for the comfort of the operator. Furthermore, continuously running the motor in one direction in the mechanism of the '933 patent may damage that mechanism by sending the electromechanical linear actuator out of contact with the motor, or may damage the rack-and-pinion connection, or otherwise injure the mechanism.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,920 describes a dynamic seat moving and leveling device, in which the vehicle seat rests on arcuate tracks. The device automatically shifts the seat laterally in response to signals from gravity-driven sensors, thereby leveling the seat and moving the seat and operator toward the uphill side of the vehicle.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0242264 A1 describes a bellcrank seat suspension apparatus in which a number of bellcranks pivot to minimize fore/aft rocking and to keep the seat level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides mechanisms for tilting the seat of tractors, earth-moving machines, riding lawn mowers, and similar vehicles. In some embodiments, dual opposing cams placed underneath the seat provide a means to tilt the seat relative to the vehicle. In other embodiments, the seat is tilted about an axis parallel to the forward direction of the vehicle. In still other embodiments, dual opposing cams attach to a single cam shaft. In further embodiments, an electric motor rotates a cam shaft to engage dual opposing cams in a manner that tilts the seat. Additional embodiments provide a means by which the operator of the vehicle selects the angle of tilt of the seat. In further embodiments of the present invention, the operator uses a three-position electrical switch to power an electric motor to tilt the seat in the desired direction to the desired angle.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a means for tilting the seat of a vehicle such as a tractor regardless of the portion of the weight of the operator distributed on the seat. In such an embodiment, the operator need not shift or lift his weight to accommodate the tilting of the seat. Further embodiments of the present invention provide a means by which the operator of a vehicle may tilt the seat with minimal effort, such as by activating a switch with a finger. In some embodiments, the operator of a vehicle may tilt the seat without disengaging from the controls of the vehicle. For example, the operator of such an embodiment need not let go of the steering wheel, because the switch for the seat tilting mechanism is positioned on or near the steering wheel. Additional embodiments provide a means for the operator of a vehicle to tilt the seat without disengaging from the controls of one or more implements or tools attached to the vehicle, such as for example harvesting implements and hydraulic shovels.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a means by which the seat may be tilted yet still be attached to and supported by the vehicle. For example, a supporting bar oriented substantially parallel to the direction of the vehicle and positioned below the seat may provide a means to both tilt the seat and support the weight of the operator and the seat, provided the supporting bar can pivot or rotate within its mountings. In some embodiments, such a supporting bar can be called a longitudinal axle.

The inventive mechanism can be part of the as-manufactured vehicle, or the equipment can be provided as an after-market kit, adapted for installation on the vehicle. Such a kit can include a seat and any replacement hardware for supporting the seat, or it can be adapted to use the existing seat and seat-mounting hardware of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the kit can contain all the parts necessary to completely install and operate the seat-tilting mechanism. In other embodiments, the kit can allow the installer to improvise as the dimensions and materials of a given vehicle require.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the invention installed under the seat 80 of a tractor, in a perspective view. Opposing cams 11, 12 contact the rub plate 66 and tilt the seat 80.

FIG. 2 depicts a baseplate 40, which attaches to the vehicle. FIG. 2 shares the same viewpoint as FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the opposing cams 11, 12, cam shaft 14, worm gear 22, and motor 26 assembly from the same viewpoint as FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows the longitudinal axle 60, rub plate 66, front seat support 62, and rear seat support 64 from the same viewpoint as FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows the baseplate 40 with top view, rear view, and side view perspectives.

FIG. 6 shows the longitudinal axle 60 with top view, rear view, and side view perspectives.

FIG. 7 shows the cam shaft 14 from a rear view.

FIG. 8 shows the detail of the right cam 12 from a right side view.

FIG. 9 shows the cam shaft gear 20, worm gear 22, and motor 26 from a side view.

FIG. 10 shows another perspective of the baseplate 40.

FIG. 11 shows another perspective of the longitudinal axle 60 with alternative rear seat support 65 and alternative rub plate 67.

FIG. 12 shows another perspective of the cam shaft 14 with cams 11, 12.

FIG. 13 shows another perspective of the cam shaft 14, gear 20, drive shaft 24, and alternative worm gear 23.

FIG. 14 shows another perspective of the motor 26, drive shaft 24, and alternative worm gear 23, along with wiring 27 and switch 28.

FIG. 15 shows a flexible cover 82 covering the inventive mechanism (not shown) underneath the seat 80.

FIG. 16 shows a partial view from the rear of an embodiment of the invention that includes limit switches 84, 86 configured to prevent the seat 80 (not shown) from tilting too far to either side.

FIG. 17 shows a partial view from the right of the same embodiment depicted in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows alternative right cam 13 mounted on cam shaft 14.

FIG. 19 shows a wiring diagram for some embodiments of the present invention, illustrating electrical connection between a battery 30, a three-position switch 28, and a motor 26.

FIG. 20 shows a wiring diagram for further embodiments of the present invention, illustrating electrical connection between a battery 30, a three-position switch 28, and a motor 26, including limit switches 84, 86 and diodes 88, 89.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a system, such as an electromechanical system, for tilting a seat of a vehicle. That system comprises a left cam and a right cam positioned so that when the cams are rotated, they cause the seat to selectively tilt toward the left side of the vehicle or the right side of the vehicle. The operator of the vehicle may select in which direction and to which angle the seat will be tilted. To do this, the operator activates a switch which causes the system to tilt the seat to one side or the other, according to how the operator activates the switch. For example, the switch can have three positions, a first position that causes the cams to rotate in one direction, tilting the seat to the right; a second position in which all rotation stops and the seat remains at a given angle, for example, level with respect to the vehicle; and a third position that causes the cams to rotate in an opposite direction, tilting the seat to the left. “Right” and “left” refer to the right and left sides of a vehicle in which the system is operated, and “front” and “rear” refer to the fore and aft of the vehicle, respectively. Directional words such as “right,” “left,” “front,” “forward,” and “rear” are illustrative and non-limiting.

Further embodiments of the present invention provide a system for tilting a seat of a vehicle, which system comprises a motor; a switch; a power source; a cam shaft comprising a left cam and a right cam; a seat mounting; and the seat; wherein the switch selectively provides electrical communication between the power source and the motor; wherein the motor rotates the cam shaft; wherein the switch has at least three positions, a first position that causes the motor to turn the cam shaft in one direction, a second position that turns the motor off, and a third position that causes the motor to turn the cam shaft in the opposite direction; wherein the seat mounting connects the seat to the vehicle while allowing the seat to tilt relative to the vehicle in a plane substantially normal to the forward direction of the vehicle; wherein the left cam and right cam mechanically communicate with the seat so that when the cam shaft is rotated in one direction, the seat tilts toward the left, and when the cam shaft is rotated in the opposite direction, the seat tilts toward the right.

The motor can be any suitable motor, such as a 6V, 12V, or 24V DC electric motor. Some embodiments include reversible rotation, continuous duty motors. In some embodiments, the motor is a Matsushita GMX-6MP013A 23 V motor rotating at 374 RPM. In further embodiments, the motor is powerful enough to tilt the seat of a vehicle while a large man rests his full weight on the seat. In still other embodiments, the motor rotates about 500 RPM. The motor can be secured by any suitable means. In some embodiments, at least one bracket braces the motor on a baseplate.

In some embodiments, the motor connects to the cam shaft through a worm gear. This allows the motor to turn the cam shaft while positioned at an angle to the cam shaft, such as a 90 degree angle, for example. In other embodiments, the motor is co-axial with the cam shaft. In still other embodiments, the motor and the cam shaft have parallel axes. These orientations of the motor relative to the cam shaft allow the motor to rotate the cam shaft when the switch position allows power to flow to the motor. In some embodiments, for example some embodiments employing a worm gear, a braking system holding the seat at a given tilt angle is not necessary. Other embodiments may employ a suitable braking system to maintain a given seat tilt angle.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a cam shaft connects the motor to the cams. The cam shaft can be any suitable material, such as metal, steel, aluminum, structural polymer, reinforced polymer, or composite material. In some embodiments, the cam shaft bears part or all of the weight of the seat and the operator. In further embodiments, the cams are affixed to the cam shaft and oriented in opposite directions. For example, one cam, being oblong or egg-shaped in cross section, is affixed to the cam shaft so that the long- or pointy end of the cam points in one direction. Then, a suitable distance away, the other cam is affixed to the cam shaft so its long- or pointy end points approximately 180 degrees from the direction of the first cam. This orientation of two cams, not necessarily limited to a single cam shaft nor to 180 degree orientation, is what is meant by “dual opposing cams.” The suitable distance between the cams may be determined by the width of the seat to be tilted, the power of the motor driving the cam shaft, the projected weight of the seat and operator, the range of seat tilt angles desired, and the size of the cams, among other factors. A greater distance between the cams may require larger cams to cause the same tilt angle as smaller, closer cams. The orientation of the cams in some embodiments can be determined by reference to a neutral position, at which the seat is level relative to the vehicle, regardless of whether the cams are oriented 180 degrees from each other. Thus, there may be a position on a cam at which the seat is intended to be level; in some embodiments the cams attach to the cam shaft so the neutral positions on both cams line up. The cams may be any suitable material, such as metal, steel, aluminum, structural polymer, or composite material.

The switch selectively allows electrical energy to flow to the motor. That is, the operator chooses to turn the motor on and off. Some suitable switches allow the operator to choose which way the motor will turn, for example, by reversing the polarity of the electrical energy reaching the motor. That has the effect of turning the cams in one direction or in the opposite direction, for example, in the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction. In some embodiments, the switch can be a three-position switch.

In some embodiments, the seat mounting connects the seat to the vehicle while allowing the seat to tilt relative to the vehicle. In other embodiments, the seat mounting is adaptable to connect the seat to the vehicle, for example, when the seat mounting is part of a kit. Axles in circular or round mountings, pivots, hinges, bearing races, joints such as ball and socket and universal joints, each employed singly or plurally or in combination, can be used. In some embodiments, the seat mounting bears part of the weight of the seat and the operator. In other embodiments, the seat mounting bears all of the weight of the seat and the operator. Optional shock suppression devices, such as springs and pneumatic shock absorbers, can also form part of the seat mounting, or can be used separately.

The maximum seat tilt angles can be any practical angle. For example, the maximum tilt may be 45 degrees from the vertical. In other embodiments, the maximum tilt angle can be 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the maximum tilt angle ranges between 12-15 degrees. The operator must consider the maximum safe tilt angle of the vehicle to avoid roll-over.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the seat tilts in a plane substantially normal to the forward direction of the vehicle. That means the seat tilts to the right side or the left side of the vehicle, or laterally. The plane of tilt need not be exactly 90 degrees to the forward direction.

In some embodiments, the left cam and the right cam are in mechanical communication with the seat. That means that when the cams are rotated into a vertical orientation, the seat is caused to tilt to one side or the other. In some embodiments, the cams contact the seat itself, tilting the seat directly. In other embodiments, the cams contact other structure, such as the seat mounting or additional hardware, for example, one or more rub plates, that causes the seat to tilt in response to the orientation of the cams. Optionally, contact surfaces can be modified to reduce the friction of the cams on the seat or other hardware. For example, pieces of Teflon® (polytetrafluoroethylene), other plastic, metal, or wood can be affixed to the places where the cams contact the seat or other hardware causing the seat to tilt. In some embodiments, a lubricant, for example, oil, grease, or graphite, can be used. In some embodiments in which the cams attach to a single cam shaft, rotating the cam shaft in one direction or the other causes the seat to tilt to the left or to the right, respectively.

In further embodiments, the invention provides a tiltable seat mounting kit, adaptable for installation on a vehicle comprising a seat and a power source, in which the kit comprises: a motor; a switch; a cam shaft comprising a left cam and a right cam; a seat mount adaptable to attach the seat to the vehicle while allowing the seat to tilt in a plane substantially normal to the forward direction of the vehicle; wherein the switch is adaptable to selectively provide electrical communication between the power source and the motor; wherein the motor is adaptable to rotate the cam shaft; and wherein the left cam and the right cam are adaptable to be placed in tiltable communication with the seat. Such a tiltable seat mounting kit can be a kit for installation during manufacturing, a dealer-installed kit, or an after-market kit. Such a kit can also include any instructions considered helpful, such as installation instructions, operating instructions, and safety instructions.

A vehicle suitable for some embodiments of the invention already has a seat and a power source. A kit designed for those vehicles may be adaptable to use the existing seat of the vehicle, or the kit may provide a replacement seat. Similarly, a kit designed for those vehicles may use the existing power source. Or the kit may provide a replacement source that replaces the original power source of the vehicle, for example, by providing a stronger battery to run the vehicle and the tiltable seat mount assembly. Or the kit may provide an independent power source so the tiltable seat mount assembly need not rely on the vehicle's power source to operate.

“Adaptable” means that an element can be installed, modified, and/or adjusted to perform the intended function. For example, in a tiltable seat mounting kit that is a kit for after-market installation, the switch may be adaptable to selectively provide electrical communication between the power source and the motor. That means that the switch need not be connected to the power source and the motor while in kit form and before installation on the vehicle. The switch can be provided with the kit so that the installer can make the connections necessary for operation. Similarly, in those embodiments wherein the motor is adaptable to rotate the cam shaft, the motor and cam shaft need not be connected while in kit form and before installation in the vehicle. The motor and cam shaft can be provided with the kit so that the installer can connect the motor and the cam shaft so the motor rotates the cam shaft, for example, with a worm gear.

The cams can be any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the cams have an asymmetrical shape in which the distance from the edge of the cam to the rotational center of the cam increases in a manner that provides a steady change in the tilt angle of the seat as the cams rotate. In other embodiments, the cams can be symmetrical in shape, such as, ellipsoidal, oblong, or “egg” shaped. “Left” cam and “right” cam do not necessarily require or limit a cam to installation and operation on one side of the vehicle or another. For ease of manufacture, some embodiments provide cams that can be installed on either side of a cam shaft, for example. Other embodiments provide a cam shaft that can be installed with either end toward one side of the vehicle, thereby easing installation.

In the language, “when the cam shaft is rotated in one direction, the seat tilts toward the left,” “one direction” is not limited to a given direction, such as counterclockwise. Thus, in embodiments employing a freely-rotating cam shaft, selectively rotating the cam shaft in one direction from a given neutral position tilts the seat to one side of the vehicle, while rotating in the opposite direction from the same neutral position tilts the seat to the opposite side. “Neutral position” indicates a seat that is level with respect to the vehicle, and for some embodiments, indicates dual opposing cams that are oriented substantially horizontally. In some embodiments, this means the neutral point on the cam will contact the rub plate. It can be appreciated that those embodiments with a single freely-rotating cam shaft will have two neutral positions, one with the left cam pointing forward and another with the right cam pointing forward.

In some embodiments, the system provides a means to stop the seat from cycling through all its tilt angles. For example, the switch, power circuit, motor, worm gear, or the cams, or a combination thereof, can be designed to stop the tilting of the seat at or near the maximum tilt angles of the seat. For example, a limit switch, such as those used in electric garage door opener systems, can stop the motor when the seat achieves its maximum tilt angle. Tilting the seat beyond its intended maximum tilt angle can be called overtilting. Some embodiments of the present invention provide at least one limit switch, for example two limit switches, each affixed to the rub plate so that each cam activates one of the limit switches when the cam nears its maximum. In those embodiments, the limit switches would stop the motor and thereby prevent over-rotation of the cams. Some embodiments use a limit switch bearing Item No. 11-3016 available from www.SurplusCenter.com. The limit switch can be a “normally closed” or nc switch having a plunger design, in some embodiments of the present invention, and the plunger can be activated in such embodiments, for example, by the rub plate as the seat nears its maximum tilt angle.

Some embodiments provide one or more diodes wired in parallel with one or more limit switches. In such embodiments, the at least one diode is oriented in the circuit to allow the motor to tilt the seat toward a level position relative to the vehicle, but prevents overtilting of the seat when the at least one limit switch is activated. The at least one diode can be any suitable diode. For example, the diode can be a 6 amp, 50 volt rectifier diode with a 400 amp surge rating for half a cycle, available from Radio Shack with part number 276-1661.

The electrical components of the invention can be placed in any suitable location on the vehicle. For example, if the embodiment contains a limit switch and a diode, the diode can be placed near the limit switch. If that limit switch attaches to a lateral support for the cam shaft, for example, then the diode can be placed below the limit switch where the lateral support meets the baseplate or other hardware in that embodiment. Moreover, the electrical components can be insulated or otherwise protected from the elements in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, plastic coatings protect those components. In further embodiments, shrink-wrap insulation can be added to protect the electrical components. Various insulation and protective materials can be used alone or in combination.

The left cam and the right cam of a given embodiment of the present invention are in tiltable communication with the seat when the rotation of the cams changes the tilt angle of the seat.

Some embodiments of the invention provide tiltable seat mounting kits in which the seat mount comprises at least one baseplate adapted to be attached to the vehicle, at least one supporting member attached to the baseplate, at least one longitudinal axle adapted to be rotatably supported by the at least one supporting member, and at least one seat supporting member attached to the at least one longitudinal axle and adapted to support and tilt the seat. The at least one baseplate anchors the kit to the vehicle upon installation, and the at least one supporting member holds the at least one longitudinal axle. For example, two supporting members may be molded of the same piece of material as a single baseplate, and are thereby attached to the baseplate. Or those two supporting members can be welded or bolted to the baseplate. In this example, the two supporting members hold a single longitudinal axle, which in turn holds at least one seat supporting member, for example two seat supporting members. In other embodiments, two coaxial longitudinal axles can be adapted to provide rotational support to the seat upon installation, one such axle fore, and the other aft.

In some embodiments, more than one baseplate can be used. For example, two partial baseplates supporting different portions of the inventive mechanism and/or the seat can be used in some embodiments.

Other embodiments provide tiltable seat mounting kits wherein the at least one baseplate further comprises at least one base support member which comprises at least one lateral support member adaptable to rotatably support the cam shaft. That is, a base support member which includes lateral support members can be adapted to hold the cam shaft while allowing the cam shaft to rotate.

Further tiltable seat mounting kits that also embody the present invention may comprise at least one rub plate adaptable to provide tiltable communication between the left cam and the right cam and the seat. Such rub plates can be adapted to attach to a longitudinal axle, for example, or can be adapted to attach directly to the bottom of the seat.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide tiltable seat mounting kits that also include a flexible cover. A flexible cover may be made of vinyl, leather, or cloth, or any suitable material, and may protect the tiltable seat mounting kit from intrusion of dust, dirt, debris, hands, and feet once installed on the vehicle.

Additional embodiments of the present invention provide a tiltable seat mounting kit comprising a drive shaft rotatably connected to the motor, the drive shaft further comprising a worm gear; a gear attached to the cam shaft; wherein the worm gear and the gear attached to the cam shaft are adaptable to allow the motor to rotate the cam shaft. Such embodiments comprise two gears that allow the motor to rotate the cam shaft: a worm gear and a gear attached to the cam shaft. The gear attached to the cam shaft may be molded from the same piece of material as the cam shaft, or a key may be used to ensure that the gear faithfully turns the cam shaft.

Other embodiments of the present invention include tiltable seat mounting kits wherein the motor is a 12 V DC motor; the switch is a three-position switch; the power source comprises the original power source of the vehicle; and wherein the seat mount comprises: at least one baseplate adapted to be attached to the vehicle, at least one supporting member attached to the baseplate, at least one longitudinal axle adapted to be rotatably supported by the at least one supporting member, and at least one seat supporting member attached to the at least one longitudinal axle and adapted to support and tilt the seat. For example, a single longitudinal axle may contain two seat supporting members forward and rear, and may be adapted to reside in for example two supporting members that allow the longitudinal axle to rotate. Those two supporting members can be attached to a baseplate, which anchors the kit to the vehicle upon installation. In some embodiments, two or more longitudinal axles may be used, along with appropriate numbers of supporting members. Such axles should be substantially co-axial to allow the seat to tilt.

Further embodiments provide tiltable seat mounting kits that comprise at least one rub plate attached to the at least one longitudinal axle and adaptable to provide tiltable communication between the left cam and the right cam and the seat. Other embodiments provide tiltable seat mounting kits further comprising at least one rub plate adaptable to be attached to the seat and adaptable to provide tiltable communication between the left cam and the right cam and the seat. Still other embodiments provide more than one rub plate. For example, two rub plates can be adapted to affix to the bottom of the original seat where the cams would contact the seat, providing tiltable communication between the cams and the seat.

Embodiments of this invention can be installed in any suitable vehicle. Such vehicles include tractors, other farm equipment, earth-moving machines, loggers, mining equipment, snow-making equipment, tanks and self-propelled artillery, riding lawn mowers, and similar vehicles. Suitable vehicles may have a power source such as a battery that can be adapted to use with the inventive system. Or, the inventive system can include a power source independent of the vehicle's power source. For example, the inventive system can include its own power source, such as a battery, fuel cell, solar cell, or a generator or alternator which can be attached to the vehicle's mechanical devices to generate electrical power for the inventive system. Or a combination of power sources can be employed. The skilled artisan will appreciate that different power sources may have advantages in performance and complexity. In some embodiments, the inventive system uses the vehicle's original power source, such as the vehicle's battery.

The circuitry providing power to the motor can have any suitable configuration. Such circuitry can include a battery or other power source, a switch to open and close the circuit, and a motor. In some embodiments, the switch can reverse the polarity of the current flowing to the motor, such as a three-position switch can provide. The circuitry can also include any other components desired. For example, one or more fuses or circuit breakers can be used, alone or in combination, to protect the electrical components and the vehicle operator from excessive current. One or more limit switches can be employed to prevent overtilting of the seat and damage to the tilting mechanism and hardware. Also, diodes can be used to control the polarity in the circuit, such as when a limit switch is activated. Other components, such as LEDs configured to indicate the operation or tilt angle of the seat, can be included.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further embodiments of the present invention can be described by reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the invention installed underneath the seat 80 of a tractor. The seat 80 and seat back 81 have been cut away to reveal the tilting mechanism below the seat. Front seat support 62, rub plate 66, and rear seat support 64 attach to the longitudinal axle 60. In general, suitable attachments connecting the various parts of the inventive mechanism to each other and to the vehicle include, for example, bolts, screws, adhesives, and welding, alone or in combination, as well as molding the attached parts from the same piece of material. The seat supports 62, 64 attach to the seat 80. The front seat support 62 is also known as the front mounting bar. The rear seat support 64 has a shape that accommodates spring supports for the seat 80. The longitudinal axle 60 is supported by forward support 46 and rear support 48. The supports 46 and 48 hold the longitudinal axle 60 and allow the longitudinal axle 60 to pivot. Also, those supports 46, 48 are attached to the baseplate 40. The baseplate 40 is attached to the tractor. Opposing cams 11, 12 attached to the cam shaft 14 contact the rub plate 66 so that when the cam shaft 14 is rotated counterclockwise (viewed from the right), the cams 11, 12 tilt the rub plate 66, longitudinal seat supports 62, 64, and seat 80 to the left. Similarly, when the cam shaft 14 is rotated clockwise, the cams 11, 12 tilt the rub plate 66, seat supports 62, 64, and seat 80 to the right. The motor 26 causes the cam shaft 14 to rotate. The operator controls the motor 26 using the switch 28, which connects the tractor's battery 30 to the motor 26 with wiring 27.

FIG. 2 shows the baseplate 40, which can be made of aluminum. Baseplates and the hardware of embodiments of this invention in general can be made of any suitable material such as steel, aluminum, other metal, wood, structural polymer such as injection molded thermoplastic or thermoset resin, or composite material. The general shape of the baseplate 40 and other hardware can be modified for other embodiments, for example to add strength or to accommodate different vehicles' seating areas. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the baseplate 40 contains a lateral base member 43 that holds a left lateral support 42 and a right lateral support 44. Each lateral support 42, 44 has a hole 51 adapted to receive the cam shaft 14 (not shown). Dimensions of holes and their spatial relationship to each other must take into account the mechanism that will be installed. For example, the holes 51 on the lateral supports 42, 44 should align to properly receive and hold the cam shaft 14 (not shown). For another example, forward support 46 may contain a hole 47, while rear support 48 may contain a slot 49. The hole 47 and slot 49 are designed to receive the longitudinal axle 60 (not shown), and the slot 49 may ease installation of that axle. Slot 49 also facilitates removal of the longitudinal axle for cleaning and repairing. In this embodiment, the baseplate 40 is attached to the tractor after substantially all other original seat-mounting equipment is removed.

FIG. 3 shows how the motor 26 moves the cams 11, 12 in one embodiment of the invention. The motor 26 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise, depending on the polarity of the electricity provided to the motor 26. The motor 26 turns a drive shaft 24, which contains a worm gear 22. A bracket 17 holds the worm gear 22 to a gear 20 that turns the cam shaft 14. Two sleeves 19 encase the cam shaft 14 between the cams 11, 12 in this embodiment. The sleeves 19 can be any suitable material, such as steel, aluminum, other metal, or various plastic materials, and can be rigid or flexible. The cam shaft 14 can also be called the “lateral axle.” The cams 11, 12 attach to the cam shaft 14, to allow tilting of the seat 80 (not shown). For example, the left cam 11 can be attached to the cam shaft 14 so that the left cam 11 is pointing “up,” while the right cam 12 is attached to the cam shaft 14 so the right cam 12 is pointing “down,” at a given rotational position of the cam shaft 14. The cams 11, 12 need not be exactly 180 degrees from each other. In some embodiments, the cams 11, 12 are oriented 180 degrees from each other. In other embodiments, the cams can be oriented 120 degrees from each other. In still further embodiments, the cams are aligned so the neutral position on each cam contacts the rub plate 66 (not shown) or other hardware at the same time. The gear 20, worm gear 22, cam shaft 14, drive shaft 24, bracket 17, and cams 11, 12 should be made of materials suitable to withstand the stresses of operation, such as for example, steel, aluminum, other metals, wood, structural plastics, reinforced polymer materials, and composite materials. The bracket 17 can be any suitable material, such as for example, metal, steel, aluminum, or polymeric material including structural plastics, reinforced polymers, and composites.

FIG. 4 shows the longitudinal axle 60, which can be any suitable material, such as for example, steel, aluminum, other metals, wood, structural plastics, reinforced polymer materials, and composite materials, for example one-half-inch round stock steel. The front seat support 62, rub plate 66, and rear seat support 64 also can be made from any suitable materials, such as for example, steel, aluminum, other metals, wood, structural plastics, reinforced polymer materials, and composite materials. For example, the front seat support 62 can be one-inch by one-inch steel angle iron. In some embodiments, the rear seat support 64 can be three-sixteenths-inch steel. In another example, the rub plate 66 is three-sixteenths-inch steel. The seat supports 62, 64 and rub plate 66 can be attached to the longitudinal axle 60 by any suitable means. In some embodiments, one or more of the seat supports 62, 64 and/or the rub plate 66 can be molded or cast as part of the longitudinal axle 60. For example, in one embodiment, the rub plate 66 and the longitudinal axle 60 can be milled from the same piece of aluminum.

FIG. 5 shows the baseplate 40 in three views. The baseplate 40 contains a lateral base member 43, which holds a left lateral support 42 and a right lateral support 44. A forward support 46 and a rear support 48 also attach to the baseplate 40. The supports 42, 44, 46, and 48 can be molded or cast as part of the same piece of material as the baseplate 40, or they can be manufactured and attached later by any suitable method. The rear support 48 contains a notch 49, while the front support 46 contains a hole 47 in this embodiment. In some embodiments, the slot 49 can include a clamp, a pin, or other suitable locking device to keep the longitudinal axle 60 from coming loose during operation. The lateral supports 42, 44 contain holes 51 for receiving the cam shaft 14 (not shown).

FIG. 6 shows the longitudinal axle 60, together with the front seat support 62, rub plate 66, and rear seat support 64, in three views. Some embodiments provide one or more pins or clips for the longitudinal axle 60 to keep the longitudinal axle 60 from sliding fore and aft during operation. In some embodiments, rear seat support 64 is shaped to receive spring supports of the seat 80 (not shown). Some additional embodiments of the invention provide a rub plate 66 in which the bottom surface defines a plane that passes through the center of the longitudinal axle 60. That allows the cams 11, 12 (not shown) to remain the same distance from the rub plate 66 regardless of the tilt angle.

FIG. 7 shows the cam shaft 14, also called the lateral axle, in larger scale. The cams 11, 12 attach to, or are part of, the cam shaft 14. Two washers 15 at the outsides of the cams 11, 12 facilitate the rotation of the cam shaft 14 against the lateral supports 42, 44 (not shown). Two roll pins 16 secure the sleeves 19 to the cam shaft 14. A key 18 ensures the gear 20 faithfully turns the cam shaft 14. The bracket 17 holds the drive shaft 24 so that the worm gear 22 engages the gear 20, so that when the motor 26 (not shown) turns the drive shaft 24 and thereby the worm gear 22, the gear 20 rotates the cam shaft 14 thereby rotating the cams 11, 12. In this embodiment, the gear 20 and the worm gear 22 have intermeshing teeth (not shown). In some embodiments, the cams 11, 12 can be cast or molded as part of the same piece of material as the cam shaft 14. In some further embodiments, the gear 20 can be cast or molded as part of the same piece of material as the cam shaft 14. The key 18 and the roll pins 16 can be made of any suitable material, such as steel, aluminum, other metals, wood, structural plastics, reinforced polymer materials, and composite materials.

FIG. 8 shows the right cam 12 in greater detail. The cam shaft 14 and washer 15 appear about the rotational center of the cam 12. The rotational axis of the cam shaft 14 defines the rotational center of the cam 12. In one embodiment, positions 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 can be determined at 30-degree intervals about the cam 12. The distance from the rotational center of the cam 12 to each position can be, in one embodiment, as shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1
Distance From Rotational Center of Cam 12 to Edge
Position Distance (inches)
0        0.75
1        1.00
2        1.25
3        1.50
4        1.75
5        2.00
6        2.25
7        2.50

The “Neutral” position defines the point on the cam 12 at which the seat 80 (not shown) will be level relative to the vehicle. That is, when the “Neutral” position on cam 12 is contacting the rub plate 66 (not shown), the seat 80 (not shown) will be level. At the same time, the “Neutral” position on the other cam 11 (not shown) will also contact the rub plate 66. Accordingly, when the right cam 12 contacts the rub plate 66 (not shown) at positions 0-3, the seat 80 (not shown) will tilt to the right. When the right cam 12 contacts the rub plate 66 (not shown) at positions 4-7, the seat 80 (not shown) will tilt to the left.

FIG. 9 shows how the motor 26 connects to the cam shaft 14. The motor 26 turns a drive shaft 24 which rotates a worm gear 22. A bracket 17 holds the drive shaft 24 and therefore the worm gear 22 to the gear 20 attached to the cam shaft 14. A key 18 ensures the gear 20 faithfully rotates the cam shaft 14.

FIG. 10 shows another perspective of the baseplate 40, together with the forward support 46, rear support 48, lateral base member 43, and lateral supports 42, 44.

FIG. 11 shows another perspective of the longitudinal axle, with the front seat support 62, and alternative rub plate 67 and alternative rear seat support 65. This figure demonstrates that the shape and interconnection of many of the parts can be varied without destroying the functionality of those parts or taking them outside the scope of the present invention. Here, alternative rub plate 67 is welded to the top of the longitudinal axle 60, and receives structural support from alternative rear seat support 65. Alternative rear seat support 65 has a different structure than rear seat support 64 (not shown). Specifically, alternative rear seat support 65 has additional structure underneath the longitudinal axle to minimize bending of the alternative rear seat support 65.

FIG. 12 shows the cam shaft 14 with left cam 11 and right cam 12. In some embodiments, the cam shaft 14 can be one-half-inch in diameter.

FIG. 13 shows the interconnection of gear 20 and alternative worm gear 23. Here, alternative worm gear 23 is longer than worm gear 22 (not shown), further demonstrating that the shape and interconnection of many parts can be altered without losing functionality or inclusion within the present invention. The drive shaft 24 rotates the alternative worm gear 23, which causes gear 20 to turn the cam shaft 14.

FIG. 14 shows the switch 28 connecting to the motor 26. In this figure, the motor 26 turns the drive shaft 24 which contains alternative worm gear 23. Wiring 27 connects the motor 26 to the switch 28. In some embodiments, the switch 28 is a three-position switch, having “forward,” “off,” and “reverse” positions. Alternatively, those positions can be thought of as “left,” “off,” and “right,” depending on which direction the seat tilts when the switch is placed in a given position.

FIG. 15 shows a flexible cover 82 installed under the seat 80 and seat back 81. The flexible cover 82 can be used in some embodiments to keep dust, dirt, debris, feet, and hands away from the seat tilting mechanism. In some embodiments, the flexible cover 82 provides a stylish and attractive cover. The flexible cover can be made of any suitable material, such as for example, vinyl, leather, and cloth, and can be selected to match the fabric covering the seat 80 if desired. In some embodiments, the flexible cover is fastened to the bottom edge of the seat 80. In further embodiments, the flexible cover is fastened to the vehicle chassis.

Rigid guards are possible, so long as they do not prevent the normal tilting of the seat 80. Structures that both guard and support the seat are also possible. For example, a supporting guard can be installed so that it at least partially protects the mechanism from intrusion of debris, feet, and hands into the seat tilting mechanism, while at the same time supporting the seat in its most extreme angle of tilt. In some embodiments, such a supporting guard can prevent the seat from tilting too far, that is, to an angle where one of the cams, for example, has rotated past position 7 so that the cam (11 or 12) no longer contacts the rub plate 66. Supports that do not guard against intrusion of debris, feet and hands into the seat tilting mechanism, yet halt the seat at its most extreme angle of tilt are also possible.

FIG. 16 partially shows an embodiment of the present invention from the rear of the vehicle in which the rub plate 66 activates a right limit switch 86 by depressing a plunger 87 when the rub plate 66 reaches its maximum tilt angle to the right. The rub plate 66 in its neutral position and maximum tilt angle to the right are indicated in dashed lines. When the rub plate 66 depresses the plunger 87, the right limit switch opens the circuit in the wiring 27 to the motor 26 (not shown), preventing the rub plate 66 from tilting any further to the right. In other words, right limit switch 86 is a plunger type nc limit switch. Similarly, a left limit switch 84 having a plunger 85 is positioned to activate and stop the motor 26 (not shown) when the rub plate 66 reaches its maximum tilt angle to the left (not shown). FIG. 16 also shows alternative left lateral support 41 which holds left limit switch 84, and alternative right lateral support 45 which holds right limit switch 86. The alternative lateral supports 41, 45 differ from lateral supports 42, 44 (not shown) in their shape, further illustrating that changes in shape do not cause a departure from the invention. The cam shaft 14 with its cams 11, 12, sleeves 19, gear 20, and worm gear 22 spans alternative lateral supports 41, 45. The cams 11, 12 contact the rub plate 66 and cause the rub plate 66 to tilt about the longitudinal axle 60, to which the rub plate 66 is attached. Limit switches 84 and 86 can be of the same design or different.

FIG. 17 partially shows the same embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 16, this view from the right side of the vehicle. Longitudinal axle 60 holds rub plate 66, which is rotated by right cam 12 (shown in dashed line) and left cam 11 (not shown). Rub plate 66, shown in the neutral position, will depress plunger 87 on right limit switch 86 when the rub plate 66 approaches its maximum tilt angle to the right. Right limit switch 86 attaches to alternative right lateral support 45 near where support 45 holds lateral axle 14. Wiring 27 connects right limit switch 86 to the motor 26 (not shown). The right limit switch 86 prevents the motor 26 (not shown) from causing the rub plate 66 to tilt any further to the right, when rub plate 66 depresses plunger 87.

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of the cams, specifically alternative right cam 13 mounted on cam shaft 14, from the side. Alternative right cam 13 has positions 0′ through 7′ at 30 degree angles about the rotational center of the cam 13. In this embodiment, the distances from the rotational center of alternative right cam 13 to the edge at positions 0′ through 7′ and to the neutral position appear in Table 2.

TABLE 2
Distance From Rotational Center of Alternative Right
Cam 13 to Edge
Position Distance (inches)
0′       1.25
1′       1.46
2′       1.68
3′       1.89
Neutral  2.00
4′       2.10
5′       2.32
6′       2.53
7′       2.75

FIG. 18 further demonstrates that minor changes, such as changes in dimensions, do not remove an embodiment from the scope of the invention nor decrease functionality.

FIG. 19 provides a wiring diagram for some embodiments of the present invention. A battery 30, such as the 12 V battery of the vehicle, connects to a three-position switch 28 through wiring 27. Further wiring 27 connects the three-position switch 28 to a motor 26 in a manner that controls the polarity of the electricity flowing to the motor 26. Accordingly, the three positions of the three-position switch 28 can be thought of as “left-off-right,” in which the “left” position causes the motor 26 to tilt the seat 80 (not shown) to the left, the “right” position causes the motor 26 to tilt the seat 80 (not shown) to the right, and the “off” position turns the motor 26 off.

FIG. 20 provides a wiring diagram for other embodiments of the present invention. This wiring diagram differs from FIG. 19 in that limit switches 84, 86 and diodes 88, 89 have been introduced into the circuit. The limit switches 84, 86 and diodes 88, 89 are configured to stop the motor 26 from turning too far in one direction or the other. For example, left limit switch 84 and left diode 88 interrupt the circuit when the left limit switch 84 is activated and the three-position switch 28 is in the “left” position. The circuit is not interrupted in that circumstance, however, if the three-position switch 28 is then turned to the “right” position. That configuration stops the motor 26 from tilting the seat 80 (not shown) too far to the left, yet allows the motor 26 to tilt the seat 80 (not shown) back toward the right. Similarly, right limit switch 86 and right diode 89 prevent the motor 26 from tilting the seat 80 (not shown) too far to the right, yet allow the motor 26 to tilt the seat 80 (not shown) toward the left.

As previously stated, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. It will be appreciated that many modifications and other variations that will be appreciated by those skilled in the art are within the intended scope of this invention as claimed below without departing from the teachings, spirit and intended scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of various embodiments does not necessarily imply exclusion. For example, “some” embodiments may include all or part of “other” and “further” embodiments within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A system for tilting a seat of a vehicle, comprising:

a left cam and a right cam positioned so that when the cams are rotated, they cause the seat to selectively tilt toward the left side of the vehicle or the right side of the vehicle.

2. A system for tilting a seat of a vehicle, comprising:

a motor;

a switch;

a power source;

a cam shaft comprising a left cam and a right cam;

a seat mounting; and

the seat;

wherein the motor rotates the cam shaft;

wherein the switch selectively provides electrical communication between the power source and the motor;

wherein the switch has at least three positions, a first position that causes the motor to turn the cam shaft in one direction, a second position that turns the motor off, and a third position that causes the motor to turn the cam shaft in the opposite direction;

wherein the seat mounting connects the seat to the vehicle while allowing the seat to tilt relative to the vehicle in a plane substantially normal to the forward motion of the vehicle;

wherein the left cam and right cam mechanically communicate with the seat so that when the cam shaft is rotated in one direction, the seat tilts toward the left, and when the cam shaft is rotated in the opposite direction, the seat tilts toward the right.

3. The system of claim 2, in which the motor is a 12V DC motor.

4. The system of claim 2, in which the seat comprises the original seat of the vehicle.

5. The system of claim 2, in which the power source comprises the original power source of the vehicle.

6. The system of claim 2, further comprising a worm gear connecting the motor to the cam shaft.

7. A tiltable seat mounting kit, adaptable for installation on a vehicle comprising a seat and a power source, comprising:

a motor;

a switch;

a cam shaft comprising a left cam and a right cam;

a seat mount adaptable to attach the seat to the vehicle while allowing the seat to tilt in a plane substantially normal to the forward motion of the vehicle;

wherein the switch is adaptable to selectively provide electrical communication between the power source and the motor;

wherein the motor is adaptable to rotate the cam shaft;

wherein the left cam and the right cam are adaptable to be placed in tiltable communication with the seat.

8. The tiltable seat mounting kit of claim 7, in which the motor is a 12V DC motor.

9. The tiltable seat mounting kit of claim 7, in which the seat is the original seat of the vehicle.

10. The tiltable seat mounting kit of claim 7, in which the power source comprises the original power source of the vehicle.

11. The tiltable seat mounting kit of claim 7, further comprising a worm gear connecting the motor to the cam shaft.

12. The tiltable seat mounting kit of claim 7, in which the switch is a three-position switch.

13. The tiltable seat mounting kit of claim 7, in which the seat mount comprises:

at least one baseplate adapted to be attached to the vehicle,

at least one supporting member attached to the at least one baseplate,

at least one longitudinal axle adapted to be rotatably supported by the at least one supporting member, and

at least one seat supporting member attached to the at least one longitudinal axle and adapted to support and tilt the seat.

14. The tiltable seat mounting kit of claim 13, wherein the at least one baseplate further comprises at least one lateral support member adaptable to rotatably support the cam shaft.

15. The tiltable seat mounting kit of claim 7, further comprising at least one rub plate adaptable to provide tiltable communication between the left cam and the right cam and the seat.

16. The tiltable seat mounting kit of claim 7, further comprising at least one limit switch adaptable to be placed in electrical communication with the motor, and to prevent overtilting of the seat.

17. The tiltable seat mounting kit of claim 7, further comprising:

a drive shaft rotatably connected to the motor, the drive shaft further comprising a worm gear;

a gear attached to the cam shaft;

wherein the worm gear and the gear attached to the cam shaft are adaptable to allow the motor to rotate the cam shaft.

18. The tiltable seat mounting kit of claim 7, wherein

the motor is a 12 V DC motor;

the switch is a three-position switch;

the power source comprises the original power source of the vehicle; and

wherein the seat mount comprises: at least one baseplate adaptable to be attached to the vehicle, at least one supporting member attached to the baseplate, at least one longitudinal axle adaptable to be rotatably supported by the at least one supporting member, and at least one seat supporting member attached to the at least one longitudinal axle and adaptable to support and tilt the seat.

19. The tiltable seat mounting kit of claim 18, further comprising at least one rub plate attached to the at least one longitudinal axle and adaptable to provide tiltable communication between the left cam and the right cam and the seat.

20. The tiltable seat mounting kit of claim 18, further comprising at least one limit switch adaptable to be placed in electrical communication with the motor, and to prevent overtilting of the seat.