GB2569051A - Transfer seat - Google Patents

Abstract

A transfer seat assembly (100) comprising a generally planar support (110) for supporting a user, an anchoring bracket (300) for anchoring the assembly (100) to at least one structure (e.g. of a vehicle), and a coupling mechanism (200) for coupling the support (110) to the anchoring bracket (300). The coupling mechanism (200) comprises one or more adjustment mechanisms (210, 220, 230). One mechanism is a height adjustment mechanism (210) for adjusting the support (110) in a direction substantially normal to the 10 generally planar surface. Another mechanism is a tilt adjustment mechanism (220) for tipping the support (110) at an angle relative to the anchoring bracket (300). A further mechanism is an extension adjustment mechanism (230) for extends the support (110) away from the anchoring bracket (300). There is claimed separately an assembly with all three of tilt, height and extension adjustment, and assemblies with each of those adjustment mechanisms individually. The assembly allows a disabled person to get into or out of a car more easily.

Description

(57) A transfer seat assembly (100) comprising a generally planar support (110) for supporting a user, an anchoring bracket (300) for anchoring the assembly (100) to at least one structure (e.g. of a vehicle), and a coupling mechanism (200) for coupling the support (110) to the anchoring bracket (300). The coupling mechanism (200) comprises one or more adjustment mechanisms (210, 220, 230). One mechanism is a height adjustment mechanism (210) for adjusting the support (110) in a direction substantially normal to the 10 generally planar surface. Another mechanism is a tilt adjustment mechanism (220) for tipping the support (110) at an angle relative to the anchoring bracket (300). A further mechanism is an extension adjustment mechanism (230) for extends the support (110) away from the anchoring bracket (300). There is claimed separately an assembly with all three of tilt, height and extension adjustment, and assemblies with each of those adjustment mechanisms individually. The assembly allows a disabled person to get into or out of a car more easily.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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TRANSFER SEAT

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a transfer seat assembly, and in particular to a transfer seat assembly for use with a vehicle.

Background of the Invention

Systems and mechanisms for assisting a person entering and/or exiting a vehicle are known. However many of the known systems and mechanisms are cumbersome, inflexible and can be expensive to manufacture and/or fit. Furthermore, the difficulties in entering and/or exiting a vehicle may be exacerbated by the particulars of the vehicle itself, such as the size of the door opening, the floor height and the door sill height, particularly if these require the user to approach the vehicle at an awkward angle or to take a relatively large step to enter or exit the vehicle. These and other limitations of standard vehicles introduce difficulties for many users.

In an attempt to overcome these problems, specialist accessible vehicles, particularly for users of wheelchairs or other mobility devices, have been designed. These may include a ramp or lift to allow a user to enter the vehicle and travel in the mobility device. However, such vehicles are expensive and large, and especially for those who already own a standard vehicle, it is often undesirable to have an additional, specialist vehicle.

A less expensive and more environmentally friendly option is to provide aids and adaptations that can be installed into existing vehicles. For example, hoists have been designed for lifting a user from a mobility device into a vehicle. However, these often require assistance from another person and can be particularly difficult to use when parked on an incline. Furthermore, they may require a user to be able to duck under the doorframe of the vehicle, which is not always possible.

A further option is to use a specialist vehicle seat that based on a standard car seat but that is mounted on a base that is powered or manually controlled to carry the chair into and out of the vehicle. When the seat exits the vehicle, it also lowers and rotates approximately 90° to face away from the vehicle. Thus, a user may sit on the seat whilst outside the vehicle, and may subsequently control the seat to enter the vehicle in a reverse trajectory, thereby carrying the user inside. However, such mechanisms are expensive, especially if automated. Furthermore, it may still be difficult

-2for a user to transfer from their mobility device into the seat, even when it is outside the vehicle.

A still further option that is relatively inexpensive compared with the above arrangements, is a transfer seat that bridges the gap between a mobility device and the vehicle seat, to aid a user in transferring to and from the vehicle seat. The user can slide sideways from their mobility device onto the transfer seat and then from the transfer seat into the seat of the vehicle. However, these can be difficult and uncomfortable to use, especially if the transfer seat is poorly orientated relative to one or more of the mobility device and the vehicle seat. Furthermore, mounting the transfer seat to a vehicle can be difficult and typically requires the vehicle seat to be removed and a sub-frame fitted that resides underneath the vehicle seat when it is replaced, to which the transfer seat is then attached.

Therefore, there remains a need for improved systems and devices for assisting entry to and/or exit from a vehicle seat.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, from a first broad aspect there is provided a transfer seat assembly comprising a support comprising a generally planar surface for supporting a user; an anchoring bracket for anchoring the transfer seat assembly to at least one structure of a vehicle; and a coupling mechanism for coupling the support to the anchoring bracket; wherein the coupling mechanism comprises: a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the support in a direction substantially normal to the generally planar surface; a tilt adjustment mechanism for tilting the support at an angle relative to the anchoring bracket; and an extension adjustment mechanism for extending the support relative to the anchoring bracket. Thus there is provided an improved transfer seat assembly that is adjustable in a number of different manners and that can be configured for and adjusted to suit a wide variety of vehicles (e.g. those of different manufacturers and models) as well as being customisable for the user’s particular needs and comfort. This is a particularly advantageous arrangement as the applicant has found that user feedback in relation to existing products is that transfer seat arrangements that are not adjustable leave the user unable to comfortably transfer to a vehicle and at worst, are unusable for certain users and/or certain vehicles due to the inflexibility of existing arrangements.

-3The transfer seat assembly may be mounted within a vehicle in a substantially permanent position (i.e. once mounted, the transfer seat assembly, particularly the support thereof, remains in a mostly fixed position, although of course there are multiple adjustments that can be made, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, to that fixed position for comfort, ease of use, etc., as discussed in more detail herein. Optionally, the transfer seat assembly is configured such that the support can be easily moved into either of at least two (or more) positions, for example a first position in which the support is stored out of the way of the user or is removable and a second position where the support rests alongside the vehicle seat to which the user wishes to transfer. In certain embodiments, the support can be rotated from one of those positions to the other and back again at the user’s convenience. Therefore the coupling mechanism may be configured to enable movement of the support from a first, storage position to a second, in use, position. Optionally the coupling mechanism is configured to allow the support to be removed entirely (e.g. decoupled or disengaged) from the rest of the transfer seat assembly for storage elsewhere. Optionally the coupling mechanism is further configured to hold the support in one or each of the two positions. For example, the two positions may be at the extremes of available movement of the support, such that the support comes to rest in either position, for example by abutment with another component of the transfer seat assembly and/or for example by locking the support in either position with a suitable locking means.

Many mechanisms for enabling the support to be moved from/to the first to/from the second position are within the scope of the present invention. The coupling mechanism may comprise at least one socket for receiving at least one rod and may further comprise an abutment. Rotation of the rod in the socket moves the support from the storage position to the in-use position and is terminated when the abutment contacts a backstop of the coupling mechanism. Optionally the coupling mechanism comprises at least two spaced-apart sockets for each receiving one of (at least) two rods, which provides more stability to the rotating mechanism. Optionally the sockets of the coupling mechanism are configured such that in one position of the support (for example when it is rotated into its storage position), the respective rod of one of the sockets drops into a lower position thus bringing the support to a rest. To move the support back to the in-use position, the support is lifted slightly to return the rod to the rotating position and thus the support can be rotated back to the in-use position.

-4As discussed above, whether the transfer assembly support is fixed in its in-use position, or whether it can be moved (e.g. rotated) into and out of the in-use position, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, there are numerous adjustments that can be made to the support to enhance the usability and comfort for the user. For example, the transfer seat assembly optionally has tilt adjustment, to enable the support to be tilted to a position that assists the user transferring to the vehicle seat. The tilt adjustment mechanism may comprise an adjustable spacer between, for example, the abutment and the backstop, to selectively vary the termination point of the rotation of the rod or rods in the socket or sockets. The adjustable spacer can be adjusted to increase, for example, its length and thus to space apart the components it is located between by an adjustable amount. For example, the adjustable spacer may comprise a bolt and a locking nut. Therefore unscrewing the bolt away from the component in which it is located increases the distance that the bolt spaces away the other component it is located adjacent. Conversely screwing the bolt into the component in which it is located decreases the distance that the bolt spaces away the other component it is located adjacent. The nut can be used to lock the bolt in the desired position. The bolt may, for example, be located in at least one of the abutment and the backstop and spaces away the other of the backstop and the abutment by the variable amount.

In some arrangements, when the adjustable spacer is adjusted to its minimum length (e.g. the bolt is screwed as far as it can go into the component in which it is located) the other component that rests against the spacer may be configured to hold the support in a substantially level position (i.e. the generally planar surface of the support will be substantially horizontal). When the adjustable spacer is adjusted to greater than its minimum length (e.g. the bolt is unscrewed away from the component in which it is located) the other component that rests against the spacer may be configured to hold the support in an angled position (i.e. the generally planar surface of the support will be at an angle above the substantially horizontal position). Optionally the maximum angle of the support off the horizontal plane will be about 5 to 20 degrees, optionally about 10 to 20 degrees, optionally approximately 15 degrees. This angle may help the user when sliding into the vehicle seat, especially with some makes/models, etc., of vehicle where the seat itself is not located horizontally and is more of a bucket or sports shaped seat, with an elevated support for the lower thighs compared with the back portion of the seat

-5surface.

As discussed above, the transfer seat assembly of embodiments of the present invention is particularly advantageous because it is designed to be used with a wide variety of different makes, models and configurations of vehicle. This is partly enabled by the anchoring mechanism of embodiments of the present invention, in which the anchoring bracket is designed to be selected and/or configured to fit any vehicle. For example, in some arrangements, the anchoring bracket comprises an elongate shaft and at least one anchoring protrusion protruding from the elongate shaft at a position for affixing the anchoring bracket to at least one structure of a vehicle. For example, the anchoring protrusion may be a pylon and may protrude from a flat surface of the shaft. In some embodiments of the present invention, the shaft or other anchoring mechanism is easily removable from the rest of the transfer seat assembly and can be swapped for an anchoring mechanism having a different configuration to fit a different vehicle make or model, etc. Different configurations of anchoring mechanisms can be achieved by, for example, having a different number and/or position of the anchoring protrusion(s) and/or by having different shaped anchoring brackets. For example, the bracket may be a linear shaft, or a non-linear shaft (e.g. may have a curvature), or may comprise more than one shaft (for example, the bracket may be generally triangular (e.g. comprising three shafts)), etc.

In a particularly arrangement, the anchoring bracket comprises at least two or three anchoring protrusions, such as pylons, protruding from an elongate shaft at two or three different positions for affixing the anchoring bracket to at least one, and preferably to two or three different, structure(s) of a vehicle. For example, the shaft may have a pylon at its lower (in use) end, for example to connect with a seat belt anchor point in a typical vehicle, and another pylon at its upper (in use) end, for example to connect with a section of the main vehicle structure, such as the B pillar between the vehicle door openings. In certain arrangements, the lower pylon is located at about 200-600mm from the lowermost end of the shaft, optionally about 300-400mm rom the lowermost end of the shaft, optionally about 350mm from the lowermost end of the shaft, The upper pylon may be similarly located from the uppermost end of the shaft, or at any other suitable position. Such anchoring mechanisms are easy to mount to any vehicle, for example requiring only the trim to be removed from the vehicle components to which it is to be mounted, then affixing thereto. The trim can be replaced (before or after affixing the

-6anchoring mechanism, depending on the design, and may simply need a portion cutting away for the anchoring mechanism to pass through.

As discussed above, the transfer seat assembly of embodiments of the present invention has numerous adjustable features for improved usability and comfort, including height adjustment of the support. In some arrangements, the height adjustment mechanism of the coupling mechanism comprises a height block sized to at least partially surround the elongate shaft (or other main component) of the anchoring bracket and the height block is configured for slidable movement in either direction along the length of the elongate shaft. Thus the height of the support (which is coupled to the anchoring bracket by the coupling mechanism) can be easily adjusted upwards by sliding the height block toward the uppermost (in use) end of the anchoring mechanism (e.g. shaft) or downwards by sliding the height block toward the lowermost (in use) end of the anchoring mechanism (e.g. shaft). The height block may remain in the selected position by any suitable means, including, for example, a friction fit. Optionally the height adjustment mechanism further comprises at least one fixing means for locking the height block in a fixed position relative to the elongate shaft. For example, one or more screws, such as grub screws, could be used to grip the elongate shaft, or a clamping mechanism could be used, etc.

As is clear from the above discussion, the coupling mechanism comprises multiple components that interact to couple the support to the anchoring bracket in a configurable manner. Some of those components may be integrally formed or are otherwise affixed to each other as appropriate. For example, the height block may be affixed to, or integrally formed with, the socket and/or the backstop.

As discussed above, the transfer seat assembly of embodiments of the present invention has numerous adjustable features for improved usability and comfort, including extension adjustment of the support. In some arrangements, the coupling mechanism comprises a support arm and the extension adjustment mechanism comprises a support block sized to at least partially surround the support arm and configured for slidable movement in either direction along the length of the support arm. Thus the support, for example in its in-use position, can be slid away from the anchoring bracket (which, in use, may be in a direction towards, e.g., the steering wheel of the vehicle), or towards the anchoring bracket (which, in use, may be in a direction away from, e.g., the steering wheel of the vehicle). Thus yet further flexibility and configurability of the transfer seat

-7assembly is provided, further enhancing the usability and comfort for a user.

Once slid into the desired position, the extension adjustment mechanism can be held or locked in place by any suitable mechanism. For example there may be a friction fit between the support block and the support arm or the components may be affixed to each other in any other suitable manner, such as by a clamping means. The extension adjustment mechanism may further comprise one or more fixing means for locking the support block in a fixed position relative to the support arm, for example the fixing means may comprise one or more screws, such as grub screws.

The support of the transfer seat assembly is designed to support a user, for example when the user sits on the support or slides onto it from another device such as a mobility device. Therefore the support is generally planar, offering an upper surface on which the user sits to transfer to the vehicle seat. In some arrangements, the assembly further comprises a least one support strut underneath the support for strengthening, which may be, for example, affixed to the support block of the extension adjustment mechanism and may extend substantially perpendicularly therefrom for supporting an underside of the support.

Although the upper surface of the support is generally planar, it is not essential for the upper surface to be flat, and in some arrangements, the upper surface is padded and/or contoured for supporting a user. In some arrangements, the transfer seat assembly further comprises a support cover at least partially encasing the support for providing cushioning to a user when supported by the support of the transfer seat assembly. The cover can be made of any suitable material. For example, the support cover may comprise a moulded, self-skinning foam, such as a polyurethane foam, and the cover may have a Shore A hardness in the region of about 55 to 85, optionally about 65 to 75 (as measured according to the ASTM D2240 standard). Thus enhanced comfort for the seated user is provided.

Whilst the above disclosure relates to multiple adjustment mechanisms in a single transfer seat assembly, it is believed that each mechanism is separately novel and inventive and therefore a transfer seat assembly comprising one or more of the mechanisms is envisaged within the scope of the invention.

Therefore, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, from a further broad aspect there is provided a transfer seat assembly comprising: a support comprising a generally planar surface for supporting a user; an anchoring

-8bracket for anchoring the transfer seat assembly to at least one structure of a vehicle, the anchoring bracket comprising an elongate shaft; and a coupling mechanism for coupling the support to the anchoring bracket; wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the support in a direction substantially normal to the generally planar surface, the height adjustment mechanism comprising a height block sized to at least partially surround the elongate shaft of the anchoring bracket and configured for slidable movement in either direction along the length of the elongate shaft. The height adjustment mechanism may further comprise at least one fixing means for locking the height block in a fixed position relative to the elongate shaft. The coupling mechanism may further comprise a socket and a backstop configured for rotating the support from a first, storage position to a second, in use, position and to hold the support in each of the two positions, and further wherein the height block is affixed to, or integrally formed with, the socket and/or the backstop.

In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, from a further broad aspect there is provided a transfer seat assembly comprising: a support comprising a generally planar surface for supporting a user; an anchoring bracket for anchoring the transfer seat assembly to at least one structure of a vehicle; and a coupling mechanism for coupling the support to the anchoring bracket; wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a tilt adjustment mechanism for tilting the support at an angle relative to the anchoring bracket, the tilt adjustment mechanism comprising an adjustable spacer for selectively varying the relative distance between at least two components of the coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism may be configured to enable movement of the support from a first, storage position to a second, in use, position and to hold the support in each of the two positions. The coupling mechanism may comprise at least one socket for receiving at least one rod and may further comprise an abutment, wherein rotation of the rod in the socket moves the support from the storage position to the in-use position and is terminated when the abutment contacts a backstop of the coupling mechanism. The adjustable spacer may be located between the abutment and the backstop to selectively vary the termination point of the rotation of the rod in the socket. The adjustable spacer may comprise a bolt and a locking nut located in at least one component of the coupling mechanism.

In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, from a further broad aspect there is provided a transfer seat assembly comprising: a support

-9comprising a generally planar surface for supporting a user; an anchoring bracket for anchoring the transfer seat assembly to at least one structure of a vehicle; and a coupling mechanism for coupling the support to the anchoring bracket; wherein the coupling mechanism comprises: a support arm; and an extension adjustment mechanism for extending the support relative to the anchoring bracket, the extension adjustment mechanism comprising a support block sized to at least partially surround the support arm and configured for slidable movement in either direction along the length of the support arm. The extension adjustment mechanism may further comprise one or more fixing means for locking the support block in a fixed position relative to the support arm. The fixing means may comprise one or more grub screws.

Thus there is provided a transfer seat assembly that is easily configurable and has improved usability compared with known arrangements. As it is so readily adjustable it can be configured for use with a wide range of vehicle makes and models and for different seat types and positions, etc., and is user adjustable should the user’s requirements change after installation for even further improved comfort. Furthermore, because the transfer seat assembly is easy to fit to any vehicle, should the user change to a different vehicle, it can be removed and reconfigured to fit the user’s replacement vehicle, thus reducing wastage.

It is clear from the above disclosure that any of the adjustment mechanisms can be employed in a transfer seat assembly on its own or in combination with one or more of the other adjustment mechanisms. Thus aspects of the invention may be combined in any appropriate manner, and features of one aspect may be applied to other aspects.

Advantages of the present invention will become further apparent from the detailed description and figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a transfer seat assembly having three adjustment mechanisms in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates an angle adjustment mechanism of the transfer seat assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 3 illustrates the angle adjustment mechanism and a height adjustment

-10mechanism of the transfer seat assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 4 illustrates a different perspective view the angle and height adjustment mechanisms of Figure 3;

Figure 5 illustrates the extension adjustment mechanism of the transfer seat assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 6 illustrates a different perspective view the angle and height adjustment mechanisms of Figure 3;

Figure 7 illustrates a different perspective view of the transfer seat assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 8 illustrates a further different perspective view of the transfer seat assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 9 illustrates a front view of the transfer seat assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 10 illustrates a back view of the transfer seat assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 11 illustrates a top view of the transfer seat assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 12 illustrates an underneath view of the transfer seat assembly of Figure 1; and

Figure 13 illustrates an underneath perspective view of the seat assembly of Figure 1.

Detailed Description

Referring to the figures, there is shown a transfer seat assembly that is configured to assist a user in transferring to and from a seat in a vehicle. Advantageously, the transfer seat assembly comprises one or more adjustable features which enable one or more parts of the assembly to be adjusted or repositioned into a more usable position for the particular requirements of the user of the assembly.

Figure 1 illustrates an adjustable seat assembly 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The assembly 100 comprises a support 110, an anchoring bracket 300, and a coupling mechanism 200, which comprises three adjustment mechanisms 210, 220, 230. The support 110 is coupled to the anchoring bracket 300 by the components of the coupling mechanism 200.

The support 110 is configured to receive the weight of a user, and may be of any suitable shape and/or dimensions, and may comprise any material that is suitable for a user to sit upon, as will be discussed further herein. When in use, the user sits on the

-11 support 110 (either directly or by sliding across from, e.g. another device or vehicle) and can transition from this initial position to a target seat. The target seat may be a seat in a vehicle, although other seats are envisaged and the present disclosure is not limited to vehicles and references to the anchoring of the transfer seat assembly to at least one structure of a vehicle may be construed as encompassing other types of seats and anchoring to an appropriate structure. When in use, the support 110 at least partially bridges a gap between the user’s initial location and the seat to which they wish to transfer. The user sits on the support 110 to transfer across to the target seat, e.g. by sliding along the upper surface of the support 110.

The anchoring bracket 300 of the assembly 100 is configured to enable the assembly 100 to be securely fastened in an appropriate location in a fixed position relative to the target seat. For example, the anchoring bracket 300 illustrated in the figures is configured to be secured to a structure near the target seat. In the illustrated embodiment, the target seat is in a car, and so the anchoring bracket 300 is configured to be secured to the car itself and helps support the weight of the overall assembly 100 when secured.

The adjustment mechanisms 210, 220, 230 of the illustrated assembly 100 enable the assembly 100 (particularly the support 110) to be adjusted in several manners, thereby configuring the assembly 100 to the specific requirements of the user. Each adjustment mechanism 210, 220, 230 is configured to adjust the position of the support 110 relative to the anchoring bracket 300 and hence relative to the target seat, since the anchoring bracket and seat are fixed relative to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment mechanisms 210, 220, 230 enable the support to be independently adjusted to position the support 110 relative to the height of the target seat, relative to the tilt of the target seat and relative to the position (forward/backward in relation to the vehicle) of the target seat. Such adjustments are advantageous because they improve the extent to which the support 110 bridges the gap between the user’s initial position and the target seat, thereby providing a more seamless and comfortable transition to the target seat.

Returning to the figures, there is illustrated an embodiment of the invention that includes an extension adjustment mechanism 230, a tilt/angle adjustment mechanism 220, and a height adjustment mechanism 210. Support 110 is coupled to the extension adjustment mechanism 230, which in turn is connected to the tilt adjustment mechanism

-12 220, which in turn is coupled to the height adjustment mechanism 210, which is connected to the anchoring bracket 300, thus coupling the support 110 to the anchoring bracket 300. All these adjustment mechanisms are generally referred to as being part of the coupling mechanism 200.

Discussion of adjustment of the support 110 below will be with reference to planes x-y and x-z (see Figures 9-11). The choice of planes and axes and their particularly labelling is by way of reference only and is not intended to be limiting in any manner. In the present embodiment, height adjustment mechanism 210 is configured to modify the position of the support 100 in the normal direction relatively to the generally planar surface of the support 110; as can be seen in Figures 9 and 10, this movement of the support 110 is up or down in the y-direction. This enables the support 110 to be aligned at the same height as the vehicle seat, or to be aligned at a height above or below the height of the vehicle seat. This is advantageous because the user may wish to have the support 110 aligned with a different seat, such as the seat of a vehicle or device from which they are transferring to the support 110 (a mobility device or a wheelchair or the like).

The tilt or angle adjustment mechanism 220 is configured to modify the tilt of the support 110 to adjust the generally planar surface of the support 110 away from being general horizontal, tilting towards the anchoring bracket 300; as can be seen in Figures 9 and 10, this movement of the support 110 decreases the angle φ (which is in the x-y plane) from its maximum of about 90° to less than 90°, such as to a minimum of about 70°, or perhaps 75 or 80°. This tilt can be particularly useful as it may align the support 110 with vehicle seats that are likewise tilted, with the base part of the vehicle seat angled downwardly in a direction moving away from the vehicle dashboard. Sports and bucket seats are examples of vehicle seats that have a prominent tilt of this kind.

The extension adjustment mechanism 230 is configured to modify the position of the support 110 directly towards or away from the anchoring bracket 300; as can be seen in Figures 9 to 11, this movement of the support 110 is in the x-direction. This is advantageous because the user may wish to align the support 110 with the forward/backward alignment of the target seat, which of course in a vehicle will be adjustable to a user’s preference, and so likewise it is helpful for the support 110 to be similarly adjustable.

Whilst the illustrated embodiment has three adjustment mechanisms 210, 220,

-13230 combined in a single assembly 100, the present invention is not limited to this and only this combination, and alternative embodiments are envisaged in which fewer or only one adjustment mechanism 210, 220, 230 is provided, since each adjustment is advantageous in its own, independent manner. For example, an assembly 100 may be configured to have an adjustable height, without providing means for adjusting the extension and/or tilt. Conversely, other assemblies may provide adjustable extensions and/or tilts, without adjustable height. Furthermore, an alternative extension mechanism may be provided in the z-direction, i.e. perpendicular to the x- and y- adjustment directions, for example by having the support 110 slidable on the support struts 130a, 130b (see Figures 5 and 8 for example).

Hence, the transfer seat assembly 100 of various embodiments of the present invention is very flexible and customisable, and may be positioned and rearranged according to user preference, to improve alignment between the user’s initial position and/or a target seat (e.g. between a wheelchair and vehicle seat). In this manner, the configuration may be fully optimised to suit different requirements, such as different vehicles and different types of wheelchair, etc.

The adjustment mechanisms 210, 220, 230 of the illustrated embodiment are each manually adjustable, as described in further detail herein. Alternatively or in combination, other embodiments may include one or more automated (powered) adjustment mechanisms 210, 220, 230 for improved ease of use. However, manually adjustable mechanisms 210, 220, 230 are generally less expensive and cumbersome (and do not require a power source) so may be preferable for many applications.

Returning again to the figures, the anchoring bracket 300 of the illustrated embodiment comprises two anchoring bars or pylons 320a, 320b, which protrude from an upper and a lower end respectively of an elongate shaft 310 of the anchoring bracket 300. The anchoring bracket 300 bears the weight of the transfer seat assembly 100 and anchors to one or more anchoring locations in a vehicle; in the illustrated embodiment, it anchors in two anchoring locations. For example, anchoring pylons 320a, 320b are specifically configured for certain available anchoring points in a vehicle; pylon 320a in the illustrated embodiment anchors to the vehicle B pillar and pylon 320b anchors to a seatbelt anchor point. Thus the transfer seat assembly 100 is able to be rigidly attached to strong structural features of the vehicle with minimal installation effort.

Although the present embodiment includes two anchoring means 320a, 320b, it is

-14envisaged that greater or fewer anchoring means may be used. For example, anchoring bracket 300 may alternatively comprise more than two anchoring means, coupled by one or more shafts. An increased number of anchoring means may advantageously help to increase the stability of the installed assembly. Alternatively, some embodiments may include an anchoring bracket having only one anchoring means to provide a more compact and easy to install arrangement. The single (or more) anchoring means may have a shape that enables secure attachment to the anchoring location. For example, the anchoring means may have a hexagonal shape (as the pylons 320a, 320b of the illustrated embodiment do) that aids locking into the anchoring location and helping to resist rotation or other movement.

Referring to Figures 1, 5, and 7 to 11, the support 110 is illustrated and in this embodiment, the support 110 is a substantially flat planar surface having minimal or no curvature on its upper surface. It is envisioned within the scope of embodiments of the invention that the upper surface of the support 100 may have some structure, e.g. may be curved, and/or anatomically shaped for comfort. The support 110 may optionally include a backrest and/or foldable armrests to further assist the user (not shown).

As illustrated in these figures, in this embodiment the support 110 has a tapered shape, with an edge of the support 110 nearer to the door of the vehicle that is narrower than an edge nearer to the seat of the vehicle. This configuration may allow for more freedom of movement of the user’s legs whilst using the transfer seat. Typically the support 110 will have curved or generally smooth comers, to reduce the likelihood of discomfort or injury to a user sitting on and moving over the support 110. However, any shape may be suitable depending on the requirements of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the support 110 is provided with load bearing members, in this arrangement comprising a pair of support struts 130a, 130b as illustrated in Figures 5, 8 and 9.

Turning now to the extension adjustment mechanism 230, this is configured to vary the distance of the support 110 from the anchoring bracket 300 as discussed above. The extension adjustment mechanism 230 enables the support 110 to be moved forward (towards the vehicle dashboard) or backward (towards the rear of the vehicle) to align the support 110 with the relative position of the target seat. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension adjustment is provided by the support 110 having an associated support block 232 that surrounds and is slidably arranged on a support arm

-15120. As can be seen in Figure 5 for example, the support block 232 abuts the support struts 130a, 130b to aid in supporting the support 110. Thus the support 110, which is fixed relative to the support block 232, can slide relative to the support arm 120 to move the support 110 towards or away from the anchoring bracket 300.

The support block 232 can be fixed in position relative to the support arm 120 when the desired position is achieved. As can be seen in Figure 5, this is achieved in the illustrated embodiment by way of two adjustable coupling mechanisms 234a, 234b, which are screws in this arrangement. Thus in use, the support arm 120 is co-axially received within the support block 232. The adjustable screws 234a, 234b can be loosened to enable the support block 232 to slide along the arm 120, and when the support block 232 (and support 110) are in the desired position, the screws 234a, 234b can be re-tightened to secure the block 232 to the arm 120 and thus the support 110 in the desired position.

Turning now to the height adjustment mechanism 210, this is configured to adjust the height of the support 110 relative to the target seat. In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in Figures 1 to 4, 7 and 9 for example, the height adjustment mechanism 210 comprises a repositionable height block 210, which a slidable block that at least partially surrounds the elongate shaft 310 of the anchoring bracket 300. In operation, the height adjustment mechanism 210 is similar to the extension adjustment mechanism 230 described above, with the height block 210 being analogous to the support block 232 and the shaft 310 of the anchoring bracket 300 being analogous to the support arm 120.

The height block 210 is coupled to the shaft 310 via one or more adjustable coupling mechanisms 212a, 212b, 212c, which are screws in the illustrated embodiment. The screws 212a, 212b, 212c can be loosened to enable the height block 210 to slide over the shaft 310. Once the height block 210 (and therefore the support 110) is positioned in the desired location, screws 212a, 212b, 212c are re-tightened to provide a secure fixation of the height block 210 relative to the shaft 310. The screws 212a, 212b, 212c may be screws that are adjustable using an adjustor device such as an Allen key or screwdriver. Alternatively, other mechanisms could be used, such as adjustment knobs that the user can simply turn without requiring such an adjustor device. Other alternative mechanisms are also envisaged, such as clamps, clasps or locks.

Finally, turning to the tilt or angle adjustment mechanism 220, this mechanism is configured to adjust the angle of the support relative to the target seat and is particularly

-16useful for tilting the support 110 such that is, for example, parallel to the target seat (that may itself be tilted). In the illustrated embodiment, referring for example to Figures 2 to 4, 7 and 9, the tilt adjustment mechanism 220 comprises an adjustable spacer 222 located between an abutment 270 of the coupling mechanism 200 and a backstop 280 associated with the height adjustment mechanism 210. Of course, it is within the scope of the invention for the adjustable spacer 222 to be provided on any suitable component of the coupling mechanism 200.

As can be seen in these figures, there is provided a linkage 255 that is associated with the height block 210, although this is not a requirement and the linkage could be separately provided or the adjustable spacer 222 may space apart different components of the assembly 100. However in the illustrated arrangement, the linkage 255 comprises two sockets 250a, 250b configured to receive two rods 260a, 260b that are part of a connector 256. The connector 256 is attached to an end of the support arm 120, though it could be an integral part of that arm 120 in other arrangements. The connector 256 further comprises the abutment 270, though again this abutment 270 could be located on another part of the assembly, such as on the support arm 120. The backstop 280 in the illustrated embodiment is part of the linkage 255, but again it could be provided as a separate component, and could, for example, be provided on or as a part of the elongate shaft 310.

The sockets 250a, 250b are configured to receive the rods 260a, 260b of the connector 256 such that the rods 260a, 260b interlock with the sockets 250a, by slotting each rod 260a, 260b into the groove of the corresponding socket 250a, 250b. As noted above, in the illustrated embodiment, the sockets 250a, 250b are fixed to the height adjustment mechanism 210, and the rods 260a, 260b are part of a connector 256 on the support arm 120. However, this arrangement could be reversed within the scope of the present invention. In embodiments which do not have a height adjustment mechanism 210, the slots and/or grooves could be provided directly on the relevant parts of the assembly 100. Similarly, in embodiments which do not have an extension adjustment mechanism 230, the grooves and/or slots could be provided directly onto whatever arm supports the support 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 256 interacts with the linkage 255 to enable the support 110 (via support arm 120) to be connected to the anchoring bracket 300 in one of two positions. The first, storage position is where the connector 256 and

-17linkage 255 are engaged relative to each other such that the support arm 120 is approximately parallel with the elongate shaft 310. In this position, the support 110 is rotated away from its alignment with the target seat and it may rest here until needed (if there is sufficient space in the vehicle) or the support 110, arm 120 and connector 256 can be disengaged from the linkage 255 so that the support 110, arm 120 and connector 256 can be stowed away elsewhere until needed.

The second, in-use position is where the connector 256 and linkage 255 are engaged relative to each other such that the support arm 120 is approximately perpendicular to the elongate shaft 310. This position is reached by rotating the support 110 and the arm 120 and the connector 256 downwardly and away from the elongate shaft 310, to the position shown in, e.g., Figure 7. Downward rotation of the arm 120 (etc.) is terminated when the abutment 270 and the backstop 280 come into contact, which in the illustrated embodiment is when the adjustable spacer 222 therebetween brings them into (indirect) contact (i.e. the adjustable spacer 222, which is secured in the abutment 270, contacts the backstop 280). This is illustrated in Figures 7, 9, 10 and 15 for example.

As can be seen, for example in Figure 1 or Figure 7, the length of the adjustable spacer 222 determines how far apart the abutment is spaced from the backstop 280. The backstop 280 is rigidly fixed to the vehicle, so the length of the adjustable spacer 222 determines the angle of tilt at which the arm 120 and the support 110 attached thereto sits when the adjustable spacer 222 abuts the backstop 280. Lengthening the adjustable spacer 222 increases the angle of tilt of the support 110 from the generally horizontal plane. With reference to Figure 9, increasing the tilt decreases the angle φ from 90° when the support 110 is substantially horizontal, to a lower angle such as about 70 to 80° when the adjustable spacer 222 is adjusted to its maximum length. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable spacer 222 comprises a bolt 223 and associated nut 224 so it is simple to adjust the length of the adjustable spacer 222 by loosening the nut 224, screwing the bolt 223 in the desired direction (either towards or away from the abutment 270, to shorten or lengthen the adjustable spacer 222 respectively, thereby decreasing or increasing the amount of tilt (i.e. adjusting angle φ) respectively) and then re-tightening the nut 224 to secure the bolt 223 in its new position.

The transfer seat assembly 100 of the embodiments of the present invention can be configured for installation on either side a vehicle, and aligned with any seat (front or

-18rear).

Thus there is provided and improved transfer seat assembly that is simple to install in any vehicle and that can be configured to fit any user, based on the requirements and comfort of that user. The assembly is easier to install into a vehicle 5 than bulkier and more costly products such as power transfer seats and is a much less costly option than purchasing a specialist vehicle. The transfer seat assembly enables a user to enter and exit a vehicle without the aid of another person and so additionally improves user confidence and independence, and the assembly can be removed and installed on a replacement vehicle if the user changes their mode of transport.

The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (21)

1. A transfer seat assembly (100) comprising:

a support (110) comprising a generally planar surface for supporting a user;

an anchoring bracket (300) for anchoring the transfer seat assembly to at least one structure of a vehicle; and a coupling mechanism (200) for coupling the support to the anchoring bracket;

wherein the coupling mechanism comprises:

a height adjustment mechanism (210) for adjusting the support in a direction substantially normal to the generally planar surface;

a tilt adjustment mechanism (220) for tilting the support at an angle relative to the anchoring bracket; and an extension adjustment mechanism (230) for extending the support relative to the anchoring bracket.

2. The transfer seat assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism (200) is configured to enable movement of the support (110) from a first, storage position to a second, in use, position and optionally to hold the support (110) in each of the two positions.

3. The transfer seat assembly (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling mechanism (200) comprises at least one socket (250a, 250b) for receiving at least one rod (260a, 260b) and further comprises an abutment (270), wherein rotation of the rod in the socket moves the support (110) from a/the storage position to an/the in use position and is terminated when the abutment (270) contacts a backstop (280) of the coupling mechanism.

4. The transfer seat assembly (100) of claim 3, wherein the tilt adjustment mechanism (220) comprises an adjustable spacer (222) between the abutment (270) and the backstop (280) to selectively vary the termination point of the rotation of the rod (260a, 260b) in the socket (250a, 250b).

5. The transfer seat assembly (100) of claim 4, wherein the adjustable spacer (222) comprises a bolt (223) and a locking nut (224) located in at least one of the abutment (270) and the backstop (280).

6. The transfer seat assembly (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the anchoring bracket (300) comprises an elongate shaft (310) and at least one anchoring protrusion (320a, 320b) protruding from the elongate shaft at a position for affixing the anchoring bracket to at least one structure of a vehicle.

7. The transfer seat assembly (100) of claim 6, wherein the anchoring bracket (300) comprises at least two or three anchoring protrusions (320a, 320b) protruding from the elongate shaft at two or three different positions for affixing the anchoring bracket to at least one, and preferably to two or three different, structure(s) of a vehicle.

8. The transfer seat assembly (100) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the height adjustment mechanism (210) of the coupling mechanism (200) comprises a height block (210) sized to at least partially surround the elongate shaft (310) of the anchoring bracket (300) and configured for slidable movement in either direction along the length of the elongate shaft.

9. The transfer seat assembly (100) of claim 8, wherein the height adjustment mechanism (210) further comprises at least one fixing means (212a, 212b, 212c) for locking the height block in a fixed position relative to the elongate shaft (310).

10. The transfer seat assembly (100) of claim 8 or 9, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the height block (210) is affixed to, or integrally formed with, the socket (250a, 250b) and/or the backstop (280).

11. The transfer seat assembly (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the coupling mechanism (200) comprises a support arm (120) and the extension adjustment mechanism (230) comprises a support block (232) sized to at least partially surround the support arm and configured for slidable movement in either direction along the length of the support arm.

12. The transfer seat assembly (100) of claim 11, wherein the extension adjustment mechanism (230) further comprises one or more fixing means (234a, 234b) for locking the support block (232) in a fixed position relative to the support arm (120), optionally wherein the fixing means comprises one or more grub screws.

13. The transfer seat assembly (100) of claim 11 or 12, further comprising a least one support strut (130a, 130b) affixed to the support block (232) and extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom for supporting an underside of the support (110).

14. The transfer seat assembly (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a support cover at least partially encasing the support (110) for providing cushioning to a user when supported by the support (110) of the transfer seat assembly.

15. The transfer seat assembly (100) of claim 14, wherein the support cover comprises a moulded, self-skinning foam, optionally a polyurethane foam, optionally having a Shore A hardness in the region of about 55 to 85, optionally about 65 to 75.

16. A transfer seat assembly (100) comprising:

a support (110) comprising a generally planar surface for supporting a user;

an anchoring bracket (300) for anchoring the transfer seat assembly to at least one structure of a vehicle, the anchoring bracket comprising an elongate shaft (310); and a coupling mechanism (200) for coupling the support to the anchoring bracket;

wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a height adjustment mechanism (210) for adjusting the support in a direction substantially normal to the generally planar surface, the height adjustment mechanism comprising a height block (210) sized to at least partially surround the elongate shaft (310) of

-22 the anchoring bracket (300) and configured for slidable movement in either direction along the length of the elongate shaft.

17. The transfer seat assembly (100) of claim 16, wherein the height adjustment mechanism (210) further comprises at least one fixing means (212a, 212b, 212c) for locking the height block (210) in a fixed position relative to the elongate shaft (310).

18. The transfer seat assembly (100) of claim 16 or 17, wherein the coupling mechanism (200) further comprises a socket (250a, 250b) and a backstop (280) configured for rotating the support (110) from a first, storage position to a second, in use, position and to hold the support (110) in each of the two positions, and further wherein the height block (210) is affixed to, or integrally formed with, the socket (250a, 250b) and/or the backstop (280).

19. A transfer seat assembly (100) comprising:

a support (110) comprising a generally planar surface for supporting a user;

an anchoring bracket (300) for anchoring the transfer seat assembly to at least one structure of a vehicle; and a coupling mechanism (200) for coupling the support to the anchoring bracket;

wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a tilt adjustment mechanism (220) for tilting the support at an angle relative to the anchoring bracket, the tilt adjustment mechanism (220) comprising an adjustable spacer (222) for selectively varying the relative distance between at least two components of the coupling mechanism.

20. The transfer seat assembly (100) of claim 19, wherein the coupling mechanism (200) is configured to enable movement of the support (110) from a first, storage position to a second, in use, position and to hold the support (110) in each of the two positions.

21. The transfer seat assembly (100) of claim 20, wherein the coupling mechanism (200) comprises at least one socket (250a, 250b) for receiving at least one rod (260a, 260b) and further comprises an abutment (270), wherein rotation of the rod in the socket moves the support (110) from the storage position to the in use position and is terminated when the abutment (270) contacts a backstop (280) of the coupling mechanism.