Fold-up marine furniture component with articulated bracket support
US6918160B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05Y2900/514
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A four-bar hinge linkage and fold-down support assembly, such as an armrest, seat bottom, table top and the like especially suited for marine use in watercraft applications. The support member is pivotally supported by first and second four-bar hinge linkages for articulation from a stationary upright support structure affixed to the watercraft. Each of the four-bar hinge linkages comprises a support-structure-mounting bracket, a main hinge link, a shorter control/locking link and a support-member-mounting bracket. Each of the linkages articulates the support member between an upright stored position and a folded-down in-use position wherein, the swinging end of the control/locking link swings up and beneath the hinge link so that an end edge of the control/locking link abuts in line-to-line contact at an abutment locking point along the lower edge of the hinge link, each linkage being thus locked together to form a triangular support truss. The abutment locking point placement provides a strong support structure, reduces the possibility of creating a pinch point and is oriented well forward of the linkage pivot point so that the links will not push by one another.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.