System and method for supporting a pair of seats

{
  "publication_number": "US10407139B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "System and method for supporting a pair of seats",
  "abstract": "The disclosure depicts a system and method for supporting a pair of seats. The system includes a center post, first and second arms engaging the center post at the initial end of each, and engaging a respective support pillar adjacent a terminal end of each. A respective seat is mounted atop each respective support pillar.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A system for supporting a pair of seats upon a deck of a boat, the system comprising: a center post secured to the deck; a first arm rotatably engaging the center post adjacent an initial end of the first arm, the first arm comprising telescoping tubes enabling selective adjustment of a distance separating the initial end of the first arm from a terminal end of the first arm; a first lock post; wherein each of the telescoping tubes of the first arm comprises at least one hole; and wherein the first lock post is selectively positionable between an unlocked position wherein relative movement between the telescoping tubes is enabled; and a locked position wherein the lock post restricts relative movement of the telescoping tubes of the first arm; a second arm rotatably engaging the center post adjacent an initial end of the second arm, the second arm comprising telescoping tubes enabling selective adjustment of a distance Separating the initial end of the second arm from a terminal end of the second arm; a second lock post; wherein each of the telescoping tubes of the second arm comprises at least one hole; and wherein the second lock post is selectively positionable between an unlocked position wherein relative movement the telescoping tubes is enabled; and a locked position wherein the second lock post restricts relative movement of the telescoping tubes of the second arm; a primary support pillar having a deck ground-engaging end and a seat-engaging end that engages a first seat, the primary support pillar engaging the first arm adjacent a terminal end of the first arm; a secondary support pillar having a deck ground engaging end and a seat engaging end that engages a second seat, the secondary support pillar engaging the second arm adjacent a terminal end of the second arm; wherein the first arm and second arm are independently rotatable about the center post and at least one of the first arm and the second arm comprises a collar positioned adjacent its terminal end; and wherein the respective support pillar slidably engages within said collar.",
    "2. The system as in claim 1, wherein the collar further comprises a first collar positioned adjacent the terminal end of the first arm; wherein, the primary support pillar slidably engages within the first collar.",
    "3. The system as in claim 1, further comprising a central collar positioned adjacent the initial end of the first arm; wherein, the center post engages within the central collar.",
    "4. The system as in claim 1, wherein the collar further comprises a second collar positioned adjacent the terminal end of the second arm; wherein, the secondary support pillar slidably engages within the second collar.",
    "5. The system as in claim 1, further comprising a middle collar positioned adjacent the initial end of the second arm; wherein, the center post passes through the middle collar.",
    "6. The system as in claim 1, wherein the first lock post includes a means for biasing the first lock post into the locked position.",
    "7. The system as in claim 1, wherein the second lock post includes a means for biasing the second lock post into the locked position.",
    "8. The system as in claim 1, further comprising a first seat mounted adjacent the seat-engaging end of the primary support pillar.",
    "9. The system as in claim 1, further comprising a second seat mounted adjacent the seat engaging end of the secondary support pillar.",
    "10. The system as in claim 1, further comprising: aligned holes on each of the telescoping tubes of the first arm; and wherein the first lock post engages within respectively aligned holes when in the locked position.",
    "11. The system as in claim 1, further comprising a base positioned at the ground engaging end of each of the primary and secondary support pillars.",
    "12. The system as in claim 11, the base including at least one of a roller or a cushion for reducing friction when the secondary support pillar is moved relative the ground."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The invention is a system and method for supporting a pair of seats. While a best mode for using the invention incorporates a system including a boat, the invention is well-suited for use in other applications and environments as well. For example, many fishing boats are equipped with brackets and mounts for a single chair, which precludes one from fishing alongside another person. The invention herein disclosed allows to persons to sit adjacent one another.\n\nThe invention is an inventive system and an inventive method, each for supporting a pair of seats.\n\nThe Inventive System\n\nThe inventive system requires a center post, and a first arm that rotatably engages the center post adjacent its initial end. The system also requires a second arm rotatably engaging the center post adjacent from its initial end.\n\nMoreover, the system includes a primary support pillar with a ground engaging end and a seat-engaging end. The primary support pillar engages the first arm adjacent a terminal end of the first arm. Analogously, the system also comprises a secondary support pillar with a ground engaging end and a seat engaging end. The secondary support pillar engages the second arm adjacent a terminal end of the second arm.\n\nA preferred embodiment of the inventive system includes a first collar positioned adjacent a terminal end of the first arm. In this embodiment, the primary support pillar slidably engages within the first collar. The system may also include a central collar positioned adjacent an initial end of the first arm. The center post may engage within the central collar.",
  "cpc": [
    "B63B 29/06",
    "A47C 15/004",
    "A47C 7/004",
    "B63B 2029/043",
    "B63B 29/04"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B63B 29/06",
    "B63B 29/04"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Dub-L-Seat LLC"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "John Thomason"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2017-04-15",
  "publication_date": "2019-09-10",
  "grant_date": "2019-09-10",
  "priority_date": "2016-04-20",
  "application_number": "US-201715488463-A",
  "family_id": "60088817",
  "cited_by_count": 5,
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}