Shock-mitigating bolster

• US 20070001491A1
• Filed: 06/29/2005
• Published: 01/04/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Stidd Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Stidd Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: DiGregorio, Robert, Marotta, Christopher
• Granted Patent: US 7,293,830 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 297/216.100
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/503 attached to the backrest B60N2/504 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/505 Adjustable suspension including height adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/507 Parallelogram-like structure
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/544 Compression or tension springs B60N2/542 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 29/04 Furniture peculiar to vessels floatable furniture B63C9/30

Abstract

A personal support device having particular utility for use by personnel in high-performance surface watercraft comprises a bolster adapted and dimensioned to support an occupant for shock isolation from accelerations experienced by the vessel. The bolster is mounted by pivot means extending between the bolster and a back plate which is rigidly mounted to the vessel. The pivot means permit the bolster to pivot in an arc with respect to the back plate. A shock absorber extends between the back plate and bolster to dampen the accelerations which would otherwise be passed to the bolster by the pivot means from the back plate. The bolster is capable of supporting a user in a standing position or receiving a seat assembly to allow an occupant to be seated.

Claims

1. A personnel support device, comprising a back plate adapted to be rigidly mounted to a structure;

a bolster adapted and dimensioned to support an occupant for shock isolation from accelerations experienced by the structure;

pivot means extending between the back plate and the bolster to permit the bolster to pivot in an arc with respect to the back plate; and

a shock absorber extending between the back plate and bolster.

2. The personnel support. device of claim 1, wherein the pivot means comprise first and second sets of pivot arms.

3. The personnel support device of claim 2, wherein the bolster comprises a bolster frame having side wings and a footrest supported by side struts, the pivot arms being mounted to side walls of the back plate and the side wings.

4. The personnel support device of claim 2 wherein the shock absorber comprises a parallel combination of a damper and spring.

5. The personnel support device of claim 4 wherein the shock absorber includes means for adjusting a preload to accommodate occupants of different weights.