Adjustable seating system

A seating system for use in a watercraft is disclosed. The seating system comprises a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft, a pad coupled to the seat pan and adapted to provide a seating surface for the user, and a back rest coupled to the seat pan. The seating system further comprises a first adjustment mechanism configured to provide for and aft adjustment of the seating position, a second adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the back rest without having to exit the watercraft, and a third adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the seating surface.

 

What is claimed is:

1. A seating system for use in a watercraft and configured to provide an adjustment seating position for a user of the watercraft, the seating system comprising:

a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft;

a pad coupled to the seat pan and adapted to provide a seating surface for the user;

a back rest coupled to the seat pan;

a first adjustment mechanism configured to provide fore and aft adjustment of the seating position;

a second adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the back rest without having to exit the watercraft; and

a third adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the seating surface.

2. The seating system of claim 1 wherein the first adjustment mechanism comprising a first member coupled to the back rest and a second member pivotally coupled to the seat pan, wherein the back rest, first member and second member pivot between a first position where the back rest is retained in place and a second position where the first member and back rest are slidably movable relative to the second member.

3. The seating system of claim 1 wherein the second adjustment mechanism comprises a strap and a locking device, the strap having a first end coupled to the back rest and a second end releasably retained by the locking device.

4. The seating system of claim 1 wherein the third adjustment mechanism is configured to provide adjustment of the seating surface wherein the seating surface is movable between a first position and a second position.

5. A seating system for use in a watercraft and configured to provide a seating position for a user of the watercraft, the seating system comprising:

a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft;

a pad coupled to the seat pan and adapted to provide a seating surface for a user of the watercraft;

a back rest coupled to the seat pan;

an adjustment mechanism configured to provide height adjustment to the back rest, the adjustment mechanism comprising a first member coupled to the back rest and a second member pivotally coupled to the seat pan, wherein the back rest, first member and second member pivot between a first position where the back rest is retained in place and a second position where the first member and back rest are slidably movable relative to the second member.

6. The seating system of claim 5 wherein the second member is pivotally coupled to the seat pan by a bracket and a pin.

7. The seating system of claim 5 wherein in the adjustment mechanism further comprises a pin that engages an aperture when the back rest, first member, and second member are in the first position.

8. The seating system of claim 7 wherein the pin extends from the seat pan.

9. The seating system of claim 8 wherein the aperture is located on the first member.

10. The seating system of claim 5 further comprising a biasing device that urges the second member towards the first position.

11. The seating system of claim 10 wherein the biasing device is a bungee cord.

12. A seating system for use in a watercraft and configured to provide an adjustment seating position for a user of the watercraft, the seating system comprising:

a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft;

a pad coupled to the seat pan and adapted to provide a seating surface for a user of the watercraft;

a back rest coupled to the seat pan;

an adjustment mechanism configured to provide fore and aft adjustment of the seating position,

a rope coupling the back rest to the adjustment device;

wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a strap and a locking device, the strap having a first end coupled to the rope and a second end releasably retained by the locking device.

13. The seating system of claim 12 wherein the fore and aft adjustment is provide by pivotal movement of the back rest.

14. The seating system of claim 13 wherein the back rest is pivotal between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position of the back rest provides a forward seating position and the second position provides a rearward seating position.

15. The seating system of claim 12 wherein the locking device is a camlock buckle.

16. A seating system for use in a watercraft and configured to provide a seating position for a user of the watercraft, the seating system comprising:

a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft;

a pad coupled to the seat pan and adapted to provide a seating surface for a user of the watercraft;

a back rest coupled to the seat pan;

an adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the seating surface wherein the seating surface is movable between a first position and a second position.

17. A seating system for use in a watercraft and configured to provide a seating position for a user of the watercraft, the seating system comprising:

a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft;

a pad coupled to the seat pan and adapted to provide a seating surface for a user of the watercraft;

a back rest coupled to the seat pan;

an adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the seating surface wherein the seating surface is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises an inflatable bag and an inflation mechanism coupled to the inflatable bag.

18. The seating system of claim 17 wherein the inflation mechanism is located at a front portion of the seat pan.

19. The seating system of claim 17 wherein the inflatable bag is located between the pad and the seat pan.

20. The seating system of claim 17 wherein the inflatable bag is located between the seat pan and the watercraft.

21. The seating system of claim 17 further comprising a first tube coupling the inflation mechanism to an exhaust port of the inflatable bag.

22. The seating system of claim 17 further comprising a second tube coupled to an intake port of the inflation mechanism.

23. The seating system of claim 16 wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises one or more straps configured to alter the configuration of the seat pad.

24. The seating system of claim 23 wherein the seat pad comprises hip pad portions and the one or more straps are configured to move the hip portions between a first position and a second position.

25. A seating system for use in a watercraft and configured to provide a seating position for a user of the watercraft, the seating system comprising:

a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft;

a pad coupled to the seat pan and adapted to provide a seating surface for a user of the watercraft;

a back rest coupled to the seat pan;

a means for adjusting the height of the back rest;

a means for adjusting the fore and aft sitting position; and

a means for adjusting the support provided by the pad.

26. The seating system of claim 25 wherein the means for adjusting the height of the back rest comprises a first member coupled to the back rest and a second member pivotally coupled to the seat pan, wherein the back rest, first member and second member pivot between a first position where the back rest is retained in place and a second position where the first member and back rest are slidably movable relative to the second member.

27. The seating system of claim 25 wherein the means for adjusting the fore and aft sitting position comprises a strap and a locking device, the strap having a first end coupled to the back rest and a second end releasably retained by the locking device.

28. The seating system of claim 25 wherein the means for adjusting the support provided by the pad is configured to provide adjustment of the seating surface wherein the seating surface is movable between a first position and a second position.

29. A method of adjusting a seating position provided by a seating system for use in a watercraft, the method comprising:

providing a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft, a pad adapted to provide a seating surface for a user, a back rest coupled to the seat pan, and a first adjustment mechanism;

operating the first adjustment mechanism to provide fore and aft adjustment of the seating position of the user;

operating a second adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the back rest without having to exit the watercraft; and

operating a third adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the seating surface.

30. The seating system of claim 29 wherein operating the second adjustment mechanism comprises pivoting the back rest to disengage a locking mechanism and selectively adjusting the height of the back rest.

31. The seating system of claim 29 wherein operating the first adjustment mechanism comprises disengaging a buckle, adjusting the length of a strap that extends from the buckle, and engaging the buckle.

32. The seating system of claim 29 wherein operating the third adjustment mechanism comprises altering the seating surface.

33. The seating system of claim 32 wherein altering the seating surface comprises inflating an inflatable bag.

34. The seating system of claim 32 wherein altering the seating surface comprises adjusting one or more straps.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to seating systems. In particular, the present invention relates to seating systems that are adjustable to accommodate different anatomies. Even more particular, the present invention relates to adjustment seating systems for use in kayaks or other similar watercraft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sit-in kayaks typically include a hull having a bottom, sides and a top with an opening allowing a kayaker to sit inside the kayak. Such kayaks are typically provided with a seat disposed within the opening inside the kayak and a pair of thigh pads or braces secured to an inside surface of the top of the kayak. The seat typically includes a seat pan upon which a user's buttock rests, a back rest disposed behind the seat pan, and hip pads located on opposite sides of the seat pan. To accommodate different anatomies, the back rest is typically provided with an adjustable height by an adjustment mechanism typically located behind the back rest. Because the adjustment mechanism is located behind the back rest, any such adjustment must be performed while the kayaker is not seated within the kayak. As a result, attaining a proper back rest height requires that a kayaker repeatedly exit and adjust the seat back rest. The hip pads are typically not adjustable in that such pads are usually cut and customized for one particular kayaker's anatomy. Once customized, such hip pads may not be usable with other kayakers having different anatomies.

The thigh pads or braces typically extend along an inside surface of a top of the kayak forward the opening and underlying cockpit. Such thigh pads are provided as a bearing surface against which the kayaker may brace his or her thighs when positioned within the kayak. Although stabilizing the kayaker within the hull of the kayak, such thigh pads are typically excessively spaced from the internal bottom of seat pan, requiring the kayaker to bend his or her knees and to possibly assume an unnatural and uncomfortable posture within the kayak. Alternatively, the thigh pads or braces may be too closely spaced to the internal bottom of the kayak or the seat pan which results in the brace pads or braces excessively and uncomfortably pinching the kayaker's legs.

Thus, there is a continuing need for a seating system for a kayak that accommodates different anatomies. In particular, there is a continuing need for a kayak seating system having an easily adjustable back rest. There is also a continuing need for a kayak seating system having easily adjustable hip pads which may be adjusted for multiple kayakers having different anatomies. Furthermore, there is a continuing need for a kayak seating system that enables a kayaker to assume a natural or comfortable posture within the kayak while attaining sufficient bracing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a seating system for use in a watercraft and configured to provide an adjustable seating position for a user of the watercraft. The seating system comprises a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft, a pad coupled to the seat pan and adapted to provide a seating surface for the user, and a back rest coupled to the seat pan. The seating system further comprises a first adjustment mechanism configured to provide for and aft adjustment of the seating position, a second adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the back rest without having to exit the watercraft, and a third adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the seating surface.

The present invention also relates to a seating system for use in a watercraft and configured to provide a seating position for a user of the watercraft. The seating system comprises a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft, a pad coupled to the seat pan and adapted to provide a seating surface for a user of the watercraft, a back rest coupled to the seat pan, and an adjustment mechanism configured to provide height adjustment to the back rest. The first adjustment mechanism comprises a first member coupled to the back rest and a second member pivotally coupled to the seat pan. The back rest, first member and second member pivot between a first position where the back rest is retained in place and a second position where the first member and back rest are slidably movable relative to the second member.

The present invention further relates to a seating system for use in a watercraft and configured to provide an adjustable seating position for a user of the watercraft. The seating system comprises a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft, a pad coupled to the seat pan and adapted to provide a seating surface for a user of the watercraft, a back rest coupled to the seat pan, an adjustment mechanism configured to provide fore and aft adjustment of the seating position, a rope coupling the back rest to the adjustment device. The adjustment mechanism comprises a strap and a locking device. The strap has a first end coupled to the rope and a second end releasably retained by the locking device.

The present invention further relates to a seating system for use in a watercraft and configured to provide a seating position for a user of the watercraft. The seating system comprises a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft, a pad coupled to the seat pan and adapted to provide a seating surface for a user of the watercraft, a back rest coupled to the seat pan, and an adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the seating surface. The seating surface is movable between a first position and a second position.

The present invention further relates to a seating system for use in a watercraft and configured to provide a seating position for a user of the watercraft. The seating system comprises a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft, a pad coupled to the seat pan and adapted to provide a seating surface for a user of the watercraft, a back rest coupled to the seat pan, a means for adjusting the height of the back rest, means for adjusting the fore and aft sitting position; and means for adjusting the support provided by the cushion.

The present invention further relates to a method of adjusting a seating position provided by a seating system for use in a watercraft. The method comprises providing a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft, a pad adapted to provide a seating surface for a user, a back rest coupled to the seat pan, and a first adjustment mechanism, operating the first adjustment mechanism to adjust the seating position of the user without the user having to exit the watercraft.

The present invention further relates to various features and combinations of features shown and described in the disclosed embodiments. Other ways in which the objects and features of the disclosed embodiments are accomplished will be described in the following specification or will become apparent to those skilled in the art after they have read this specification. Such other ways are deemed to fall within the scope of the disclosed embodiments if they fall within the scope of the claims which follow.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a kayak with a seating system according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the seating system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are bottom perspective views of seating systems according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view the seating system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a seat pan and seat pad for the seating system.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a console and controls for an adjustment mechanism for the seating system.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the seating system.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the seating system taken along the line 2—2.

FIG. 9 is a seating system according to an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a seating system according to another alternative embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a seating system according to another alternative embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a seating system according to another alternative embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a seating system according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the seating system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the seating system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a rear elevation view of the seating system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of a console and controls for adjustment mechanisms.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a back rest of the seating system pivoted to disengage the back rest adjustment mechanism.

Before explaining a number preferred, exemplary, and alternative embodiments of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are top perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable seating system 10, seating system 10 generally includes seat pan 12, back rest 14, seat pad 16, hip adjusters 17, thigh braces 18, and tilt adjustment mechanism 20. Seat pan 12 generally serves as a base structure to which back rest 14 and pad 16 are mounted. Seat pan 12 further interacts with tilt adjustment mechanism 20 to vary the positioning of the kayaker's thighs against thigh braces 18. Seat pan 12 is best shown in FIGS. 4 and 3A, and 3B. Seat pan 12 generally includes central portion 24, back portion 26, side portions 28, 30, and front portion 32. In the embodiment illustrated, central portion 24, rear portion 26, side portions 28, 30, and front portion 32 are integrally formed as part of a single unitary body. Portions 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 are preferably thermoformed from a rigid material such as polyethylene. Alternatively, portions 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 may be individually formed and glued, fastened, welded or otherwise secured to one another or may be formed from a variety of alternative materials using a variety of alternative molding or fabrication techniques. Central portion 24 extends between portions 26, 28, 30 and 32 and forms a basin for supporting the kayaker's buttock. Central portion 24 preferably includes a pair of openings 34 adjacent side portions 28, 30. As will be described in greater detail thereafter, openings 34 receive portions of pad 16 to facilitate the retention of pad 16 relative to seat pan 12 above central portion 24 and to further permit pad 16 to extend below central portion 24 and seat pan 12 between seat pan 12 and the inner hull of the watercraft or other structure in which seating system 10 is employed. Alternatively, openings 34 may be omitted wherein pad 16 is merely glued, bonded, fastened or otherwise secured to seat pan 12 and wherein an additional pad is preferably secured to an underside of pan 12 between pan 12 and the watercraft.

Back portion or rear portion 26 extends opposite front portion 32 and extends upwardly from central portion 24. Back portion 26 provides a rear terminal point for seat pan 12 while providing the kayaker with some back support.

Side portions 28 and 30 extend on opposite sides of central portion 24 and are generally configured to be mounted to the hull of the kayak or watercraft in which seating system 10 is employed. Side portions 28 and 30 further serve as side terminal portions to seat pan 12. As further shown by FIG. 4, side portions 28 and 30 include openings 36. Openings 36 facilitate the adjustment of pad 16 to accommodate kayakers having different anatomies proximate the kayaker's hips and upper thighs. As will be appreciated, the exact size and shape of openings 34, as well as openings 36, may vary depending upon the exact configuration of the seating system.

Front portion 32 extends forwardly from central portion 24 and is configured to support a portion of pad 16 as well the kayaker's middle to lower thighs. Front portion 32 includes console 40 and tilt slots 42. Console 40 generally comprises a recess or cavity preferably centrally located between opposite sides of seat pan 12 along a frontward-most portion of seat pan 12. Console 40 is preferably configured and located so as to be positioned between the kayaker's legs when the kayaker is seated in seating system 10. Console 40 receives adjustment controls for back rest 14. Because console 40 is recessed, such controls may be covered by a hatch cap. Alternatively, console 40 may not be recessed.

Tilt slots 42 comprise cuts or slits formed between front portion 32 and side portions 28, 30. Slots 42 facilitate pivotal movement of front portion 32 relative to central portion 24 and side portions 28, 30. In particular, slots 42 enable front portion to pivot about an integral or living hinge. As a result, front portion 32 may be pivoted upward and downward by tilt adjustment mechanism 20 to adjust the spacing between the upper surface of pad 16 and thigh braces 18. Alternatively, in lieu of pivoting about a living hinge, front portion 32 may be pivotably coupled to the remainder of seat pan 12 per various other pivoting mechanisms or structures such as hinges, pins and the like.

Once again referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, back rest 14 mounts to and generally extends rearwardly from seat pan 12. Back rest 14 includes back plate 46, pad 48, cable or rope 50, adjustment mechanism 52, tongue 54, and adjustment mechanism 56. Back plate 46 and pad 48 are joined or secured to one another to form an upper back support 58. FIG. 4 illustrates back support 58 in greater detail. Back plate 46 of back support 58 is a generally rigid member affixed to tongue 54. Back plate 46 includes scallops 60 and recess 62. Scallops 60 and recess 62 provide areas for facilitating gripping of back support 58. Recess 62 forms a handle area. As a result, back support 58 may be easily raised and lowered for adjustment. Pad 48 comprises a soft, compressible padding against which a seated kayaker's back rests.

Rope 50 comprises a flexible member coupled to back support 58, threaded through portions of seat pan 12 and coupled to adjustment mechanism 52. In the exemplary embodiment, one end of rope 50 is affixed to seat pan 12 and the other end of rope 50 is secured to adjustment mechanism 52. In the exemplary embodiment, rope 50 is preferably threaded through back plate 46 as shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, rope 50 may be coupled to back support 58 and further coupled to adjustment mechanism 52 by various other means and at or along various other locations.

Adjustment mechanism 52 is coupled to rope 50 and is located in console 40 of seat pan 12. Adjustment mechanism 52 is configured to adjust the length of rope 50 extending between back support 58 and seat pan 12 to adjust the tension of rope 50 and to adjust the fore and aft positioning of back support 58 relative to seat pan 12. Because adjustment mechanism 52 is located in console 40 of seat pan 12, this adjustment may be easily achieved by the kayaker while seated by simply reaching between his or her legs and accessing mechanism 52. Adjustment mechanism 52 preferably comprises a conventionally known straight cam-ratchet oriet consisting of a toothed belt secured to rope 50 and a cam pivotably coupled to seat pan 12. Alternatively, various other presently known or future developed mechanisms may be employed to adjust the length or tension of rope 50.

Tongue 54 extends between back support 58 and seat pan 12 to elevate back support 58 above seat pan 12. Tongue 54 is coupled to back support 58 comprises a strip of material having sufficient rigidity so as to support back support 58 in position above seat pan 12 while being borne against by a kayaker's back, yet flexible enough to enable tongue 54 to be slidably adjusted along seat pan 12. In the exemplary embodiment, tongue 54 is formed from a strip of polyethylene having a thickness of approximately 3/16ths of an inch. As will be appreciated, the thickness and material of tongue 54 may be varied depending upon the application. As further shown by FIG. 4, tongue 54 includes an elongate slot 66 sized for the reception of adjustment mechanism 56.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the securement of tongue 54 and back support 58 to seat pan 12. Seat pan 12 additionally includes straps 68 which are fastened to a bottom side of seat pan 12 so as to form aligned sleeves or guide ways for the slidable reception of tongue 54. Seat pan 12 additionally includes opening 70 extending through back portion 26 of seat pan 12. Tongue 54 slidably extends through opening 70 and the sleeves or guide ways provided by straps 68 such that slots 66 is positioned adjacent to and below console 40 of seat pan 12. Although tongue 54 is illustrated as being slidably supported and positioned by means of opening 70 and straps 68, various other structures or mechanisms may be used to slidably guide movement of tongue 54 relative to seat pan 12. For example, the underside of seat pan 12 may alternatively include integrally formed or molded guide ways.

FIG. 6 illustrates control mechanism 56 in greater detail. As shown by FIG. 6, control mechanism 56 comprises a member such as a thumb screw or knob 74 threadably engaging a bolt 76 passing through slot 66 and through seat pan 12. The rotation of knob 74 tightens or loosens bolt 76 against tongue 54 and against the underside of seat pan 12. To adjust a height of back support 58, the kayaker simply reaches down between his or her legs to console 40, turns knob 74 to loosen bolt 76, grasps back support 58 to slide tongue 54 along slot 66 to a desired height, and rotates knob 74 to re-tighten bolt 76 against tongue 54 and seat pan 12. As a result, the height of support 58 of back rest 14 may be easily adjusted to accommodate kayakers having different anatomies. This adjustment may be performed while the kayaker is generally seated within the kayak.

Although back rest 14 is illustrated as utilizing a bolt and knob received through a slot in tongue 54 to retain tongue 54 in any one of a plurality of positions along the axial length of slot 66 to provide back support 58 with a plurality of heights, various alternative mechanisms, presently known or future developed, may also be employed for allowing movement of tongue 54 and back support 58 between a plurality of positions and heights and for selectively retaining tongue 54 and back support 58 in one of a plurality of different positions and heights, respectively. For example, tongue 54 may alternatively be configured to ratchet between various positions wherein actuation of a knob located on control console 40 either releases the ratchet to enable tongue 54 to be slid or incrementally moves tongue 54. Various other adjustment and retention mechanisms may also be employed.

FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate pad 16 in greater detail. Pad 16 preferably consists of a single unitary body of compressible material such as foam. Pad 16 preferably has a thickness sufficient so as to provide adequate cushioning so that a kayaker is seated upon pad 16 and seat pan 12. Pad 16 generally includes central portion 84, front portions 86, 88, and side or hip portions 90, 92. Central portion 84 generally comprises a portion of pad 16 configured to overlie central portion 24 of seat pan 12. Central portion 84 has a top surface configured to contact the kayaker and an opposite bottom surface bearing against seat pan 12. As best shown by FIG. 4, the bottom surface of central portion 84 includes projections 94. Projections 94 are sized and configured to extend through openings 34 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) of seat pan 12 and extend below seat pan 12. As shown by FIG. 5, each projection 94 preferably includes a groove or undercut 96 configured to receive the edge of seat pan 12 about a respective opening 34. Projections 94 engage seat pan 12 about openings 34 to retain pad 16 in place relative to seat pan 12. Although less desirable, undercuts 96 may be omitted. Projections 94 further extend below seat pan 12 to provide a cushioning layer between seat pan 12 and the inside surface of the hull of the watercraft in which system 10 is located. To further retain pad 16 relative to pan 12, adhesive, fasteners, welds, fusion bonds or other means may be additionally employed between pad 16 and pan 12. Moreover, in particular embodiments, pad 16 may be co-molded as part of seat pan 12. In alternative embodiments, projections 94 may be omitted wherein the lower surface of central portion 84 is simply secured to a bottom side of central portion 24.

Front portions 86 and 88 of pad 16 are configured to overlie front portion 32 of seat pan 12. Front portions 86 and 88 extend on opposite sides of a central opening 98 formed therein which allows access to control console 40. Front portions 86 and 88 are also configured to pivot relative to central portion 84 enabling the top surfaces of front portions 86 and 88 to be adjustably spaced from side braces 18 (shown in FIG. 1). Although front portions 86 and 88 preferably pivot relative to central portion 84 about a natural living hinge created by the materials chosen for pad 16 and the relative thickness at the juncture of front portions 86, 88 and central portion 84, pivotal movement of front portions 86 and 88 may alternatively be enabled by other pivoting pins, hinges or similar structures. As shown by FIG. 9, pad 16 additionally includes a concealment panel or door 100 which removably fills or covers opening 98 and console 40 to prevent accidental actuation of mechanisms 52 and 56, to protect mechanisms 52 and 56 and to provide a padded surface for the kayaker to rest upon.

Side portions 90 and 92 extend upwardly from central portion 84 and are configured as well as located so as to engage the kayaker's hips and upper thighs when the kayaker is seated upon central portion 84. Although side portions 90 and 92 are described as generally flat planar surfaces, side portions 90 and 92 may be specifically contoured or shaped. Side portions 90 and 92 are preferably pivotable about one or more axes extending in a general fore and aft direction so as to conform to different anatomies of kayakers having different sized or shaped hips and upper thighs. In the particular embodiment illustrated, side portions 90 and 92 pivot and flex about a plurality of axes by means of a natural living hinge formed between side portions 90, 92 and central portion 84. Alternatively, side portions 90 and 92 may pivot about one or more such axes provided by other pivotal structures such as hinges and the like.

To facilitate movement and retention of side portions 90 and 92 between one of a plurality of different hip conforming positions, side portions 90 and 92 include side projections 104 which cooperate with hip adjusters 17 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Side projections 104 generally comprise a portion extending outward from the remainder of pad 16. In the particular embodiment illustrated, projections 104 are preferably wedge-shaped and are configured to extend through openings 36 in seat pan 12. Although projections 104 are illustrated as being integrally formed with the remainder of pad 16, projections 104 may alternatively be glued, welded, fused, fastened or otherwise secured to the remainder of pad 16. Moreover, although projections 104 are illustrated as being formed of the same somewhat compressible material as that of pad 16, projections 104 may alternatively be formed from rigid, uncompressible and inflexible material. Although illustrated as being wedge shaped, projections 104 may alternatively have other configurations such that actuation of hip adjuster 17 causes inward movement or allows outward movement of the inner hip engaging surface portions of side portions 90 and 92.

FIGS. 2 and 7 illustrate pad 16 mounted to seat pan 12. In particular, FIG. 5 illustrates the underside of seat pan 12 with projections 94 extending through openings 34. As discussed above, projections 94 retain pad 16 relative to seat pan 12 and provide a cushioning layer below seat pan 12, between seat pan 12 and the inner surface of the hull in which seating system 10 is employed.

FIGS. 2 and 7 illustrate hip adjusters 17 and their interaction with projections 104. As best shown by FIG. 7, each of hip adjusters 17 generally includes strap 106 and buckle 108. Strap 106 generally comprises an elongate flexible member formed out of flexible material such as nylon. Strap 106 has a first end 107 secured to seat pan 12 generally below projection 104 and a second end 109 extending through buckle 108. Strap 106 further extends through a slot or opening 112 in seat pan 12 such that buckle 108 is positioned on an opposite side of seat pan 12. Buckle 108 comprises a conventionally known buckle receiving strap 106 and positioned on either an upper or interior surface of seat pan 12. Buckle 108 is preferably sized and configured so as to engage seat pan 12 in at least one orientation such that buckle 108 cannot pass through slot 112.

As shown by FIG. 8, the hip conforming positioning of side portions 90 and 92 is adjusted by the kayaker pulling up or loosening straps 106 and adjusting the length of straps 106 between end 107 and slot 112 by means of buckle 108. In particular, to reduce the spacing between portions 90 and 92, a kayaker would simply pull up on straps 106 in the direction indicated by arrows 116 shown in FIG. 8. As a result, straps 106 would exert an inward force upon projections 104 in the directions indicated by arrows 118. This inward force would cause portions 90 and 92 to "squeeze in" about the kayaker as shown in FIG. 8. Once a comfortable hip-conforming position was attained, strap 106 is pulled through buckle 108 until buckle 108 abuts seat pan 12 adjacent slot 112 to retain portions 90 and 92 in place.

To enlarge or increase the spacing between portions 90 and 92, the reverse operation would be necessary. In particular, the kayaker would first pull strap 106 through buckle 108 to increase the length of strap 106 extending between slot 112 and end 107. This relaxation of strap 106 would allow portions 90 and 92 to move outward away from one another as the kayaker presses against portions 90 and 92.

Although hip adjusters 17 are illustrated as including a strap 106, buckle 108 and slot 112, hip adjusters 17 may comprise a variety of alternative mechanisms or structures which cause inward or outward movement of portions 90 and 92. For example, in lieu of utilizing buckle 108, hip adjusters 17 may use structures integrally formed with seat pan 12 to releasably retain strap 106 in one of a multitude of positions. In lieu of strap 106, a belt having teeth or more detent structures could be employed wherein the detent structures engage a male projection mounted to or integrally formed as part of seat pan 12, thus enabling releasable securement of the belt in a variety of positions. In yet another alternative embodiment, strap 106 and buckle 108 may be omitted wherein inflatable bags or bellows are positioned adjacent projections 104 outside seat pan 12 between projections 104 and either an additional structure coupled to pan 12 or between pan 12 and the outer hull of the watercraft such that inflation and deflation of the bag causes inward and outward movement of portion 90 or 92. In another alternative embodiment, openings 36 may be omitted such that seat pan 12 is generally imperforate, wherein the airbag or other linear actuators could be disposed between the inner surface of seat pan 12 and portions 90 and 92 of pad 16 to actuate portions 90 and 92 inwardly or outwardly as desired. Although each of the aforementioned alternatives performs the same advantageous functions, such alternative embodiments are less preferred due to possible complexity.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative pad 16′ for use in seating system 110. Pad 16′ is identical to pad 16 except that pad 16′ additionally includes contoured portions 122. Contour portions 122 better conform to the shape of the kayaker's hips and upper thighs. Portions 122 are preferably inserts which are releasably attached to the remainder of pad 16′. Alternatively, portions 122<