FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a seat for a vehicle, wherein the seat comprises a movable seat cover.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicles (e.g. cars) have doors which are arranged to enable a passenger or driver to enter the vehicle from the side. Such a conventional door is typically hinged at a side of the vehicle, such that it is configured to open outwards to provide access to the inside of the vehicle. Flowever, use of a conventional door can in some cases be awkward or inconvenient, as a person may need to crouch or bend over in order to enter the vehicle, thus making entering and exiting the vehicle difficult. This may be especially the case where the vehicle has small dimensions and/or is close to the ground.

To address this issue, some vehicles are provided with doors that enable a passenger or driver to enter the vehicle from above, which may facilitate entering and exiting the vehicle. Such a door may include part of a roof of the vehicle, so that when the door is opened it is possible to enter the vehicle from above. This may avoid having to crouch or bend over in order to enter the vehicle. An example of such a door is a gull-wing door, where the door is hinged at the roof of the vehicle so that it opens upwards. Another example of such a door is a canopy door, which can typically include the windscreen and part of the roof of the vehicle and is arranged to open by pivoting forward or backward relative to the vehicle. Gull-wing doors and canopy doors are currently used in many types of vehicles, including, for example, cars and aircraft.

When entering a vehicle via a gull-wing door or canopy door, a person may typically enter foot-first into the vehicle and then lower themselves into a seat of the vehicle. Entering the vehicle in this manner may result in the person stepping on the seat, as the seat may provide a convenient surface for supporting their weight as they lower themselves into the vehicle. While exiting, the same steps may be performed in reverse, which may also result in the person stepping on the seat. Flowever, stepping on the seat could result in damage to the seat, as well as dirt being deposited on the seat, which may then transfer to the person’s clothes when they sit down. Alternatively, the person may try to place their feet directly in a footwell in front of the seat in order to avoid stepping on the seat. Flowever, the footwell may be difficult to reach from above, e.g. due to placement of the steering wheel or other vehicle systems. Therefore, to place their feet directly in the footwell when entering the vehicle, the person may need to support most of their weight using their upper body when lowering themselves into the car, which may require a significant amount of upper body strength. Entry into and exit from the vehicle may be rendered even more difficult when the seat is in a reclined position, as the horizontal length of the seat may be increased when reclined, and this may partially obscure the footwell and/or make the location of the footwell further from the door of the vehicle. A reclined seat may also make it difficult for the person to support themselves using a seat back of the seat while entering and exiting the vehicle.

In some cases, a canopy door may be designed to provide improved access to the footwell when it is opened, to avoid having to step onto the seat when entering and exiting the vehicle. This may present significant engineering challenges however, as it may involve making various systems of the vehicle (e.g. the steering wheel and/or dashboard) movable with the canopy door to provide access to the footwell.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

At its most general, the present invention provides a seat for a vehicle having a movable seat cover, the seat cover being movable relative to the seat in order to selectively expose one of a first surface and a second surface of the seat. For example, one of the first and second surface may be used as a seating surface for seating an occupant of the vehicle, whilst the other one of the first and second surface may be used as a stepping surface to facilitate entering and/or exiting the vehicle. Thus, when entering the vehicle, the seat cover may be moved relative to the seat in order to avoid stepping on a surface of the seat which is used for sitting. For example, when a user enters the vehicle, the seat cover may be moved so that the stepping surface of the seat is exposed, and the user may step onto the stepping surface to enter the vehicle. Then, once the user is in the vehicle, the seat cover may be moved so that the seating surface is exposed, so that the user may sit on the seating surface.

As a result, the seat of the invention may enable damage to the seating surface to be avoided, as well as prevent dirt from being deposited on the seating surface, when a user enters and/or exits the vehicle. This may prevent a user from dirtying themselves when sitting in the seat, and improve overall hygiene of the seat. Additionally, the seat of the invention may facilitate entry into the vehicle, by enabling the occupant to step on the stepping surface of the seat and support a large portion of their weight with their feet when entering the vehicle. This may avoid a user having to support a large portion of their weight using their upper body when entering the vehicle. The seat of the invention may be particularly beneficial for vehicles where entry into the vehicle is from above, e.g. vehicles having gull-wing doors or a canopy door. For example, the seat of the invention may be used in a car having small dimensions and/or which is close to the ground, and where entry into the car is at least partially from above (e.g. via a gull-wing door or a canopy door). Indeed, as noted above, the seat of the invention may enable a user to step onto a stepping surface of the seat when entering and/or exiting the vehicle, without causing damage to, or dirtying of, a seating surface of the seat.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a seat for a vehicle, the seat comprising: a base; a seat cover; and a moving mechanism connected to the seat cover and configured to enable movement of the seat cover relative to the base to selectively expose one of a first surface and a second surface of the seat over the base.

The seat is suitable for use in a vehicle, and may be arranged to receive an occupant (e.g. driver or passenger) of the vehicle.

Herein, a vehicle may refer to any type of vehicle, including land vehicles, aircraft and watercraft. For example, the vehicle may comprise a car (such as a road car or a race car), an off-road vehicle, or a truck. As another example, the vehicle may comprise an aeroplane, in which case the seat may be a pilot seat for an aeroplane. In a further example, the vehicle may comprise a boat, in which case the seat may be a pilot seat for the boat.

The base of the seat may correspond to a portion of the seat on or over which the occupant may sit. In other words the base of the seat may be arranged to receive a posterior and upper legs of the occupant. Thus, the base may be arranged to support a weight of the occupant when the occupant is in the seat. The base may include a cushion for receiving the occupant, e.g. in order to improve their comfort. The base of the seat may be arranged to be mounted on, or otherwise connected to, a floor of the vehicle. In some cases, the base of the seat may be integrally formed as part of the vehicle.

The seat may further include a seat back, against which the occupant of the seat may rest their back. The seat back may include a headrest, against which the occupant of the seat may rest their head. The seat back may be coupled to the base of the seat. A position (e.g. angle) of the seat back relative to the base may be adjustable via any suitable mechanism. This may enable the occupant to adjust the seat back to a comfortable position.

The seat cover is movable relative to the base by means of the moving mechanism. The moving mechanism may be actuatable or operable in order to move the seat cover relative to the base. The moving mechanism may include any suitable mechanical and/or electrical assembly for enabling and/or controlling relative movement between the seat cover and the base. For example, the moving mechanism may include a movable coupling or connection between the seat cover and the base to enable relative movement between the seat cover and the base. In some examples, the moving mechanism may include an actuator (e.g. mechanical or electrical actuator) which is operable to move the seat cover relative to the base.

In some cases, the moving mechanism may be manually operable to move the seat cover relative to the base. Additionally or alternatively, the moving mechanism be electrically and/or hydraulically powered, e.g. the moving mechanism may include an electrical motor for moving the seat cover relative to the base.

The seat cover may include any suitable component that is movable relative to the base to selectively expose the first surface or the second surface over the base. For example, the seat cover may include a piece of material that is movable relative to the base.

In some embodiments, one of the first surface and the second surface may be defined on the base, whilst the other one of the first surface and the second surface may be defined on the seat cover. Then, the seat cover may be moved relative to the base in order to cover or expose the surface defined on the base.

The moving mechanism is configured to enable a selected one of the first surface and the second surface of the seat to be exposed over the base. Enabling one of the first surface and second surface of the seat to be selectively exposed over the base may enable a user to select which surface to expose over the base when they are entering and/or exiting the vehicle, and which surface to expose over the base when they are sitting in the seat. For example, the user may choose to expose the first surface over the base when they are entering and/or exiting the vehicle, and they may choose to expose the second surface over the base when they are sitting in the seat. In this manner, a different surface may be exposed over the base when the user is entering and/or exiting the vehicle compared to when they are sitting in the seat. This may avoid damage to, and dirtying of, the second surface (which the user uses for sitting in this example) when they are entering and/or exiting the vehicle. As a result, hygiene of the surface which the user uses for sitting may be improved.

Herein, when one of the first surface and the second surface is exposed over the base, this may mean that the one of the first surface and the second surface is disposed over the base (e.g. at an upper surface of the base) and exposed (e.g. not covered) to receive an occupant when they step or sit on the seat. Thus, the surface that is exposed over the base may effectively act as a receiving surface of the seat for receiving the occupant when they step or sit on the seat. So, in other words, the moving mechanism may be configured to enable movement of the seat cover relative to the base to select one of the first surface and the second surface as a receiving surface of the seat. In some embodiments, one of the first surface and the second surface may be a seating surface for seating an occupant of the vehicle. In this manner, a user may select to expose the seating surface when seating themselves in the seat.

In some embodiments, one of the first surface and the second surface may be a stepping surface for stepping into and/or out of the vehicle. In this manner, a user may select to expose the stepping surface when they are entering/exiting the vehicle.

So, in embodiments where one of the first surface and the second surface is a seating surface, the other one of the first surface and the second surface may be a stepping surface. As an example, the first surface of the seat may correspond to the seating surface, and the second surface of the seat may correspond to the stepping surface (or vice versa). Then, the user may select to expose the stepping surface when they are entering/exiting the vehicle, and the seating surface when they are seating themselves in the seat.

The seating surface and the stepping surface may include different materials. In this manner, the materials of the seating surface and the stepping surface may be tailored to their specific uses. For example, the seating surface may be configured to provide a comfortable seating surface for the occupant, whilst the stepping surface may be configured to provide a stable footing for the occupant and be easily cleanable.

The seating surface may include conventional car seat material, such as a soft or supple material, in order to improve the occupant’s comfort when seated on the seating surface. For example, the seating surface may include leather, a leather-like material (e.g. faux-leather), or fabric. The seating surface may be formed on a cushion or cushion-like material (e.g. foam pad), to provide comfortable seating. The seating surface may be ergonomically shaped for receiving the occupant in a seated position.

The stepping surface may include a non-absorbent material, e.g. to facilitate cleaning and removal of dirt from the stepping surface. For example, the stepping surface may be made of a plastic material having a smooth surface. The stepping surface may include a rigid material, such as a carbon fibre or plastic material. This may ensure that adequate support is provided to the user when they step onto the stepping surface.

The stepping surface may include an anti-slip surface, to prevent the user from slipping when they step onto the stepping surface. In some cases, the anti-slip surface may comprise a textured surface (e.g. a textured plastic surface), such as a grooved or dimpled surface. In some cases, the anti-slip surface may be provided as a coating or cover (e.g. made of rubber or other anti-slip material) that is disposed on the stepping surface. For example, the stepping surface may be a carbon fibre surface with an anti-slip coating or cover. The anti-slip coating or cover may also serve to protect the stepping surface, e.g. it may provide scratch resistance. In some cases, the stepping surface may include a series of rubber strips (e.g. stiff textured rubber strips) which are arranged to prevent the user from slipping.

In some embodiments, the first surface may be disposed on the base of the seat and the second surface may be disposed on the seat cover, and the moving mechanism may be configured to enable movement of the seat cover between a covering position where it covers the first surface and an exposed position where it leaves the first surface exposed. In this manner, a user may choose whether the first surface or the second surface is exposed by moving the seat cover between the covering position and the exposed position. The second surface may be arranged on the seat cover such that when the seat cover is in the covering position, the second surface is exposed over the base. Thus, when the cover is in the covering position, the first surface may be covered whilst the second surface may be exposed over the base. When the cover is in the exposed position, the first surface on the base may be left exposed, such that the first surface is exposed over the base.

The seat cover may have a shape that substantially matches a shape of the first surface, such that the seat cover can effectively cover the first surface when in the covering position. For example, the seat cover may have a shape that is complementary to the first surface.

Where the stepping surface is on the seat base, an underside of the seat cover may come into contact with the stepping surface when the seat cover is in the covering position. The underside of the seat cover may be made of a material that is easy to clean and durable, e.g. to facilitate removal of dirt that may be transferred onto the underside of the seat cover from the stepping surface. For example, the underside of the seat cover may comprise a smooth material (e.g. plastic or carbon fibre).

In some embodiments, the stepping surface may include a drain hole. This may enable water and dirt to be disposed of via the drain hole, which may facilitate cleaning the stepping surface. The drain hole may be connected to a drain pipe, via which water and dirt may be disposed of. For example, where the stepping surface is on the seat base, the seat base may include a drain hole and drain pipe, for disposing of water and dirt from the stepping surface.

In some embodiments, the seat may include a suction mechanism configured to remove water, dirt, and/or debris from the stepping surface. This may facilitate keeping the stepping surface clean. The suction mechanism may include a suction inlet formed in the stepping surface, so that water, dirt, and/or debris on the stepping surface may be aspirated into suction inlet. In some examples, the stepping surface may include a porous material (e.g. a porous plastic) through which air is aspirated by the suction mechanism, so that water, dirt, and/or debris may be removed from the stepping surface by the suction mechanism. The suction mechanism may include a vacuum source (e.g. a fan) which is configured to aspirate air through the suction inlet and/or porous material of the stepping surface. The suction mechanism may further include a receptacle which is configured to receive (or capture) water, dirt, and/or debris removed from the stepping surface. For example, the vacuum source and/or receptacle of the suction mechanism may be disposed in the seat base.

The base may include a cavity which is arranged to receive a portion of the seat cover when the seat cover is in the covering position. This may facilitate positioning the seat cover in the covering position, as well as retaining the seat cover in the covering position. This may also facilitate providing a soft and comfortable seat over the rigid base. The first surface may be disposed in the cavity in the base. Thus, where the first surface is configured as a stepping surface, the stepping surface may be covered by the portion of the seat cover that is received in the cavity when the seat cover is in the covering position.

The seat cover may be pivotably mounted relative to the base, such that the seat cover is pivotable relative to the base between the covering position and the exposed position. In this manner, the seat cover may be pivoted relative to the base to select whether the first surface or the second surface is exposed over the base. This may facilitate moving the seat cover between the covering and exposed positions.

The moving mechanism may include any suitable means to enable the seat cover to pivot relative to the base. For example, the moving mechanism may include a pivotable coupling or connection between the seat cover and the base. Note that the seat cover and the base need not necessarily be directly coupled to one another. For example, the seat cover may be mounted on a support which is fixed relative to the base, the seat cover being pivotably mounted on the support such that it is pivotable relative to the base. In some cases, the seat cover may be pivotably mounted relative to the base via a hinge, e.g. the hinge may be connected between the seat cover and the base. In other cases, the seat cover may be pivotably mounted relative to the base via bendable or foldable connection between seat cover and the base.

The hinge may be arranged such that friction in the hinge holds the seat cover in the exposed position when the seat cover is placed in the exposed position. This may prevent the seat cover from accidentally falling into the covering position. Additionally or alternatively, a damping mechanism, such as a hydraulic damper, may be used in order to restrict a speed of motion of the seat cover relative to the base. This may, for example, avoid the seat cover slamming against the base. For example, the damping mechanism may be connected between the seat cover and the base, in order to restrict a speed of motion of the seat cover relative to the base. The damping mechanism may be configured such that the speed restriction only applies in one direction, e.g. when the seat cover is moved from the exposed position towards the covering position. In this manner, the seat cover may be quick to lift to the exposed position, but slow to fall to the covering position. This may also facilitate the user putting some of their weight on the cover when it is moved from the exposed position to the covering position, as the damping mechanism may prevent the seat cover from falling rapidly under the user’s weight. This may improve accessibility to the vehicle, as the seat cover may help to lower the occupant into the vehicle, which may reduce the need for upper body strength when entering the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the seat cover may be pivotable relative to the base about an axis that is disposed towards a rear of the base, the axis being in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the seat. In this manner, the seat cover may be pivoted towards a seat back disposed at the rear of the base when the seat cover is moved towards the exposed position. This may serve to ensure that the seat cover is out of the way when in the exposed position, so that a user can easily access the first surface on the base and subsequently the footwell. The rear of the base may correspond to an end of the base towards which an occupant’s back faces when they are seated in the seat, i.e. the rear of the base may correspond to an end of the base towards which a seat back of the seat is disposed.

Herein, a longitudinal direction of the seat may refer to a direction in which an occupant faces when they are seated in the seat. In particular, the longitudinal direction of the seat may be along a direction linking a rear of the seat (i.e. an end of the seat where the seat back is located) and a front of the seat. Where the seat is mounted in the vehicle such that it faces forward (i.e. in the direction of forward travel of the vehicle), the longitudinal direction of the seat may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the seat cover may be pivotably mounted to a seat back of the seat, such that the seat cover is pivotable relative to the seat back between the covering position and the exposed position. For example, a pivotable coupling (e.g. a hinge) may be provided between the seat cover and the seat back, to enable the seat cover to pivot relative to seat back. So, instead of being pivotably connected to the base, the seat cover may alternatively be pivotably coupled to the seat back. Features described above in relation to the pivotable connection between the seat cover and the base may similarly be applied to the pivotable connection between the seat cover and the seat back of these embodiments.

In some embodiments, the moving mechanism may comprise a biasing element arranged to bias the seat cover towards the exposed position. In this manner, the seat cover may automatically return to the exposed position, e.g. when it is not held in the covering position. Thus, the seat cover may leave the first surface on the base exposed, unless the seat cover is held in the covering position. This may facilitate use of the seat, as a user need not manually move the seat cover from the covering position to the exposed position.

As an example, the first surface may correspond to a stepping surface. Due to the biasing element, the seat cover may automatically return to the exposed position so that the stepping surface is exposed when the cover is not held in the covering position. This may facilitate entering and/or exiting the vehicle, as a user may not need to actively operate the moving mechanism to expose the stepping surface.

The biasing element may be any suitable element that exerts a force on the seat cover urging the seat cover towards the exposed position. The biasing element may include a spring (e.g. torsion spring, coil spring, air spring) or other suitable elastic (resilient) material such as rubber. In some cases, the biasing element may be mounted (i.e. connected) between the seat cover and the base or a floor of the vehicle.

By way of example, where the seat cover is pivotably mounted relative to the base, the biasing element may be arranged to apply a torque to the seat cover to urge the seat cover towards the exposed position. Thus, the biasing element may cause the seat cover to pivot relative to the base from the covering position to the exposed position.

In some embodiments, the moving mechanism may comprise a lock mechanism for retaining the seat cover in the covering position. In this manner, the lock mechanism may be used to ensure that the seat cover remains in the covering position. This may avoid, for example, unwanted movement of the seat cover relative to the base when the seat cover is in the covering position. The lock mechanism may include a locked state, in which the lock mechanism retains the seat cover in the covering position, and an unlocked state in which the lock mechanism does not retain the seat cover in the covering position, i.e. it allows relative movement between the seat cover and the base. The lock mechanism may be switched between the locked state or the unlocked state. In this manner, a user may easily control whether the seat cover is retained in the covering position or not.

The lock mechanism may include any suitable mechanical and/or electrical components for restricting motion of the seat cover relative to the base in order to retain the seat cover in the covering position when the lock mechanism is in the locked state. The lock mechanism may include a mechanism for reversibly securing (fastening) the seat cover to the base to retain the seat cover in the covering position.

Where the moving mechanism includes a biasing element arranged to bias the seat cover towards the exposed position, the lock mechanism may be arranged resist a force applied to the seat cover by the biasing element in order to retain the seat cover in the covering position. In this manner, when the lock mechanism is in the locked state, the lock mechanism may retain the seat cover in the covering position. Then, when the lock mechanism is switched to the unlocked state, the seat cover may move from the covering position to the exposed position, under action of the biasing element.

The lock mechanism may include a latch. The latch may be disposed on one of the seat cover and the base, and engageable with an engagement portion on the other one of the seat cover and the base. Thus, when the latch is engaged with the engagement portion, the lock mechanism may be in the locked state, with the seat cover being held in the covering position by the latch. Any suitable type of latch may be used, such as a hook, bar, bolt or clasp. The engagement portion may be adapted for engagement with the latch, such that when the latch and the engagement portion are engaged, relative motion between the seat cover and the base is restricted or prevented. The latch may be engageable with the engagement portion when the seat cover is in the covering position.

The position of the latch may be controlled manually, to switch the lock mechanism between the locked state and the unlocked state. Additionally or alternatively, the lock mechanism may include an actuator for controlling the position of the latch to switch the lock mechanism between the locked state and the unlocked state. For example, the lock mechanism may include a solenoid (e.g. latching solenoid), for controlling the position of the latch.

The lock mechanism may include a magnetic lock mechanism. Such a magnetic lock mechanism may facilitate switching between the locked and unlocked state, e.g. by controlling a current applied to an electromagnet. Various types of magnetic lock mechanisms may be used.

For example, the magnetic lock mechanism may include a magnet disposed in one of the seat cover and the base, and an electromagnet disposed in the other one of the seat cover and the base. In this manner, by operating the electromagnet, it may be possible to retain the seat cover in the covering position (locked state) or release the seat cover so that it may be moved to the exposed position (unlocked state). The magnet may be any suitable permanent magnet. The electromagnet may be arranged to produce a magnetic field that opposes a magnetic field of the magnet when the electromagnet is energised, e.g. when a current is passed through the electromagnet. For example, the electromagnet may be coupled to a power source (e.g. a battery) via an electrical switch for controlling whether the electromagnet is energised or not. The magnet may be arranged to retain the seat cover in the covering position when the electromagnet is deenergised, e.g. via attraction to a magnetic material in the other one of the seat cover and the base. Then, when the electromagnet is energised, the electromagnet may repel the magnet, which may cause the seat cover to be released from the covering position. Repelling of the magnet by the electromagnet may also cause the seat cover to be pushed towards the exposed position. In some embodiments, the seat cover may be configured to at least partially support a user’s weight when the seat cover moves between the covering position and the exposed position. The seat cover may also be configured to at least partially support a user’s weight when the seat cover is in the exposed position. This may facilitate entering and/or exiting the vehicle, as the seat cover may serve to support at least part of the user’s weight when they are entering/exiting the vehicle. In this manner, the seat cover may serve to assist a user’s entry into the vehicle. Various different mechanisms may be used to support the user’s weight on the seat cover. In some cases, the moving mechanism may be configured to at least partially support the user’s weight on the seat cover. For example, the biasing element mentioned above may serve to partially support the user’s weight when the seat cover is moved from the exposed position to the covering, as well as partially lift the user’s weight when the seat cover moves from the covering position to the exposed position. Similarly, the damping mechanism mentioned above may serve to at least partially support the user’s weight on the seat cover, e.g. when the seat cover moves from the exposed position to the covering position.

The seat cover may be configured to at least partially lift the user away from the base when the seat cover moves from the covering position to the exposed position. In this manner, the seat cover may serve to lift the user out of the seat, which may facilitate exiting the vehicle. This may be achieved by means of the moving mechanism, e.g. a biasing element or damping mechanism of the moving mechanism. Where the moving mechanism includes a motor for moving the seat cover between the exposed and covering positions, the motor may be configured to at least partially lift the user when the seat cover moves from the covering position to the exposed position. Thus, the motor may have sufficient power to at least partially lift the user away from the base.

In some embodiments, the seat may further comprise a guide element disposed within a seat back of the seat, and the seat cover may comprise a carriage that is movable along the guide element to move the seat cover between the covering position and the exposed position. In this manner, by moving the carriage along the guide element in the seat back, the seat cover may be moved between the covering and exposed positions. In such an embodiment, the moving mechanism may thus comprise the carriage on the seat cover and the guide element in the seat back. The seat may include a motor configured to move the carriage along the guide element, in order to move the seat cover between the covering and exposed positions.

The guide element may extend from a lower end of the seat back to an upper end of the seat back. In this manner, when the carriage is moved from the lower end of the seat back to the upper end of the seat back, this may lift the seat cover away from the base. Conversely, when the carriage is moved from the upper end of the seat back to the lower end of the seat back, this may lower the seat cover towards the base. As a result, the seat cover may be used to at least partially lift the user away from the base (e.g. to assist their exiting the vehicle), and/or to at least partially lower the user onto the base (e.g. to assist their entry into the vehicle).

In some embodiments, the moving mechanism may comprise a motor arranged to move the seat cover between the covering position and the exposed position. In this manner, movement of the seat cover relative to the base may be controlled using the motor. This may facilitate moving the seat cover between the covering position and the exposed position, as it may avoid the user having to manually move the seat cover. The motor may be any suitable electric motor or hydraulic pump. The moving mechanism may further comprise a power source (e.g. a battery) arranged to power the motor. Additionally or alternatively, the motor may be powered by a power source of the vehicle, e.g. by a battery of the vehicle. The motor may be arranged to move the seat cover in one or both directions, i.e. from the covering position to the exposed position and/or from the exposed position to the covering position.

Where the seat cover is pivotably mounted relative to the base, the motor may be arranged to apply a torque to the seat cover, in order to cause the seat cover to pivot relative to the base, e.g. between the covering position and the exposed position.

In some embodiments, the seat cover may comprise a first portion and a second portion that are foldable together to enable folding of the seat cover when the seat cover is in the exposed position. In this manner, the seat cover may be folded when it is placed in the exposed position. This may facilitate stowing the seat cover when it is in the exposed position, and may avoid the seat cover getting in a user’s way. The first portion and the second portion may be foldably connected together, e.g. via a bendable (e.g. supple or flexible) material, or via a pivotable connection.

For example, the first portion and the second portion of the seat cover may be pivotable relative to one another such that they can be folded together when the seat cover is in the exposed position. The first portion and the second portion of the seat cover may be pivotably connected to one another via a pivotable connection or coupling, such as a hinge or similar.

Where the seat cover is pivotably mounted relative to the base, a first axis about which the seat cover is pivotable relative to the base, and a second axis about which the first and second portions of the seat cover are pivotable relative to one another may be substantially aligned. This may facilitate folding of the seat cover when the seat cover is moved towards the exposed position.

The moving mechanism may comprise a pulley system. The pulley system may include at least one pulley and a cable. The pulley system may be connected to the seat cover. In this manner, the pulley system may be operated to move the seat cover between the covering and exposed positions.

The seat may further comprise a controller which is configured to operate the moving mechanism to move the seat cover relative to the base. In this manner, a position of the seat cover relative to the base may be automatically controlled by the controller. The controller may be a computing device having software installed thereon for operating the moving mechanism. In some cases, the controller may be provided by an on-board computer of the vehicle. For example, the controller may be configured to control one or more of the motor, lock mechanism or pulley system discussed above, or any other electronically controllable component of the moving mechanism. The controller may be configured to transmit a control signal (e.g. via a wired or wireless connection) to the moving mechanism in order to control the moving mechanism.

In some embodiments, the seat may further include a heating and/or cooling mechanism which is configured to heat and/or cool the seating surface of the seat. In this manner, a temperature of the seating surface may be adjusted (e.g. the seating surface may be heated and/or cooled), in order to improve a comfort of an occupant of the seat. The heating and/or cooling mechanism may include any suitable mechanism(s) for heating and/or cooling the seating surface. For example, the heating and/or cooling mechanism may include one or more of a heating element (e.g. resistive heater), air ducts (e.g. for conducting heated and/or cooled air), and a thermoelectric cooler (e.g. Peltier device).

Where the seating surface is on the seat cover, and the seat cover is movable relative to the base between a covering position and an exposed position, the heating and/or cooling mechanism may be incorporated into the seat cover. Where the seating surface is on the base, and the seat cover is movable relative to the base between a covering position and an exposed position, the heating and/or cooling mechanism may be incorporated into the base and arranged to heat and/or cool the upper surface of the base.

In some embodiments, the seat may include a first seat cover and a second seat cover; the first seat cover including a first moving mechanism connected to the first seat cover and configured to enable movement of the first seat cover relative to the base; the second seat cover including a second moving mechanism connected to the second seat cover and configured to enable movement of the second seat cover relative to the base. Each of the first seat cover and the second seat cover may be movable between a respective covering position where that seat cover covers the first surface on the base, and an exposed position where that seat cover leaves the first surface on the base exposed. A second surface may be provided on the first seat cover, such that the second surface is exposed over the base when the first seat cover is in the covering position. A third surface may be provided on the second seat cover, such that the third surface is exposed over the base when the second seat cover is in the covering position. The seat may be configured such that, when the first seat cover is in the covering position, the second seat cover is in the exposed position (and vice versa).

The second surface on the first seat cover may be configured as a seating surface, whilst the third surface on the second seat cover may be configured as a stepping surface. Then, when the user enters the vehicle, the first seat cover may be in the exposed position, whilst the second seat cover may be in the covering position, so that the user can step on the stepping surface provided by the second seat cover. Then, to enable the user to sit in the seat, the second seat cover may be moved to the exposed position, and the first seat cover may be moved to the covering position, so that the seating surface is arranged over the base.

The seat of the first aspect of the invention may be incorporated into a vehicle. Thus, according to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a seat according to the first aspect of the invention. In some cases, the vehicle may comprise multiple seats, each seat being a seat according to the first aspect of the invention. For example, both a driver seat and a passenger seat in the vehicle may be seats according to the first aspect of the invention.

As discussed above, the vehicle may be any type of vehicle, including land vehicles, aircraft and watercraft. For example, the vehicle may comprise a car (such as a road car or a race car), an off-road vehicle, or a truck. As another example, the vehicle may comprise an aeroplane, in which case the seat may be a pilot seat for an aeroplane. In a further example, the vehicle may comprise a boat, in which case the seat may be a pilot seat for the boat.

The vehicle may include a door for accessing a cockpit of the vehicle, the door comprising at least part of a roof of the vehicle. Such a door may enable the cockpit of vehicle to be accessed from above, which may facilitate entering and/or exiting the vehicle, particularly where the vehicle is small and/or is close to the ground. Flowever, as discussed above, a drawback of such a door is that a user may have to step on the seat of the vehicle when entering and/or exiting the vehicle. By using a seat according to the invention in a vehicle with such a door, it is possible when entering the vehicle to avoid stepping on a surface of the seat which is also used for sitting. Thus, entering and/or exiting the vehicle may be facilitated, as the user can step on the seat (e.g. the first surface of the seat) to support themselves, without dirtying or compromising the hygiene of a surface which is used for sitting (e.g. the second surface of the seat).

The cockpit may correspond to a space defined within a body of the vehicle and in which the seat is located. Additionally, various controls for the vehicle (e.g. steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brake pedal, dashboard, etc.) may be located in the cockpit. The cockpit may also be referred to as a driver compartment.

The door may be a part of the body that is movable relative to the rest of the body between a closed position where the body and the door form an enclosure around the cockpit, and an open position where an opening is formed between the body and the door so that the cockpit is accessible. As an example, the door may be movably connected to the body of the vehicle via a hinge, such that the door is pivotable about the hinge. An axis of the hinge may be substantially horizontal. This may enable the at least part of the roof to be moved out of the way when the door is in the open position, to facilitate access to the cockpit. Additionally or alternatively, other types of mechanisms for enabling movement of the door relative to the body may be used. For example, a pneumatic system (e.g. including one or more pneumatic cylinders) or an electric linear actuator may be used to move the door relative to the body.

In some embodiments, the door for accessing the cockpit may include a canopy door. Use of a canopy door may enable a person to enter the cockpit from above, which may facilitate entry into the cockpit. The canopy door may include a windscreen of the vehicle, and the at least part of the roof of the vehicle. In this manner, when the canopy door is moved to the open position, the windscreen and the at least part of the roof may be moved relative to the body to enable a person to enter the cockpit. For example, moving the canopy door to the open position may cause the windscreen and the at least part of the roof to be moved away from the body, such that an opening is formed between the canopy door and the body, via which the cockpit is accessible. The canopy door may further include at least part of a side of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the door for accessing the cockpit may include a gull-wing door. Use of a gull-wing door may enable a person to enter the cockpit at least partially from above, which may facilitate entry into the cockpit. The gull-wing door may include the at least part of the roof of the vehicle, and at least part of a side of the vehicle. A side of the vehicle may refer, for example, to a left-hand side or a right-hand side of the vehicle. In this manner, when the gull-wing door is moved to the open position, the at least part of the roof and the at least part of the side may be moved relative to the body to enable a person to enter the cockpit. For example, moving the gull-wing door to the open position may cause the at least part of the roof and the at least part of the side to be moved away from the body, such that an opening is formed between the gull-wing door and the body, via which the cockpit is accessible.

The vehicle may be configured to operate the moving mechanism in order to move the seat cover relative to the base, e.g. in order to control which of the first surface and the second surface is exposed over the base. In this manner, the position of the seat cover relative to the base may be automatically controlled by the vehicle.

For example, where the first surface is disposed on the base of the seat and the second surface is disposed on the seat cover, and the moving mechanism is configured to enable movement of the seat cover between a covering position where it covers the first surface and an exposed position where it leaves the first surface exposed, the vehicle may be configured to operate the moving mechanism to move the seat cover between the covering position and the exposed position.

The vehicle may include a controller which is configured to operate (i.e. control) the moving mechanism. The controller may correspond to the controller discussed above in relation to the first aspect of the invention. The controller may be implemented, for example, by an on-board computer of the vehicle. The controller may be communicatively coupled (via a wired or wireless connection) to the moving mechanism, so that it may transmit control signals to the moving mechanism to control the moving mechanism. For example, where the moving mechanism comprises a motor, the controller may be configured to control the motor. Where the moving mechanism comprises a lock mechanism, the controller may be configured to control the lock mechanism, e.g. in order to switch the lock mechanism between locked and unlocked states. The controller may include an input interface for enabling a user to control movement of the seat cover relative to the base. For example, the input interface may be configured to enable the user to select whether the first surface or the second surface is exposed over the base.

The vehicle may be configured to, in response to an output from a user proximity sensor, operate the moving mechanism in order to move the seat cover relative to the base. For example, the vehicle may be configured to operate the moving mechanism in order to move the seat cover relative to the base in response to the vehicle being unlocked. In this manner, when the vehicle is unlocked, the seat cover may be automatically moved relative to the base, e.g. in order to prepare the seat for entry of the user into the vehicle. This may avoid the user having to manually move the seat cover relative to the base prior to entering the vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be configured to move the seat cover relative to the base to expose a stepping surface of the seat over the base in response to the vehicle being unlocked. This may ensure that an appropriate surface is presented to the user when they unlock the vehicle, so that they may enter the vehicle without having to move the seat cover themselves. In particular, this may avoid the user accidentally stepping on a seating surface of the seat when entering the vehicle. The vehicle may have a lock system for locking doors of the vehicle. The user may control locking and unlocking of the vehicle with a key, remote control, or other suitably configured user device. In some cases, the vehicle may be configured to, in response to the vehicle being locked, operate the moving mechanism to move the seat cover relative to the base to expose the seating surface of the seat. In this manner, the seating surface may be automatically exposed over the base when the user exits and locks the car. This may avoid, for example, the (possibly dirty) stepping surface being exposed over the base and thus visible when the vehicle is parked.

In a second example of the vehicle responding to an output from a user proximity sensor, the vehicle may be configured to operate the moving mechanism in order to move the seat cover relative to the base in response to a door of the vehicle being opened. In this manner, when the door of the vehicle is opened, the seat cover may be automatically moved relative to the base. This may avoid a user having to manually move the seat cover relative to the base when they open the door. For example, the vehicle may be configured to move the seat cover relative to the base to expose a stepping surface of the seat over the base in response to the door of the vehicle being opened. This may ensure that an appropriate surface is presented to the user when they open the door, so that they may directly step into the vehicle without having to move the seat cover themselves. In particular, this may avoid the user accidentally stepping on a seating surface of the seat when entering the vehicle. The vehicle may be configured to detect opening of the door, e.g. via a sensor which is coupled to the controller.

In a third example of the vehicle responding to an output from a user proximity sensor, the vehicle may be configured to operate the moving mechanism in order to move the seat cover relative to the base, based on a proximity of a user device to the vehicle. In this manner, when a user carrying the user device approaches the vehicle, the seat cover may be automatically moved relative to the base. As an example, the vehicle may be configured to move the seat cover relative to the base when the user device comes within a predetermined distance of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be configured to move the seat cover relative to the base to expose a stepping surface of the seat over the base in response to proximity of the user device. This may ensure that an appropriate surface is presented to the user when they approach the vehicle, so that they may directly enter the vehicle without having to move the seat cover themselves. In particular, this may avoid the user accidentally stepping on a seating surface of the seat when entering the vehicle.

As an example, the user device (e.g. a smartphone) may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the vehicle via a suitable communication protocol (e.g. Bluetooth). Once the user device comes into communication range with the vehicle, the vehicle may detect the user device, which triggers moving of the seat cover relative to the base. For example, where Bluetooth communication is used, the user device may connect to the vehicle when the user device comes into communication range with the vehicle. Connection of the user device to the vehicle may then trigger moving of the seat cover relative to the base. Of course, other communication means between the user device and the vehicle may be used for indicating proximity of the user device to the vehicle. In some cases, the user device and the vehicle may communicate via a wireless network (e.g. Wi-Fi or a mobile phone network). Then, the user device may transmit a message to the vehicle when the user device comes within a predetermined distance of the vehicle, e.g. based on a GPS location of the user device.

In a fourth example of the vehicle responding to an output from a user proximity sensor, the vehicle may be configured to operate the moving mechanism to move the seat cover relative to the base in response to receiving an instruction from a user device. In this manner, a user may control movement of the seat cover relative to the base via the user device. This may enable a user to remotely control movement of the seat cover relative to the base, e.g. so that they may select which of the first surface and the second surface is exposed over the base prior to entering the vehicle. For example, the user device may transmit an instruction to the vehicle for moving the seat cover relative to the base to expose a stepping surface of the seat over the base. The user device may be in communication with the vehicle (e.g. with the controller in the vehicle) via a wireless connection (e.g. Bluetooth) so that the user device may transmit instructions to the vehicle. The user device may be a smartphone or other personal computing device having software installed thereon for controlling movement of the seat relative to the base.

The vehicle may be configured to, in response to an output from an environmental sensor, operate the moving mechanism to move the seat cover relative to the base. Thus, the seat cover may be automatically moved based on the output from the environmental sensor.

The environmental sensor may include any suitable sensor for detecting an environmental condition. For example, the environmental sensor may include a temperature sensor, an ambient light sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, or similar. Such an environmental sensor may be integrated into the vehicle.

In some cases, the environmental sensor may be remote from the vehicle, and the output from the environmental sensor may be provided to the vehicle over the internet or other communication network. For example, the output may be in the form of environmental information, e.g. weather information, received from a remote service. The environmental information may be received based on a geographical location of the vehicle, and/or a local time.

By way of example, where the output from the environmental sensor indicates warm weather and/or direct sunlight, the seat cover may be moved so that the seating surface is covered. This may avoid the seating surface being in direct sunlight, to avoid it becoming too hot. As another example, where the output from the environmental sensor indicates rainy weather, the seat cover may be moved so that the stepping surface is exposed over the base. This may avoid the user accidentally stepping on the seating surface with wet feet, and keep the seating surface dry.

In embodiments where one of the first surface and the second surface is a seating surface for seating an occupant of the vehicle, and the other one of the first surface and the second surface is a stepping surface for stepping into and/or out of the vehicle, the operation of the moving mechanism by the vehicle may include moving the seat cover relative to the base to expose the stepping surface over the base. In this manner, the stepping surface may be automatically exposed over the base in situations where the user may be preparing to enter the vehicle, which may facilitate entry into the vehicle. In particular, this may ensure that the user steps on an appropriate surface of the seat when entering the vehicle, and may avoid the user accidentally stepping on the seating surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the invention are discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figs. 1 a and 1 b are schematic side views of a seat according to an embodiment of the invention; in Fig. 1 a a seat cover of the seat is in a covering position, and in Fig. 1b the seat cover is in an exposed position;

Figs. 2a and 2b are schematic side views of a seat according to an embodiment of the invention; in Fig. 2a a seat cover of the seat is in a covering position, and in Fig. 2b the seat cover is moved away from the covering position;

Figs. 3a and 3b are schematic side views of a seat according to an embodiment of the invention; in Fig. 3a a seat cover of the seat is in a covering position, and in Fig. 3b the seat cover is in the exposed position;

Figs. 4a and 4b are schematic side views of part of a seat according to an embodiment of the invention; in Fig. 4a a seat cover of the seat is in a covering position, and in Fig. 4b the seat cover is moved away from the covering position;

Figs. 5a and 5b are schematic side views of part of a seat according to an embodiment of the invention; in Fig. 5a a seat cover of the seat is in a covering position, and in Fig. 5b the seat cover is moved away from the covering position;

Figs. 6a and 6b are schematic side views of a seat according to an embodiment of the invention; in Fig. 6a a seat cover of the seat is in a covering position, and in Fig. 6b the seat cover is in an exposed position; Figs. 7a and 7b are schematic side views of a seat according to an embodiment of the invention; in Fig. 7a a seat cover of the seat is in a covering position, and in Fig. 7b the seat cover is in an exposed position;

Figs. 8a, 8b and 8c are schematic side views of a seat according to an embodiment of the invention; in Fig. 8a a seat cover of the seat is in a covering position, in Fig. 8b the seat cover is in an exposed position, and in Fig. 8c the seat cover is in the exposed position with the seat cover being further pivoted upwards; and

Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION: FURTHER OPTIONAL FEATURES

Figs. 1 a and 1 b show schematic side views of a seat 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The seat 100 is designed for use in a vehicle, and so may for example be used to seat a driver or a passenger of the vehicle. The seat 100 includes a base 102 and a seat back 104. The base 102 corresponds to a portion of the seat 100 over which an occupant may sit when they are seated in the seat 100. The base 102 may include a cushion or other soft material, for improving comfort of the occupant when they are seated in the seat 100. The base 102 may further be configured to be mounted to a floor of the vehicle. For example, a lower surface 106 of the base may include one or more connection points for mounting the base 102 to the floor of the vehicle. In some cases, the base 102 may be mounted on one or more rails on the floor of the vehicle, to enable the position of the seat in the vehicle to be adjusted. Alternatively, the base 102 may be formed integrally as part of the vehicle, e.g. the base 102 may be integrally formed as part of a cockpit of the vehicle.

The seat back 104 is connected to the base 102 towards a rear of the base 102, and arranged to receive an occupant’s back when they are seated in the seat 100, so that the occupant can rest their back against the seat back 104. An angle of the seat back 104 relative to the base 102 may be adjustable using a suitable angle adjustment mechanism, so that the occupant may adjust the seat back 104 to a comfortable position. A headrest 108 is mounted on the seat back 104, so that the occupant may rest their head against the headrest 108 when they are seated in the seat 100.

The seat 100 further includes a seat cover 110 which is pivotably mounted relative to the base 102 via a hinge 112. In particular, the seat cover 110 is connected to the base 102 via the hinge 112, such that the seat cover 110 is pivotable relative to the base 102. Thus, the hinge 112 provides a moving mechanism that enables movement (i.e. pivoting) of the seat cover 110 relative to the base 102. The hinge 112 is arranged towards the rear of the base 102 (i.e. in the vicinity of the seat back 104), and defines an axis about which the seat cover 110 is pivotable relative to the base 102. The axis defined by the hinge 112 is aligned in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the seat 100. The longitudinal direction of the seat 100 corresponds to a direction in which an occupant of the seat 100 faces when they are seated in the seat 100, as illustrated by arrow 114 in Fig. 1a.

A first surface 116 of the seat 100 is defined by an upper surface of the base 102. The seat cover 110 is pivotable relative to the base 102 between a covering position (Fig. 1a) where the seat cover 110 covers the first surface 116 on the base 102, and an exposed position (Fig. 1 b) where the seat cover 110 is pivoted away from the base 102 such that it leaves the first surface 116 exposed. The seat cover 110 is shaped to cover the first surface 116 when it is in the covering position. In particular, as shown in Figs. 1 a and 1 b, the seat cover 110 may have a shape that is complementary to a shape of the first surface 116 on the base 102.

A second surface 118 of the seat 100 is defined by an upper surface of the seat cover 110. The upper surface of the seat cover 110 corresponds to a surface of the seat cover 110 that is on an opposite side of the seat cover 110 relative to a surface 120 of the seat cover 110 that contacts the first surface 116 when the seat cover 110 is in the covering position. In this manner, when the seat cover 110 is in the covering position, the second surface 118 is exposed over the base 102. Thus, when the seat cover 110 is in the covering position, the second surface 118 may be arranged to receive an occupant of the seat 100, with the first surface 116 being covered by the seat cover 110. In contrast, when the seat cover 110 is in the exposed position, the first surface 116 may be exposed over the base, such that the first surface 116 is arranged to receive an occupant of the seat 100. When the seat cover 110 is in the exposed position, part of the seat cover 110 (e.g. part of the second surface 118) may lie against the seat back 104, as shown in Fig. 1b.

The seat cover 110 may be manually moved by a user between the covering position and the exposed position. In this manner, the user may select which one of the first surface 116 and the second surface 118 is exposed over the base 102. The hinge 112 may be configured to hold the seat cover 110 in the exposed position when the seat cover 110 is placed the exposed position. This may prevent the seat cover from unwantedly falling back into the covering position. For example, the hinge 112 may be arranged such that friction in the hinge 112 holds the seat cover 110 in the exposed position. The friction in the hinge 112 may also serve to prevent the seat cover 110 from slamming against the first surface 116 when it falls back to the covering position. Additionally or alternatively, a damping mechanism (e.g. a hydraulic damper) may be used in order to restrict a speed of motion of the seat cover 110 from the exposed position to the covering position. For example, a hydraulic damper may be connected between the seat cover 110 and the base 102. In some embodiments, further mechanisms may be used in order to control motion of the seat cover 110 relative to the base 102, e.g. as discussed below in relation to Figs. 2a to 5b.

In an embodiment, the second surface 118 may be configured as a seating surface, and the first surface 116 may be configured as a stepping surface of the seat 100. Then, when the user is entering and/or exiting the vehicle, they may place the seat cover 110 in the exposed position so that the stepping surface (i.e. the first surface 116) is exposed. In this manner, the user may use the stepping surface in order to support themselves when entering the vehicle, e.g. by stepping on the stepping surface, without risking damaging or dirtying the seating surface (i.e. the second surface). This may be particularly beneficial where the vehicle is entered from above, as the user may wish to stand on the base 102 in order to lower themselves into the vehicle. After entering the vehicle, the user may place their feet on the vehicle floor in front of the seat 100, and move the seat cover 110 to the covering position so that they can sit on the seating surface.

The seating surface (i.e. the second surface 118) may be ergonomically shaped, in order to comfortably seat the user. For example, the seating surface may include indentations or depressions for receiving the user’s buttocks and upper legs. The seating surface may be made of any suitable material, preferably a soft or supple material such as a fabric, leather or leather-like material, in order to provide a comfortable seating surface. The seat cover 110 may include a cushion-like material, such as a foam pad or similar, in order to provide padding for the user when they are seated on the seating surface. As an example, the seat cover 110 may comprise a foam material that is supported on a carbon fibre support. The foam material may be covered with a trim material (e.g. leather, leather like material, or fabric) to provide the seating surface. An underside of the carbon fibre support may be covered with a suitable upholstery material, the underside of the carbon fibre support being opposite to the side supporting the foam material.

The stepping surface (i.e. the first surface 116) may be formed by a rigid material, in order to provide adequate support to the user when they step onto the stepping surface. For example, the stepping surface may be formed by a moulded carbon fibre or plastic material. The material of the stepping surface may also be a non-absorbent material. This may facilitate cleaning of the stepping surface, e.g. to remove dirt that may have been deposited by the user stepping on the stepping surface.

In other embodiments (not shown), the first surface 116 may instead be configured as the seating surface, and the second surface 118 may be configured as the stepping surface. Then, when the user is entering and/or exiting the vehicle, they may place the seat cover 110 in the covering position so that the stepping surface (i.e. the second surface 118) is exposed. The user may then move the seat cover 110 to the exposed position to expose the seating surface (i.e. the first surface 116), so that they can sit on the seating surface. In such an embodiment, the seat cover 110 may be shaped so that it lies flush against the seat back 104 when it is in the exposed position, such that the seat cover effectively acts as part of the seat back 104 when it is in the exposed position. This may ensure that the user can comfortably sit on the seating surface when the seat cover 110 is in the exposed position.

Figs. 2a and 2b show schematic side views of a seat 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. The seat 200 is based on the seat 100 described above, and any features of the seat 100 described above may be included in the seat 200. In particular, the seat 200 includes a base 102 and a seat cover 110 pivotably connected to the base 102 via a hinge 112, with a first surface 116 of the seat 200 being defined on the base 102, and a second surface 118 of the seat 200 being defined on the seat cover 110. For convenience, features of seat 200 are labelled in Figs. 2a and 2b with the same reference numerals as their corresponding features in Figs. 1a and 1b, and are not described again.

The seat 200 includes a magnetic lock mechanism. The lock mechanism includes a magnet 202 disposed in the seat cover 110. The magnet 202 is a permanent magnet and is arranged such that it experiences an attractive force towards the base 102. In this manner, the seat cover 110 may be held by the magnet 202 in the covering position, which is shown in Fig. 2a. The magnet 202 may be attracted towards the base 102 by means of a magnetic material or a second magnet in the base 102. The magnet 202 and the second magnet in the base 102 may be arranged such that they have opposite poles facing each other, so that they experience an attractive force towards one another.

The lock mechanism further includes a lock circuit 204 disposed in the base 102.

The lock circuit 204 is positioned in the base 102 such that it is disposed substantially opposite to the magnet 202 when the seat cover 110 is in the covering position. The lock circuit 204 includes an electromagnet 206 and an electrical switch 208 which are illustrated schematically in Figs. 2a and 2b. The electromagnet 206 includes an iron core that attracts the magnet 202 in the seat cover 110 towards the base 102. The electromagnet 206 of the lock circuit 204 is electrically coupled to a power source (not shown) via the switch 208, such that an electrical current can be passed through the electromagnet 206 to generate a magnetic field. The switch 208 of the lock circuit 204 may be opened or closed to control whether a current is passed through the electromagnet 206 or not, and thus whether a magnetic field is generated by the electromagnet 206 or not. The power source may be a dedicated power source (e.g. battery) that is configured to only power the lock circuit 204. Alternatively, the power source may a power source of the vehicle that is shared with other vehicle systems. Note that although the electromagnet 206 and switch 208 of the lock circuit 204 are illustrated schematically in Figs. 2a and 2b, the schematic illustration is not intended to illustrate the manner in which these components are connected together.

The electromagnet 206 is configured to produce a magnetic field that opposes the magnetic field of the magnet 202 when the electromagnet is energised (i.e. when the switch is closed to pass a current through the electromagnet). In this manner, when the electromagnet 206 is energised, the magnet 202 may experience a repelling force that repels it away from the electromagnet 206, and thus from the base 102. As a result, the seat cover 110 may no longer be held against the base 102 by the magnet 202, such that it can be moved away from the base 102 towards the exposed position. Moreover, the repelling force acting on the magnet 202 may cause the seat cover 110 to pivot away from the covering position and towards the exposed position.

Fig. 2a illustrates a locked state of the lock mechanism of the seat 200. In the locked state, the switch 208 is open such that no magnetic field is generated by the electromagnet 206. As a result, the seat cover 110 is held in the covering position, due to the attractive force acting on the magnet 202 towards the base 102. Fig. 2b illustrates an unlocked state of the lock mechanism of the seat 200. In the unlocked state, the switch 208 is closed, such that a current passes through the electromagnet 206 and a magnetic field is generated by the electromagnet 206. As a result, the magnet 202 experiences a repelling force due to the magnetic field from the electromagnet 206, such that the seat cover 110 is released from the covering position and movable towards the exposed position, as illustrated by arrow 210 in Fig. 2b. Thus, the position of the switch 208 may be controlled in order to lock the seat cover 110 in the covering position or to release the seat cover 110 from the covering position. In some embodiments, the switch 208 may be controlled manually (e.g. via a manual switch), whilst in other embodiments the switch 208 may be controlled electronically, e.g. by a controller which is configured to control the position of the switch 208 via a control signal. Advantageously, only a short pulse of current may need to be passed through the electromagnet 206 in order to release the seat cover 110 from the covering position, such that the electromagnet 206 need only be energised when it is desired to move the seat cover 110 from the covering position to the exposed position. Another benefit of this configuration is that no power is consumed by the electromagnet 206 when the lock mechanism is in the locked state, which may minimise power consumption of the lock mechanism. As the lock mechanism may be left in the locked state for extended periods of time, this may avoid draining of the power source.

Other configurations of the magnetic lock mechanism of seat 200 may also be used. For example, in some embodiments, the positions of the magnet 202 and the lock circuit 204 may be switched, i.e. the magnet 202 may be disposed in the base 102 and the lock circuit 204 may be disposed in the seat cover 110. In some embodiments, the electromagnet 206 may be arranged such that it generates a magnetic field that results in an attractive force acting on the magnet 202 when the electromagnet 206 is energised. Then, the electromagnet 206 may be energised in order to retain the seat cover 110 in the covering position, and the electromagnet 206 may be switched off in order to release the seat cover 110 from the covering position. Various other types of known magnetic lock mechanisms may also be used instead of the example shown in Figs. 2a and 2b.

Figs. 3a and 3b show schematic side views of a seat 300 according to an embodiment of the invention. The seat 300 is based on the seat 100 described above, and any features of the seat 100 described above may be included in the seat 300. In particular, the seat 300 includes a base 102 and a seat cover 110 pivotably connected to the base 102 via a hinge 112, with a first surface 116 of the seat 300 being defined on the base 102, and a second surface 118 of the seat 300 being defined on the seat cover 110. For convenience, features of seat 300 are labelled in Figs. 3a and 3b with the same reference numerals as their corresponding features in Figs. 1a and 1b, and are not described again.

The seat 300 includes a different type of lock mechanism compared to the magnetic lock mechanism of the seat 200. The lock mechanism of the seat 300 includes a latch in the form of a hook 302 which is movably (e.g. pivotably) mounted in the base 102. For example, the hook 302 may be mounted in a recess 304 formed in the base 102. The hook 302 is engageable with an engagement portion 306 disposed on the surface 120 of the seat cover 110, when the seat cover is in the covering position. In particular, when the seat cover 110 is in the covering position, the hook 302 is movable between an engaged position where it is engaged with the engagement portion 306, and a disengaged position where it is disengaged from the engagement portion 306. The engagement portion 306 may, for example, include a ring in which the hook 302 is engageable. Of course, in other embodiments, the hook 302 may be disposed on the seat cover 110, whilst the engagement portion 306 may be disposed on the base 102.

Fig. 3a shows a configuration of the seat 300 where the seat cover 110 is in the covering position, and the hook 302 is in the engaged position. As a result of the engagement between the hook 302 and the engagement portion 306, the seat cover 110 may be retained in the covering position, i.e. the seat cover 110 may be prevented from being moved away from the base 102 towards the exposed position. The configuration shown in Fig. 3a may correspond to a locked state of the lock mechanism of seat 300. In order to release the seat cover 110 from the covering position, the hook 302 may be moved to the disengaged position, so that it is no longer engaged with the engagement portion 306. Then, the seat cover 110 may be freely moved towards the exposed position, as illustrated by arrow 308 in Fig. 3b. Fig. 3b shows a configuration of the seat 300 where the seat cover is in the exposed position, with the hook 302 in the disengaged position. Thus, the position of the hook 302 may be controlled in order to lock the seat cover 110 in the covering position or to release the seat cover 110 from the covering position. The position of the hook 302 may be controlled manually by a user, or alternatively the position of the hook 302 may be controlled electronically. For example, the position of the hook 302 may be controlled using an electrical actuator, such as a solenoid which is arranged to move the hook 302 between the engaged and disengaged positions. The electrical actuator may be controlled via a controller, which is configured to transmit a control signal to the electrical actuator for controlling the position of the hook 302.

Other configurations of lock mechanism may also be used, compared to the one illustrated in Figs. 3a and 3b. For example a different type of latch may be used instead of the hook 302, such as a bolt, bar, or clasp. Different types of engagement portions may be used instead of a ring, such as a recess or cavity which is arranged to receive a portion of the latch. In general any type of lock mechanism that provides reversible mechanical engagement between the seat cover and the base when the seat cover is in the covering position may be used.

Use of a lock mechanism (such as the lock mechanism of the seat 200 or the seat 300) for retaining the seat cover in the covering position may help avoid unwanted movement of the seat cover 110 relative to the base 102. For example, the lock mechanism may serve to ensure that the seat cover 110 does not move relative to (e.g. rattle against) the base 102 when the vehicle is driving, which might be uncomfortable for the driver. The lock mechanism may also be used to ensure that the seat cover 110 is only movable relative to the base 102 at appropriate times, e.g. when the vehicle is stationary. In this manner, the lock mechanism may improve overall safety of the seat.

Figs. 4a and 4b show schematic side views of part of a seat 400 that is an embodiment of the invention. The seat 400 is based on the seat 100 described above, and any features of the seat 100 described above may be included in the seat 400. In particular, the seat 400 includes a base 102 and a seat cover 110 pivotably connected to the base 102 via a hinge 112, with a first surface 116 of the seat 400 being defined on the base 102, and a second surface 118 of the seat 400 being defined on the seat cover 110. For convenience, features of seat 400 are labelled in Figs. 4a and 4b with the same reference numerals as their corresponding features in Figs. 1a and 1b, and are not described again. For illustration purposes, a seat back of the seat 400 is not shown in Figs. 4a and 4b; however, the seat 400 may include a seat back similar to the seat back 104 described above.

The seat 400 includes a biasing element in the form of a torsion spring 402 arranged to bias the seat cover 110 towards the exposed position. The torsion spring 402 is mounted around the hinge 112, and connected between the seat cover 110 and the base 102. For example, a first arm 404 of the torsion spring 402 may be connected to the base 102, whilst a second arm 406 of the torsion spring 402 may be connected to the seat cover 110. The torsion spring 402 is arranged such that, when the seat cover 110 is placed in the covering position (shown in Fig. 4a), the torsion spring 402 is under torsion and exerts a restoring force on the seat cover 110 that urges the seat cover 110 towards the exposed position. In this manner, the seat cover 110 may automatically return to the exposed position when the seat cover 110 is not held in the covering position. Fig. 4b shows a configuration of the seat 400 where the seat cover is moved towards the exposed position under action of the torsion spring 402, as illustrated by the arrow 408.

For example, where the first surface 116 is configured as a stepping surface, the torsion spring 402 may help to ensure that the stepping surface is exposed when a user is entering or exiting the vehicle. The seat cover 110 may be held in the covering position against the restoring force provided by the torsion spring 402. For example, after entering the vehicle, the user may manually move the seat cover 110 to the covering position, and then sit on the seat cover 110 (e.g. where the second surface 118 is configured as a seating surface), such that the seat cover 110 may be held in the covering position by the weight of the user. When the user rises out of the seat 400, the seat cover 110 may then automatically return to the exposed position, so that the user can step on the first surface 116 when exiting the vehicle. The torsion spring 402 may also enable a user to partially support their weight on the seat cover 110 as they lower themselves onto the base 102. Similarly, the torsion spring 402 may serve to assist a user in getting up from the seat 400, by partially lifting them when they rise out of the seat 400. Thus, the torsion spring 402 may facilitate entering and exiting the vehicle.

In other embodiments, other types and configurations of biasing element for biasing the seat cover 110 towards the exposed position may be used instead of the torsion spring 402 illustrated in Figs. 4a and 4b. For example, the biasing element may be in the form of a different spring (e.g. coil spring, air spring, or some suitable elastic material) mounted between the seat cover 110 and the base 102 or a floor of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the seat 400 may further include a lock mechanism for retaining the seat cover 110 in the covering position. For example, one of the lock mechanisms described above in relation to seats 200 and 300 may be used. In this manner, when the lock mechanism is in a locked state, it may retain the seat cover 110 in the covering position against the restoring force of the torsion spring 402, i.e. the lock mechanism may be arranged to exert a retaining force on the seat cover 110 that opposes the restoring force of the torsion spring 402. Then, when the lock mechanism is switched to an unlocked state, the seat cover 110 may be released from the covering position so that it may automatically return to the exposed position under action of the torsion spring 402. This may avoid the user having to manually move the seat cover 110 to the exposed position when they switch the lock mechanism to the unlocked state.

Figs. 5a and 5b show schematic side views of part of a seat 500 that is an embodiment of the invention. The seat 500 is based on the seat 100 described above, and any features of the seat 100 described above may be included in the seat 500. In particular, the seat 500 includes a base 102 and a seat cover 110 pivotably connected to the base 102 via a hinge 112, with a first surface 116 of the seat 500 being defined on the base 102, and a second surface 118 of the seat 500 being defined on the seat cover 110. For convenience, features of seat 500 are labelled in Figs. 5a and 5b with the same reference numerals as their corresponding features in Figs. 1a and 1b, and are not described again. For illustration purposes, a seat back of the seat 500 is not shown in Figs. 5a and 5b; however, the seat 500 may include a seat back similar to the seat back 104 described above.

The seat 500 includes a motor 502 configured to move the seat cover 110 relative to the base 102 between the covering position and the exposed position. The motor 502 is an electric motor which is powered by a power source, such as a battery (not shown), in the vehicle. The motor 502 is arranged to cause a first wheel 504 to rotate, as illustrated by arrow 506 in Fig. 5b. The first wheel 504 is coupled to a second wheel 508 via a belt 510, such that rotation of the first wheel 504 causes the belt 510 to move and thus rotate the second wheel 508 in the same direction as the first wheel 504, as illustrated by arrow 512 in Fig. 5b. The second wheel 508 is connected to the hinge 112 at which the seat cover 110 is pivotably mounted to the base 102. In this manner, rotation of the second wheel 508 causes a torque to be applied to the seat cover 110, which may cause the seat cover 110 to pivot relative to the base 102, as illustrated by arrow 516 in Fig. 5b. Thus, the motor 502 may be controlled in order to pivot the seat cover 110 relative to the base 102, in order to move the seat cover between the covering position and the exposed position. The motor 502 may be configured to rotate the first wheel 504 in a first direction (clockwise in Fig. 5) to move the seat cover 110 from the covering position towards the exposed position, and in a second direction (counter-clockwise in Fig. 5) to move the seat cover 110 from the exposed position towards the covering position. Fig. 5a depicts a state of the seat 500 where the seat cover 110 is in the covering position, whilst Fig. 5b illustrates a state of the seat 500 where the seat cover 110 is moved towards the exposed position by the motor 502.

A radius of the second wheel 508 is greater than a radius of the first wheel 504. In this manner, a torque applied by the motor 502 to the first wheel 504 may be amplified by a factor corresponding to a ratio of radii of the first wheel 504 and second wheel 508. This may reduce a torque that the motor 502 needs to apply to the first wheel 504 in order to cause the seat cover 110 to pivot relative to the base 102, thus facilitating moving the seat cover 110 between the covering and exposed positions.

The motor 502 may be configured to at least partially lift a user away from the base 102 by moving the seat cover 110 from the covering position to the exposed position. For example, when a user is seated on the second surface 118 of the seat cover 110 with the seat cover 110 in the covering position, the motor 502 may move the seat cover 110 towards the exposed position, thus lifting the user away from the base 102. In this manner, the seat cover 110 may be used to assist the user when they are getting out of the seat 500. The motor 502 may be powerful enough to apply a torque to the second wheel 508 which is sufficient to at least partially lift the user away from the base 102. Similarly, the motor 502 may be configured to control motion of the seat cover 110 from the exposed position to the covering position, in order to gradually lower the user onto the base 102.

The motor 502 may be controlled via a controller which is communicatively coupled to the motor 502, so that the controller may transmit a control signal to the motor 502. Thus, for example, the controller may be configured to switch the motor on or off, and to control a direction of motion of the motor 502 (i.e. the direction in which the first wheel 504 is rotated). In this manner, the controller may control the position of the seat cover 110 relative to the base 102. Alternatively or additionally, the motor 502 may be provided with a control interface to enable a user to manually control the motor, in order to control positioning of the seat cover 110 relative to the base 102. The seat 500 may, for example, be combined with the embodiment of seat 200 or seat 300, e.g. in order to incorporate a lock mechanism into the seat 500.

In the example shown, the first wheel 504 and the second wheel 508 may be each be in the form of a respective pulley, with the belt 510 being provided by a band of material that forms a loop around the first wheel 504 and the second wheel 508. In other examples, the first wheel 504 and the second wheel 508 may each be in the form of a respective sprocket, in which case a chain may be used instead of the belt 510. Of course, other types of coupling mechanisms may be used to mechanically couple the motor 502 to the seat cover 110 in order cause the seat cover 110 to pivot relative to the base 102, such as a gear coupling between the motor 502 and the hinge 112. In some cases, the motor 502 may be configured as a direct drive motor, i.e. the motor 502 may be connected directly at the hinge 112 in order to pivot the seat cover 110 relative to the base; however, this may require the motor 502 to exert a greater torque in order to cause the seat cover 110 to pivot. In other embodiments, other types of motorised moving mechanism may be used in order to cause the seat cover 110 to pivot relative to the base 102. For example, instead of coupling a motor to the hinge 112, a motor may be coupled to a part of the seat cover 110 away from the hinge in order to lift that part of the set cover 110 away from the base 102, which may cause the seat cover 110 to pivot relative to the base 102.

Figs. 6a and 6b show schematic side views of a seat 1400 according to an embodiment of the invention. The seat 1400 is designed for use in a vehicle, and so may for example be used to seat a driver or a passenger of the vehicle. The seat 1400 includes a base 1402, a seat back 1404 and a headrest 1408. The base 1402, the seat back 1404 and the headrest 1408 may be configured in a similar manner to the base 102, the seat back 104 and the headrest 108 of the seat 100 described above.

The seat 1400 includes a seat cover in the form of a cushion 1410. The cushion 1410 is connected to a hinge 1412 that is disposed towards a rear of the base 1402 via a pair of beams (or bars) 1416. The beams 1416 extend in a longitudinal direction from the hinge 1412 to the cushion 1410, and are disposed on either side of the base 1402, i.e. a first beam is disposed on a left-hand side of the base 1402 and a second beam is disposed on a right-hand side of the base 1402. The beams 1416 are pivotably mounted to the hinge 1412, so that the cushion 1410 may be pivoted relative to the base 1402. The hinge 1412 defines an axis about which the cushion 1410 is pivotable relative to the base 1402, with the axis being in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seat 1400. The cushion 1410 is pivotable relative to the base 1402 between a covering position (shown in Fig. 6a) and an exposed position (shown in Fig. 6b).

The base 1402 includes a cavity 1414 configured to receive the cushion 1410 when the cushion 1410 is in the covering position. In particular, a shape of the cavity 1414 may be complementary to a shape of the cushion 1410. Together, the cushion 1410 and an upper surface 1420 of the base 1402 may serve to define a seating surface when the cushion 1410 is in the covering position. The cavity 1414 is disposed towards a front of the base 1402. In this manner, when the cushion 1410 is received within the cavity 1414, the cushion 1410 defines a front portion of the seating surface whilst the upper surface 1420 of the base 1402 defines a rear portion of the seating surface. As shown in Fig. 6a, when the cushion 1410 is in the covering position, an upper surface 1422 of the cushion 1410 lies substantially flush with the upper surface 1420 of the base 1402, to provide a substantially continuous seating surface. The cushion 1410 may, for example, include a foam or other cushioning material which is covered with a suitable material (e.g. leather, leather-like material, or fabric). The base 1402 may also include a cushioning material which is covered with a suitable material. The base 1402 and the cushion 1410 may include the same or similar materials. In this manner, when the cushion 1410 is in the covering position, the base 1402 and the cushion 1410 may appear and/or feel like a conventional seat base.

A stepping surface 1424 is defined in the cavity 1414, the stepping surface 1424 being arranged such that it is covered by the cushion 1410 when the cushion 1410 is in the covering position. When the cushion 1410 is moved to the exposed position (Fig. 6b), the stepping surface 1424 is exposed, so that a user may step on the stepping surface 1424. In this manner, the cushion 1410 may be moved to the exposed position when a user is entering and/or exiting the vehicle, so that the user may step on the stepping surface 1424 in order to support themselves. The cushion 1410 may then be moved to the covering position so that the user can sit in the seat. The stepping surface 1424 may be provided by a rigid material disposed in the base 1402, in order to provide support to the user when stepping on the stepping surface 1424. The stepping surface 1424 may be arranged substantially horizontally.

Optionally, a flexible cover 1426 may be connected between the cushion 1410 and the cavity 1414, in order to prevent dirt, debris and/or water from reaching the upper surface 1420 of the base 1402 when the cushion 1410 is in the exposed position. For example, the flexible cover 1426 may be made of a fabric or other suitable flexible material, which is arranged to fold into the cavity 1414 when the cushion 1410 is placed in the covering position. The seat 1400 may also include features described in relation to other embodiments. For example, the seat 1400 may include a biasing element similar to spring 402, and/or a lock mechanism similar to that of seat 200 or 300. The seat 1400 may also include a motor arranged to move the cushion 1410 between the covering and exposed positions, e.g. similar to motor 502.

Figs. 7a and 7b show schematic side views of a seat 1700 according to an embodiment of the invention. The seat 1700 is designed for use in a vehicle, and so may for example be used to seat a driver or a passenger of the vehicle. The seat 1700 includes a base 1702, a seat back 1704 and a headrest 1708. The base 1702, the seat back 1704 and the headrest 1708 may be configured in a similar manner to the base 102, the seat back 104 and the headrest 108 of the seat 100 described above.

The seat 1700 includes a seat cover 1710 comprising two parts: an upper part 1712 and a lower part 1714. The lower part 1714 is pivotably connected to the base 1702 via a first hinge 1716 located at a rear of the base 1702. The first hinge 1716 is connected between the base 1702 and a rear edge of the lower part 1714. The first hinge 1716 defines a first axis about which the lower part 1714 is pivotable relative to the base 1702, the first axis being aligned in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the seat 1700. A second hinge 1718 is connected between respective front edges of the upper part 1712 and the lower part 1714, such that the upper part 1712 and the lower part 1714 are pivotably connected to one another. The second hinge 1718 defines a second axis about which the upper part 1712 and the lower part 1714 are pivotable relative to one another, the second axis being substantially parallel to the first axis. A carriage 1720 is attached at a rear edge of the upper part 1712, the carriage 1720 being coupled to a guide element 1722 disposed within the seat back 1704 such that the carriage 1720 is movable along the guide element 1722. The guide element 1722 is indicated by the dashed line in Figs. 7a and 7b, and extends from a lower end of the seat back 1704 to an upper end of the seat back 1704. The guide element 1722 defines a path along which the carriage 1720 can travel. In some cases, the guide element 1722 may define a substantially straight path, whilst in other cases the guide element 1722 may define a curved path (e.g. so that the guide element 1722 conforms to a shape of the seat back 1704). The carriage 1720 is pivotably connected to the upper part 1712, to enable the upper part 1712 to pivot relative to the carriage 1720.

The seat cover 1710 is movable relative to the base 1702 between a covering position (shown in Fig. 7a) and an exposed position (shown in Fig. 7b). The seat cover 1710 may be moved between the covering and exposed positions by moving the carriage 1720 along the guide element 1722. For example, starting in the covering position, the carriage 1720 may be moved upwards along the guide element 1722. This causes the rear end of the upper part 1712 to rise with the carriage 1720, which in turn causes the front edge of the lower part 1714 to lift off of the base 1702, such that the lower part 1714 pivots relative to the base 1702. When the seat cover 1710 is in the covering position, an upper surface 1724 of the base 1702 is covered by the seat cover 1710. In particular, the lower part 1714 is in contact with, and covers, the upper surface 1724 when the seat cover 1710 is in the covering position. When the seat cover 1710 is in the exposed position, the lower part 1714 is pivoted away from the upper surface 1724, such that the upper surface 1724 is exposed.

An upper surface 1726 of the upper part 1712 may be configured as a seating surface, on which the user may sit when the seat cover 1710 is in the covering position. The upper surface 1724 of the base 1702 may be configured as a stepping surface, on which the user can step or otherwise support themselves when entering and/or exiting the vehicle. In particular, a front portion 1728 of the upper surface 1724 of the base 1702 may be configured as a stepping surface, as the front portion 1728 may be easily accessible when the seat cover 1710 is in the exposed position. Thus, the seat cover 1710 may be moved to the exposed position when the user is entering or exiting the vehicle, so that they may step on the upper surface 1724 of the base 1702. Then, the seat cover 1710 may be put in the covering position so that the user may sit in the seat 1700, i.e. on the seating surface provided by the upper surface 1726 of the upper part 1712. In some cases, the seat cover 1710 may be biased towards the exposed position. For example, a spring (e.g. similar to torsion spring 402) may be mounted around either or both of the first hinge 1716 and the second hinge 1718, to bias the seat cover 1710 towards the exposed position. In this manner, the seat cover 1710 may automatically return to exposed position. The seat cover 1710 may be held in the covering position by the user’s weight when they are sitting on the upper surface 1726 of the upper part 1712.

Additionally or alternatively to the guide element and carriage, either or both of the first hinge 1716 and the second hinge 1718 may be motorised, e.g. one or more motors may be coupled to the first hinge 1716 and/or the second hinge 1718, to control opening and closing of the first hinge 1716 and/or the second hinge 1718 and move the seat cover 1710 between the covering and exposed positions.

The seat 1700 may further include an actuation mechanism configured to move the seat cover 1710 between the covering and exposed positions. For example, the guide element 1722 may be in the form of a threaded bar, and the carriage 1720 may have a threaded (or tapped) hole which is engaged on the threaded bar, such that rotation of the threaded bar about its longitudinal axis causes the carriage 1720 to travel along a length of the threaded bar. In this manner, by rotating the threaded bar about its longitudinal axis, the carriage 1720 may be moved along the threaded bar to raise or lower the carriage 1720 relative to the base 1702. The threaded bar may be rotated in a first direction (e.g. clockwise) to raise the carriage 1720 and move the seat cover 1710 from the covering position to the exposed position, and the threaded bar may be rotated in a second direction (e.g. anti-clockwise) to lower the carriage 1720 and moved the seat cover 1710 from the exposed position to the covering position. The seat 1700 may further include a motor (not shown), which is configured to rotate the threaded bar about its longitudinal axis, in order control the position of the seat cover 1710. Similarly to motor 502 discussed above, the motor may be controlled manually (e.g. via a switch), or via a controller that is communicatively coupled to the motor. In some cases, instead of a simple threaded (or tapped) hole, the carriage 1720 may include a recirculating ball screw mechanism which is engaged with the threaded bar. Use of a recirculating ball screw mechanism may reduce friction and/or backlash of the carriage 1720 as it moves along the threaded bar, which may enable smoother motion of the carriage 1720 along the threaded bar.

Other examples of actuation mechanism for moving the seat cover 1710 between the covering and exposed positions may include a pulley mechanism (e.g. including one or more pulleys and a belt coupled to the pulleys) or a sprocket mechanism (e.g. including one or more sprockets and a chain coupled to the sprockets). Such actuation mechanism may include a motor, for controlling the position of the seat cover 1710. As another example, a winch mechanism may be used, which is configured to move the carriage 1720 upwards along the guide element 1722 in order to move the seat cover 1710 from the covering position to the exposed position. The winch mechanism may be configured to enable the seat cover 1710 to return to the covering position under action of gravity. Such a winch mechanism may, for example, include a winch positioned behind the headrest 1708. In these examples, the guide element 1722 may be in the form of a rail or linear guide, which is arranged to guide motion of the carriage 1720 as the seat cover 1710 is moved between the covering and exposed positions. In this manner, the carriage 1720 may slide along the guide element 1722. The guide element 1722 and carriage may be engaged in a manner that enables movement of the carriage 1720 along the guide element 1722, whilst preventing the carriage 1720 from falling off the guide element 1722. For example, the guide element 1722 may have a cross-sectional shape that is configured to retain the carriage 1720 on the guide element 1722 whilst enabling movement of the carriage 1720 along the guide element 1722.

In some embodiments, the seat cover 1710 may be configured to support at least part of a user’s weight when they enter and/or exit the vehicle. In particular, the seat cover 1710 may be configured to at least partially lift a user into and/or out of the vehicle. This may be especially beneficial where the vehicle is entered from above, as this may facilitate entering and/or exiting the vehicle. For example, prior to the user entering the vehicle, the seat cover 1710 may be placed in the exposed position. Where the seat 1700 includes an actuation mechanism for controlling the position of the seat cover 1710, this may be achieved by controlling the actuation mechanism of the seat 1700 to move the seat cover 1710 to the exposed position. Alternatively, where the seat includes a biasing element that biases the seat cover 1710 towards the exposed position, the seat cover 1710 may be moved to the exposed position under action of the biasing element. The user may then step onto the upper surface 1724 of the base 1702 (e.g. onto the front portion 1728 of the upper surface 1724). The user may further partially sit or rest themselves on the upper surface 1726 of the upper part 1712 of the seat cover 1710, such that at least part of the user’s weight is supported by the seat cover 1710. The seat cover 1710 may then be moved down to the covering position. For example, the actuation mechanism may be controlled to lower the seat cover 1710 to the covering position, so that the user is gradually lowered into the seat 1700. Where the seat 1700 includes a biasing element, the biasing element may counteract motion of the seat cover 1710 towards the covering position, such that it serves to support at least part of the user’s weight. As the seat cover 1710 moves towards the covering position, the user may move their feet from the upper surface 1724 of the base 1702 into a footwell in front of the base. Thus, at least part of the user’s weight may be supported by the seat cover 1710 as they enter the vehicle. Similarly, the seat cover 1710 may support at least part of the user’s weight when they are rising out of the seat 1700, thus facilitating exiting the vehicle.

In order to be able to support at least part of the user’s weight, the first and second parts 1712, 1714 of the seat cover 1710 may include a rigid material, e.g. they may each include a rigid backing material. When the seat cover 1710 is in the exposed position, the lower part 1714 may act as a support for the upper part 1712, which may improve a weight bearing ability of the seat cover 1710 when it is in the exposed position.

The upper part 1712 of the seat cover 1710 may be connected to the carriage 1720 via a slot (not shown) formed in the seat back 1704. The seat back 1704 may have cushions disposed on either side of the slot, to render the slot unobtrusive. A brush may be disposed within the slot, to prevent dirt or other debris from entering the slot and interfering with the guide element 1722 and the carriage 1720. In some cases, the seat back 1704 may include a flap (or cover) which is arranged to cover the slot when the seat cover is not moving. The flap may include a same or similar material to the seat back 1704 (e.g. leather, leather-like material, or fabric). The flap may include a biasing element for holding the flap in place over the slot, such as a spring-loaded material. The flap may include a fastening mechanism for holding the flap in place over the slot, such as a zip fastener, hook-and-loop fastener, or one or more buttons. The carriage 1720 may be configured to open and/or close the fastening mechanism as it is moved along the guide element 1722. For instance, the carriage 1720 may be configured to open the fastening mechanism when the seat cover 1710 is moved towards the exposed position, and to close the fastening mechanism when the seat cover 1710 is moved towards the covering position. In this manner, when the seat cover 1710 is in the covering position, the flap may be held closed by the fastening mechanism, so that the slot is not visible or accessible. The slot may therefore automatically be closed and protected when the seat cover 1710 is placed in the covering position. As an example, the carriage 1720 may be connected to a zip slider for a zip fastener, such that movement of the carriage 1720 along the guide element 1722 in a first direction causes the zip fastener to open, and movement of the carriage 1720 along the guide element 1722 in a second direction causes the zip fastener to close. Alternatively, the carriage 1720 may be configured (e.g. shaped) to move the flap out of the way when it moves along the guide element 1722.

In some embodiments, the seat 1700 may include a single guide element 1722 which is located at or near a middle of the seat 1700. Positioning the guide element 1722 towards the middle of the seat 1700 may serve to ensure that weight applied to the upper part 1712 of the seat cover 1710 is evenly supported. In other embodiments, two or more guide elements 1722 may be disposed within the seat back 1704, each of which is coupled to a respective carriage 1720 on the upper part 1712 of the seat cover 1710. Using multiple guide elements 1722 and carriages 1720 for moving the seat cover 1710 relative to the base 1702 may further improve a stability of the seat cover 1710, which may improve the seat cover’s ability to support the user’s weight when the seat cover 1710 is moved between the covering and exposed positions. As an example, the seat 1700 may include a first carriage 1720 attached to a left-hand side of the rear edge of the upper part 1712, the first carriage 1720 being movably coupled to a first guide element 1722 disposed in a left- hand side of the seat back 1704; and a second carriage 1720 attached to a right-hand side of the rear edge of the upper part 1712, the second carriage 1720 being movably coupled to a second guide element 1722 disposed in a right-hand side of the seat back 1704. With such a configuration, weight applied to the upper surface 1726 of the upper part 1712 may be supported evenly via the first and second guide elements 1722. Where multiple guide elements 1722 and carriages 1720 are used, there may be a corresponding number of slots formed in the seat back 1704 for coupling the upper part 1712 of the seat cover 1710 to each of the carriages 1720. Each of the slots may be configured in a similar manner to the slot described above. For example, each slot may include a brush and/or flap for protecting the slot. Additionally, where multiple guide elements 1722 and carriages 1720 are used, the actuation mechanism may include a respective motor configured to move each carriage 1720 along its corresponding guide element 1722. However, in some cases a single motor may be configured to control movement of all of the carriages 1720 along their respective guide elements 1722.

In the example of Figs. 7a and 7b, the first and second parts 1712, 1714 of the seat cover 1710 are shown as being connected together by the second hinge 1718. However, in other embodiments, different mechanisms may be used for pivotably coupling the first and second parts 1712, 1714 together. For example, in one embodiment, the first and second parts 1712, 1714 may be joined together by a flexible or foldable piece of material.

Figs. 8a, 8b and 8c show schematic side views of a seat 1800 according to an embodiment of the invention. The seat 1800 is designed for use in a vehicle, and so may for example be used to seat a driver or a passenger of the vehicle. The seat 1800 includes a base 1802, a seat back 1804 and a headrest 1808. The base 1802, the seat back 1804 and the headrest 1808 may be configured in a similar manner to the base 102, the seat back 104 and the headrest 108 of the seat 100 described above.

The seat 1800 includes a seat cover 1810 which is movable relative to the base 1802. In particular, the seat cover 1810 includes a carriage 1820 which is attached to a rear edge of the seat cover 1810, the carriage 1820 being coupled to a guide element 1822 disposed within the seat back 1804 such that the carriage 1820 is movable along the guide element 1822. The carriage 1820 and the guide element 1822 function in a similar manner to the carriage 1720 and the guide element 1722 described above. Any features described above in relation to the carriage 1720 and the guide element 1722 may be used with the carriage 1820 and the guide element 1822. Moreover, similarly to the seat 1700, the seat 1800 may include an actuation mechanism for moving the carriage 1820 along the guide element 1822. Thus, the seat cover 1810 may operate in a similar to the seat cover 1710 described above. However, as can be seen in Figs. 8a-8c, the seat cover 1810 does not include a lower part similar to lower part 1714 of the seat cover 1710.

The seat cover 1810 is movable between a covering position (shown in Fig. 8a) and an exposed position (shown in Fig. 8b). The seat cover 1810 may be moved between the exposed and covering positions by moving the carriage 1820 along the guide element 1822 (e.g. by means of the actuation mechanism). The seat cover 1810 includes an upper surface 1826 which is configured to be used as a seating surface when the seat cover 1810 is in the covering position, whilst an upper surface 1824 of the base 1802 is configured for use as a stepping surface when the seat cover 1810 is in the exposed position. In particular, a front portion 1828 of the upper surface 1824 of the base 1802 may be used as a stepping surface by a user when entering and/or exiting the vehicle. In a similar manner to the upper surface 1726 of the seat cover 1710, the upper surface 1826 of the seat cover 1810 may be configured to at least partially support a weight of the user when they enter and/or exit the vehicle. A strong connection between the seat cover 1810 and the carriage 1820 may be required, in order to ensure that the user’s weight can be supported by the upper surface 1826 of the seat cover 1810 when the seat cover 1810 is in the exposed position. For example, the carriage 1820 may be made of a stiff material, such as carbon fibre, and the seat cover 1810 may be secured to the carriage 1820 via a bolted connection or a suitably strong adhesive or epoxy.

Optionally, the seat cover 1810 may further be pivotably connected to the carriage 1820 so that it is pivotable upwards (i.e. away from the base 1802) when it reaches the exposed position, as indicated by arrow 1850 in Fig. 8c. In this manner, the seat cover 1810 may be placed out of the way of the user, so that the user may have better access to the upper surface 1824 of the base 1802. The seat cover 1810 may be configured to automatically pivot as indicated by arrow 1850 when it reaches the exposed position, e.g. by means of a biasing element (e.g. spring) or a motor. Pivoting of the seat cover 1810 relative to the carriage 1820 may be restricted to a limited range, which may facilitate supporting a user’s weight when the seat cover 1810 is in the exposed position. As an example, prior to the user entering the vehicle, the seat cover 1810 may be placed in the position shown in Fig. 8c. The user may then step onto the upper surface 1824 of the base 1802 and then move the seat cover 1810 down to the exposed position shown in Fig. 8b, so that they can at least partially sit or rest themselves on the seat cover 1810. Then, the seat cover 1810 may be lowered to the covering position shown in Fig. 8a, to bring the user to a seated position.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle 1900 according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 1900 is a car, e.g. a road car or a race car. The vehicle 1900 may, for example, be an electric vehicle, or a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. The vehicle 1900 includes a seat 1902 disposed in a cockpit 1904 of the vehicle 1900. The seat 1902 is a seat according to the invention and so may, for example, be any of the seats discussed above with reference to Figs. 1a to 8c. The seat 1902 may, for example, be arranged to receive a driver of the vehicle 1900. In some embodiments, there may be multiple seats according to the invention disposed in the vehicle 1900, e.g. a driver seat, and one or more passenger seats. The cockpit 1904 may further include vehicle controls (not shown), such as a steering wheel, control pedals, and a dashboard.

The vehicle 1900 includes a door 1906 for accessing the cockpit 1904, the door 1906 being defined in a body 1908 of the vehicle 1900. The door 1906 is in the form of a canopy door, which is pivotably mounted to the body 1908 of the vehicle 1900 via a hinge 1910 that is disposed in front of a windscreen 1912 of the vehicle 1900. The door 1906 may also include a support 1914, which may be part of a system for facilitating opening and closing of the door 1906. The door 1906 includes the windscreen 1912, together with part of a roof 1916 and part of a side 1918 of the body 1908 of the vehicle 1900. The door 1906 is shown in an open position in Fig. 9. When the door 1906 is in the open position, a space is formed between the door 1906 and the body 1908 of the vehicle 1900, such that a user may enter or exit the vehicle 1900. As the door 1906 includes part of the roof 1916, the cockpit 1904 may be accessed at least partially from above, which may facilitate entering and exiting the vehicle, particularly where the vehicle has small dimensions or is close to the ground.

In order to avoid stepping on a seating surface of the seat 1902 when entering or exiting the vehicle 1900, a user may operate a moving mechanism of the seat 1902 in order to move the seat cover relative to the base of the seat 1902, e.g. to expose a stepping surface of the seat 1902 over the base. In some embodiments, the vehicle 1900 may include a controller (e.g. such as an on-board computer) which is configured to automatically move the seat cover relative to the base. The controller may be any suitable computing device having software installed thereon for controlling the moving mechanism of the seat 1902. For example, where the seat 1902 includes a motor (such as the motor 502 or 1026 described above), the controller may be configured to control the motor. Where the seat 1902 includes a lock mechanism (e.g. the lock mechanism of the seat 200 or 300), the controller may be configured to control the lock mechanism. Thus, the controller may be communicatively coupled to the moving mechanism of the seat 1902 (via a wireless or wired connection), in order to control the moving mechanism of the seat 1902.

For example, the controller may be configured to move the seat cover relative to the base when the vehicle 1900 is unlocked, and/or when the door 1906 is opened. In particular, the controller may operate the moving mechanism of the seat 1902 such that the stepping surface of the seat 1902 is exposed over the base when the vehicle 1900 is unlocked, and/or when the door 1906 is opened. This may ensure that the stepping surface is presented to the user when they are preparing to enter the vehicle 1900, in order to avoid damaging and/or dirtying the seating surface when the user enters the vehicle 1900. As another example, the controller may be configured to move the seat cover relative to the base, based on a proximity of a user device to the vehicle. In this manner, when a user is approaching the vehicle, the seat 1902 may automatically be prepared for the user’s entry into the vehicle.

In some cases, the controller may be configured to move the seat cover relative to the base in response to receiving an instruction from a user device. For example, the controller may be configured to receive instructions that are wirelessly transmitted from a user device. The user device may be a smartphone or other personal computing device, or a remote control for the vehicle 1900. In this manner, the user may remotely control movement of the seat cover relative to the base. For example, a user may, via the user device, transmit an instruction to the controller to expose the stepping surface over the base as they are approaching the vehicle 1900, so that the seat cover is in the desired position when they enter the vehicle 1900.

The controller may also be configured to move the seat cover relative to the base in response to an output received from an environmental sensor. For example, the vehicle 1900 may include a sensor such as a temperature sensor, an ambient light sensor a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, or similar. Alternatively, the controller may receive environmental information, e.g. weather information, from a remote service (e.g. via the internet). In this manner, the controller may adapt the position of the seat cover based on current environmental conditions.

Although in the example of Fig. 9, the vehicle 1900 is a car, in other embodiments, the vehicle may be any other type of vehicle. Indeed, the seat of the invention may be suitable for use in any type of vehicle, including land vehicles, aircraft and watercraft.