Adjustable backrest applications

Abstract

The present invention relates to a unique adjustable backrest. The vertical height of the backrest of the present invention may be adjusted with telescoping vertical supports. The backrest may be coupled to a seat via a unique hinge and mounting hardware. The angle of the backrest relative to the seat may be adjusted with a strap. The backrest may be mounted to various types of seats including bench and bucket seats. The backrest may be used, for example, in a canoe.

1 . An adjustable backrest for a seat comprising: 
 a backrest frame comprising a first and second vertical member, further comprising a guide attached to the outside surface of each said vertical member;    a cross bar member coupled to said first and second vertical member;    mounting hardware; and    a strap having a first and second end, wherein said first end is adapted to be coupled to one side of said seat, wherein said second end is run through said guides on said backrest and adapted to be coupled to a buckle, and wherein said buckle is coupled to the opposite side of said seat.    
   
   
       2 . The backrest of  claim 1  wherein said first and second vertical members are telescoping.  
   
   
       3 . The vertical members of  claim 2  further comprising a wide hollow member and a narrow member, wherein said wide hollow member has at least one hole provided on the body of said wide hollow member; wherein said narrow member is configured to slide within said wide hollow member; and wherein said narrow member comprises a spring loaded button configured to pop into said hole of said wide hollow member.  
   
   
       4 . The wide hollow member of  claim 3  further comprising at least two holes.  
   
   
       5 . The backrest of  claim 1  wherein said cross members are curved.  
   
   
       6 . The backrest of  claim 1  wherein said vertical members are tapered.  
   
   
       7 . The mounting hardware of  claim 1  further comprising a mounting bar member adapted to have a total length such that said mounting bar member extends from below a first seat member and over the top of a second seat member.  
   
   
       8 . The mounting bar member of  claim 7  further comprising one selected from the group consisting of a spring clamp, a “J” clamp, a pop rivet, a screw, and a bolt.  
   
   
       9 . The mounting bar member of  claim 7  wherein said mounting bar member is tapered such that said mounting bar member is thicker near the second seat member.  
   
   
       10 . An adjustable backrest for a seat comprising: 
 a backrest frame comprising a first and second vertical member, further comprising a guide attached to the outside surface of each said vertical member;    a cross bar member coupled to said first and second vertical member;    mounting hardware;    a hinge attaching said backrest frame to said mounting hardware and adapted to permit said backrest to rotate 180 degrees, wherein at approximately 90 degrees of rotation said backrest frame is perpendicular to said seat; and    a strap having a first and second end, wherein said first end is adapted to be coupled to one side of said seat, wherein said second end is run through said guides on said backrest and adapted to be coupled to a buckle, and wherein said buckle is coupled to the opposite side of said seat.    
   
   
       11 . The hinge of  claim 10  further comprising a spring.  
   
   
       12 . The spring of  claim 11  further comprising a torsion spring.  
   
   
       13 . The spring of  claim 11  wherein a portion of said spring is positioned within said vertical member.  
   
   
       14 . The hinge of  claim 10  further comprising a pin provided laterally through said vertical member and said mounting hardware.  
   
   
       15 . The hinge of  claim 14  further comprising a spring, wherein said pin is positioned through the center coil of said spring.  
   
   
       16 . The backrest of  claim 14  wherein said vertical member fits within a portion of said mounting hardware.  
   
   
       17 . The mounting hardware of  claim 10  further comprising a mounting bar member adapted to have a total length such that said mounting bar member extend from below a first seat member and over the top of a second seat member.  
   
   
       18 . The mounting bar member of  claim 17  further comprising one selected from the group consisting of a spring clamp, a “J” clamp, a pop rivet, a screw, and a bolt.  
   
   
       19 . The mounting bar member of  claim 17  wherein said mounting bar member is tapered such that said mounting bar member is thicker near the second seat member.  
   
   
       20 . The backrest of  claim 10  wherein said cross members are curved.