Seat adapter, seat assembly, and methods of making and using thereof

Abstract

A seat adapter for a vehicle includes a base portion, a channel, and a dovetail portion. The channel extends across a width of the seat adapter and is configured to receive a seat frame. The dovetail portion extends rearward from a distal end of the seat frame. The dovetail portion is configured to increase a total seat length.

1 . A seat adapter, comprising:
 a base portion;   a channel extending across a width of the seat adapter configured to receive a seat frame; and   a dovetail portion extending rearward from a distal end of the seat frame,   wherein the dovetail portion is configured to increase a total seat length.   
     
     
         2 . The seat adapter according to  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of ribs or gussets. 
     
     
         3 . The seat adapter according to  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of ribs or gussets extends from the base portion to the dovetail portion. 
     
     
         4 . The seat adapter according to  claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of ribs or gussets extends over a peak of the channel. 
     
     
         5 . The seat adapter according to  claim 1 , wherein the base portion is configured to abut the seat frame. 
     
     
         6 . The seat adapter according to  claim 1 , wherein the base portion further comprises a fastener opening. 
     
     
         7 . The seat adapter according to  claim 6 , wherein a fastener is disposed within the fastener opening to further secure the seat adapter to the seat frame. 
     
     
         8 . The seat adapter according to  claim 1 , further comprising a recess to allow a heating element to pass through the seat adapter. 
     
     
         9 . A seat adapter, comprising:
 a base including a bottom surface that is positionable on a seat frame;   a recessed portion configured to receive a potion of the seat frame therein, the recessed portion positioned rearward of the base; and   a support extending rearward from the recessed portion, the support including an upper surface configured to receive a seat cushion thereon rearward of the seat frame.   
     
     
         10 . The seat adapter according to  claim 9 , further comprising a plurality of ribs or gussets, wherein the plurality of ribs or gussets extends from the base to the support. 
     
     
         11 . The seat adapter according to  claim 10 , wherein each of the plurality of ribs or gussets extends over a peak of the recessed portion. 
     
     
         12 . The seat adapter according to  claim 9 , wherein the seat adapter is removably secured to the seat frame by the recessed portion clipping to a portion of the seat frame. 
     
     
         13 . The seat adapter according to  claim 12 , wherein the seat adapter is further secured to the seat frame by a fastener. 
     
     
         14 . The seat adapter according to  claim 9 , further comprising a recess to allow a heating element to pass through the seat adapter. 
     
     
         15 . A method of assembling a snowmobile seat assembly, the method comprising:
 providing a seat frame with a first material;   providing a seat adapter with a second material, the seat adapter comprising a channel;   removably securing the seat adapter to the seat frame, wherein the channel of the seat adapter clips onto the seat frame; and   applying a seat cushion to the seat frame and the seat adapter,   wherein the seat cushion encapsulates the seat frame and the seat adapter.   
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the first material is different from the second material. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the first material comprises a high density polythene. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the second material comprises a glass filled nylon. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the seat adapter provides an additional seat support for a rider. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the seat adapter provides the additional seat support internally within a seat foam.