Seating apparatus

Abstract

Seating apparatus 10 is shown in several embodiments one of which features a body 12 including a seat 14 and a lid 16 which is pivotable with respect to the body 12 between a retracted position and an extended position in which the lid 16 defines a cover for the seat 14 . In the retracted position the lid 16 cooperates with the body 12 to enclose the seat 14 against use. The lid 16 is attached to the body 12 at a pivot point which is positioned adjacent to the seat 14 . When the lid 16 is pivoted into the extended position, the apparatus 10 includes a support means in the form of a telescopic member 23 positioned between the lid 16 and the body 12 to enable the lid 16 to be supported open. The body 12 includes a plurality of steps 18 positioned adjacent and stepping up to the seat 14 when the apparatus 10 is positioned upright in use. In some embodiments in the retracted position the member cooperates with the body 12 to also enclose the steps 18 as well as the seat 14 against use, although further embodiments of the invention do not necessarily have this feature. The body 12 can be fitted with one or more wheels 22 to allow movement of the apparatus 10 and to permit tilting of the apparatus 10 into a position whereat the seat 14 is located uppermost and the steps 18 are arranged to enable climbing into the seat 14.

1 . Seating apparatus including: 
 a base including a seat and one or more steps associated with the base for leading up to the seat; and    a member moveable with respect to the base between a retracted position and an extended position in which the member is disposed over the seat.    
     
     
         2 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the member is pivotable at the base between the retracted and extended positions.  
     
     
         3 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 1    wherein in the retracted position the member cooperates with the base to enclose the seat against use.  
     
     
         4 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 3    wherein in the retracted position the member cooperates with the base to also enclose the step(s) against use.  
     
     
         5 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the member is attached to the base at a pivot point which is positioned at or adjacent to the seat.  
     
     
         6 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 1    further including a support positionable between the member and the base or between the member and surrounding ground for supporting the member when in the extended position.  
     
     
         7 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 6    wherein the support is one or more foldable, extendable or telescopic connectors.  
     
     
         8 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the member is a segment in the form of an outwardly convex rectangular panel, and the base shape approximates a longitudinal prism, the member sitting flush with the base in the retracted position.  
     
     
         9 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the step(s) and the member define a storage space that is enclosable when the member is in the retracted position.  
     
     
         10 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the member is slidable between the retracted and extended positions.  
     
     
         11 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 10    wherein in the retracted position the member cooperates with the base to enclose the seat against use.  
     
     
         12 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 10    wherein the member is attached to the base in a track or slot provided at the base, the track or slot extending along the base adjacent the seat and the step(s) so that in the retracted position the member cooperates with the base to also enclose the step(s) against use.  
     
     
         13 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 10    further including a support positionable between the member and the base or between the member and surrounding ground for supporting the member when in the extended position.  
     
     
         14 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 13    wherein the support is one or more foldable, extendable or telescopic connectors.  
     
     
         15 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 10    wherein the member is a segment in the form of a flexible rectangular panel, and the base shape approximates a longitudinal prism, the member sitting flush with the base in the retracted position.  
     
     
         16 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 10    wherein the step(s) and the member define a storage space that is enclosable by the member when in the retracted position.  
     
     
         17 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 10    wherein in the retracted position the member is received in an internal recess provided in an opposing side of the base to the step(s) or in an external retaining track or slot provided on the opposing side.  
     
     
         18 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 10    or    claim 17    further including a support positionable between the member and the base or between the member and surrounding ground for supporting the member when in the extended position.  
     
     
         19 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 18    wherein the support is one or more foldable, extendable or telescopic connectors.  
     
     
         20 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 17    wherein the member is a segment in the form of a flexible rectangular panel, and the base shape approximates a longitudinal prism, the panel seated within the base or at the opposing side of the base in the retracted position.  
     
     
         21 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the step(s) are incorporated in the base, or are attachable to the base.  
     
     
         22 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the step(s) are part of a ladder that is optionally pivotally mounted to the base.  
     
     
         23 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the base is fitted with one or more wheels to allow movement of the apparatus and to permit tilting of the apparatus into a position whereat the seat is located uppermost in the base and the step(s) are arranged to enable climbing into the seat.  
     
     
         24 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the base includes a projecting wing at its in use lowermost end that helps stabilise the base when in the upright position.  
     
     
         25 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the base is further adapted for the external attachment of equipment such as surfcraft, flagpoles etc.  
     
     
         26 . Apparatus as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the base has internal storage defined therein which is enclosed by an access portal provided on an opposing side of the base to the step(s) or enclosed by an access portal provided in the step(s).