The present disclosure relates to a multi-use seat, suitable for outdoor use, together with methods for the manufacture and use thereof.
Many conventional outdoor seating options can be cumbersome to transport and store. In addition, many outdoor seating options are uncomfortable to use for extended periods of time. Thus, there is a need to address the aforementioned problems and other shortcomings associated with conventional outdoor seating options. These needs and other needs can be satisfied by the articles, compositions, and methods of the present disclosure.
In accordance with the purpose(s) of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, this disclosure, in one aspect, relates to a seat that can, for example, be used outdoors.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a foldable seat that can provide improved comfort over conventional seating options. More particularly, disclosed herein, in various aspects, is a seat comprising first and second structural members that can be pivotally coupled to each other at opposing first and second pivot points. The seat can be configured to selectively rotate about and between an open position and a closed position. Each structural member can include first and second leg portions and a top portion attached to and extending between the first and second leg portions. The first leg portion of the first structural member can be pivotally coupled to the first leg portion of the second structural member at the first pivot point. Similarly, the second leg portion of the first structural member can be pivotally coupled to the second leg portion of the second structural member at the second pivot point. The first and second structural members cooperate to define a seating area. The seat can also comprise a seating cover that can be positioned across at least a portion of the seating area between the first and second structural members. The seat covering can define a continuous loop extending between the first and second structural members and wrapping around the top portions of the first and second structural members to define a seating surface.
The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the Examples included therein.
Before the present compositions, articles, systems, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific methods of manufacture unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, example methods and materials are now described.
All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, example methods and materials are now described.
As used herein, unless specifically stated to the contrary, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a tube” or “a ring” also includes aspects including two or more tubes, or rings, respectively.
As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or can not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
Disclosed are the components to be used to prepare the compositions of the invention as well as the compositions themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these components can not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular component is disclosed and a number of modifications that can be made to the component are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the component and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary.
Each of the materials disclosed herein are either commercially available and/or the methods for the production thereof are known to those of skill in the art.
It is understood that the components disclosed herein can have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.
Conventional folding seat designs, such as that illustrated in
Disclosed herein, in various aspects and with reference to
In one aspect, the seat 10 can comprise at least first and second structural members 20a, 20b that can be attached so as to rotate about a central axis 140. In one aspect, the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can be pivotally coupled to each other at opposing first and second pivot points 30a, 30b. In a further aspect, the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can selectively rotate about and between an open position and a closed position. In such an aspect, the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can be placed in a closed position such that a top portion 26a, 26b of one of the structural members 20a, 20b is parallel to and/or in registration with the top portion of the other structural member. Similarly, in the closed position, it is contemplated that the ends (e.g., a leg) of one structural member can be parallel to and/or in registration with the ends (e.g., a leg) of the other structural member. In another aspect, the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can be placed in an open position such that one of the structural members 20a, 20b is positioned at a seating area angle 120 relative to the other structural member. In this aspect, the seating area angle 120 formed between the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can be oriented upwardly relative to a vertical axis 110 and define a seating area 40. In another aspect, the seating area angle 120 formed between the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can be measured within a reference plane 130 that is perpendicular to an axis 140 extending through the first and second pivot points 30a, 30b of the seat 10.
In one aspect, the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can generally comprise an inverted U-shape, such that the ends of each of the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can contact the ground during use. Optionally, in such an aspect, one or more support members 100 can be attached to and extend between, for example, respective portions of the ends of each structural member 20a, 20b, so as to provide improved support and stability. It is contemplated that the one or more support members 100 can include a support bar, an arm, or the like.
In another aspect, the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can generally comprise a square, tubular, or rectangular shape. It should be understood that each structural member 20a, 20b can comprise a single piece or multiple pieces attached to form the structural member. It should also be understood that the shape of the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can vary. In one aspect, the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can comprise inverted U-shaped components wherein the center of the U is flat, substantially flat, or curved. In another aspect, the sides of an inverted U-shaped component can be curved or arching. In yet another aspect, each structural member can have a top portion 26a, 26b (i.e., the center of the U-shaped component) and first and second leg portions 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b (i.e., the sides of the U-shaped component). In this aspect, the first and second leg portions 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b of each of the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can be symmetrical or substantially symmetrical relative to a reference plane 130 that extends through center points of the top portions 26a, 26b of the structural members. In these aspects, the top portion 26a, 26b of each structural member 20a, 20b can be attached to and extend between the first and second leg portions 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b. In a further aspect, the first leg portion 22a of the first structural member 20a can be pivotally coupled to the first leg portion 22b of the second structural member 20b at the first pivot point 30a. Similarly, the second leg portion 24a of the first structural member 20a can be pivotally coupled to the second leg portion 24b of the second structural member 20b at the second pivot point 30b. In these aspects, the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can cooperate to define the seating area 40.
It is contemplated that the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can comprise any material suitable for use in a seat that can provide the desired support and stability. In one aspect, the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can comprise a tubular material. In another aspect, the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can comprise a solid material. In another aspect, the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can comprise other geometries, such as, for example, square stock, an L or I frame shaped material, etc. The composition of the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can also vary, provided that the material can support the weight of a user and be durable. In various aspects, the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can comprise aluminum, steel, polyvinylchloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), etc. In other aspects, the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can comprise other materials, such as polymeric materials, wood, metal materials, carbon fiber materials, etc., not specifically recited herein.
In another aspect, one or more of the structural members 20a, 20b can further comprise an extension portion (not shown) attached thereto or disposed therein. For example, a tubular structural member can comprise an extension portion comprised of a small diameter tubular material, wherein the extension portion can be disposed inside the structural member and can be optionally adjusted and secured. In such an aspect, the extension portion can be telescopically engaged in a structural member by, for example, a locking pin. It is contemplated that the extention portion can be used to selectively adjust the operative height of the seat 10.
The dimensions of each structural member 20a, 20b can be such that the seat 10 can be positioned on a surface, such as the ground, and a user can comfortably sit on the seat for an extended period.
In one aspect, the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can comprise cooperating frame sections for the seat 10. In one aspect, the structural members 20a, 20b can be positioned in substantially overlying registration and attached to one another at at least one pivot point, for example, at the first and second pivot points 30a, 30b positioned on respective opposing sides of each structural member. In one example, each of the first and second structural members 20a, 20b is, for example, an inverted U-shaped tubular component (wherein the central portion of the U is flat) having the ends of the U-shaped component positioned towards the ground and the flat portion of the inverted U-shaped component positioned at elevation. The dimensions of one of the structural members 20a, 20b can be such that it can nest within or inside the area occupied by the other structural member. In one aspect, the first structural member 20a defines a first area 28a and the second structural member 20b defines a second area 28b. In another aspect, the second area 28b can be smaller than the first area 28a. Thus, in one aspect, the dimensions of one of the structural members 20a, 20b can be such that it can nest within or inside the area occupied by a larger structural member. For example, in one aspect, the first structural member 20a can defines a first area 28a and the second structural member 20b can define a second area 28b that is smaller than the first area. In this aspect, the second structural member 20b can be positioned within the first area 28a of the first structural member 20a. Alternatively, in another aspect, the first structural member 20a can define a first area 28a and the second structural member 20b can define a second area 28b that is larger than the first area. In this aspect, the first structural member 20a can be positioned within the second area 28b of the second structural member 28a. It is contemplated that the top portion and the first and second leg portions of each structural member can be generally oriented within a respective plane, within which the first area and/or second area is defined. In such aspects, the first and second pivot points 30a, 30b (where the structural members 20a, 20b are attached to one another) can be positioned at a predetermined fixed distance, for example, from the top/fabric portion of the seat or from the ground. It is not necessary that the first and second pivot points 30a, 30b be positioned the same distance from the ends of each component, and aspects wherein the pivot points are positioned at the same distance and at varying distances are both intended to be covered by this disclosure. The height of a structural member relative to the vertical axis 110 can also vary with respect to the other structural member. For example, in one aspect, the first structural member 20a can have a height that is greater than the height of the second structural member 20b relative to the vertical axis 110. In these aspects, such variations can provide a seat 10 having an angled seating surface 60, as shown in
In another aspect, the seating area angle 120 is formed between the first leg portion 22a of the first structural member 20a and the first leg portion 22b of the second structural member 20b. In an exemplary aspect, the seat 10 can be in an open position and ready for use when the first and second structural members 20a, 20b are rotated relative to the axis 140 extending through the first and second pivot points 30a, 30b of the seat 10 such that the first structural member 20a cooperates with the second structural member 20b to define a seating area angle 120, measured within a reference plane 130 that is perpendicular to the axis 140 extending through the first and second pivot points 30a, 30b of the seat 10. As one can appreciate, in such an open position, the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can appear as an “X” in a side profile view. In other aspects, the specific seating area angle 120 formed between the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can vary, for example, from about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, depending upon the desired application, seat covering, etc. Optionally, the seating area angle formed between the first and second structural members 20a, 20b can be about 90 degrees. In another aspect, the seat 10 can be in a closed position when the first and second structural members 20a, 20b are nested or positioned such that the first and second structural members 20a, 20b cooperate to form a seating area angle 120 of less than about 20 degrees, measured within the reference plane 130. It should also be noted that the specific angle in a closed or open position can vary, and the present disclosure is not intended to limit a particular angle.
In another aspect, the seat 10 comprises a seat covering 50 that can be positioned across at least a portion of the seating area 40 between the first and second structural members 20a, 20b. In this aspect, the seat covering 50 can define a continuous loop 52 that extends between the first and second structural members 20a, 20b and wraps around the top portions 26a, 26b of the first and second structural members 20a, 20b to define a seating surface 60. It is contemplated that the continuous loop 52 of the seat 10 can provide a more comfortable seat.
In a conventional folding seat, a seat covering is attached to and positioned between the structural members. In such a conventional folding seat, the structural member can apply pressure to the legs of a user upon seating. In contrast, the seat covering 50 of the present disclosure can comprise a continuous loop of material 52, starting over a front structural member (e.g., the first structural member 20a), across the seating area to the rear, over the rear structural member (e.g., the second structural member 20b), looping around the rear structural member underneath the seating surface 60, underneath the front structural member, and re-joining at the starting point. It should be understood that a continuous loop of material 52 can comprise one or more pieces attached together. In one aspect, the width of a seat covering 50 can comprise the distance needed to cover the side to side distance of the seating area 40. In another aspect, the seat covering 50 of the present disclosure does not merely attach to and hang from the first and second structural members.
In another aspect, the seat covering 50 can further comprise at least one secondary loop 70, attached to an interior portion 54 of the continuous loop 52 and wrapping around the top portion of at least one structural member, as illustrated in
In an alternative aspect, as shown in
Use of the secondary loops 70 is intended to secure and stabilize the seat covering 50, and to prevent undesirable rotation or movement of the seat covering during transport or use. Thus, in exemplary aspects, the disclosed seat 10 in combination with the secondary loops 70 and/or the first covering and outer covering materials 80, 90 can improve comfort, minimize pressure on the legs of a seat user, and prevent undesired movement of the seat.
The seat covering 50 can comprise any material suitable for use in a seat 10. In various aspects, the seat covering 50 can comprise a fabric or textile, a woven material, a non-woven material, or a flexible sheet-good. In one aspect, at least the outer portion of a seat covering 50 can be padded and/or quilted to provide further comfort for a user. In one aspect, a seat covering component can be rugged and durable for outdoor use. In another aspect, a seat covering component can be resistant to damage from moisture, UV irradiation, and temperature variations. In other aspects, any of the seat covering components can comprise a single color, multiple colors, and/or an image or pattern, such as, for example, a camouflage pattern.
Depending on the specific type of seat covering material employed, the method of attachment can vary. In various aspects, portions of the seat covering material can be sewn (i.e., stitched), glued, etc. It should also be understood that any seat covering component can comprise one or more layers of the same or varying material. For example, an outer seat covering material can comprise a first layer having enhanced tear resistance, an intermediate layer comprising a filler and/or padding material, and a third layer comprising a quilted fabric resistant to UV irradiation. In such an exemplary aspect, edges of the first and the third layers can be attached to form a padded outer seat covering material.
An additional benefit of the inventive seat design is improved strength and stability. In a conventional seat, the seat covering is attached to the structural members 20a, 20b, such that the structural members 20a, 20b carry the load applied to the seating area. In contrast, the seat covering 50 of the present disclosure provides a continuous loop of material, such that the seat covering material itself carries a significant portion of the load, and the first and second structural members 20a, 20b provide stability.
In other aspects, the seat 10 of the present disclosure comprises a modular design, such that one or more additional and optional components can be added, depending on the intended use. The specific method of attachment for any of the one or more additional and optional components can vary, for example, from screws, to bolts, to rivets, to spring loaded quick release fasteners.
In one aspect, an umbrella holder 180 can be attached to at least one structural member, as shown in
In a similar fashion, one or more quiver tubes 190 can be attached to at least one structural member for holding arrows when the seat 10 is used for archery activities, as shown in
In another aspect and with reference to
In one aspect, the modular design of the seat disclosed herein can facilitate re-configuration by an end-user. Such re-configuratoin can allow the same seat to be useful for multiple activities. In various aspects, such a seat could be useful for wingshooting, upload hunting, big-game hunting, etc., along with shooting and archery sport competitions.
In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.
Aspect 1: A folding seat, comprising: first and second structural members pivotally coupled to each other at opposing first and second pivot points and configured to selectively rotate about and between an open position and a closed position, each structural member having first and second leg portions and a top portion attached to and extending between the first and second leg portions, the first leg portion of the first structural member being pivotally coupled to the first leg portion of the second structural member at the first pivot point, the second leg portion of the first structural member being pivotally coupled to the second leg portion of the second structural member at the second pivot point, wherein the first and second structural members cooperate to define a seating area; and a seat covering positioned across at least a portion of the seating area between the first and second structural members, wherein the seat covering defines a continuous loop extending between the first and second structural members and wrapping around the top portions of the first and second structural members to define a seating surface.
Aspect 2: The folding seat of aspect 1, wherein each structural member further comprises a support member attached to and extending between respective portions of the first and second leg portions.
Aspect 3: The folding seat of aspect 1, wherein the first and second leg portions of each of the first and second structural members are substantially symmetrical relative to a reference plane that extends through center points of the top portions of the structural members.
Aspect 4: The folding seat of aspect 1, wherein the first structural member defines a first area and the second structural member defines a second area that is smaller than the first area, and wherein the second structural member is configured to be positioned within the first area of the first structural member.
Aspect 5: The folding seat of aspect 1, wherein the first structural member defines a first area and the second structural member defines a second area that is larger than the first area, and wherein the first structural member is configured to be positioned within the second area of the second structural member.
Aspect 6: The folding seat of aspect 1, wherein, in the open position, the first structural member has a height that is greater than the height of the second structural member relative to a vertical axis, thereby providing an angled seating surface.
Aspect 7: The folding seat of aspect 1, wherein, in the open position, the first and second structural members cooperate to define a seating area angle ranging from about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, and wherein the seating area angle is measured within a reference plane that is perpendicular to an axis extending through the first and second pivot points of the folding seat.
Aspect 8: The folding seat of aspect 7, wherein, in the closed position, the seating area angle is less than about 20 degrees.
Aspect 9: The folding seat of aspect 1, wherein the seat covering comprises one or more pieces attached together to form the continuous loop.
Aspect 10: The folding seat of aspect 1, wherein the seat covering further comprises at least one secondary loop attached to an interior portion of the continuous loop and wrapping around the top portion of at least one structural member of the first and second structural members.
Aspect 11: The folding seat of aspect 10, wherein the at least one secondary loop comprises a first secondary loop affixed to the first structural member.
Aspect 12: The folding seat of aspect 11, wherein the at least one secondary loop comprises a second secondary loop affixed to the second structural member.
Aspect 13: The folding seat of aspect 1, wherein the seat covering comprises a first covering material having opposite first and second ends and extending across the seating area between the first and second structural members, wherein the first end of the first covering material wraps around the first structural member and the second end of the first covering material wraps around the second structural member, wherein the first and second ends of the first covering material are affixed to at least one of the first covering material and the respective structural member.
Aspect 14: The folding seat of aspect 13, wherein the seat covering further comprises an outer covering material attached to an underside of the first covering material and wrapping around the top portions of the first and second structural members, and wherein the first covering material and the outer covering material cooperate to form the continuous loop across the seating area and around the structural members.
Aspect 15: The folding seat of aspect 1, wherein the seat covering comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a fabric, a woven material, a non-woven material, and a flexible sheet-good.
Aspect 16: The folding seat of aspect 1, further comprising a back support attached to at least one structural member and extending between the first and second leg portions of the at least one structural member.
Aspect 17: The folding seat of aspect 1, further comprising at least one pair of folding straps disposed on opposing sides of the seat covering between the first and second structural members, each folding strap having a first end and a second end, the first end of each folding strap attached to a top portion of the continuous loop of the seat covering and the second end of each folding strap attached to a bottom portion of the continuous loop of the seat covering, wherein the at least one pair of folding straps are configured to fold the seat covering inwardly when the folding seat is in the closed position.
Aspect 18: The folding seat of aspect 1, further comprising at least one shoulder strap having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the shoulder strap is attached to the seat covering and the second end of the shoulder strap is attached to at least one of the first and second structural members.
Aspect 19: A folding seat, comprising: first and second structural members pivotally coupled to each other at opposing first and second pivot points and configured to selectively rotate about and between an open position and a closed position, each structural member having first and second leg portions and a top portion attached to and extending between the first and second leg portions, the first leg portion of the first structural member being pivotally coupled to the first leg portion of the second structural member at the first pivot point, the second leg portion of the first structural member being pivotally coupled to the second leg portion of the second structural member at the second pivot point, wherein the first and second structural members cooperate to define a seating area; and a seat covering positioned across at least a portion of the seating area between the first and second structural members, wherein the seat covering defines a continuous loop extending between the first and second structural members and wrapping around the top portions of the first and second structural members to define a seating surface, the seat covering having at least one secondary loop attached to an interior portion of the continuous loop and wrapping around the top portion of at least one structural members.
Aspect 20. A folding seat, comprising: first and second structural members pivotally coupled to each other at opposing first and second pivot points and configured to selectively rotate about and between an open position and a closed position, each structural member having first and second leg portions and a top portion attached to and extending between the first and second leg portions, the first leg portion of the first structural member being pivotally coupled to the first leg portion of the second structural member at the first pivot point, the second leg portion of the first structural member being pivotally coupled to the second leg portion of the second structural member at the second pivot point, wherein the first and second structural members cooperate to define a seating area; and a seat covering positioned across at least a portion of the seating area between the first and second structural members, wherein the seat covering defines a continuous loop extending between the first and second structural members and wrapping around the top portions of the first and second structural members to define a seating surface, the seat covering comprising a first covering material having opposite first and second ends and extending across the seating area between the first and second structural members, wherein the first end of the first covering material wraps around the first structural member and the second end of the first covering material wraps around the second structural member, wherein the first and second ends of the first covering material are attached to at least one of the first covering material and the respective structural member, and an outer covering material attached to an underside of the first covering material and wrapping around the top portions of the first and second structural members, and wherein the first covering material and the outer covering material cooperate to form the continuous loop across the seating area and around the structural members.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/347,792, filed Jun. 9, 2016, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62347792 | Jun 2016 | US |