Patent Application
20120098307
N/A.
The present disclosure generally relates to devices used in recreational activities such as theme and/or amusement parks and, more specifically, to portable devices used in theme and/or amusement parks.
Amusement park and theme park are terms for a group of rides and other entertainment attractions assembled for the purpose of entertaining a large group of people. An amusement park is typically more elaborate than a simple city park or playground, usually providing attractions meant to cater to children, teenagers, and adults.
Most amusement parks have a fixed location, as compared to traveling funfairs and carnivals. These temporary types of amusement parks are usually present for a few days or weeks per year such as funfairs in the United Kingdom and carnivals (which are temporarily set up in a vacant lot or parking lots) and fairs (which are temporarily operated on local fair grounds) in the United States. The temporary nature of these fairs helps to convey the feeling that people are in a different place or time.
Generally speaking, a theme park is often used as a synonym to for the term ‘amusement park’. A ‘theme park’ is actually a distinct style of amusement park, for a theme park has landscaping, buildings, and attractions that are based on one or more specific or central themes. A plurality of themes is not required to be considered a ‘theme’ park.
Given the immense popularity of amusement parks, people frequently visit these parks during certain peak times of the year, including the late Spring, Summer and early Fall. As such, the amount of time it takes to wait in lines to experience a ride or another entertainment attraction may be a few hours. This is especially undesirable, if not unbearable, if an individual is standing in extremely unpleasant weather. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a device and/or system for allowing an individual to sit and rest while waiting to experience a ride or another entertainment attraction.
In one aspect, a portable seat system is provided. The system includes: a base support; a back support; one or more legs, and at least one fastener configured to attach to a rail connected to the back support.
In another aspect, a portable seat device is provided. The device includes: a seat; a back rest; at least two legs, and at least one fastener configured to attach to a rail connected to the back rest.
In still another aspect, a portable means for sitting in a line is provided. The portable means includes: a means for supporting a base; a means for supporting a back; and a means for fastening to a rail.
The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein:
Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.
It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph.
In another embodiment, the invention may be embodied as a portable means for sitting while waiting in a line. The portable means may include: a means for supporting a base; a means for supporting a back; and a means for fastening to a rail. The means for supporting a base may include a base support, a stool, a surface for supporting an individual's buttocks, etc. The means for supporting a back may be a backrest, a surface for supporting an individual's back, etc. In some embodiments, the fastener 210 may be any known fastener known by those skilled in the art. The means for fastening to a rail may be one or more of the following: screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, retaining rings, pipe plugs, pins, panel fasteners, clinch studs, bolts, bits, anchors, hooks, clamps, pole spring clamp, j-hook, caribiner/mallion, semicircular clamps, Velcro straps, etc. In some embodiments, the caribiner/mallion may be a metal loop with a spring or screwed gate.
In yet another embodiment, the seat 204 (or any type of base support known by those skilled in the art) may have a depth (with an orientation from front to bar) ranging from: 11″-15″ or any known depth used by those skilled in the art. Additionally, the seat 204 may have a width ranging from: 16″-20″ or any known width used by those skilled in the art. The backrest 206 (or any other type of posterior support known by those skilled in the art) may have a length ranging from: 10″-14″. Alternatively, the length for the backrest 206 may be calculated by measuring the distance between the upper and lower horizontal bar or any known technique used by those skilled in the art.
The materials used for producing seat 204 and back rest 206 may be similar For example, these materials may include polyester ranging from 600-1200 denier (D) to increase tensile strength. Additionally, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) of varying tensile strengths may be used for durability to sustain the product in wet environments such as water parks, water rides, etc. Alternatively, any known material may be used by those skilled in the art. For example, these materials may include nylon, polyester, cotton, rayon, spandex, leather, rubber, etc.
The legs 208 may be implemented in the lower portion of a crutch apparatus with an adjustable length at a standard setting. As such, this may allow for variations in lower bar distance from the ground. In some embodiments, the legs 208 may be fold-down legs mimicking the hinge of a foldable card table. In other embodiments, the end of the legs 208 can have wheels similar to computer wheels or a rubber based stopper ending depending on the need of portability. Multiple implementations may be used as known by those skilled in the art. The legs 208 may be produced using materials such as aluminum alloy, PVC, plastic, powder coated steel, carbon fiber, wood, graphite, titanium or other known material used by those skilled in the art.
The frame (not shown) may be used in connection with the seat 206 or backrest 208. Additionally, the frame may be composed of similar materials as discussed above regarding the seat 206. Some examples of these materials may include aluminum alloy, PVC, plastic, wood, graphite, titanium, powder coated steel, or any other known materials used by those skilled in the art.
In yet another embodiment, the fastener 210 may be connected to the seat 204 via a lower bar and possibly back to upper bar of existing rail at the amusement park. In some implementations, the fastener 210 may be a semicircle that overlaps about ½-¾ of the rail's circumference. Some examples of materials that may be used in matching the fastener 210 to the rail may include aluminum alloy, powder coated steel, or any known material used by those skilled in the art to increase frictional forces. As such, the use of these materials may aid in minimizing the sliding of the connection.
Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention.
It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.
