PORTABLE STORAGE DEVICES AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME

Abstract

Embodiments include a chair including a portable storage device attached thereto. The chair includes a chair seat having a top side and an under side, the chair seat being configured to rotate between an upright position and a downward position. The portable storage device includes a storage pouch, a support flap extending from an edge of the storage pouch, and a stabilizing strap coupled to the support flap and the storage pouch. The stabilizing strap secures the portable storage device to the chair seat such that the support flap is disposed on the top side of the chair seat and the storage pouch is disposed on the under side of the chair seat.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to chairs comprising portable storage devices attached thereto, portable storage devices, methods of removably attaching portable storage devices to a chair seat, and methods of collapsing portable storage pouches.

BACKGROUND

Concerts and sporting events can be a source of year-round entertainment. However, security concerns have prompted many event venues to limit the size of personal items that event-goers are allowed to bring with them. Despite these size limitations, event-goers usually have a multitude of personal items to keep track of, including keys, wallets, water bottles, and jackets. Though backpacks, tote bags, satchels, or large purses could easily accommodate these items, these conventional storage devices are rarely meet the size restrictions imposed by event venues.

Even when these conventional storages devices are small enough to meet size restrictions, they can be challenging to manage, as conventional storage devices difficult to secure to a seat. Setting personal items on the ground can also risk that the items will be stepped on or soiled by spilled food or drink, or by other messy mishaps. Additionally, unsecured items may be easily misplaced or stolen. Accordingly, a need exists for portable storage devices that can contain multitudes of personal items while easily attaching to chairs and meeting event security requirements.

SUMMARY

Examples of the present disclosure meet these and other needs by providing chairs including portable storage devices attached thereto. The chairs include a chair seat having a top side and an under side, the chair seat being configured to rotate between an upright position and a downward position. The portable storage device includes a storage pouch, a support flap extending from an edge of the storage pouch, and a stabilizing strap coupled to the support flap and the storage pouch. The stabilizing strap secures the portable storage device to the chair seat such that the support flap is disposed on the top side of the chair seat and the storage pouch is disposed on the under side of the chair seat.

Examples of the present disclosure further include portable storage devices including a storage pouch, a support flap extending from an edge of the storage pouch, a carrying pouch, wherein the carrying pouch is affixed to the interior of the storage pouch, and a stabilizing strap coupled to the support flap and the storage pouch, wherein, in an open position, the stabilizing strap secures the portable storage device to the chair seat such that the support flap is disposed on the top side of the chair seat and the storage pouch is disposed on the under side of the chair seat; and wherein, in a closed position, the support flap, the storage pouch, and the stabilizing strap are inside the carrying pouch.

Examples of the present disclosure further include a method of removably attaching a portable storage device to a chair seat, the method including, obtaining a portable storage device as described herein, and securing the portable storage device onto the chair seat.

Examples of the present disclosure further include a method of collapsing a portable storage pouch, the method including obtaining a portable storage device as described herein, and inserting the storage pouch, the support flap, and the stabilizing strap inside the carrying pouch.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages will become better understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims.

Additional features and advantages of the embodiments described herein will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description that follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an angled view of a chair with the chair seat in the downward position including a portable storage device attached thereto.

FIG. 2 illustrates an angled view of a portable storage device in an open position according to examples described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of a portable storage device in an open position according to examples described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a portable storage device in an open position according to examples described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a portable storage device in an open position according to further examples described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates an angled view of a portable storage device in an open position according to examples described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a portable storage device in an open position according to further examples described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of a portable storage device as it is being collapsed according to further examples described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates the portable storage device in a closed position according to examples described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. The terminology used in the description herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used in the present disclosure, “portable” refers to something that may be easily carried or moved.

Reference will now be made in detail to examples of chairs including portable storage devices attached thereto.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a chair 100 is shown. The chair 100 may stand alone, or the chair 100 may be part of a row of chairs. In some examples, the chair 100 may be portable. In some examples, the chair 100 may be attached to other chairs. In some examples, the chair 100 may include a back member 120. The back member 120 may be fixed or movable. In some examples, the chair 100 may include an arm rest 130. The chair 100 may share arm rests 130, backs 120, or both with other chairs. In some examples, the chair 100 may be attached to the ground, or to supports directly under the chair 100. In some examples, the chair 100 may be attached to supports behind the chair 100. In some examples, the chair 100 may be attached to supports both below and behind the chair 100. In some examples, the chair 100 may be a stadium chair.

The chair 100 includes a chair seat 150. The chair seat 150 has a top side 153 and an under side 157. In some examples, the chair seat 150 may be in a fixed position. In some examples, the chair seat 150 may be configured to rotate between an upright position and a downward position. In the upright position, the chair seat 150 may be parallel or nearly parallel to the chair back 120. In the downward position, the chair seat 150 may be perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the chair back 120. Hinges, bolts, springs, other similar devices, or combinations thereof may be used to configure the chair seat to rotate between the upright position and the downward position.

The portable storage device 200 includes a storage pouch 250. The storage pouch 250 has an interior 550 and an exterior 500. The storage pouch 250 includes a cavity that may be used as a storage space inside the storage pouch 250. The cavity may be used to store items. The storage pouch 250 may be made of fabric, mesh, or combinations thereof. The fabric, mesh, or combinations thereof may be made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the storage pouch 250 may stretch to make the cavity larger.

In some examples, the storage pouch 250 may include a fastener. The fastener may include a zipper, a hook and loop closure, a snap, a button, a drawstring, a magnet, or combinations thereof. For example, the fastener may be a zipper 300, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

The portable storage device 200 further includes a support flap 230 extending from an edge of the storage pouch 250. The support flap 230 may help stabilize the portable storage device 200 on the chair seat 150 so that the portable storage device does not move when a person sits down on the support flap 230, and so that the portable storage device 200 does not move when a person stands up. The support flap 230 may also help support the storage pouch 250 so that the storage pouch 250 is positioned under the chair seat 150 and so that the storage pouch 250 does not touch the ground. In some examples, the support flap 230 may lay flat against the chair seat 150. The support flap 230 may be made of fabric, mesh, or combinations thereof. The fabric, mesh, or combinations thereof may be made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof.

The portable storage device 200 further includes a stabilizing strap 270 coupled to the support flap 230 and the storage pouch 250. The stabilizing strap 270 secures the portable storage device 200 to the chair seat 150 such that the support flap 230 is disposed on the top side 153 of the chair seat 150 and the storage pouch 250 is disposed on the under side 157 of the chair seat 150. In some examples, some or all of the stabilizing strap 270 may have elastic properties. In some examples, some or all of the stabilizing strap 270 may not possess elastic properties. The stabilizing strap 270 may be made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof.

In some examples, the stabilizing strap 270 is coupled to the support flap 230. In some examples, the stabilizing strap 270 is removably coupled to the support flap 230. For example, the stabilizing strap 270 may be attached to the support flap 230 by threading the stabilizing strap 270 through a loop 233 that is attached to the support flap 230, as shown in FIG. 4. Coupling the stabilizing strap 270 to the support flap 230 may further enhance the stability of the portable storage device 200 on the chair seat 150 so that the portable storage device does not move when a person stands up, sits down, or adjusts position on the chair seat.

In some examples, the stabilizing strap 270 is adjustable. In examples where the stabilizing strap is adjustable, the length of the stabilizing strap 270 may be modified to tighten or loosen the stabilizing strap 270 so that the stabilizing strap 270 fits the chair seat 150. Additionally, the length of the stabilizing strap 270 may be modified to tighten or loosen the stabilizing strap 270 to make it easier to place the portable storage device 200 on the chair seat 150. In examples where the stabilizing strap 270 is removably coupled to the support flap 230 and the stabilizing strap 270 is adjustable, the stabilizing strap 270 may be removed and reattached to the support flap 230 to make it easier to place the portable storage device 200 on the chair seat 150.

In some examples, the stabilizing strap 270 includes a first strap portion 271 and a second strap portion 273. The first strap portion 271 may be connected to the second strap portion 273 such that at least the first strap portion 271 may be adjusted to bring the storage pouch 250 closer to the chair seat 150. The first strap portion 271 may be connected to the second strap portion 273 using a connector 400. The connector 400 may allow the length of the first strap portion 271, the second strap portion 273, or both to be adjusted.

In some examples, the stabilizing strap 270 may pull at least a portion of the storage pouch 250 close to the under side 157 of the chair seat 150. The stabilizing strap 270 may work in tandem with the support flap 230 to pull at least a portion of the storage pouch 250 even closer to the under side 157 of the chair seat 150. Pulling at least a portion of the storage pouch 250 closer to the under side 157 of the chair seat 150 may further prevent the portable storage device from shifting on the chair seat 150, especially when a person stands up, sits down, or shifts position in the chair seat 150. Pulling at least a portion of the storage pouch 250 closer to the under side 157 of the chair seat 150 may also further minimize or prevent the storage pouch 250 from bumping into the legs of a person, as the storage pouch 250 will be positioned directly or nearly directly under the chair seat 150. In some examples, pulling at least a portion of the storage pouch 250 closer to chair seat 150 may also further prevent the storage pouch 250 from touching the ground. Preventing the storage pouch 250 from touching the ground may preclude the portable storage device 200 from becoming wet or soiled.

In some examples, the portable storage device 200 may further include a first steadying strap 291. The first steadying strap 291 is disposed between the support flap 230 and the storage pouch 250. In some examples, the portable storage device 200 may further include a second steadying strap 293, as shown in FIG. 4. The second steadying strap is disposed between the support flap 230 and the storage pouch 250. In some examples, the first steadying strap 291 and the second steadying strap 293 may work in tandem with the support flap 230 to further stabilize the portable storage device 200 on the chair seat 150 so that the portable storage device does not move when a person stands up, sits down, or shifts position on the chair seat 150. The first steadying strap 291 and the second steadying strap 293 may be made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the first steadying strap 291 and the second steadying strap 293 may possess elastic properties. In some examples, the first steadying strap 291 and the second steadying strap 293 may not possess elastic properties.

In some examples, the portable storage device 200 may include a carrying pouch 600. The carrying pouch 600 is affixed to the interior of the storage pouch 250. In some examples, the carrying pouch 600 is smaller than the dimensions of the storage pouch 250. In some examples, the carrying pouch 600 may be small enough that it accommodates size restrictions placed by various event venues. In some examples, the carrying pouch 600 may include a fastener such as a zipper, a hook and loop closure, a snap, a button, a drawstring, a magnet, or combinations thereof.

The portable storage device 200 has both an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the portable storage device 200 may be attached to a chair seat 150. In some examples, in an open position, the stabilizing strap 270 secures the portable storage device 200 to the chair seat 150 such that the support flap 230 is disposed on the top side 153 of the chair seat 150 and the storage pouch 250 is disposed on the under side 157 of the chair seat 150. When the portable storage device 200 is in the open position, the carrying pouch 600 is inside the storage pouch 250. In the closed position, the support flap 230, the storage pouch 250, and the stabilizing strap 270 are inside the carrying pouch 600.

The portable storage device 200 may be made of flexible material to allow the portable storage device 200 to be collapsed. Each part of the portable storage device 200 may be made of the same type of flexible material or different types of flexible material. In some examples, the portable storage device 200 may include a waterproof surface. The waterproof surface may cover all or parts of the portable storage device 200. The waterproof surface may repel water, or may prevent water from traveling beyond the waterproof surface. In some examples, the waterproof surface may prevent items stored inside the storage pouch 250 from getting wet.

In some examples, the portable storage device 200 may include a removal strap 500 affixed to the exterior of the storage pouch 250, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3. The removal strap 500 may be affixed to the exterior of the storage pouch 250 to allow removal from the chair seat 150 by grasping the removal strap 500 and pulling the portable storage device 200 away from the chair seat 150 so that the portable storage device 200 slides off of the chair seat 150.

Methods of removably attaching a portable storage device 200 to a chair seat 150 include obtaining a portable storage device 200 as described herein and securing the portable storage device 200 onto the chair seat 150. Methods of attaching a portable storage device 200 to a chair seat 150 may further include adjusting the stabilizing strap 270 to removably secure the portable storage device 200 to the chair seat 150.

Methods of removably attaching a portable storage device 200 to a chair seat 150 further include removing the portable storage device 200 from the chair seat 150. Removing the portable storage device 200 from the chair seat 150 may include pulling the portable storage device 200 away from the chair seat 150 to remove the portable storage device 200 from the chair seat 150. In some examples, removing the portable storage device 200 from the chair seat 150 may include grasping the removal strap 500 before pulling the portable storage device 200 away from the chair seat 150 to remove the portable storage device 200 from the chair seat 150. In some examples, removing the portable storage device 200 from the chair seat 150 may include loosening the stabilizing strap 270 before pulling the portable storage device 200 away from the chair seat 150 to remove the portable storage device 200 from the chair seat 150.

To transition from the open position to the closed position, the portable storage device 200 may be collapsed. Methods of collapsing the portable storage device 200 include inserting all of the portable storage device 200 except for the carrying pouch 600 into the carrying pouch 600. Methods of collapsing the portable storage device 200 may include obtaining a portable storage device 200 as described herein and inserting the storage pouch 250, the support flap 230, and the stabilizing strap 270 inside the carrying pouch 600. In examples where the portable storage device 200 includes a first steadying strap 291 and a second steadying strap 293, methods of collapsing the portable storage device 200 may further include inserting the first steadying strap 291 and the second steadying strap 293 into the carrying pouch 600.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. The term “substantially” is used herein also to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. Thus, it is used to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation, referring to an arrangement of elements or features that, while in theory would be expected to exhibit exact correspondence or behavior, may in practice embody something less than exact.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. The terminology used in the description herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “horizontal” and “vertical” are relative terms only, are indicative of a general relative orientation only, and do not necessarily indicate perpendicularity. These terms also may be used for convenience to refer to orientations used in the figures, which orientations are used as a matter of convention only and are not intended as characteristic of the devices shown. The present invention and the embodiments thereof to be described herein may be used in any desired orientation. Moreover, horizontal and vertical walls need generally only be intersecting walls, and need not be perpendicular.

It is noted that one or more of the following claims utilize the term “wherein” as a transitional phrase. For the purposes of defining the present technology, it is noted that this term is introduced in the claims as an open-ended transitional phrase that is used to introduce a recitation of a series of characteristics of the structure and should be interpreted in like manner as the more commonly used open-ended preamble term “comprising.”

It should be understood that where a first component is described as “comprising” or “including” a second component, it is contemplated that, in some embodiments, the first component “consists” or “consists essentially of” the second component. Additionally, the term “consisting essentially of” is used in this disclosure to refer to quantitative values that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the disclosure.

It should be understood that any two quantitative values assigned to a property or measurement may constitute a range of that property or measurement, and all combinations of ranges formed from all stated quantitative values of a given property or measurement are contemplated in this disclosure.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A chair comprising a portable storage device attached thereto, wherein: the chair comprises a chair seat having a top side and an under side, the chair seat being configured to rotate between an upright position and a downward position; andthe portable storage device comprises: a storage pouch;a support flap extending from an edge of the storage pouch; anda stabilizing strap coupled to the support flap and the storage pouch, wherein the stabilizing strap secures the portable storage device to the chair seat such that the support flap is disposed on the top side of the chair seat and the storage pouch is disposed on the under side of the chair seat.

2. The chair of claim 1, further comprising: a first steadying strap disposed between the support flap and the storage pouch; anda second steadying strap, opposite the first steadying strap, disposed between the support flap and the storage pouch.

3. The chair of claim 1, further comprising a carrying pouch, wherein the carrying pouch is affixed to an interior of the storage pouch.

4. The chair of claim 3, wherein the carrying pouch comprises a fastener selected from a zipper, a hook and loop closure, a snap, a button, a drawstring, a magnet, or combinations thereof.

5. The chair of claim 1, wherein the storage pouch comprises a fastener selected from a zipper, a hook and loop closure, a snap, a button, a drawstring, a magnet, or combinations thereof.

6. The chair of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing strap is removably coupled to the support flap.

7. The chair of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing strap is adjustable.

8. The chair of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing strap comprises a first strap portion and a second strap portion, wherein the first strap portion may be connected to the second strap portion such that at least the first strap portion may be adjusted to bring the storage pouch closer to the chair seat.

9. The chair of claim 1, wherein the portable storage device comprises flexible material.

10. The chair of claim 1, further comprising a removal strap affixed to the exterior of the storage pouch, wherein the removal strap is affixed to allow removal from the chair seat by pulling away from the chair seat.

11. The chair of claim 1, wherein the portable storage device comprises a waterproof surface.

12. A portable storage device comprising: a storage pouch;a support flap extending from an edge of the storage pouch;a carrying pouch, wherein the carrying pouch is affixed to the interior of the storage pouch; anda stabilizing strap coupled to the support flap and the storage pouch;wherein, in an open position, the stabilizing strap secures the portable storage device to a chair seat such that the support flap is disposed on the top side of the chair seat and the storage pouch is disposed on the under side of the chair seat; andwherein, in a closed position, the support flap, the storage pouch, and the stabilizing strap are inside the carrying pouch.

13. The portable storage device of claim 12, additionally comprising a first steadying strap, disposed between the support flap and the storage pouch, and a second steadying strap, opposite the first steadying strap, disposed between the support flap and the storage pouch.

14. A method of removably attaching a portable storage device to a chair seat, the method comprising: obtaining a portable storage device of claim 1; andsecuring the portable storage device onto the chair seat.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising adjusting the stabilizing strap to removably secure the portable storage device to the chair seat.

16. The method of claim 14 further comprising pulling the portable storage device away from the chair seat to remove the portable storage device from the chair seat.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising grasping a removal strap before pulling the portable storage device away from the chair seat to remove the portable storage device from the chair seat.

18. The method of claim 14 further comprising loosening the stabilizing strap before pulling the portable storage device away from the chair seat to remove the portable storage device from the chair seat.

19. A method of collapsing a portable storage pouch, the method comprising: obtaining a portable storage device of claim 1; andinserting the storage pouch, the support flap, and the stabilizing strap inside a carrying pouch.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising inserting a first steadying strap, a second steadying strap, and a removal strap inside the carrying pouch.