TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a specially configured chair for entertainment.
BACKGROUND Frisbee or games involving flying discs being passed back and forth between players are well known. Among the various benefits of a Frisbee game is the relatively quick and easy way in which a game can begin and be played.
Other forms of Frisbee games exist, such as ultimate Frisbee and Frisbee golf.
Frisbee golf is a game in which a Frisbee disc is thrown towards a cup-shaped receptacle placed on a one-legged stand. Such stands tend to fall if a Frisbee is thrown at the receptacle with too much force, and the receptacle is prone to being tipped over in the wind.
Another Frisbee game is known by the trade name KanJam and involves a disc being thrown into rolled laminated sheets having a slot sized to fit the disc through the sheets. This particular game is burdensome to set-up without proper foundation, such as sand, to maintain the cylindrical “cans” in place. The unraveling of the sheets can obscure the slot into which a Frisbee disc is to be thrown. Further, the KanJam can be easily disrupted by the elements, such as wind.
Therefore, there remains a need for a Frisbee disc game that can be played without much delayed set-up, can be played in multiple environments, and/or can be played using structures that are sturdy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A slot chair serves a dual function as a seating mechanism and a target for a game where players throw objects, usually Frisbees, so that they may pass through the slot of the slot chair. A slot chair may be used in parks, picnics, campuses, and any other open area.
A slot chair includes a frame with a backing, the frame or the backing may be coupled to a seat. On or more legs may also be coupled to the seat. The slot chair also includes a slot through the backing that is located at a distance approximately three-quarters of the height of the slot chair from the lowermost portion of the one or more legs. A slot chair may also have a pouch coupled to the backing or frame and is positioned near the slot.
A slot chair may be used in a game in which the chair is placed a distance from the player, usually 30 feet, and the player throws his or her object, usually a Frisbee, towards the slot chair to place the object through the slot. Scoring may be done by using a dial disposed on or connected to the slot chair.
A slot chair may also be used in other environments, depending on needs, in which objects are to be received through the slot. Objects received through the slot may be captured in a pouch coupled to the slot chair. These objects may also be stored on the slot chair when not in use via a storage flap disposed on the chair.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying, interrelated embodiments.
FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an exemplary chair.
FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate exemplary embodiments of a slot chair.
FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate exemplary embodiments of a slot chair with positional relationships between parts.
FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate additional views of exemplary embodiments of a slot chair.
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary rear of a slot chair.
FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate exemplary embodiments of scoring dials for an exemplary slot chair.
FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate alternative embodiments of a slot chair.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures. The drawings are non-limiting examples of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention which are interrelated and may be interchangeable in view of the written description provided.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a chair 10 may be a folding chair or other type of device that may be used for seating known to those skilled in the art including, for example, plastic chairs, lawn chairs, inflatable seats, sofas, rocking chairs, swivel chairs, or any other device which must satisfy one or more of the following standards or like standards: ISO 7174, ISO 9241, ASTM F1858-98, and ASTM F1912-98 standards. An exemplary chair 10 may include a frame 1, a backing 2, a seat 6, one or more front legs 9 and one or more back legs 8. An exemplary chair 10 may further include one or more arms 5 connected to one or more of the seat 6, backing 2, and/or the frame 1. Alternatively, one may connect arms 5 in any other manner to chair 10 for particular purposes.
In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1A, chair 10 may be illustrated as a folding-type chair known to those skilled in the art. A folding chair 10 may have a backing 2 that may be a fabric, canvas, or other type of material for receiving the back of a user. Backing 2 may be coupled to a frame 1 which may have at its uppermost point an upper frame bar 1A and at its lowermost point a lower frame bar 1B. In a preferred embodiment, backing 2 is any material closest to frame 1. Alternatively, frame 1 and backing 2 may be integrated as a single construct. In an exemplary embodiment, backing 2 may be spaced from upper frame bar 1A by an upper backspace 11A. Alternatively or additionally, backing 2 may be spaced from the lower frame bar 1B by an upper backspace 11B.
While FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary backing 2 as coupled to a frame 1 of an exemplary folding chair 10, other forms of backings in folding and non-folding chairs 10 would be readily understood by those skilled in the art. For example, backing 2 may cover substantially all of frame 1. Alternatively, backing 2 may be patterned across the various parts of frame 1. Also, frame 1 may be shaped in any manner to effect its purpose for receiving a user sitting in chair 10. Frame 1 may be made out of hollow metal, plastic, or other suitable components or in other shapes using the same or similar materials that allow the chair 10 to operate to hold a user on its backing 2. Where frame 1 and backing 2 are integrated, the same or substantially the same materials which make up frame 1 may be used to make up backing 2. Alternatively, an exemplary frame 1 and backing 2 may be operatively coupled to one another by welding, joining, adhesives, sewing, stitching, friction fitting, tying, stapling, riveting, or any other mechanical or chemical coupling techniques known to those skilled in the art.
Referring again to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1A, a chair 10 of the folding variety may have one or more joints 3 about which arms 5 may move when chair 10 may be folded. Arms 5 may be made of the same or different material making up chair 10. Arms 5 may be of any suitable length. An exemplary chair 10, of the folding variety, may further employ brackets 4 for providing folding capabilities to frame 1 and other parts of chair 10, such as, for example, lower frame bar 1B and seat 6. Alternatively, bracket 4 may be extensions from frame 1 that rotatably connect to seat 6, for example, through a joint 3A as illustrated in FIG. 3C. In an alternative arrangement, bracket 4 may couple with joint 7 which couples to legs 8 and 9. Accordingly, the various parts of an exemplary chair 10 of the folding variety may pivot and move about various rotatable joints, formed from, for example, bolts, screws, fasteners, latches, or other equivalent mechanical linkages known to those skilled in the art.
Arms 5 may be any suitable constructs that may provide intermediate support positioned above seat 6. Arms 5 may be made out of the same or different materials as frame 1, backing 2, and/or seat 6. Arms 5 may be hollow or solid and can be shaped in any manner to operatively serve as an intermediate support positioned above seat 6.
With reference to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1A, chair 10, when fabricated as a folding-type chair, may couple one or more of its front leg 9 and/or rear leg 8 to the remainder of the chair 10 via joints 7 on seat 6. Alternatively, as will be further discussed with reference to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1B, front leg 9 and/or rear leg 8 may be rotatably coupled to arm joints within, beneath, or otherwise disposed on arms 5. While in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1A, front leg 9 may be illustrated as a single U-shaped component, those skilled in the art would understand that front leg 9 may be at least two distinct components separated from one another and serving the same purpose to support chair 10. While in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1A, rear leg 8 may be illustrated as a single U-shaped component, those skilled in the art would understand that rear leg 8 may be at least two distinct components separated from one another and serving the same purpose to support chair 10. Further, while legs 8 and/or 9 are shown as U-shaped, exemplary legs 8 and/or 9 of chair 10 may be any shape and size to operatively support chair 10. According to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1A, front legs 9 and/or rear legs 8 may be unitary constructs that are bent into substantially u-shaped pieces or cut from a single solid piece of material.
Referring now to FIG. 1B, an exemplary side view of an exemplary folding chair 10 may be seen. According to the illustrative embodiment, arms 5 may be rotatably coupled to backing 2 via joint 3. Backing 2 may be rotatably coupled via bracket 4 to seat 6 and, depending on the particular needs of the chair 10 when fabricated as a folding-type chair, may be coupled to seat 6 and rear legs 8 via bracket 4.
Rear legs 8 and front legs 9 may be rotatably connected to an arm joint 5A disposed on or within arm 5. In an exemplary embodiment, front legs 9 may have fixed degree of rotation so that they may rotate only until they achieve a desired position, may snap into place on seat 6, may have abutments that contact seat 6 once positioned so as to allow an object such as a person to rest on the seat (not shown), or may take any other conformation known to those skilled in the art to facilitate their use as an exemplary chair 10, either in folding and non-folding varieties. For example, front legs 9 may be rotatably joined to seat 6 by a joint 3B as shown in FIG. 3C. In an alternative embodiment, separate arm joints 5B and 5C may rotatably couple legs 8 and 9, respectively to the arm 5.
While FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate upper backspace 11A and lower backspace 11B in a particular position relative to backing 2, an exemplary chair 10 may not have any such backspaces 11A, 11B. Alternatively, seat 6 may have spaces in its surface or arm 5. Additionally, lower backspace 11B may encompass additional spaces between backing 2 and seat 6 such as vacancies between brackets 4 on either side of chair 10.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrative embodiments of a slot chair 20 with an exemplary slot 12 through backing 2 and sized to receive an incoming object 50. As illustrated, slot 12 may be substantially rectangular in shape, but may be shaped in any way to receive an incoming object 50, which may be, for example, a disc. According to another exemplary embodiment, object 50 may be a Frisbee or any other type of device that may be thrown across a distance and is substantially flat to fit within slot 12. In a preferred embodiment, an exemplary Frisbee may be approximately 8 to approximately 10 inches in diameter, however such Frisbees may vary in size depending on the needs.
While the illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 2A and 2B involve folding chairs 20, those skilled in the art, with the disclosures of this application, such as, for example FIGS. 7A and 7B, need not limit such a slot chair 20 to folding chairs. Such other seating devices which may be used as slot chairs 20 may be, for example, plastic chairs, lawn chairs, inflatable seats, sofas, rocking chairs, swivel chairs, or any other device which must satisfy one or more of the following standards or like standards: ISO 7174, ISO 9241, ASTM F1858-98, and ASTM F1912-98 standards. Rather, in a preferred embodiment, slot chair 20 is a folding chair possessing an exemplary slot 12.
With reference to FIG. 3A, an illustrative embodiment of a slot chair 20 provides exemplary dispositions of an exemplary slot 12 in chair backing 2. Slot 12 may have edges defining a vacancy in and through backing 2 and such edges may be substantially straight or rounded. According to another exemplary embodiment, where slot 12 comprises non-rectilinear edges (such as where slot 12 is oval, circular, or possesses curvature with radii), the edge of such a slot 12 may be defined as the radius of curvature of the bend that is most distal from the center of the slot 12.
In one embodiment, the upper-most corner edge of an exemplary slot 12, whether rounded or rigid in shape, may be located a distance 13 approximately diagonal from the uppermost surface of upper frame bar 1A. Where slot chair 20 may include attachments to its upper frame bar 1A, such as, for example, awnings, umbrellas, sun screens or blockers, or cushioning, the uppermost surface of upper frame bar 1A may be the upper-most part of the material comprising the structure of frame 1 with any additional attachments removed. In a preferred embodiment, distance 13 may be from approximately 4 inches to approximately 8 inches. In an alternative preferred embodiment, distance 13 may be a distance that places the lower edge of slot 20 at a distance that is approximately three-quarters of the total height of the slot chair 20. In one embodiment, the total height of the slot chair 20 is the distance from the lowermost point on slot chair 20 to the uppermost surface of the frame 1 or backing 2 of slot chair 20 without attachments. According to this preferred embodiment, distance 13 and the total height of the slot chair 20 are measured from the lowermost portion of the slot chair 20.
In another embodiment, an edge of an exemplary slot 12, whether rounded or rigid in shape, may be spaced a distance 14 from the outermost edge of frame 1. Where slot chair 20 includes cushions or other attachments as previously described, distance 14 may be measured from the edge of frame 1 without any such attachments to the edge of slot 12. In a preferred embodiment, distance 14 may be from approximately 2 inches to approximately 4 inches. In an alternative preferred embodiment, distance 14 may be from approximately 40% to approximately 60% the length of an exemplary distance 13.
In another embodiment, an edge of an exemplary slot 12, whether rounded or rigid in shape, may be spaced a distance 15 from the outermost surface of backing 2. Where slot chair 20 includes cushions or other attachments, distance 15 may be measured from the surface of backing 2, without any such attachments, to the edge of slot 12. In a preferred embodiment, distance 15 may be approximately 2.15 inches to about 4.85 inches. Alternatively, distance 15 may be from approximately 107% to approximately 120% the length of an exemplary distance 14 where backing 2 runs horizontally across frame 1. Alternatively, distance 15 may be from approximately 80% to approximately 92% the length of an exemplary distance 14 where backing 2 runs vertically across frame 1 and does not reach the rightmost or leftmost edges of frame 1.
In yet another embodiment, slot 12 may be found within a field 16 in backing 2 that surrounds the area of slot 12 and must be maintained to withstand reception of an incoming object 50. An exemplary field 16 defines a region about slot 12 which is found at a location which is distal from all the outermost surfaces of slot chair 20. Field 16 may be the area of backing 2 in which slot 12 may be formed. While field 16 is illustrated as rectilinear in shape, field 16 may be any shape to accomplish the functions of a slot chair 20. In a preferred embodiment, field 16 may be a portion of backing 2 not in contact with frame 1. Alternatively, field 16 may be an area on slot chair 20 that satisfies one or more of the dimensional requirements described herein. According to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3A, field 16 may be a continuous piece of material surrounding slot 12 that is held to frame 1 by the same or different material in backing 2, and/or straps, pins, string, or other binding mechanisms and materials known to those skilled in the art.
For example, field 16 may be a rectangular portion that is tied at its corners to frame 1, by, for example holes or hooks in frame 1. Alternatively, field 16 may be a cushion portion of slot chair 20 that protrudes from backing 2. Furthermore, field 16 may be covering for a differently shaped portion of frame 1 as compared to other portions of frame 1 of slot chair 20. In an alternative embodiment, slot 12 may be covered by another piece of material when not in use, such as, a portion of backing 2 or another structure, that attaches on to or within field 16. For example, slot 12 may be revealed by removing an object that is attached by Velcro to the field 16 surrounding slot 12.
With reference to FIG. 3B, an illustrative slot chair 20 may have an exemplary slot 12 whose lower-most edge, whether circular or rigid, may be spaced a distance 17 from arm 5. For exemplary arms 5 that may have attachments, may have uneven contours, may not be perpendicular to frame 1, or may not be situated so that their uppermost surface is parallel to seat 6, then an exemplary distance 17 may be measured from the uppermost point of arm 5 with any attachments removed. In a preferred embodiment, distance 17 may be the distance from arm 5 to the lower-most edge of slot 12 that places the lower-most edge of slot 12 at a vertical distance that is approximately three-quarters of the total height of the slot chair 20, without attachments. In another preferred embodiment, distance 17 may be from approximately 9 to approximately 13 inches.
In the illustrative embodiment of a slot chair 20 in FIG. 3B, the lower-most edge of an exemplary slot 12, whether circular or rigid, may be spaced a distance 18 from the uppermost surface of seat 6. Where the surfaces of seat 6 are uneven or have a plurality of uppermost surfaces, the uppermost surface most distal from backing 2 may act as the point of reference for distance 18. In a preferred embodiment, distance 18 may be the distance from the upper-most surface of seat 6 to the lower-most edge of slot 12 that places the lower-most edge of slot 12 at a vertical distance that is approximately three-quarters of the total height of the slot chair 20, without attachments. In another preferred embodiment, distance 18 may be approximately 16 to approximately 24 inches. In an alternative embodiment, distance 17 may be from 58% to 72% the length of distance 18.
In the illustrative embodiment of a slot chair 20 in FIG. 3B, the upper-most edge of an exemplary slot 12, whether circular or rigid, may be spaced a distance 19 from the uppermost surface of seat 6. Where the surfaces of seat 6 are uneven or have a plurality of uppermost surfaces, the uppermost surface most distal from backing 2 may act as the point of reference for distance 19. In a preferred embodiment, distance 19 may be the distance from the upper-most surface of seat 6 to the upper-most edge of slot 12 that places the upper-most edge of slot 12 at a vertical distance that is approximately three-quarters of the total height of the slot chair 20, without attachments. In another preferred embodiment, distance 19 may be from approximately 19 inches to approximately 22 inches. Alternatively, distance 19 may be from approximately 110% to approximately 150% of the length of distance 18.
According to the illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3B, an exemplary slot 12 may be formed in backing 2 of slot chair 20 so that its lowest and/or upper surfaces are substantially parallel to the surface of seat 6. As illustrated according to the exemplary embodiments of FIG. 3B, an exemplary slot 12 may not be angled when slot chair 20 is in a fully open and resting condition so that its cross section would be constant along the line of sight from the front of slot chair 20 to the back of slot chair 20. In contrast, an exemplary slot 12 according to the illustrative embodiments of FIG. 3C may have a non-constant cross section along the line of sight from the front of slot chair 20 to the back of slot chair 20 while slot chair 20 is in the fully open and resting condition.
As illustrated in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3C, a frame 1 may be joined to a combination of seat 6 and one or more legs (such as leg 8) via a common joint 3A. A separate common joint 3B may be provided for connecting one or more legs (such as leg 9) to seat 6. An exemplary slot chair 20 may also have one or more rotatable couplings 5B and 5C disposed in or under arm 5 for coupling one or more legs (such as leg 8 and leg 9). Accordingly, an exemplary slot chair 20 may have various degrees of coupling between its constituent parts to be folded, configured, or arranged for use. Other multi-component coupling between parts of slot chair 20 would be understood by those skilled in the art and applicable to other forms of slot chair 20 besides those of the illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 3A-3C.
According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 3C, the surface of an exemplary slot 12 may be tilted at an angle 24 when slot chair 20 is in a fully open and resting condition. An exemplary angle 24 may be between the lowermost surface of slot 12 and a plane that is parallel to the line of sight from the front of slot chair 20 to the back of slot chair 20. In a preferred embodiment, angle 24 may be any angle that provides a line of sight to a viewer arranged at the same height as slot 12 and viewing slot 12 from the front of the chair 20.
In another exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3C, slot 12 may be disposed in backing 2 of slot chair 12 at a distance 21 from the lowest surface of leg 8 or leg 9 to the first edge of slot 12, regardless of whether it is rigid or circular. The first edge of slot 12 may be the edge of the slot 12 nearest to the bottom of slot chair 20. In a preferred embodiment, distance 21 may be the distance from the lower-most surface of leg 8 or 9 to the first edge of slot 12 that places the lower-most edge of slot 12 at a vertical distance that is approximately three-quarters of the total height of the slot chair 20, without attachments. In another preferred embodiment, distance 21 may be from approximately 20 inches to approximately 34 inches. In an alternative preferred embodiment, distance 21 may be from approximately 120% to approximately 180% the length of a distance 25.
In another exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3C, slot 12 may be disposed in backing 2 of slot chair 12 at a distance 22 from the uppermost surface of arm 5 to the first edge of slot 12, regardless of whether it is rigid or circular. The first edge of slot 12 may be the first point at which the cross section of an exemplary slot 12 exists as one progresses from the bottom of the slot chair 20 to the top of the slot chair 20. In a preferred embodiment, distance 22 may be the distance from the upper-most surfaces of arm 5 to the first edge of slot 12 that places the upper most edge of slot 12 at a vertical distance that is approximately three-quarters of the total height of the slot chair 20, without attachments. In another preferred embodiment, distance 22 may be from approximately 8 inches to approximately 14 inches. In an alternative preferred embodiment, distance 22 may be from approximately 62% to approximately 80% the length of distance 25.
In another exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3C, slot 12 may be disposed in backing 2 of slot chair 20 at a distance 23 from the lower-most surface bounded by upper backspace 11A to the last edge of slot 12, regardless of whether it is rigid or circular. The last edge of slot 12 may be the last point at which the cross section of an exemplary slot 12 exists as one progresses from the bottom of the slot chair 20 to the top of the slot chair 20. In a preferred embodiment, distance 23 may be the distance from the lower-most surface bounded by upper backspace 11A to the surface of slot 12 that is furthest from the bottom of slot chair 20. In another preferred embodiment, distance 23 may be the distance which places the lowermost surface of slot 12 at a vertical distance that is approximately three-quarters of the total height of the slot chair 20, without attachments. In yet another preferred embodiment, distance 23 may be from approximately 8 inches to approximately 14 inches. In still another preferred embodiment, distance 23 may be from approximately 160% to approximately 190% the length of distance 13.
In the illustrative embodiment of a slot chair 20 in FIG. 3C, the first edge of an exemplary slot 12, whether circular or rigid, may be spaced a distance 25 from the uppermost surface of seat 6. Where the surfaces of seat 6 are uneven or have a plurality of uppermost surfaces, the uppermost surface most distal from backing 2 may act as the point of reference for distance 25. In a preferred embodiment, distance 25 may be the distance from the upper- most surface of seat 6 to the upper-most edge of slot 12 that places the lowermost edge of slot 12 on the seating side of chair 20 at a vertical distance that is approximately three-quarters of the total height of the slot chair 20, without attachments. In another preferred embodiment, distance 25 may be from approximately 13 inches to approximately 18 inches. In an alternative preferred embodiment, distance 25 may be from approximately 120% to approximately 138% the length of distance 22.
In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions and dimensional references disclosed are especially suitable for using an exemplary slot chair for entertainment in which an object is thrown from a distance to be received in the slot, such as a disc or a Frisbee. The dimensions and dimensional references enable visibility of the slot to users of the chair during game play. In a preferred embodiment of a game played using an exemplary slot chair, a user may stand approximately 30 feet from the slot chair and throw objects, such as discs and Frisbees, towards the slot. Additional throws are made and a count is kept of how many times an object is received through the slot during game play. According to this preferred embodiment of an exemplary game for which the dimensioned slot chair is suitable, the dimensions and dimensional references of the slot chair and its slot enable users to see the slot and project objects toward the slot for reception in the same.
Referring to FIG. 4A, an exemplary slot chair 30 may comprise a backing 2 with a slot 12 therein, an upper frame portion 1A, an upper backspace 11A, a joint 3, one or more arms 5 having an arm joint 5A for rotatably coupling rear legs 8 and front legs 9, and a seat 6 which connects via a linkage 4 to backing 2. Additionally, an exemplary slot chair 30 may also have a pouch 26 operatively connected to the rear of slot chair 30 via one or more fastener elements 28, which may be, for example, clips, Velcro, string, wire, stitching, hook-and-loop structures, glue, screws, nuts, bolts, welding, molding, or other such mechanical coupling techniques, mechanisms, and elements known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, an exemplary slot chair 30 may connected its pouch 26 to the rear of slot chair 30 via an extension 27 of pouch 26, from any of the various techniques, mechanisms, and elements which may be used as a fastener element 28.
According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4A, pouch 26 is configured to substantially cover the cross-section of slot 12. An exemplary pouch 26 may be a bag, netting, or any other material sized and shaped to receive objects 50 received through slot 12. In another embodiment, as shown in the sectioned side-view of a slot chair 30 in FIG. 4B, an illustrative pouch 26 may be held up in such a way so as to allow an object 50 received through slot 12 to slide into the pouch 26. According to the illustrative embodiment of sectioned side-view of slot chair 30 according to FIG. 4B, an exemplary pouch 26 is coupled to backing 2 via fastener element 28 and/or extensions 27 as previously described in discussing FIG. 4A. Additionally, a line 27A may be bound, tied, attached, or in any other manner mechanically or chemically coupled to a portion 27B of pouch 26 so that when the upper end 27C of line 27A is fastened to a receiver portion 1C of frame 1, such as a hoop, hook, or other equivalent anchoring mechanism, pouch 26 may be held level with the surfaces of slot 12. Line 27A may alternatively be tied through upper backspace 11A or in any other manner to achieve the desired result of a level pouch 26. Thus, according to this exemplary embodiment, pouch 26 may permit limited resistance to entry of receiving objects 50 that are received within slot 12.
FIG. 5 illustrates the rear of an exemplary slot chair 30. As illustrated, pouch 26 is attached to backing 2 via one or more extensions 27 as previously described. Pouch 26 substantially covers the cross section of slot 12. Below the backs of arms 5 and pouch 26 is a storage flap 2A which may be made out of fabric, plastic, or other material that is mechanically attached to slot chair 30 via stitching, glues, welds, or other mechanical fasteners (e.g., snaps, buttons, latches, hooks, or zippers). Alternatively, storage flap 2A may be integral with slot chair 30 so that it forms an opening into which objects may be stored.
For example, an exemplary storage flap 2A may be a piece of fabric with a cover that uses Velcro, buttons, zippers, or other fastening means known to those skilled in the art to keep its contents enclosed. Alternatively, storage flap 2A may be a removable opening in backing 2, which may be accessed by unzipping a portion of flap 2A, unlocking 2A, or unwinding flap 2A. Alternatively, storage flap 2A may be a separate bag or enclosure that may be stitched, snapped or buttoned, or connected to any part of slot chair 30, including backing 2, frame 1, arm 5, or the underside of seat 6. In a preferred embodiment, storage flap 2A may be an envelope stitched to backing 2 in which one or more objects 50 may be stored.
Also illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 are scoring dials 29 which may be used to depict numerical values. Scoring dials 29 may be coupled to slot chair 30 by way of adhesives, screws, lamination, stitches, snapping in place, or any other mechanical manner known to those skilled in the art. For example, dial 29 may be applied to the upper frame bar 1A via an adhesive. Alternatively, dial 29 may be attached to frame bar 1A by being screwed into its surface. Further, dial 29 may be integral with upper frame bar 1A so that the two constructs share common materials. In like fashion, a dial 29 may also be disposed elsewhere on slot chair 30, such as, for example on the portion of backing 2 most proximal to lower frame bar 1B. In an exemplary embodiment, dial 29 disposed on backing 2 may be stitched to backing 2 fabric. Alternatively or additionally, dial 29 may be integral with backing 2 depending on the needs of the device. While the locations above have been used to describe the placement of dial 29, alternative locations may be deemed suitable such as arms 5 or other parts of backing 2, frame 1, pouch 26, or seat 6.
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary types of scoring dials 29. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6A, scoring dial 29 may comprise a slit or track 32 through which a pointer 33 slides to indicate a particular number or symbol on marker strip 34. Each of track 32, pointer 33, and marker strip 34 may be made from a variety of materials, such as plastics, fabrics, metals, or other materials conducive for use as a mechanism to show a number or an accounting of objects. For example, while slit 32 and pointer 33 may be made of plastic, marker strip 34 may be made of a fabric or a paper or cardboard. Accordingly, marker strip 34 or track 32 may be the locations of coupling between dial 29 and the remainder of slot chair 30. According to an exemplary embodiment where dial 29 is integral with slot chair 30, marker strip 34 and/or track 32 may be made of the same or similar materials to that used in the portion of slot chair 30 in which dial 29 may be found. In addition to marker strip 34 of dial 29, an additional representation mechanism 31 may be used to further provide additional meaning to the symbols or numbers on marker strip 34.
According to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6A, representation mechanism 31 may be a rotational dial having a rotating display 35 which may be turned to show different representations. In an exemplary embodiment, to show a score of 25, the rotating display 35 may be rotated from “0+” to “10+” and then to “20+” while also moving pointer 33 through track 32 to the number “5” on marker strip 34. According to this exemplary embodiment, by varying the shape and distribution or representations on mechanism 31, one may be able to effect numerous scoring possibilities for users of scoring dial 29. Alternatively, an exemplary track 34 may be numbered to account for all possible scores in which case representation mechanism 31 may not be required.
Referring to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6B, an alternative to the scoring dial 29 of FIG. 6B is shown. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 6B, a series of hoops 37 coupled to a marker board 36 may be sized to receive toggles 38 within the vacancies of the hoops. Toggles 38 may be tethered to dial 29 via tether 39. Unlike dial 29 illustrated in FIG. 6A, dial 29 of FIG. 6B may be completely integrated with a surface of slot chair 30, such as, for example, a fabric backing 2. According to this exemplary embodiment, marker board 36 may be a sewed pattern on backing 2 while hoops 37 may be fabric material likewise sewed or cut from backing 2. Tether 39 may be made of the same or similar material as backing 2 and toggle 38 may be sewed together as a cylindrical construct to be held within hoops 37. While the aforementioned exemplary embodiment describes a fabric dial 29 according to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6B, those skilled in the art would readily appreciate that dial 29 may be manufactured from any type of material depending on needs. For example, a dial 29 according to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6B may be water proof or not collect debris.
While dial 29 has been described with respect to the exemplary embodiments related to FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B, dial 29 may take the form of digital scoring mechanisms such as digital score keepers, touch screens, or adaptors for receiving iPhones which utilize a slot chair scoring application. Such digital scoring means may be disposed behind slot chair 30 to avoid contact from incoming objects 50 which are sent towards slot 12. Accordingly, a digital scoring means may be fastened securely to the most rigid portions of slot chair 30, such as the frame or arms. A power source may be provided elsewhere on or in slot chair 30, such as, for example, battery pack in storage flap 2A. Such power sources may have their electrical leads run through backing 2 or internal portions of frame 1, seat 6, legs 8 or 9, arm 5 or other portions of slot chair 30 to permit charging of digital scoring means utilized in conjunction with the slot chair 10. Such power sources may remain substantially out of sight of users and may be used in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments of scoring mechanisms 29 shown and described with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B.
Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, an illustrative non-folding chair type slot chair 40 may be inflatable to sit atop a liquid surface. According to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 7A, slot chair 40 may have a backing 43, a slot 44, a storage space 46 integrally molded into the slot chair 40 and a base portion 42. According to the embodiment where slot chair 40 is an inflated seat, slot chair 40 may be a completely uniform plastic structure that when filled with a fluid, such as air, slot 44 is pre-formed so that its lower-most edge, whether it is rigid or round, may be located at a distance 45 from the uppermost surface of base portion 42. Similarly, storage portion 46 may also be formed once slot chair 40 is inflated so as to receive one or more objects 50. In similar fashion to the slot chair 30 embodiments described, a slot chair 40 may also comprise a pouch 26 and coupling portions 27 and 28 for receiving an object passing through slot 44 therein. In the exemplary embodiment where slot chair 40 is inflatable, pouch 26 may be a netting or plastic that may be snapped to the rear of slot chair 40 and may, but need not be, water resistant.
FIG. 7B illustrates the front face of an exemplary non-folding chair type slot chair 40. Any of the prior orientations of slot 12 as described with respect to embodiments illustrated by FIGS. 2A-B, 3A-C, 4A-B, and 5 may be equally applicable to slot 44 with respect to slot chair 40. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 7B, slot 44 is angled so that its upper surface is visible along the line of sight from the front of slot chair 40 to the back of slot chair 40 (not shown).
As described, other types of seating devices may also comply with the various distance and slot 12 orientation disclosures while not being folding chairs or inflatable chairs.
It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the scope and spirit of the system and method in their broader aspects. These disclosures should be understood to involve interrelationships between the various structures, materials, and embodiments, and it is understood that such interrelationships are not limited to the particulars disclosed.
