Chair Caddy

Abstract

Chair caddies to hold personal items about the edges of the chair seat. The caddies include a panel, upon which users can sit, with pockets at each end hanging at the seat edge in easy reach of the user. The caddies can include handles on the back side panel/pocket intersections. The caddies are conveniently and securely folded into a bundle with the handles for carrying away the items.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Caddies for holding and storing objects in reach of a person seated in a chair. The caddies are unobtrusive in use and foldable into a convenient bundle for transport. Caddies include a seat panel extending across to pockets at each end. Caddies can include back side handles that aid in bundling and carrying of the caddy and stored items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Often, when seated in a chair, there is no place to store personal items, and no access to items one may need. In Daniels, U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,234, Beach Chair Towel Retainer System, a belt runs across a beach chair with hooked mounts providing receptacles for soft drinks, and other beach items. The system must be mounted to the chair. The system is ungainly when removed from the chair, particularly while still holding the stored items.

In Machabee, U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,225, Child Seat Article Holder, a saddle bag is held in place across a child's car safety seat by the leg strap buckle of the seat. Again, the holder is not readily removable, and once removed it is clumsy and not easily carried.

In view of the above, applicant has seen a need for portable systems that provide convenient access to personal items while seated. Applicant sees it would be desirable to have an item caddy system easy to install and remove from a chair, while also providing convenient, compact carrying, e.g., particularly while still retaining personal items in their stowed positions. The present inventions provide these and other features that will be apparent upon review of the following.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Described herein are chair caddies and their methods of use. The caddies can be draped over a chair seat so that storage pockets are available, e.g., at each side of a person seated on the caddy. The caddies can be configured to easily fold up into a compact and secure bundle.

The chair caddies can include a seat panel comprising a top surface, a back surface, a longitudinal dimension between a first panel end and a second panel end, and a width dimension. The panel connects pockets at each end of the caddy, and provides a seating surface for the user. The first pocket has a top side and back side, and is attached to the first panel end (i.e., a first end of the seat panel). The second pocket also has a top side and back side, and is attached to the second panel end (second end of the panel, e.g., opposite the first end). A first handle can be mounted at about a back intersection of the panel and first pocket, and a second handle can be mounted at about a back intersection of the panel and second pocket. The first pocket and/or second pocket can have a pocket opening on the top side. This configuration, e.g., with the handles on the back side of the panel/pocket intersections allows convenient layout and carry away of the caddy and stored personal items.

In another aspect, a chair caddy can include a panel comprising a top surface, a back surface, a longitudinal dimension between a first panel end and a second panel end, and a width dimension; a first pocket attached to the first panel end; a second pocket attached to the second panel end; and, a frictional material on the back surface of the panel. The longitudinal dimension can be between 30 cm and 60 cm, and longitudinal dimension can be at least 2-fold the width dimension (and/or 2-fold the average pocket length dimension). The caddy can further comprise a first handle mounted at about a back intersection of the panel and first pocket; and, a second handle mounted at about a back intersection of the panel and second pocket.

In certain embodiments, the caddy has a longitudinal dimension between 30 cm and 60 cm, and longitudinal dimension is at least 2-fold the width dimension. In a particular embodiment, the longitudinal dimension is about 40 cm and the width is about 20 cm. In many embodiments, the longitudinal dimension is at least twice the average length of the first and second pocket.

In many examples, the back surface of the panel has a frictional material to minimize slippage of the panel across the chair seat. The frictional material can also provide waterproofing and padding. In certain instances, the frictional material comprises a rubber or a silicone. Typically, the frictional material has a static frictional coefficient of at least 0.6 or more on a smooth metal surface. The panel top surface often comprises a breathable fabric.

Many of the inventive caddies can be folded to bring the first and second handles adjacent so they can be grasped at once by a single hand. In a preferred embodiment, a caddy can be folded with the top side of the first pocket and top side of the second pocket each in parallel contact with the top side of the panel, and further folded so that the back sides of the first and second pockets are in parallel contact. This can provide a compact bundle protected and secured on the outside by the panel back surface. The caddies can further include a shoulder strap attached to opposite ends of the intersection of the panel with the first or second pocket. The bundled caddy can be unbundled and laid out on the seat of a chair with the panel back surface in contact with a seat of the chair, and with the first and second pockets hanging over opposite edges of the seat. In this configuration, a user can sit on the panel and have ready access to items in the pockets.

DEFINITIONS

Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular devices or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a surface” can include a combination of two or more surfaces; reference to “pockets” can include combinations of pockets, and the like.

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 the invention pertains. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be practiced without undue experimentation based on the present disclosure, preferred materials and methods are described herein. In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

As used herein, the term “handle” is as known in the art. For example, a handle can be a grip having dimensions adapted to be functionally received by a hand. Typically a handle has a main body gripped by the hand, and end extensions mounted to an object to be held.

As used herein, a “shoulder strap” is as known in the art. Shoulder straps typically comprise, e.g., a flexible cord of belt of material with adequate length to place over a person's shoulder, allowing a secured object to hang a desired distance, e.g., to the waist or hip area. The straps are typically attached at two sides of the object, but may be attached to one point. Straps can be removable and/or adjustable in length.

A “seat” of a chair is that generally horizontal seating surface upon which one sits, as is known in the art.

As used herein, directional terms, such as “upper”, “inner”, “outer”, “lower”, “top”, “back”, and “bottom” are as in common usage, e.g., from the orientation of an upright chair. Height, width, and depth dimensions are according to common usage, e.g., with reference to a caddy laid out in a horizontal attitude, with the panel back down. Length is the long dimension of the caddy.

A fold is a bend in a sheet along a line. Folds can produce any functional angle, e.g., from 1° to 180°. For a bundled caddy, folds between panel sections, and at intersections of panels and pockets often result in a 180° redirection of component surfaces, e.g., so the fabric sections fold back on each other to form a double layered structure.

As used herein, “substantially” refers to largely or predominantly, but not necessarily entirely, that which is specified.

The term “about”, as used herein, indicates the value of a given quantity can include quantities ranging within 10% of the stated value, or optionally within 5% of the value, or in some embodiments within 1% of the value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary chair caddy.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a folded caddy and a shoulder strap with ends near mounting rings.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a chair caddy folded into a compact bundle with the pockets in close parallel contact and with handles adjacent for ready gripping by hand.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a chair caddy with the pockets spread and the panel resting on a chair seat.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a chair caddy positioned on the seat of a chair.

FIGS. 6A to 6C show steps of bundling a chair caddy. A caddy ready for use on a chair (6A), a caddy with first folds (6B), and caddy folded to an easy carry bundle (6C).

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams showing a variety of accessories and features that may be used in any combination to enhance the utility of a caddy.

FIGS. 8A to 8C show an exemplary chair caddy in a variety of configurations, including conversion to a bag with shoulder strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The chair caddies have many complementary features that offer convenient transport of personal articles, then ready access to the articles at a location providing seating. When a user is ready to leave a chair, they can easily gather up the caddy and securely relocate the caddy along with still stowed items.

The caddies have a special combination of features and parameters that allow unobtrusive access to items while seated, without hassles when the caddy needs to be moved. The caddies can include, e.g., two pockets separated by a seat traversing panel. A caddy can have dimensions that allow neat folding into a secure compact unit. A caddy can have handles, frictional surfaces, and/or a shoulder strap to enhance functionality.

A seat caddy can have a pair of pockets 10 separated by a panel 11 (see FIG. 1). The pockets can have a closure 12. Near the intersection of the panel and each pocket, there can be a handle 13. The caddy can be folded into a neat bundle with adjacent handles providing a convenient hand grip for carrying (see FIG. 3). Optionally, the caddy can include a shoulder strap 20 and a mounting means 21 so that the caddy can be carried hands free (see FIG. 2).

Panels

Seat panel structures of the caddies can function in several ways in the caddy systems to improve security, stability, and comfort. For example, the panels provide a seating surface for the user. The panels can interact with the seat to stabilize positioning of the caddy. Panels provide a secure mount foundation for pockets. In the folded (bundled) configuration of the caddy, the panel can present an outside cover, protecting the pockets and helping to retain their contents.

Panels can be made of any suitable material. Typically the material is a flexible and foldable sheet, such as, e.g., a fabric, leather or plastic. Often the panel includes more than one layer. For example, the top surface 14 can be a ventilated and/or water absorbent fabric. The back surface can present a frictional material to help prevent sliding of the panel across the seat surface, e.g., when the contents of pockets are of unequal weight. It can be beneficial if the panel includes a layer that is impermeable to water, e.g., to minimize wetting in outdoor seating. Optionally, at least one panel layer is made of a rugged material, such as leather or nylon, to support the weight of items in the pockets and to resist the wear of use. In many cases, the panel is a single sheet, fused laminations, and/or otherwise not providing storage space for items.

The panels typically have dimensions to straddle a seat, provide comfort to one seated upon the panel, and to cover the pockets when the caddy is in the bundled configuration for carrying. The length 15 of the panel between pockets is typically at least the sum of the pocket lengths 16. Panel widths 17 are typically at least as wide as the pockets. Panel lengths can range from, e.g., less than 10 inches to more than 36 inches, from 12 inches to 24 inches, from 15 inches to 20 inches, or about 18 inches. Panel widths can range from, e.g., less than 1 inch (e.g., a belt or strap) to more than 24 inches, from 4 inches to 20 inches, from 6 inches to 15 inches, or about 9 inches.

The thickness of panels can vary considerably, depending on usage and desired layers. Where there are several layers (e.g., breathable fabric, padding layer, tough layer, water proof layer, and/or frictional layer), the thickness can be significant. In most embodiments, the panel is thin so not to interfere with the normal comfort contours of a chair seat. For this reason, the panels are typically not configured to receive items for storage. In many cases a particular panel layer can have multiple roles, e.g., a tough waterproof layer, a frictional waterproof layer, a breathable padding layer, etc. Panel thicknesses can range from, e.g., less than 1 mm to more than 100 mm, from 15 mm to 20 mm, from 2 mm to 5 mm, or about 2.5 mm

A frictional layer can be provided on the back side of the panel. The frictional material is typically a rubber compound, a silicone rubber, or other high friction material. The frictional layer can be fused with a layer above in the panel, e.g., for added strength. The frictional material does not have to cover the entire back side of the panel. In some embodiments, the panel back side does not include a high friction material. The frictional layer can have a coefficient of static friction raging from about 0.5 to more than 1.5, from 0.6 to 1.0, from or from about 0.65 to 0.75, in contact with the intended seat material, or in contact with polished steel. It is preferred that the frictional material in contact with polished steel exhibit at least as much friction as top grain leather does on the same surface.

In some embodiments, the panel can have alternate or optional ways to secure the caddy to a seat. For example, the panel can have the hook element of a loop and hook pair, snaps, magnets, clips, and/or the like.

Pockets

Pockets of the caddies can have openings and dimensions to receive the intended personal items for holding. Pockets can have certain measurements and materials continuous with the panel section of the caddy. In other instances, the one or more pockets at each end of the panel can be specialized to provide desired properties.

Pockets can be made of any suitable material. Often at least some of the material is the same as can be found in the panel. Typically, the pocket material is a flexible sheet, such as, e.g., a fabric, leather, or plastic sheet.

Pockets can be fabricated by folding back an extension of one or more panel layer and stitching the sides to make a pocket. Optionally, an extension multilayered panel can receive an opening to employ the space between layers as a pocket. Alternately, pockets can be fabricated separate from the panel and later attached to the panel ends.

The pockets typically have dimensions short enough to fit between layers of a panel folded in half, and narrow enough so that the panel width can cover them when the caddy is bundled. Alternately, the pockets can be wider than the panel, e.g., to expand pocket capacity. The length 16 of a pocket is typically at about half the length 15 of the associated panel. Alternately, the pockets can be substantially longer than half the length of the panel. Pocket widths 18 are typically at not wider than the panel width. Pocket lengths can range from, e.g., less than 1 inch to more than 24 inches, from 3 inches to 18 inches, from 5 inches to 10 inches, or about 8 inches. Pocket widths can range from, e.g., less than 1 inch to more than 24 inches, from 4 inches to 20 inches, from 6 inches to 15 inches, or about 9 inches.

Pockets have openings to add or remove items. In most configurations, the pockets have an opening at or near the pocket/panel intersection. In this way, when the caddy is resting on a chair seat, the opening is above the main interior of the pocket. Further, this configuration provides that the pocket opening is directed or located upwardly when the caddy is folded into a bundle and carried by the user using the handles or shoulder strap. The opening can be any appropriate type, e.g., a slit, a flap, buttoned, zipper, hook and loop, snap, draw string, and/or the like. The opening can be on the top side or the back side. In many cases it is desirable to have the main pocket opening on the top side so that it is exposed for access during use on a seat, and secured against loss of items when the caddy is bundled. Optionally, there can be pocket openings in the back side, e.g., to provide access while the caddy is bundled.

The one or more pockets at each end of the panel can be sized and positioned according to the needs of the user. The pockets may have a single interior or a compartmentalized interior. A pocket may have another pocket attached to the front or back. The pockets may be pleated to expand and receive larger items.

The intersection of the panel and pocket is, e.g., about where the opening and item storage structures end and the panel function begins. In many cases, there is a distinct intersection, e.g., a seam where a pocket is sewn onto the panel. Where the top of a pocket may be continuous with a void between panel layers, the panel/pocket intersection can be considered a line between areas of seating function and storing function, the line just medial from the pocket opening, or the place where handles are located to hold the caddy in the bundled configuration.

Handles

Handles are typically located on the back side of the panel/pocket intersections. The handles can provide a convenient grip to carry the bundled caddy, and can function to help stabilize the caddy when opened on a chair seat.

The handles are usually mounted along the back side of the intersection. For example, handles can be mounted at each end of the intersection. Alternately, the handles can span only part was across the width of an intersection. In one embodiment, the handles are flexible straps. Alternately, the handles can be of a harder material, such as a plastic grip. In alternate embodiments, the handles can be mounted on the top side of the caddy, e.g., so that the caddy can be bundled and carried in the looser “M” cross section configuration.

Handles can be as known in the art. They can range from about 1 inch in length to more than 12 inches, from 3 inches to 8 inches, or about 6 inches.

The handles have a manual carrying function, but can also provide a closing function to hold together the folded caddy. The act of carrying the caddy using both handles in one hand tends to hold the caddy closed. Optionally, the handles can have fittings to retain the closed position. For example, the handles can have hook and loop materials, clips, or the like to hold the handles and caddy together. Optionally, the caddy can have one handle, or no handles, e.g., with the bundled caddy held together with alternate fasteners.

The handles can also function in the stability of the open caddy to prevent panel slippage across the seating surface of a chair. The handles can project out from the back side of the caddy, e.g., at the panel/pocket intersection, and interact with the chair. For example, the handles can catch on the edge of the chair seat to prevent the caddy from sliding one way or the other. Handles can have shapes or fixtures configured to anchor the caddy to particular chairs.

Alternately, or in addition, the caddy can have a shoulder strap. Straps can allow hands free carrying, and allow carrying more weight with less effort. The strap can be removably mounted, e.g., with clips and rings. The straps can be adjustable in length. The strap mounts can be at one or both panel/pocket intersections.

Methods of Using

Chair caddies can be used as a convenient way to bring personal items to and from an event, e.g., where personal seating does not provide practical storage of the items.

A person using a chair caddy can arrive at an event with the caddy bundled, as shown in FIG. 2. If a shoulder strap has been used, it can be removed. The caddy can be placed on the person's seat, as shown in FIG. 3. The handles and pockets can be separated, as shown in FIG. 4. The pockets can be hung off the edges (front/back or sides) of the seat, e.g., as shown in FIG. 5. The person can sit on the panel and have access to personal items in the left and right pockets.

When the event is over, the person can pack up the caddy and leave without much effort. As shown in FIG. 6, the pockets are simply folded up across the panel (6A). Next, the person folds the pockets together so that the handles come into close approximation (6B). Finally, the pockets are folded up together to be carried away by the handles (6C). Optionally the shoulder strap can be attached.

Example 1—Typical Chair Caddies

A chair caddy lays across the seat of a chair like a saddlebag. The caddy has a non-slip material such as rubber or silicone to keep the caddy from slipping off of the chair. The caddy offers pockets within hands reach on both sides of the chair. Chair caddy pockets are the same size on both sides, e.g., optionally any of three sizes: small, medium, or large. Pockets have the option of closures such as, e.g., zippers, VELCRO™, snaps, elastic, or any other type of closure component. Each pocket has the option of compartments to organize stored items. The caddy can be folded and carried by a handle, or by a removable shoulder strap. Once folded in the closed position for carrying, there is a strip of VELCRO™ on each pocket, or other type of fastener to keep the pockets in the closed position.

The pockets can be configured and used for most any type of supplies or personal items for example: pencils, markers, paper, brushes, tablets, keys, wallets, cell phones, small bottles of water or beverages, small to medium toys, snacks, music instrument accessories such as: reeds, a mute, tuner, metronome, cleaning cloths, and much more.

Example 2—Chair Caddy with Accessories

A chair caddy can have combinations of features providing added utility.

With reference to FIGS. 7A (bottom of caddy) and 7B (top), the caddy 70 can have pockets 71 at one or both ends. Optionally, the caddy can include a pouch or window 73 in which to insert or inscribe owner identification information.

Fasteners 72, such as zippers, snaps, Velcro, magnets, and/or the like, can be provided, e.g., on the back side, e.g., to help retain the caddy in position on a user's chair. Optionally fasteners can function to retain the caddy in a desired configuration, e.g., closed or compacted. One desirable feature is often a non-skid or non-slip fabric 76 to minimize lateral movement of the caddy, e.g., extended across a seat cushion.

The caddy can include features aiding in carrying, hanging, or mounting. For example, the caddy can have one or more D-rings 74 and/or handles 75.

In FIGS. 8 A-C the caddy can be seen from other perspectives and folded configurations. With the caddy bundled for travel, e.g., as shown in FIG. 8C, shoulder strap 77 can be attached to D-rings 74 for convenient carrying.

While the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be clear to one skilled in the art from a reading of this disclosure that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention. For example, all the techniques and caddy systems described above can be used in various combinations.

All publications, patents, patent applications, and/or other documents cited in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, patent application, and/or other document were individually indicated to be incorporated by reference for all purposes.

Claims

1. A chair caddy comprising:

a panel comprising a top surface, a back surface, a longitudinal dimension between a first panel end and a second panel end, and a width dimension;

a first pocket attached to the first panel end, wherein the first pocket has a top side and back side;

a second pocket attached to the second panel end, wherein the second pocket has a top side and back side;

a first handle mounted at about a back intersection of the panel and first pocket; and,

a second handle mounted at about a back intersection of the panel and second pocket;

wherein the first pocket or second pocket has a pocket opening on the top side.

2. The caddy of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal dimension is between 30 cm and 60 cm, and longitudinal dimension is at least 2-fold the width dimension.

3. The caddy of claim 1, wherein the back surface comprises a frictional material.

4. The caddy of claim 3, wherein the frictional material comprises a rubber or a silicone.

5. The caddy of claim 1, wherein the frictional material has a static frictional coefficient of at least 0.6 or more on a smooth metal surface.

6. The caddy of claim 1, wherein the top surface comprises a ventilated fabric.

7. The caddy of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal dimension is about 40 cm and the width is about 20 cm.

8. The caddy of claim 1, further comprising a shoulder strap attached to opposite ends of the intersection of the panel with the first or second pocket.

9. The caddy of claim 1, having folded so as to bring the first and second handles adjacent so they can be grasped at once by a single hand.

10. The caddy of claim 9, folded with the top side of the first pocket and top side of the second pocket each in in parallel contact with the top side of the panel, and folded so that the back sides of the first and second pockets are in parallel contact.

11. The caddy of claim 1, resting on a seat of a chair with the panel back surface in contact with a seat of the chair, and with the first and second pockets hanging over opposite edges of the seat.

12. A chair caddy comprising:

a panel comprising a top surface, a back surface, a longitudinal dimension between a first end of the panel and a second end of the panel, and a width dimension;

a first pocket attached to the first panel end; and,

a second pocket attached to the second panel end;

wherein the longitudinal dimension is between 30 cm and 60 cm, and longitudinal dimension is at least 2-fold the width dimension; and,

wherein the back surface comprises a frictional material.

13. The caddy of claim 12, wherein the frictional material comprises a rubber or a silicone.

14. The caddy of claim 12, wherein the frictional material has a static frictional coefficient of at least 0.6 or more on a smooth metal surface.

15. The caddy of claim 12, wherein the longitudinal dimension is about 40 cm and the width is about 20 cm.

16. The caddy of claim 12, further comprising a first handle mounted at about a back intersection of the panel and first pocket; and, a second handle mounted at about a back intersection of the panel and second pocket.

17. The caddy of claim 16, having folded so as to bring the first and second handles adjacent so they can be grasped at once by a single hand.

18. The caddy of claim 12, further comprising a shoulder strap attached to opposite ends of the intersection of the panel with the first or second pocket.

19. The caddy of claim 12, resting on a seat of a chair with the panel back surface in contact with a seat of the chair, and with the first and second pockets hanging over opposite edges of the seat.