Upper Human Body Support and Privacy Device

Abstract

The Upper Human Both Support and Privacy Device is an expandable rod device that extends to accommodate different areas of the upper body of a seated human who leans sideways against it. It can be portable or incorporated into a chair. It is held up by a hard surface such as a chair arm or wall. The portable version it includes a seat upon which a human sits although can be used without the seat. In the built in version the seat is not included. The portable version has a fixed “L” shape attached to a seat; both the “L” shape and seat help to keep the device upright. The device can also be used for privacy. When the desired use is merely for privacy, the device can be built into any structure that enables it to stay upright, such as the side of a table.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

The Upper Human Body Support and Privacy Device also referred to herein as the “invention” addresses the problem of people falling to one side or another when sitting in a chair or seat. The person leans to the person's side against the invention which can be situated to the person's right or left side as desired or both sides if two devices are used. The invention can hold the resting torso and the head or just the torso as desired. Different parts of the upper body can be supported by extending the length of the rods as needed in any individual's ease. The invention can also or in the alternative be used as a privacy device if desired in that it acts as a screen. This is beneficial when, for example, flying in an airplane where one's privacy is limited.

It is novel for an extendable rod device to support the side of a person as opposed to the back. It is novel for any extendable device to support the entire upper torso (above the buttocks) and head. It is novel for an extendable rod device to be used to provide privacy.

The invention utilizes extendable rods to extend to the desired height to accommodate a person leaning against it. The invention can utilize retractable, telescoping or folding rods to achieve the same end. The invention also uses extendable rods tor convenience of storage. The invention utilizes prior art of extendable rods and adapts said prior an tor a new purpose in holding upright a human who is seated and who leans sideways against the invention. To achieve the new purpose tor prior art, adaptations in construction and mode of use are made by the invention to the prior art.

The invention uses the frame of a chair (such as the arm rest) or other firm surface (such as a wall) to provide support tor itself to help keep it upright in a fixed position. This is a novel use.

The invention uses firm material secured or affixed across rods to hold a person. Said firm material can be intrinsically firm or firm by way of stretching it between rods. Padding may be placed upon the firm material for comfort. These novel aspects for use with extension devices are claimed as past of the patent.

The invention can be used as a portable unit or built into a chair, or other hard frame. Each of those uses requires different components added to or taken away from the basic the invention.

The portable version:

The invention uses a fixed “L” shape at the bottom of rigid rods to keep it upright. The shape is obtained by a fixed platform. This novel use of the shape to help to keep the invention upright tor this purpose is claimed as part of the patent.

The invention attaches a hinged seat to the bottom of the “L” shaped platform. The seat further prevents movement especially when a person sits upon it. The hinge is strategically placed to allow for inclusion of padding in the invention for comfort if required. This novel use of a hinged seat to help prevent movement and the novel strategic placement of the hinge to allow for padding is also part of the claims for a patent.

The built in version:

The invention can be incorporated into a hard frame such as a chair. In that case the invention does not include the platform and hinged seat as the invention will remain upright by the frame of the chair. The invention can be incorporated into the arm of the chair or on the outside or inside of the chair frame (typically at the location of the arm rest if there is one). Some examples of types of chairs are wheel chairs and airplane seats.

The privacy use:

The invention can be used for privacy in addition to body support or without body support use. The same basic principles of design are used in either case. The difference being the fact that when only privacy use is desired the invention can be used in places other than on or around chairs/seats. It can, tor example be used within the structure of a table to separate two work stations as illustrated in FIG. 26.3 (see FIGS. 26 for 26.3)

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention addresses the problem of people hiding to one side or another when sitting by holding up the person's upper body and/or can also be used for privacy by use of obscuring material between rods. There are two versions of the invention; one is portable and the other is built into a chair. When used for support of the upper body, the invention in each ease is located at either the left or right side of a seated human. Two of the inventions could be used, one on each side of a person if desired. The person leans against the invention. When the invention is used for privacy it can be used as described above for the support but if body support is not desired it may also be built into, for example, a table.

The portable version:

The invention uses the arm rest to secure it or other hard surfaces such as walls or a window in an airplane to rest the upper portion of the invention. (This use of the support of the arm rest or other hard surface is a novel concept and is claimed as pan of the invention). The upper portions, (that is other than the seat) of the invention hold the torso and head of the person who leans against it. The upper portion leans against the arm rest or hard surface and the person leans against the invention to his or her tight or left side (this approach of providing a torso and head support is novel and is part of the claims). Extensions to the invention are available through the use of extendable rods. (The use of extendable rods to support the upper body of a person and help prevent it from falling sideways when the body is seated is novel and is a claim in the invention). The rods can be retractable rods or folding to provide extra length to accommodate the human body.

The invention has an “L” shape at the base of a person's torso. A seat is attached upon which the person sits. The seat of the invention when a person is seated thereon provides a counter balance to the weight of the torso and head of the person on the upper part of the invention. (This use of a seat to counter balance the upper part of the device and keep it upright is novel and is a claimed part of the invention). The angle of the “L” is hard and immovable; the immovability of the angle prevents the “L” shaped seat from losing its firm “L” shape. Sliding and falling of the upper part of the “L” over the arm rest is essentially prevented. Also sliding of the seat is prevented. This is significant, when, for example, one is using the invention on an airplane or in an airport; one does not want to have upper part of the invention moving into the zone of a fellow passenger's seating area. Nor does one want that to happen in an airport lounge. If that were to happen it might annoy other people.

The immovable “L” shape is an important part of the portable version of the invention; a small platform is connected to the lower extendable rods at their base. They can be fused/welded to the platform and/or have an “L” bracket used in order to make the “L” shape be immovable. That helps the invention to stay upright.

The invention attaches a hinged seat to the bottom of the “L” shaped platform. The seat further prevents movement especially when a person sits upon it. The hinge is strategically placed to allow tor inclusion of padding in the invention for comfort if required. This novel use of a hinged seat to prevent movement and the strategic placement of the hinge to allow for padding is also part of the claims for a patent.

The invention can be incorporated into a hard structure such as a chair. In that ease the invention does not include the platform and hinged seat as the Invention will remain upright by the frame of the chair into which it is built. The invention can be incorporated into the arm of the chair or on either side of the chair on the outside of the chair or inside, typically at the location of the arm rest if there is one. Some examples of types of chairs are wheel chairs and airplane seats. The built-in version is discussed in greater detail below.

Extendable rods:

Extendable rods are applicable to both the portable and built in versions; The invention can use a typical luggage frame with retractable handle (and rod) design or a typical fold out luggage carrying design. Telescoping rods can also be used and the discussions of retractable rods apply to telescoping too. A combination of the above can, if desired, be used too. The invention takes these basic designs and goes much further with them, adding to them and modifying them to produce a new entity (invention) and new purpose.

The use of the luggage frame with retractable handle cars, be seen in FIG. 1. One could use the other design, that is, the fold out design used to carry luggage. The latter is not built into luggage in its common usage (one places the luggage upon that latter design, as it is commonly used) as is seen in FIG. 14. Essentially as used in this invention both types produce much the same end result when used with the modifications/additions stated in these specifications.

Both designs can be modified to provide the fore stated immovable “L” shape and hinged seat for the portable version and have an extendable upper portion that will be used in the invention to hold the upper torso and head. Both extendable rod designs can be built into a chair for the built in version of the invention. However in both the portable sum built in versions of the invention the retractable rod rather than, the ibid out rod will likely be preferred in tight spaces such as on an airplane as less room is required around the invention to extend it.

Both extendable rod designs will accommodate the additions of firm material (hereinafter referred to as “wrap-arounds”) which in the invention are wrapped around the rods and the attachment of firm boards against which a person will lean or sit as the ease may be. (See use of wrap-arounds and boards in FIG. 7. Wrap-arounds at 7.2 and 7.3 and board at 7.1). The use of what I have called “wrap-arounds” and boards to support a human frame and/or provide privacy is novel and claimed as part of the patent. (The boards can be applied directly to a rod if of sufficient firmness. However the wrap-arounds are also used to keep the rods in place).

Both designs also accommodate the use of padding eg. foam for comfort covering the firm board materials referenced in my last paragraph (see FIG. 8) and the detachable pad (see FIG. 9 at 9.2) and the alternative flip up pad (see FIG. 22). (The use of padding on the boards is novel as the use of boards in this invention is in itself novel.) The padding is therefore also claimed as part of the patent. (Note that to reduce size padding can always be excluded from any part as desired).

In the case of the portable version of the invention both extendable rod designs will accommodate being reduced in size from foil extension and the seat folded up as shown in FIG. 11 for easy storage/carrying. Note that any extendable device can be used to provide extension: however at least two rods work, best as they more easily hold a person when a board is place between and against them. See for example FIG. 7 at 7.1 for the firm material or board referenced in the last sentence. The use of extendable rods in combination with boards to achieve body support and/or privacy is novel and is past of the patent.

Alternate to using firm boards:

The firm boards referenced above can be replaced if desired by material that is not intrinsically firm such as upholstery fabric or bendable plastic but creates a firm surface by being held between the rods. This is discussed in greater detail below.

Further information regarding the built-in version:

In the built, in version the invention would most conveniently be built into the arm rest and accessed through a flap in the arm rest that opens, or on the inner or outer side of the arm rest. In cither event the arm rest or chair frame would provide the support referenced above to keep the invention upright. For this use the luggage frame with retractable handle design would in many cases be the easiest to use. However as stated many times herein other extendable rod designs can be used if desired. For ease of illustration emphasis will be placed upon the retractable rods seen in prior art luggage frames with retractable handles.

By way of example let its look at the airplane seat. Some airplane seats have an arm rest that lifts (for example to contain a tray or screen for the movie). The invention could be contained within that space in the arm rest instead of the tray or movie screen. The invention can be made to fit and need not be bulky if made out of thin sturdy materials such as firm plastic or metal. The padding referred to (if padding is used) need not be thick either. In order to visualize this built in version look to FIGS. 15:16:17 and 18 and 20. The platform illustrated at FIG. 1 at 1.1 would be eliminated if the invention is built info a chair. This is because one would not need the immovable “L” do shape to keep the invention upright and there would no longer be a need to allow for inclusion of a hinge and seat; the chair itself would provide the stability for erectness. In order to pull the invention up from inside the chair (depending upon the positioning of the invention within the chair) retractable rods can be placed upon retractable rods (see FIGS. 15 and 17). FIGS. 16 and 18 show another possible method for building the invention into a chair. These show a hinge enabling the invention to swing up and be secured by, for example a small arm as seen in FIG. 18 at 18.1.

The above stated uses and modifications of the basic luggage and extendable rod designs tor the invention are novel and are claimed as part of the patent.

The privacy use:

The invention can be used tor privacy in addition to body support or without body support use. The same basic principles of design are used in either ease. The difference being the fact that when only privacy use is desired the invention can be used in places other than on or around chairs/seats; it can, for example be used within the structure of a table to separate two work stations as illustrated in FIG. 26.3 (see FIG. 26 for 26.3).

Reasons for the invention:

The original reason why I designed this invention is that I saw no way to prevent myself slipping to one side or another in an airplane seat. Headrests do not provide sufficient hold to one's upper body; one is not always the right height for the headrests and sometimes they fail to stay in place. In addition, most headrests are too small to provide a head rest. In addition it is uncomfortable to only have one's body head at the head by a head rest. It is better for the body to lean with one's entire torso and head against something. I also saw many people in airports and on airplanes falling to one side over the armrests. People often try to put their elbow on an arm rest and rest their head on their hand. Then they nod off only to have their hand move. At that stage they tend to wake up. This invention is designed to stop that problem. The same problem is experienced in a car as a passenger. The back seats have a choice of using the arm rest with this invention or the window/frame. The front seat has always been a problem in that the window and frame tend to be too far from the seat to provide a firm hold of the leaning person. Now the passenger can lean the invention against the window or frame (with the invention's seat opened or not) and have a good rest. In the case of wheelchairs I have seen so many people fall to one side or the other. I have researched and seen that pillows are used to try to deal with this. This invention is a much more secure and compact way to deal with the issue whether the invention is folded out to provide the seat upon which a person sits or is just used whit the seat unfolded using the person's torso to provide the blockage to movement of the upper part of the invention. See FIG. 11 for the drawing of the invention when it is folded up without the seat extended. (The detachable pad could be removed to make it thinner if required). Clearly the handle would be extended to the height required to rest one's entire torso and head upon the invention.

The privacy offered by use of the invention also provides a benefit as privacy in places such as airplane seats is practically non-existent in coach class.

I have included portable and built-in versions of the invention. Built-in versions are appropriate when an upper body support and/or privacy device is often desired on a particular seat.

When only a privacy use is desired the device can be used in many other places than around a chair/seat for example it can be built into a table to separate work stations (see FIG. 26.3).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a typical luggage frame with retractable handle. This is in common usage. The invention adds a platform to the base (See platform at FIG. 1.1).

FIG. 2 shows the “wrap-around” (The wrap-around is used to connect the rods to each other and the rods to the platform). This drawing shows only one of the rods for illustration purposes. In this drawing the wrap-around is shown as connected to the platform. This is done by extending the lower part of the wrap-around so that part of it it goes under the “platform”. This extension can be just at the rod site or all the way along to (and including) the other rod. The shape provided by connecting the wrap-around and the platform is an immovable “L” shape. The drawing shows that the piece under the platform is attached to the platform by studs (or other securing device or method such as welding of for example, plastic or metal).

FIG. 3 shows how the platform can be fused (welded) to the wrap-around. This is an alternative way to connect the wrap-around and the platform. This would be a reasonable solution when the wrap-around and the platform are of the same material. The view presented is just of one side In the same way as FIG. 2. Again the shape acquired by the connection of the wrap-around and platform is an immovable “L”.

FIG. 4 shows another method to attach the wrap-around and the platform (in addition to FIGS. 1 and 2). The drawing shows a transparency of the wrap-around and platform showing an immovable “L” bracket behind. Any immovable “L” shape can be used it; does not have to be an attached bracket (as was illustrated at FIGS. 2 and 3).

FIG. 5 shows the use of a hinge to connect the seat to the platform. It is attached on one side of the hinge to the upper part of the platform. As you can see it is moved forward on the platform to allow room for the seat to fold up against the upper portion of the device. (When padding/cushioning is used, one must allow for cushioning/padding on the seat and upper portion of the device).

FIG. 6 shows how the hinge is attached on one side (arm/flap) of the hinge to the top of the platform (FIG. 6.1) and the other side of the hinge is attached to the underside of a firm seat material, for example, plastic (FIG. 6.2). The firm seat is depicted as a transparency of the seat so that one can see how one side of the hinge attaches to the underside of the firm seat. The hinge can be of any bendable material. For illustration the use of a common closet hinge is used in the drawing.

FIG. 7 shows the addition of firm material (such as plastic) in the form of a board (FIG. 7.1) is attached to the wrap-arounds (FIGS. 7.2 and 7.3). The attachment can be by use of studs or other fixing method such as welding of metal or plastics.

FIG. 8 shows the upper portion of the invention and the lower portion covered with padding such as foam for comfort of the user. The padding is covered with a fabric for esthetic purposes. The drawing also shows at FIG. 8.2 that there is a fold over of the fabric covered padding partly for the purposes of exits comfort if desired at an area where the shoulder or upper arm may meet the invention and also to provide for the extra space and firmness to accommodate the insertion of another detachable cushioned pad (at FIG. 8.1) when a detachable pad (as opposed to flip up) is used.

FIG. 9 shows the extended luggage handle (FIG. 9.1). The handle is extended to accommodate the detachable pad (FIG. 9.2) which is inserted behind the other cushioned pad at FIG. 9.3. The detachable pad is a firm material such as plastic covered in the same padding and fabric as the upper and seal portions of the invention. The detachable pad shows Velcro or other ties that may (as an option) be used to more securely keep the detachable pad in place if desired. This should not in most cases be necessary if sufficient room and firmness is provided at FIG. 9.3.

FIG. 10 shows the invention fully extended with the retractable handle extended to the height required by the user to accommodate the person's head. It also shows the inserted detachable pad at FIG. 10.1 and illustrates at FIG. 10.2 how the seat louts up to make it compact for storage or carrying.

FIG. 11 shows two views of the folded up invention. At the back (the first view) a band can be seen holding the folded invention together. The view also shows a loop of heavy ribbon to enable the device to be hooked onto something else. The second view is the front and shows how the detachable pad (if a detachable pad as opposed to an attached flip-up pad is used) is put against the invention for storage or easy carrying and is held onto the invention for easy storage by a band connected by Velcro or some other connecting device such as a buckle.

FIG. 12 shows the invention in use in its fully extended capacity to accommodate this person's uppermost body including the head. The invention is leaning against an arm rest with a person at rest upon it. The arm of the chair holds the upper part of the invention upright. The seat in this picture is down (use of seat optional and used for comfort and also less potential movement of the invention, for example, one may want less potential movement when one is seated next to another person).

FIG. 13 shows the retractable handle unit in common use/prior art which forms a basic design of the upper body resting and privacy device (the invention) that uses retractable rod.

FIG. 14 shows another basic design of prior art used in the upper body resting and privacy device, ie. that of the fold out design (often used to carry luggage). It shows that instead of retractable rod the rod fold over to be more compact. The clasp at FIG. 14.3 holds the foldable rods firm upon a Used bent rod that joins the vertical rod by a rivet hinge. This Figure merely shows a basic folding design that is modified in other drawings to form the invention.

FIG. 15 shows the use of the retractable rod design of the upper body resting and privacy device built into a chair. This drawing shows that it is accessed through the arm of the chair that flips up (See FIG. 15.2) like an airplane chair arm. However it can also be built on tire inner or outer side of the arm. or side of the chair. It shows at 15.1 that the upper body resting device seen in FIG. 1 minus the platform depicted in that 15.1 is pulled up by retractable rod contained in rods attached to the base of the device. NOTE that in this device NO platform is used (see eg FIG. 1.1 for platform depiction) as there is no need for a platform or seat; the fact that the device is built into the chair design keeps it upright. (Although 15 shows the retractable rod version of the device the method of use ie. built into a chair is equally applicable to other extendable pole designs such as the fold out design which would also be used minus the platform and seat.)

FIG. 16 shows how the upper body resting and privacy device can be incorporated within the side of a chair and accessed through the arm as in an airplane seat with a hinge design to elevate it for use. The hinge is seen at 16.1. The hinge allows the device to flip up. In this example the platform and seat is also not present for the reasons stated in regard to FIG. 15 above. (When built into a chair the device should be situated so as to draw upon the stability of the chair eg. In FIG. 16 the device would be built for enough down within the arm of the chair so as to be able to gain stability by leaning upon the arm structure). (This device can also be attached to the inner side or outer side of the arm or side of the chair as is discussed in FIG. 15.) (Although the drawing depicts the retractable rod design other extendable pole designs such as the fold out design can also be used minus its platform and seat).

FIG. 17 shows the retractable rod design version of the invention built into a chair. The chair is shown as a transparency. The arm rest is shown here to flip up to give access to the device (invention). Here the device is shown to be built upon another set of retractable rods within rods. In this drawing the device invention without a platform or a seat (as these are not needed in the built in design) is set upon the lower set of rods containing retractable rod. It would typically be welded or fused welded or fused at the rods and for attached by a bracket holding the two sets of wrap-arounds seen at the level of FIGS. 17.1 and 17.2. FIG. 18 shows the operation of the hinge design as it moves upwards. See 18.2. This drawing relates to FIG. 16 (where the device is built into the chair) and shows how the device (invention) swings out and up. At 18.2 a small arm is depicted that prevents the device (invention) falling back into the original position. Depending upon where within the chair the device (invention) is incorporated the small arm will be placed accordingly to provide the same result ie to prevent movement of the device to the original position.

FIG. 19 shows the portable version of the invention using foldable rods for extension. At the base where a rivet joint is typically located in the prior art luggage carrier a wrap-around is placed at FIG. 19.1. Attached to the wrap-around is the platform at FIG. 19.2. The hinge is attached to both the platform and the seat at FIG. 19.3. The seat is seen at FIG. 19.4. FIG. 19.6 shows the prior art horizontal rod and at 19.5 the prior art rivet can be seen. However note that the upper rods swing forwards not backwards as is typical in prior art. Although the upper rods can be made to swing in the prior art fashion, it is preferable in most instances where there is economy of space tor opening to make the upper rods swing forward as this would eliminate potential interference with the space, for example, of a fellow passenger on an airplane. Pads of firm material (see FIGS. 19.7 and 19.8) are here depleted as attached directly onto the rods.

FIG. 20 illustrates the entire device (the invention) built into the chair and located above the seat by the arm rest (either on the Inside or outside of the chair). This illustrates one of the many methods for attaching the invention to a chair. In this example the retractable rod design is used to illustrate although other extendable rod designs such as the fold out design could equally be used. The extensions can be numerous to reach the desired length. In the ease of the retractable rod they would have to be telescoped upon each other and the boards (not depicted here) would have to be attached after the retracted rod were extended by, for example, popper fasteners of the type used in clothing but more substantial or rings attached to soft or folding material (not depicted in FIG. 20) depicted in FIG. 24 would need to be used.

FIG. 21 illustrates some examples of retractable rod and telescoping rod which can be used in the device (invention). FIG. 21 A shows a round rod. FIG. 21 B shows a more boxy shape and C telescoping rod. All of these can be of any shape. These illustrations only provide some examples.

FIG. 22 shows the flip up pad option (as opposed to the removable pad seen in FIG. 9). It is illustrated in the portable version of the invention although is applicable to the built in version too. Press studs are seen on the dip up pad and at the top of the rods. The studs at the top of the rods are located on rings of material looped around the rods and attached at one point of the ring to the rods.

FIG. 23 at 23.1 shows the common, form of luggage carrying told out structure in that the upper rods told backwards. 23.2 shows the alternate method where the rods fold forward. This accommodates different locations for usage where it may be more convenient to fold one way over the other.

FIG. 24 shows one version of the use of telescoping rods. At FIG. 24.1 a ring is attached to the collapsible material such as soft fabric, or plastic or foldable pleats of a firm material such as firm pleated plastic. As many rings as arc necessary to hold the material firmly in place between the rods and secure a resting body will be used. The collapsible material is seen at FIG. 24.2 attached to the upper wrap-around. The material is also attached at the lower wrap around. The benefit of this design would be particularly useful in the built in version of the invention as the telescoping rods can be reduced considerably in size taking up just a small space, for example within the arm rest or on either side of a chair.

FIG. 25 represents another version of the telescoping rod of the type often seen in ladders. In this case the collapsible material such as fabric or soft plastic, or foldable firm material, upon which a person rests, would be attached at the top and bottom ie at 25.1 and 25.2. FIG. 25.3 represents the addition of the collapsible material or foldable firm material that is held onto the rods by attaching rings to the wrap-arounds and the material. This design like FIG. 24 may be desirable as a built in (for example to a chair) as it lakes up little space when retracted.

FIG. 26 shows a version of the portable at FIG. 26.1 and a version of the bulk in at FIG. 26.2. For ease of representation of these concepts this drawing simplifies the various designs of the invention into a depiction of retractable rods and shows the built in coming out of the arm rest. However as the various Figures show there are many approaches to both versions. FIG. 26.2 shows how when the device is merely used tor privacy it can be built into any hard surface where privacy is desired such as a table separating two work stations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a new use, after modifications and additions of prior art extendable rod designs. This prior art is seen in two basic prior art luggage aids (the foldable rod design commonly used tor carrying luggage and the retractable rod design commonly used within a piece of luggage to provide an extendable handle) and also in prior art designs such as telescoping selfie photo handles and telescoping or retracting ladders. The invention lakes these basic designs and goes much further with them, adding to and modifying to produce a new entity and use (the invention).

As noted in the fast paragraph several different types of extendable rods can be used to achieve the same basic design of the invention. These uses are described below. In addition to noting that different types of extendable rods can be used it must be noted that the invention has two basic designs; one which provides for a portable device and the second that is built into a chair.

One of the prior art designs used by the invention is a typical retractable handle built into a luggage frame. An example of this type of luggage frame with retractable handle cart be seen in FIG. 13. One could use another type and that would be the fold out design used to carry luggage. The latter is not built into luggage in its common usage; one places the luggage upon that latter design. FIG. 14 illustrates this fold out design. Essentially as used in this invention both types produce much the same end result when used with the modifications stated in these specifications. Although for ease of reference I refer primarily to foe retractable handle design from prior art. In each ease where retractable handles/ rod are referenced telescoping rods (not commonly used for luggage but often used for selfie photos) may be used if sufficient strength for the purpose is tested and telescoping or retracting rod designs used for ladders may also be used. The choice of extendable rod will depend in large part on the location where the device will be used. In addition different adaptations will be utilized to the basic prior art depending upon the location of use. This is explained at greater length below.

Most of the specification section herein will discuss modifications to the typical luggage frame with retractable handle. Many of these modifications will apply to the other expandable rod designs referenced above. Where there are specific variations to different rod expansion devices they will be discussed below.

There are two main variations to the basic invention; one is a portable version and the other built into a chair or seat. The portable versions shall be discussed first followed by discussions of modifications for the built in versions.

FIG. 1 shows a typical luggage frame with retractable handle in common usage (prior art) but has an added platform modification. It utilizes retractable rod. The invention uses this design for a new purpose (holding a leaning person and/or privacy) and provides additions and modifications to accomplish that end. In FIG. 1 a platform is added to the basic design (see FIG. 1.1). The platform extends from the basic frame consisting of the rods (see FIG. 1.3); those rods at 1.3 contain rods that expand in length and retract (see FIG. 1.2) on top of which is the handle (sec FIG. 1.7). Wrapped around the stationary rods that contain the retractable rods is what I call the “wrap-around” See FIGS. 1.4 and 1.5). The wrap-around is typically made of a heavy duty plastic (although can be any sturdy material such as wood, or metal). In our case, for the invention, the wrap-around is used to help keep the rods in place and accommodate placement of a firm board when a board is used (the board is discussed later). The wrap-around must be heavy enough to hold a human's upper body above the buttocks as the person leans against the invention. If one were to obtain atypical luggage frame and build upon it and if the wrap-arounds are not present or are deficient in strength or number or location in the device you obtain they will have to be added as depicted in FIG. 1 by wrapping flat pieces of firm material (typically plastic or metal) around the two rods. Thus providing a flat surface between the two rods (See FIG. 1.3). Note however that if one were to place firm enough hoards against the surface of the area depicted at 1.4 and 1.5 one would not need the upper wrap-around at 1.4 if one attached the board to the rod which can be done in a number of ways such as providing for small wrap-arounds that do not extend between poles and only go around each pole and are affixed to them by for example welding or fixing the board directly onto the rod typically by welding.

What I refer to as the “platform” (FIG. 1.1) must be made of a sturdy material such as plastic or wood. The depth of the platform does not have to be large. Approximately 1 and ¾ Inches should generally suffice: the measurement is taken from the back of the wrap-around at FIG. 1.5). More details on how to build a platform are discussed below (See below under FIGS. 2, 3 and 4).

FIG. 2 shows the “wrap-around” (The wrap-around connects the rods containing the retractable rods). This drawing just shows one of the rods. In this drawing the wrap-around is shown as connected to the platform. This is done by extending the form of the wrap-around to provide a part of it that goes under the “platform”. This extension can be just at the rod site or all the way along to (and including) the other rod. The shape provided by connecting the wrap-around and the platform is an immovable “L” shape. The drawing shows that the piece under the platform is attached to the platform by studs (or other securing device or method such as welding eg. for plastic or metal).

FIG. 3 shows how the platform can be fused (welded) to the wrap-around. This is an alternative way to connect the wrap-around and the platform. This would be a reasonable solution when the wrap-around and the platform are of the same material, for example plastic or metal. The view presented is just of one side in the same way as FIG. 2. Again the shape acquired by the connection of the wrap-around and platform is an immovable “L”.

FIG. 4 shows another method to attach the wrap-around and the platform (in addition to FIGS. 1 and 2). T be drawing shows a transparency of the wrap-around and platform showing an Immovable “L” ifs bracket behind.

Any immovable “L” shape can be used; it does not have to be an attached bracket as in FIG. 4 or of the types illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3). The immovable “L” shape must be sturdy enough to accommodate the weight of a person's upper torso when used for support of the human body; therefore, for example, FIGS. 2 and 3 may be used in combination with the FIG. 4 added bracket depending upon the weight of the person and the sturdiness of materials used.

FIG. 5 shows the use of a hinge to connect the seat to the platform. It is attached on one aide of the hinge to the upper part of the platform. As you can see it is moved forward on the platform to allow room for the seat to fold up against the upper portion of the device. (One must allow for cushioning/padding on the seat and upper portion of the device if cushioning is used).

FIG. 6 shows how the hinge is attached on one side (arm/flap) of the hinge to the top of the platform (FIG. 6.1) and the other side of the hinge is attached to the underside of a firm seat material for example, plastic (FIG. 6.2). The firm seat is depicted as a transparency of the seat so that one can see how one side of the hinge attaches to the underside of the firm seat. The hinge can be of any bendable material, for example bendable plastic acting as a hinge or cardboard, or be a common, hinge such as metal or plastic ones used for, for example, a closet door. For the purposes of illustration the use of a common closet hinge is used in the drawing.

FIG. 7 shows the addition of a board of firm material (FIG. 7.1) such as plastic or wood that is attached to the wrap-arounds (FIGS. 7.2 and 7.3). The attachment can be by use of studs or other fixing method such as welding of metal or plastics. The purpose of tire firm material board is to hold the upper body of a person when a seated person leans against it. It would need to be the length of the rods that hold the retractable rods, from one wrap-around to the other (FIG. 7.2 to 2.3). The width of the firm material, board would be at least as wide as the two rods so that the rods can hold the firm material against them.

As mentioned previously it is possible to have the wrap-arounds merely encircle the fixed rods which hold the retractable rods at the 7.2 and 7.3 locations without extending the wrap-arounds between and connecting the rods. In that ease the firm boards would be affixed to the smaller wrap arounds and the platform would be affixed to the lower part of the board. Although lighter and using less material this may not be as sturdy a structure as using the wrap-arounds as depicted in FIG. 7. Prior to affixing the firm material board to the wrap-arounds on the upper portion of the invention one can cover the firm material board with padding such as foam and a fabric discussed later. However one can add the padding and fabric to the affixed board once the latter is in place; this is an esthetical preference. However for the seat of the invention it is likely easier to cover it with padding and the fabric after affixing the firm material to the hinge. See next paragraph for a farther discussion of padding.

FIG. 8 shows the upper portion of the invention and the lower portion are covered with padding such as foam for comfort of the user if desired. The padding is covered with a fabric for esthetic purposes. The drawing also shows at FIG. 8.2 that there is a fold over of the fabric covered padding partly for the purposes of extra comfort (if desired) at an area where the shoulder or upper arm may meet the invention and also to provide for the extra space and firmness to accommodate the insertion of another cushioned pad (at FIG. 8.1). As explained below there are two ways to approach the inclusion of the pad (or board it not padded) against the uppermost part of the invention; one as just described and the other is to attach a pad to the lower pad which can be flipped up and attached to the top of the device (described below and depicted in FIG. 22).

FIG. 9 shows the extended luggage handle (FIG. 9.1). The handle's rod is extended to accommodate the detachable pad (FIG. 9.2) which is inserted behind the other cushioned pad at FIG. 9.3. The detachable pad is a board of firm material such as plastic covered (if desired for comfort) with padding and fabric as are the upper and seat portion of the invention. The detachable pad shows Velcro or other ties that may (as an option) be used to more securely keep the detachable pad in place if desired. This should not In most cases be necessary if sufficient room and firmness is provided at FIG. 9.3. The size of the detachable pad must be at least as wide as the two extended rods which have emerged from the fixed rods because the rods are used to secure the pad when a person leans against the pad. The height must be at least as high as is necessary to accommodate a head of the person leaning against the invention. (Another way to attach the detachable pad (not depicted here) is to use press studs or snaps attached to the rods and to the detachable pad).

FIG. 10 shows the invention fully extended with the retractable handle rod extended to the height required by the user to accommodate the person's head. The rods attached to the adjustable handle should preferably have several catches to allow for many possible heights. The typical luggage frame with retractable handle has only a few catches which is less serviceable. (Note also depending upon the friction of the retractable rods with the rods, it is possible to have no catches). FIG. 10 also shows the inserted detachable pad at FIG. 10.1 and illustrates at FIG. 10.2 how the seat folds tip to make it compact for storage or carrying.

FIG. 11 shows two views of the folded up invention. At the back (the first view seen at FIG. 11.1) a band can be seen holding the folded invention together. The view also shows a loop of heavy ribbon to enable the device to be hooked onto something else. The second view seen at

FIG. 11.2 is the (font and shows how the detachable pad is put against the invention for storage or easy carrying and is held onto the invention for easy storage by a band connected by Velcro or some other connecting device such as a buckle.

FIG. 12 shows the invention in use in its fully extended capacity to accommodate this person's uppermost body including the head. The invention is leaning against an arm rest with a person at rest upon it. The arm of the chair holds the tipper part of the invention upright. The seat of the invention is down in this picture (use of seat is optional; it is used for comfort and also provide less potential movement of the invention, for example, one may want less potential movement when one is seated next to another person). One can use the upper part of the invention with the scat not folded down if one wished. One also does not have to use the invention with an arm rest to secure the upper part of the invention; one can use it as is explained elsewhere against any hard surface such as the frame of a car window which would hold the upper part of the invention up.

FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative to the use of the detachable pad shown for example in FIG. 9. For this alternative, seen in FIG. 22, the uppermost pad/board is attached to the lower pad or board. This can be achieved by attaching the fabrics, such as upholstery fabric or plastic coverings of the tipper and lower pads/hoards at the location illustrated by FIG. 22.1, or if no such fabric is used by attaching a hinge of for example, bendable plastic or upholstery fabric or even a regular hinge to the lower board and upper board at the FIG. 22.1 location.

The foldable version:

I have discussed the invention with regards to the retractable handle luggage frame for ease of illustration but as referenced herein other terms off extendable rods can be used such as the foldable version. FIG. 19 illustrates use of the foldable rods. As can be seen from FIG. 19 many of the adaptations and additions to prior art are the same as for the retractable rods. Variations can be seen however with placement of boards seen in FIGS. 19.7 and 19.8. As illustrated these are affixed to the rods preferably from behind for ease of closing the device. The upper rods attached to fee handle swing down in front of the device not behind as is the case in prior art. This is further illustrated at FIG. 23 at 23.1 showing prior art and 23.2 showing the variation of the swing forward motion. This allows for the invention to be used in confined/restricted spaces where, for example, on an airplane one would not wish to annoy a fellow passenger. As in prior art, the lower bent rod and the top rods attached to the handle are held in place by a clasp at the horizontal rod at FIG. 19.6.

FIG. 21 illustrates some examples of the many forms of retractable rod designs that can be used depending on the location for use of the invention. A represents a circular shape retractable rod and rod; B represents a more box like shape; and C illustrates a telescoping rod. These examples are mere illustrates of some types that can be used. They are not a complete list.

The built in version of the invention: A further modification of the invention described above is to have the invention built into an airplane seat/chair or other chair. It would most conveniently be built into the arm rest or on the inner side or outer side of the arm rest. The arm rest and/or the frame of the chair would provide the support referenced above to keep the invention upright. For this use the luggage frame with retractable handle design (or use of telescoping rods) would likely be the easiest to use in most situations because the folding rods may be considered somewhat unwieldy in a small space. By way of example let us look at the airplane seat and consider how the invention can be used within the arm rest. The same general approach will be used wherever it is placed as a built-in (eg, on the Inner side of the arm area or outer side). Some airplane seats have an arm rest that lifts (tor example to contain a tray or screen for the movie). The invention could be contained within that space in the arm rest instead of the tray or movie screen. The invention can be made to lit and need not be bulky if made out of thin sturdy materials such as lion plastic or metal. The padding referred to (if used for comfort) need not be thick either. The platform illustrated eg, at FIG. 1.1 would be eliminated if the invention is contained within the arm rest. This is because one would not need the immovable “L” shape to keep the invention upright as the chair frame/arm would provide support. There would also no longer be a need to allow for inclusion of a hinge and seat.

FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 all illustrate some examples of the various ways to build the invention into the chair frame. As stated above the techniques can be used to build inside or outside the arm rest but still using the frame of the chair as a support. It would be used as follows: To use within the arm rest one would open the flap of the arm rest and pull on the handle (See handle at FIG. 1.7). This would extend the rods within the arm rest exposing the visible part of the invention in FIG. 1 (minus the platform). One would then pull on the handle to extend the retractable handle as illustrated in FIG. 9 (see handle extended Figure in 9.1). Just for the sake of convenience one can add, in the case of the retractable device, a Velcro or other holding device to secure the handle at the top (See Handle at FIG. 1.7) to the first wrap-around at the top (see wrap-around at 1.4). This would purely be to enable a person to pull the invention up allowing for a torso rest without expanding the entire device at once. Depending upon how high in the chair the invention is located another set of rods with retractable rods could be used under the invention. These would be attached to the invention by use of further “wrap-arounds” that have been described herein. This is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 17.

Another example of an alternative way to use the invention as a built-in into a chair can be seen at FIG. 16, 18 and 20. FIG. 16.1 shows a hinge hinging the invention to the frame of the chair. In this particular drawing the Invention is built within the arm of a chair and accessed through the arm rest. However it can as easily be built outside of the arm rest area. The invention swings upwards. See 18.2 to show direction of movement. At FIG. 18 one can see the invention after it is swung up. A small moveable arm (See FIG. 18.1) should be attached to the invention which can be swung out and over the arm of the chair to prevent the invention from swinging back down into the arm of the chair. FIG. 20 illustrates another method of building the invention into a chair. This is an example of the entire invention being situated above the seat. Again access could be through the arm rest or by having it attached outside the arm rest area on the inner or outer side. As the entire invention is above the seat area by its very nature would need to be very compact. Retractable rods would not be able to extend very high unless they were telescoping, or folding. This is one example where a mix of different expandable rod methods could be used within the same device.

FIG. 24 illustrates an example of a use of the telescoping rod used in its prior art form in for example selfie photo devices. FIG. 25 illustrates a use of prior art telescoping/retractable ladders in the invention. These methods of expandable rods can be very useful due to their compactness. This is especially seen in confined spaces such as airplanes. Telescoping rods take tip little room. FIG. 24 shows one version of the use of telescoping rods. At FIG. 24.1 a ring is attached to the collapsible material such as soft fabric, or plastic or foldable pleats of a firm material such as firm pleated plastic. As many rings as are necessary to hold the material firmly in place between the rods and secure a resting body will be used. The collapsible material is seen at FIG. 24.2 attached to the upper wrap-around. The material is also attached at the lower wrap around. The benefit of this design would be particularly useful in the built in version of the invention as the telescoping rods can be reduced considerably in size taking up just a small space, for example within the arm rest or on either side of a chair.

FIG. 25 represents another version of the telescoping, rod of the type often seen in ladders. In this case the collapsible material such as fabric or soft plastic, or foldable firm material, upon which a person rests, would be attached at the top and bottom ie at 25.1 and 25.2. FIG. 25.3 represents the addition of the collapsible material or foldable firm material that is held onto the rods by attaching rings to the wrap-arounds and the material. This design like FIG. 24 may be desirable as a built in (for example to a chair) as it takes up little space when retracted.

As stated above one of the possible uses of the invention is to provide privacy as opposed to or in addition to body support. When privacy alone is a desired result attention to the sturdiness of materials would clearly not be as important as a human would not need to be supported.

FIG. 26 illustrates some of the uses of the invention. FIG. 26.1 illustrates the portable version used against a chair arm and 26.2 the invention is shown built into a chair. FIG. 26.3 shows the invention used in a table separating workstations for privacy. In all examples the invention stays erect by use of a hard surface. In 26.1 the use of the invention's seat is shown which also helps to keep the device upright.

Claims

1. An upper human body support device comprising:

(a) A surface of sufficient firmness to enable a seated human body to lean its torso sideways against it and be supported and

(b) Means for extension to adjust to the desired length to accommodate support of various parts of the upper body and

(c) Means for the said upper human body support device to stay erect and

(d) Method for upper human body support device to stay erect

Whereby said upper human body support device will assist in preventing a human from falling sideways when seated and enable the human to rest against it.

2. The upper human body support device of claim 1 wherein a frame with retractable rods similar to the frame of retractable handle luggage which is in common usage is used.

3. The upper human body support device of claim 1 wherein a name with telescoping rods similar to that used in telescoping ladders which is m common usage is alternatively used.

4. The upper human body support device of claim 1 wherein a frame with foldable rods similar to the frame of a luggage carrying device which is in common usage is alternatively used.

5. The upper human body support device of claim 1 using any extendable rod such as retractable rod, telescoping rod and foldable rod.

6. The upper human body support device of claim 1 wherein said means to stay erect comprises in part of at least 2 elongated rigid rods fixed in place at a distance from each other, whereby a rigid structure is created.

7. The upper human body support device of claim 6 wherein said means to stay erect comprises in pan of affixing a fixed, unbendable “L” shape to the base of said elongated rigid rods.

8. The upper human body support device of claim 7 wherein the said fixed unbendable “L” shape comprises of a fixed “L” bracket.

9. The upper human body support device of claim 7 wherein said fixed unbendable “L”shape comprises of fixing the said rigid rods to a platform.

10. The upper human body support device of claim 7 wherein the said fixed unbendable “L” shape is alternatively achieved by a combination of a fixed “L” bracket and attaching the lower part of the “L” bracket to a platform.

11. The upper human body support device of claim 10 wherein said platform is joined by a hinge mechanism to a seat upon which a human sits whereby the stability of said “L” shape is farther assisted and the ability of the said upper human body support device to remain erect is increased.

12. The upper human body support device of claim 1 wherein the means and method to stay erect comprises of placing said device against a hard surface, one example of a hard surface being an arm of a chair, another example being a wall.

13. The upper human body support device of claim 6 wherein the means and method to stay erect comprises of placing said rigid structure against a hard surface, one example of a hard surface being the arm of a chair, another example being a wall.

14. The upper human body support device of claim 6 wherein said elongated rigid rods are fixed in place at a distance from each other by a firm material that extends front one said elongated rigid rod to another and attaches to each said elongated rigid rod.

15. The upper human body support device of claim 14 wherein said firm material is made of plastic.

16. The upper human body support device of claim 14 wherein said firm material is metal.

17. The upper human body support device of claim 14 wherein said firm material comprises of strips of firm material.

18. The upper human body support device of claim 14 wherein said turn material comprises of at least one board of firm material.

19. The upper human body support device of claim 1 wherein said surface of sufficient firmness to enable a seated human body to lean sideways against it and be supported, comprises of a material attached to rigid rods against which surface a human may lean and be supported.

20. The upper human body support device of claim 19 wherein said material is intrinsically firm.

21. The upper unman body support device of claim 20 wherein the said material is firm plastic.

22. The upper human body support device of claim 20 wherein the said material is chipboard.

23. The upper human body support device of claim 19 wherein said material is intrinsically soft but is made firm by means of being attached to said rods.

24. The upper human body support device of claim 23 wherein said material is fixed at the top of the rods and comprises of thin firm strips of hard matter which are constructed around the rods but are unattached to the rods so that they can move up and down the rods but are attached to said material.

25. The upper human body support device of claim 23 wherein said thin strips of hard matter are rings.

26. The upper human body support device of claim 24 wherein said thin strips of hard matter comprise of metal.

27. The upper human body support device of claim 24 wherein said thin strips of hard matter comprise of plastic.

28. The upper human body support of claim 19 whereby said material comprises of a pleated structure.

29. The upper human body support device of claim 1 wherein said surface of sufficient firmness comprises of a firm material that that can be completely detached from the means for extension.

30. The upper human body support device of claim 29 wherein said surface of sufficient firmness is held in place against the means of extension by a fold over of padding at the top of the un-extended section of said device.

31. The upper human body support device of claim 29 wherein said surface of sufficient firmness disconnects from the extended part and flips down onto the un-extended part of said device.

32. The upper human body support device of claim 1 wherein said device folds at the hinge of each folding rod to be compact.

33. The upper human body support device of claim 1 wherein said device retracts at each retracting rod to be compact.

34. The upper human body support device of claim 1 wherein said device retracts at each telescoping rod to be compact.

35. The upper human body support device of claim 11 wherein said seat folds up towards the rest of said device to be compact.

36. The upper human body support device of claim 1 wherein the surface of sufficient firmness is detachable to be compact.

37. The upper human body support device of claim 1 whereto the surface of sufficient firmness is folded over to be compact.

38. The upper human body support device of claim 1 wherein the surface of sufficient firmness is collapsible to be compact.

39. The upper human body support device of claim 1 wherein the surface of sufficient firmness comprises of padding for comfort to the degree that said padding does not interfere with ability of said device to collapse to be compact.

40. The upper human body support device of claim 11 wherein said seat is covered by a padding for comfort to the degree that said padding does not interfere with ability of said device to collapse and be compact.

41. The upper human body support device of claim 4 wherein the upper rods alternatively fold forward towards the seal as opposed to backwards as in said frame in common usage.

42. The upper human body support device of claim 4 wherein the extendable rods at the base of said frame of a luggage carrying device are replaced to provide an “L” shape and seat in the portable model and are excluded in the built-in version of the upper human body support device.

43. The upper human body support device of claim 1 wherein said device is alternatively incorporated into a structure on which a human sits.

44. The upper human body support device of claim 43 wherein the structure on which a human sits is a chair.

45. The upper human body support device of claim 43 wherein the structure on which a human sits is a seat.

46. The upper human body support device of claim 43 in which said device uses the hard frame of said structure on which a human sits to stay erect as the hard frame of said structure interacts with the hard nature of said device to keep said device erect.

47. The upper human body support device of claim 43 wherein said device that is incorporated into a structure does not comprise of an unbendable “L” shape, a platform and hinged seat because said structure upon which a person sits provides the means and method tor said device to stay erect without them.

48. The upper human body support device of claim 43 wherein said device is incorporated into the arm of said structure on which a human sits with access to said device by an opening on the arm rest.

49. The upper human body support device of claim 43 wherein said device is built onto the inside of said structure on which a human sits.

50. The upper human body support device of claim 43 wherein said device is built onto the outside of said structure on which a human sits.

51. The upper human body support device of claim 1 wherein said device may be utilized to provide privacy in the form of a screen.

52. An upper human body support device that is portable comprising:

(e) A surface of sufficient firmness to enable a seated human body to lean sideways against it stud be supported said firm surface being made by use of firm material such as a board being attached to rigid elongated extendable rods that are fixed in place at a set distance from each other by firm material and

(f) Means for extension to adjust to the desired length to accommodate support of parts of the upper body said extension being by means of extendable and retractable rods and

(g) Mans for making the rods when extended support the upper body by means of placing firm material across the extended poles and

(h) Means and method for the said upper human body support device to stay erect by use of an interplay between the firmness of the device created by means of firm rods fixed to a platform that forms a firm fixed “L ” shape and firm

(i) surfaces that are external to said device such as the arm of a chair and such as a wall against which the said device is placed and

(j) A seat attached by a hinge to a platform that increases the firmness of the “L” shape

Whereby said upper human body support device will assist in preventing a human from fading sideways when seated and enable the human to rest against it.

53. An upper human body support device that is built into a seating device such as a chair comprising:

(k) A surface of sufficient firmness to enable a seated human body to lean sideways against it and be supported said firm surface being made by use of firm material said firm material being attached to rigid elongated extendable rods that are fixed in place at a set distance from each other by firm material and

(l) Means for extension to adjust to the desired length to accommodate support of parts of the upper body said extension being by means of extendable and retractable rods and

(m) Means for making the rods when extended support the upper body by means of firm material extended across the extended poles and

(n) Means and method for the said upper human body support device to stay erect by use of an interplay between the firmness of said device created by means of firm rods and the firmness of said seating device.

Whereby said upper human body support device will assist in preventing a human from falling sideways when seated and enable the human to rest against it.

54. A device that provides privacy comprising:

(o) Extendable rods that can adjust to a desired height that hold a screen that is placed between the rods said screen being secured upon the rods and

(p) Means and method for said device to stay erect by use of an interplay between the firmness of said device created by means of firm rods and the firmness of another hard structure.

55. The upper human body support device of claim 7 wherein the lower part of the said “L ” shape is attached by a hinge mechanism to a seat upon which a human sits.

56. The upper human body support device of claim 7 wherein the lower part of the said “L” shape is attached by a hinge mechanism to a seat upon which a human sits whereby the stability of the said “L” shape is further assisted and the ability of the said upper human body support device to remain erect is increased.

57. The upper human body support device of claim 8 wherein the said bracket is joined by a hinge mechanism to a seat upon which a human sits.

58. The upper human body support device of claim 9 wherein the said platform is joined by a hinge mechanism to a seat upon which a human sits.

59. The upper human body support device of claim 6 whereby alternatively a hinge mechanism connects the said elongated rigid poles and a seat.