PORTABLE SEAT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

Abstract

A portable seat apparatus including a support seat having a support seat body sized to support a user's back, the support seat body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end sized to terminate a distance above a user's hamstrings, at least one strap coupled to the support seat body and configured to surround a user's body part, and a support assembly including a base couplable to a ground surface and a height adjustable support column having a proximal end opposite a distal end, the proximal end coupled to the support seat and the distal end rotatably coupled to the base such that the proximal end of the support column is rotatable toward and away from the base.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to seating apparatuses, and, more particularly, relates to a portable seat apparatus configured to provide back support.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Specially designed seats have been known and utilized for some time which support a user's back in an effort to alleviate back pain. For example, kneeling chairs have been utilized in which a user is required to kneel onto the kneeling chair to maintain the user's spine in an upright and neutral position. Such kneeling chairs require the user to kneel down with the user's knees pressed against a padding. Unfortunately, kneeling down on the padding may be difficult and uncomfortable for users when the kneeling chair does not allow for height adjustment. As an added disadvantage, such kneeling chairs often fail to include a back support surface that the user may lean against for back support. Moreover, once positioned on the padding, the user is confined to the location of the chair because the chair is not designed to move with the user. As such, the user is limited to performing stationary tasks, such as desk work, while using such kneeling chairs.

Many known height adjustable seating apparatus, e.g., “stools,” are configured to allow user mobility without subjecting a user's back to pressure. Such stools often include a seat designed to support the user's buttocks only and do not include a back support piece. Unfortunately, failure to include a back support piece often increases back pain because the user cannot utilize the back support piece for stabilization. In addition, such stools limit the user's ability to move with the stool. More specifically, when the user desires to move the stool, the user must manually hold the stool or remain seated and rely on one or more wheels to move the stool and user across a ground surface.

At least one known seat provides a user with the ability to lean against the seat while placing the user's feet on the ground with the user's buttocks positioned on the seat to center and stabilize the user's weight. Such seat includes a height adjustable pole, a foot, and a seat cushion. Unfortunately, the seat fails to include straps to couple the user to the seat, thereby making it relatively easy for a user to slide out of or otherwise lose balance when attempting to sit in the seat. As an added problem, the leaning seat fails to include a back support piece to provide back support to the user.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a portable seat apparatus and method of use thereof that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that includes a portable seat apparatus configured to couple to a user to provide back and partial buttock support when the user desires to bend down during laborious activities.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a portable seat apparatus including a support seat having a support seat body sized to support a user's back, the support seat body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end sized to terminate a distance above a user's hamstrings, at least one strap coupled to the support seat body and configured to surround a user's body part, and a support assembly including a base couplable to a ground surface and a height adjustable support column having a proximal end opposite a distal end, the proximal end coupled to the support seat and the distal end rotatably coupled to the base such that the proximal end of the support column is rotatable toward and away from the base.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the support seat body defines at least one aperture that spans a thickness of the support seat body. The at least one aperture of the portable seat apparatus may be sized to receive the at least one strap.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the base may be made of an anti-slip friction-inducing material that is sufficient to retain the base on a ground surface, while also permitting rotation of the distal end of the support column relative to the base.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the second end of the support seat body may include a terminal edge configured to be disposed the distance above the user's hamstrings.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the second end of the support seat body includes a buttock support member sized to receive less than 75% of a user's buttocks.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the buttock support member may be fixedly coupled to and extend away from the second end of the support seat body in substantially a same direction as that of the support seat body from the first end to the second end, and the buttock support member may include a curved body having a length of approximately 1.5-3 inches.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the portable seat apparatus includes a lever coupled to a pivot member and a handle, the lever and the handle configured to selectively adjust a height of the support column relative to the base such that the support seat is within approximately two feet above a ground surface.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the portable seat apparatus includes a ball joint rotatably coupling the distal end of the support column to the base.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention may include a support seat having a back support body including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end configured to be disposed a distance above a user's hamstring, and an inner surface spanning from the first end to the second end and sized to support a user's back, and a support assembly including a base and a support column defining two opposing ends, a first one of the opposing ends coupled to the support seat and a second one of the opposing ends rotatably coupled to the base such that the support seat is rotatable in a plurality of directions with respect to the base.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the back support body includes a dual-point pivot point with respect to the support column.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the portable seat apparatus may include a first strap extending from the back support body in a direction away from the inner surface of the back support body, the first strap configured to surround a user's first body part and a pair of apertures defined by the back support body and spanning thickness of the back support body, the pair of apertures sized to receive the first strap therethrough.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the portable seat apparatus includes a second strap disposed a distance above the first strap, the second strap extending from the back support body in a direction away from the inner surface of the back support body, the second strap configured to surround a user's second body part different from the user's first body part.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the portable seat apparatus may include a buttock support member coupled to and extending away from the second end of the back support body in substantially a same direction as the back support body from the first end to the second end of the back support body, the buttock support member including a curved body having a length of approximately 1.5-3 inches.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the portable seat apparatus includes a curved buttock support member coupled to the second end of the back support body, the curved buttock support member sized to receive less than 75% of a user's buttocks.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the portable seat apparatus includes a ball joint rotatably coupling the support column to the base.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of using a portable seat apparatus is disclosed including providing a portable seat apparatus having a support seat including a support seat body sized to support a user's back, the support seat body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end sized to terminate a distance above a user's hamstrings, at least one strap coupled to the support seat body and configured to surround a user's body part, and a support assembly including a base couplable to a ground surface, and a height adjustable support column having a proximal end opposite a distal end, the proximal end coupled to the support seat and the distal end rotatably coupled to the base such that the proximal end of the support column is rotatable toward and away from the base, coupling the at least one strap to the user's body part such that the support seat body is substantially parallel to the user's back, and moving from a first position including the support column disposed substantially parallel to the base to a second position including the support column disposed at an angle with respect to the base.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method may include positioning a terminal edge of the second end of the support seat body a distance above the user's hamstrings.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the method may include maintaining a squat position including the user having free range of motion with respect to the user's legs, the squat position including a portion of the second end of the support seat body supporting less than 75% of a user's buttocks.

In accordance with yet another further feature of the present invention, the method may include selectively lowering a height of the support column and bending down to a user selected height that corresponds to the height of the support column.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the second position includes the support column being less than approximately three feet above a ground surface.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a portable seat apparatus and method of use thereof, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the portable seat apparatus from a ground surface toward a ceiling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable seat apparatus including a support seat having a support seat body and one or more straps configured to couple to a user's body part in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective rear view of the portable seat apparatus of FIG. 1, depicting the support seat body defining one or more apertures configured to receive the one or more straps therethrough in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective rear view of the support seat body of FIG. 1 including a padding and a support seat shell and the portable seat apparatus including a support assembly;

FIG. 4 is a downward-looking view of the support seat body of FIG. 1 depicting a right side curving inwardly toward a left side of the support seat body in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective rear view of the portable seat apparatus of FIG. 1 depicting the support assembly including a support column having a proximal end coupled to a pivot member in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an elevational rear view of the portable seat apparatus of FIG. 1 depicting the support assembly having a handle and a lever for selectively adjusting a height of the support column in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevational side view of the portable seat apparatus of FIG. 6 taken along section A-A, depicting the support column rotatably coupled to a base of the support assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an elevational side view of the support column introduced in FIG. 5 rotatably coupled to the base of the support assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an bottom plan view of the base of the support assembly introduced in FIG. 3 depicting at least one base section configured to support the weight of a user in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is process flow diagram depicting an exemplary method of using a portable seat apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

The present invention provides a novel and efficient portable seat apparatus having a support seat configured to sustain the weight of the user sitting on and leaning against the support seat for back and buttock support when the user is bending down or in a squat position. Embodiments of the invention include the portable seat apparatus including at least one strap configured to couple the support seat against the user's back in a harness like configuration. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide the portable seat apparatus having a support assembly including a support column coupled at one end to the support seat and rotatably coupled at an opposite end to a base which may be coupled to a ground surface. Advantageously, the support seat is distinguishable from a traditional “chair” because the support seat primarily provides back support and may partially support the user's buttocks, thereby allowing the user to bend down during use of the portable seat apparatus.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective front view. FIG. 1 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a portable seat apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a support seat 102 having a support seat body 104, i.e., back support body, sized to support a user's back, for example, by disposing an inner surface 106 of the support seat body 104 against a user's mid to low back. In one embodiment, the inner surface 106 is configured to be disposed substantially parallel to the user's back. The term “substantially parallel” is defined herein as extending in a similar or same direction, while allowing nominal deviation in one direction. Said another way, the support seat body 104 may be molded or shaped to contour a user's back. FIG. 1 depicts the support seat body 104 including a first end 108 and a second end 110 opposite the first end 108, and a length 112 separating the first and second ends 108, 110. In one embodiment, the length 112 is approximately 7-11 in inches. In other embodiments, the length 112 may be outside of this range.

In one embodiment, the second end 110 includes a terminal edge 114 configured to be disposed a distance above the user's hamstrings so that the support seat body 104 supports the user's back yet provides the user with the ability to walk, squat, and/or bend over while coupled to the support seat body 104. In one embodiment, the distance between the terminal edge 114 and the user's hamstrings is approximately 1-4 inches. In other embodiments, the distance may be outside of this range. The term “terminal edge” is defined herein as an absolute end of the support seat body 104. In contrast to a traditional “seat” which requires the user to place the entirety of the user's buttocks on the seat, the portable seat apparatus 100 provides the user with the ability to bend down and stabilize the user's back and at least a portion of the user's buttocks on the portable seat apparatus 100, while having free range of motion with respect to the user's legs. In this manner, the user may perform various tasks that require squatting and/or bending over, e.g., gardening, construction installation, plumbing, etc. In one embodiment, the support seat body 104 may include a width 116 of the support seat body 104. In one embodiment, the width 116 is approximately 8-11 in inches. In other embodiments, the width 116 may be outside of this range.

In one embodiment, the second end 110 includes a buttock support member 118 coupled thereto. The buttock support member 118 may be removably or fixedly coupled to the terminal edge 114. In contrast to traditional chairs which include a back support member forming a right angle with respect to the seat, the buttock support member 118 is depicted extending away from the second end of the support seat body 104 in substantially a same direction as the support seat body 104 from the first end 108 to the second end 110 of the support seat body 104.

In one embodiment, the buttock support member 118 may include a curved body 122 having a length 124 of approximately 1.5-3 inches. In other embodiments, the length 124 may be outside of this range. The curved body 122 is conducive for supporting a portion of the user's buttocks when sitting on the buttock support member 118. Said another way, the buttock support member 118 may include a curved configuration suitable for contouring a portion of the user's buttocks to provide back and glute support. In a preferred embodiment, the buttock support member 118 may be sized to receive less than 75% of a user's buttocks. In other embodiments, the buttock support member 118 may be sized to receive greater than 75% of a user's buttocks. As such, when bending down or squatting, the user is provided with the ability to sit on and against the inner surface 106 of the support body 104 and the buttock support member 118, respectively.

The support seat body 104 is configured to remain in a stationary position when subjected to the weight of the user as a result of the support seat body 104 being coupled to a support assembly, as will be explained in further detail herein. In one embodiment, the portable seat apparatus 100 may be configured to sustain up to approximately 325-350 pounds. In other embodiments, the portable seat apparatus 100 may be configured to sustain a weight that is outside of this range.

In one embodiment, in order to couple the support seat body 104 against the user's back, the support seat body 104 may include at least one strap 120 coupled thereto and extending away from the inner surface 106 of the support seat body 104. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the portable seat apparatus 100 may include more than one strap 120a-n used to couple the support seat body 104 to the user in a manner similar to a harness. The indicator “a-n” is intended to represent any number of straps 120a-n, where the number of straps 120 between “a” through “n” can be any number. The support seat 102 can be said to be portable, i.e., can move with the user. The term “portable” is defined herein in its broadest possible sense as easily carried or moved. The straps 120a-n may be made of nylon, leather, neoprene, or another suitable material configured to secure the support seat body 104 against the user's back.

In one exemplary embodiment, in use, the straps 120a, 120b may be secured through a fastener, e.g., a buckle, (not shown) around a user's first body part. The user's first body part may be the user's chest, waist, or the like. In the same vein, the straps 120c, 120n may surround a user's second body part that is different than the first body part. For example, the straps 120c, 120n may surround the user's legs and span from the user's crotch region in a direction toward the user's chest area and thereafter couple to the strap 120b. FIG. 1 depicts only a portion of the straps 120a-n, however FIG. 1 is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the straps 120a-n may be any length and may couple to the user through a variety of configurations.

With reference now to FIG. 2, depicting a perspective rear view of the support seat body 104, the support seat body 104 can be seen defining at least one aperture 200 spanning a thickness of the support seat body 104 and sized to receive the strap 120 therethrough. In one embodiment, the support seat body 104 may define a number of apertures 200a-n sized to receive the straps 120a-n therethrough.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the support seat body 104 may define a top pair of apertures 200a, 200b for receiving the strap 120a and a bottom pair of apertures 200c, 200n disposed a distance below the top pair of apertures 200a, 200b for receiving the strap 120b therethrough. The distance between the apertures 200a, 200b and the apertures 200c, 200n may vary according to the overall size of the support seat body 104. In other embodiments, the straps 120a-n may be secured to the support seat body 104 using a hook and loop fastener, an adhesive, or another suitable coupling mechanism. As such, the support seat body 104 may or may not be devoid of the apertures 200a-n.

With reference now to FIG. 3, in order to provide comfort to the user when coupled to the support seat 102, in one embodiment, the support seat body 104 may include a padding 300 coupled to a support seat shell 302. The padding 300 may be, without limitation, a Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam cushion, a fabric stuffed with fiber, an elastomeric material, e.g., silicone rubber or neoprene, etc. The support seat shell 302 may be made of, without limitation, a rigid plastic, rubber, or another suitable material configured to provide support to the user's back. In one embodiment, the padding 300 may be removably coupled to the support seat shell 302 by clipping onto the support seat shell 302. In other embodiments, the padding 300 may be coupled to the support seat shell 302 by a hook and loop fastener, adhesive, or the like. In other embodiments, the padding 300 may be fixedly coupled to the support seat shell 302.

In one embodiment, in order to be disposed against the user's back, the support seat body 104 may include a generally rectangular shape having a right side 304 and a left side 306 opposite the right side 304. As best shown in FIG. 4, depicting an elevational downward-looking view of the support seat body 104, the right and left sides 304, 306 are shown curved inwardly toward each other to at least partially define the inner surface 106 of the support seat body 104. As such, the support seat body 104 is configured to span across a width of the user's back to embrace the user. In other embodiments, the support seat body 104 may be round, square, triangular or another suitable shape. In one embodiment, a top terminal edge of the support seat body 104 may be configured to terminate at an average user's mid to low back. In other words, the support seat body 104 does not extend upwards with respect to the user's mid to low back to support the user's back, as with traditional chairs.

With reference again to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, in order to adjust an angle and/or a height of the portable seat apparatus 100 to fit a user's preference and comfort level, the portable seat apparatus 100 may include a support assembly 308. In one embodiment, the support assembly includes a pivot member 310, a support column 312 couplable to the pivot member 310, a handle 314, a lever 316 and a base 318, as will be explain in further detail below. In other embodiments, the portable seat apparatus 100 may be devoid of one or more of these components and may or may not include additional components as well.

With reference now to FIG. 5 depicting a perspective rear view of the portable seat apparatus 100, the pivot member 310 is shown coupled to an outer surface 500 of the support seat body 104, the outer surface 500 opposite the inner surface 106 (FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the pivot member 310 is depicted coupled to a proximal end 502 of the support column 312. The pivot member 310 may be coupled to the support column 312 using a pin, screw, male and female fastener, or another coupling mechanism, as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Advantageously, the pivot member 310 is configured to provide the user with a support seat 102 that pivots with respect to the support column 312. As such, the support seat 102 may move in conjunction with the user when strapped around the user, such as, when the user bends over and stands up. In one exemplary embodiment, the support seat body 104 may pivot at an angle that is approximately 180° with respect to the support column 312. In other embodiments, the support seat body 104 may pivot at one or more angles greater than or less than approximately 180°. The pivot member 310 may be a pivoting fork, hinge, joint, or other suitable component configured to provide a pivot motion of the support seat body 104 with respect to the support column 312.

With reference now to FIG. 6, depicting an elevational rear view of the portable seat apparatus 100, in one embodiment, in order to adjust a height 600 of the support column 312, the handle 314 is depicted coupled to the lever 316. For example, with brief reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 in comparison to FIG. 6, the height 600 of the support column 312 may be selectively adjusted by the user. In one embodiment, the height 600 of the support column 312 may be adjusted from between approximately 10-12 inches to approximately 36-48 inches. In other embodiments, the height 600 may be outside of this range.

With reference to FIG. 6, in conjunction with FIG. 7 depicting a cross-sectional side elevational view of the portable seat apparatus 100 taken along section A-A of FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the support column 312 may utilize a pneumatic cylinder, i.e., an air cylinder, to easily and conveniently raise and lower the height 600. Pneumatic cylinders, because they are known in the art, will be described generally herein. In use, when the user desires to decrease the height 600, the user may subject the support column 312 to a force, such as the weight of the user, and pull the handle 314 couple to the lever (FIG. 6), causing the pneumatic cylinder to release air. When the user desires to increase the height 600, the user may pull the handle 314 and the support seat body 104 in a vertical direction opposite from a ground surface. The pneumatic cylinder is not intended to be limiting and the height 600 may be adjusted using a non-pneumatic system or another height adjustment mechanism.

With reference to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the support column 312 may include a distal end 700 opposite the proximal end 502, the distal end 700 being rotatably coupled to the base 318 such that the support seat 102 is rotatable in one or more directions with respect to the base 318, e.g., toward and away from the base 318. Advantageously, in use, such as when the support seat 102 is coupled to the user, the rotational movement between the base 318 and the support column 312 provides the user with the ability to step in forward, backward, and sideways directions. When reaching the user's select destination, the user can lower the support column 312 to sit on and against the support seat 102 for support, thereby reducing the weight placed on the user's knees and back. In order to increase the safety of the portable seat apparatus 100, a locking mechanism (not shown) may be utilized.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, in one embodiment, the support column 312 is rotatably coupled to the base 318 through a fastening assembly 702 so as to permit rotation of the support column 312 about a roll, pitch, and yaw axis. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening assembly 702 is a round joint, i.e., a ball joint, sized to fit and rotate within an aperture 704 defined by the base 318. In other embodiments, the fastening assembly 702 may be another type of joint, a hinge, or another suitable coupling mechanism that provides rotational movement between the support column 312 and the base 318.

In one embodiment, the base 318 is a support structure, e.g., a pedestal, configured to receive and support the support column 312. The base 318 may be made of rubber, rigid plastic, plastic, or another suitable material configured to sustain the weight of the user when leaning against the support column 312 and the support seat 102. In a preferred embodiment, the base 318 is couplable to a ground surface. The term “surface” is defined herein in its broadest possible sense and is generally defined as the outermost or uppermost layer of an object or area. Advantageously, as a user moves when coupled to the support seat 102, the base 318 is configured to remain coupled to the ground surface in a stationary position. The base 318, however, may be selectively moved by a user across the ground surface or may be picked up by the user when a user moves in a direction that exceeds the height 600 of the support column 312. In other embodiments, the base 318 may be coupled to another surface or area.

With reference to FIG. 9, depicting a bottom plan view of the base 318, in one embodiment, the base 318 may include one or more base sections 900 configured to support the weight of the user when the user moves in the forward, backward, and/or sideways directions. In order to increase the safety of the portable seat apparatus 100, in one embodiment, the base 318 may include an anti-slip material or coating coupled thereto, which can be any friction-inducing material. The anti-slip material may be made of rubber, anti-slip tape, or another anti-slip material with a general coefficient of friction greater than the coefficient of friction of the base 318.

Referring now to FIG. 10, in conjunction with FIGS. 1-9, there is provided an exemplary process-flow diagram depicting a method of using a portable seat apparatus, such as the portable seat apparatus 100. Although FIG. 10 shows a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted in FIG. 10 for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps included in FIG. 10 can be combined into a single process.

In said process, the method begins at step 1000 and immediately proceeds to the step 1002 of providing, e.g., bringing into physical existence, a portable seat apparatus, such as the portable seat apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The present method however, is not limited to use with the portable seat apparatus 100 but may also be used with other seat apparatuses as well.

In one embodiment, the portable seat apparatus 100 preferably, but not necessarily includes, the support seat 102, the strap 120, and the support assembly 308 described in detail above. In step 1004, in one embodiment, the strap 120 be coupled to the user such that the support seat 102 is substantially parallel to the user's back. More specifically, in one embodiment, the strap 120a may be coupled around the user's chest. In the same vein, the strap 120b may be coupled around a second one of the user's body parts different than the user's chest, i.e., the user's waist. The straps 120c, 120n may be coupled around the user's legs such that the straps 120a-n together are coupled to the user in a manner similar to a harness. Such examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

In a preferred embodiment, the terminal edge 114 of the support seat body 104 is disposed a distance above the user's hamstrings. The distance may be 1-4 inches above the user's hamstrings or alternatively, may be any user selected distance that is comfortable for the user, while allowing the user to walk, bend, squat, and the like. As such, the user is advantageously provided with back support and relatively free range of motion with respect to the user's legs.

In one embodiment, the user may selectively lower the height 600 of the support column 312 using the handle 314 and the lever 316 as described in further detail above. Thereafter, the user may lean against the support seat 102 and the support column 312 with a portion of the user's buttocks sitting on the buttock support member 118 to perform manual labor that requires the user to bend down, squat, etc. Naturally, the user may increase and/or decrease the height to suit the user's preference and/or in accordance with the work the user is performing.

In step 1006, in one embodiment, the method may include moving from a first position to a second position different than the first position. The examples provided herein with respect to the first and second positions are provided for exemplary purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. In one embodiment, the first position may include the support seat 102 disposed substantially parallel to the base 318 (FIG. 5). As such, the first position may provide the user with the ability to secure the straps 120a-n around the user when standing in an upright manner. In other embodiments, the first position may include the support seat 102 disposed in a non-parallel relationship with respect to the base 318.

In one embodiment, the second position may include the support column 312 disposed at an angle with respect to the base 318 (FIG. 8). In one embodiment, in use, the angle of the support column 312 relative to the base 318 may be between approximately 100° to 45° when the base 318 is coupled to the ground surface. In other embodiments, the angle may be outside of this range. Naturally, the angle of the second position may vary depending on the user's body positioning relative to the base 318. For example, when the user is coupled to the support seat 102 and the user walks 1-2 feet from the base 318 and sit on the buttock support member 118 while leaning against the support seat body 104, the second position may include the support column 312 disposed at an angle that is approximately 50° to 70° relative to the base 318. Such position may be suitable for providing support to the user's back when the user is engaging in tasks that require the user to bend down, e.g., plumbing, construction installation, gardening, and the like. In one embodiment, the second position includes the support column 312 disposed a distance that is less than approximately three feet from a ground surface. In other embodiments, the distance above the grounds surface may be more or less than three feet.

A portable seat apparatus has been disclosed that includes a support seat configured to couple to a user to provide back support. The support seat is coupled to a support assembly including a base rotatably coupled to a height adjustable support column such that the support column and the support seat are rotatable toward and away from the base. Other features of the invention have been disclosed, but are not limited to the particular details disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A portable seat apparatus comprising:

a support seat including a support seat body sized to support a user's back having a width of at least eight inches, the support seat body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end sized to terminate a distance above a user's hamstrings, an inner surface defined between the first and second ends that is configured to be substantially parallel the user's mid-lower back; at least one strap coupled to the support seat body and configured to surround a user's body part; and a support assembly including: a base couplable to a ground surface; a height adjustable support column having a proximal end opposite a distal end, the proximal end coupled to an outer surface of the support seat body and the distal end rotatably coupled to the base such that the proximal end of the support column is rotatable toward and away from the base and

a buttock support member that extends from the second end of the support seat body in substantially a same direction as the support seat body from the first end of the seat body to the second end of the seat body, wherein the buttock support member has a width where the buttock support member meets the support seat body that is less than a width of the support seat body.

2. The portable seat apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

the support seat body defines a first pair of apertures on the support seat body, with one aperture of the first pair of apertures one each side of the support seat body, and second pair of apertures on the support seat body, with one aperture of the second pair of apertures one each side of the support seat body below the apertures of the first pair of apertures, the apertures of the first and second pairs of apertures spanning a thickness of the support seat body, wherein the at least one strap includes a first strap passing through the first pair of apertures and configured to go around a body of the user, a second strap passing through the second pair of apertures; and

a third strap and a fourth strap at a middle portion of the buttock support member that are each configured to pass between the user's legs and couple with the second strap over the user's legs such that the third strap and the fourth strap pass over different ones of the user's legs.

3. The portable seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

the base is of an anti-slip friction-inducing material sufficient to retain the base on a ground surface while permitting rotation of the distal end of the support column relative to the base.

4. The portable seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

the second end includes a terminal edge configured to be disposed the distance above the user's hamstrings.

5. The portable seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

the buttock support member is sized to receive less than 75% of a user's buttocks.

6. The portable seat apparatus according to claim 5, wherein:

the buttock support member is fixedly coupled to the second end of the support seat body and includes a curved body having a length of approximately 1.5-3 inches.

7. The portable seat apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a lever coupled to a pivot member and a handle, the lever and the handle configured to selectively adjust a height of the support column relative to the base such that the support seat is within approximately two feet above a ground surface.

8. The portable seat apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a ball joint rotatably coupling the distal end of the support column to the base.

9. A portable seat apparatus comprising:

a support seat including a back support body having: a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end configured to be disposed a distance above a user's hamstring; and an inner surface spanning from the first end to the second end and sized to support a user's mid-lower back; and

a support assembly including: a base; a support column defining two opposing ends, a first one of the opposing ends coupled to an outer surface of the support seat body and a second one of the opposing ends rotatably coupled to the base such that the support seat is rotatable in a plurality of directions with respect to the base; a buttock support member that extends from the second end of the support seat body; a first strap extending horizontally away from the support seat body; a second strap extending horizontally away from the support seat body positioned lower on the support seat body than the first strap; and a third strap and fourth strap both extending from a middle region of the buttock support member and configured to pass between the user's legs and couple with the second strap over legs of the user with the third and fourth straps each configured to pass over different ones of the legs of the user.

10. The portable seat apparatus according to claim 9, wherein:

the back support body includes a dual pivot point at which the support column is attached to the back support body to allow the support column to pivot with respect to the back support body.

11. The portable seat apparatus according to claim 9, wherein:

the first strap is configured to surround a user's body from a back to a front of the user's body; and

the back support body further including a pair of apertures defined by the back support body and spanning thickness of the back support body, the pair of apertures sized to receive the first strap therethrough.

12. The portable seat apparatus according to claim 11, wherein:

the second strap has a left and a right end, the left end configured to mate with the third strap over a left leg of the user, and the right end of the second strap configured to mate with the fourth strap over a right leg of the user, with the third and fourth straps extending upwards in a groin region of the user.

13. The portable seat apparatus according to claim 9, wherein:

the buttock support member extends from the second end of the back support body in substantially a same direction as the back support body from the first end to the second end of the back support body, the buttock support member further include a curved body having a length of approximately 1.5-3 inches and a width that is less than a width of a width of the back support body.

14. The portable seat apparatus according to claim 9, wherein:

the buttock support member is sized to receive less than 75% of a user's buttocks.

15. The portable seat apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising:

a ball joint rotatably coupling the support column to the base.

16. A method of using a portable seat apparatus, the method comprising:

providing a portable seat apparatus including: a support seat having a support seat body sized to support a user's back, the support seat body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end sized to terminate a distance above a user's hamstrings, an inner surface defined between the first and second ends that is configured to be substantially parallel the user's mid-lower back; at least one strap coupled to the support seat body and configured to surround a user's body part; and a support assembly including: a base couplable to a ground surface; and a height adjustable support column having a proximal end opposite a distal end, the proximal end coupled to an outer surface of the support seat body and the distal end rotatably coupled to the base such that the proximal end of the support column is rotatable toward and away from the base;

coupling the at least one strap to the user's body part such that the support seat body is substantially parallel to the user's back; and

moving from a first position including the support column disposed substantially parallel to the base to a second position including the support column disposed at an angle with respect to the base.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising:

positioning a terminal edge of the second end of the support seat body the distance above the user's hamstrings.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising:

maintaining a squat position including the user having free range of motion with respect to a user's legs, the squat position including a portion of the second end of the support seat body supporting less than 75% of a user's buttocks.

19. The method according to claim 16, further comprising:

selectively lowering a height of the support column; and

bending down to a user selected height, the user selected height corresponding to the height of the support column.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein:

the second position includes the support column less than approximately three feet above a ground surface.