PORTABLE SUSPENSION SEAT

Abstract

A method for deploying a portable seat is disclosed. The method may begin with obtaining a portable seating system comprising an anchor, a first tether, a second tether, and a seat. Once obtained, the portable seating system may be deployed. This may include wrapping and securing the anchor around a portion of a tree, using the first tether to suspend a first end of the seat from a first portion of the anchor, and using a second tether to suspend a second end of the seat from a second portion of the anchor. With the portable seating system deployed, a human may use the seat such that all weight applied by the human to the portable seating system is transferred from the anchor to the tree.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/805,848 filed Feb. 14, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to outdoor equipment and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for a portable seat.

2. Background Art

Comfortable, dry seating can be difficult to locate in certain outdoor environments. For example, when walking through the woods in winter, it may be difficult to find a comfortable place to sit and rest, enjoy the scenery, or the like. Accordingly, what is needed is a seating system and method that provide a comfortable portable seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention will become fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a seating system in accordance with the present invention wherein the seating system is applied to a tree and supports a human user;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seat of the seating system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a seat in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the anchor of the seating system of FIG. 1 wherein the anchor is laid out flat so that an outer surface thereof is visible;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the anchor of the seating system of FIG. 1 wherein the anchor is laid out flat so that an inner surface thereof is visible;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the spreader of the seating system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an anchor in accordance with the present invention in an install configuration;

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the anchor of FIG. 7 in an install configuration;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the anchor of FIG. 7 wherein the anchor is laid out flat;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a spreader interface in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a non-exploded perspective view of the spreader interface of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a height adjustment mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of various embodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, in selected embodiments, a seating system 10 in accordance with the present invention may include an anchor 12, a suspension system 14, and a seat 16. An anchor 12 may connect a seating system 10 to a supporting structure 18. A supporting structure 18 may be a tree, branch of a tree, post, pole, arbor, rail, rock, or the like. An anchor 12 may be configured to connect to a supporting structure 18. Accordingly, an anchor 12 may be adapted to the characteristics of a supporting structure 18.

For example, in certain embodiments, a supporting structure 18 may be a tree (e.g., a main trunk of a tree). Accordingly, an anchor 12 may include a strap 20 configured to wrap around a tree. In selected embodiments, an anchor 12 may include a clasp 22, buckle 22 (e.g., a cam buckle, D-ring buckle, quick release buckle, or the like), or other connector 22 that may enable a strap 20 to be securely fastened (e.g., connected and/or tightened) around some portion of a supporting structure 18.

An anchor 12 may include one or more connection points 24. For example, an anchor 12 may include a first connection point 24a and a second connection point 24b. A connection point 24 may provide a location for a suspension system 14 or some portion thereof to engage an anchor 12. In selected embodiments, one or more connection points 24 may include a hook 26 (e.g., a metal hook) connected to a strap 20 by a tether 28.

In certain embodiments, one or more connection points 24 may be selectively moveable along a strap 20. This may enable the one or more connection points 24 to be moved to optimal or desired positions to accommodate the particular dimensions (e.g., diameter) of a supporting structure 18 to which an anchor 12 is applied. In selected embodiments, a connection point 24 may be moved along a strap 20 by sliding a tether 28. Thus, a tether 28 may engage (e.g., loop around) a strap 20 without being permanently fixed to a particular location on the strap 20.

An anchor 12 may be formed of any suitable material or combinations of materials. For example, in selected embodiments, a buckle 22 and hook 26 may be formed of metal, while a strap 20 and one or more tethers 28 may be formed of flat polymeric webbing. In certain embodiments, a rubberized or other grip-enhancing material may be applied to a strap 20 to enhance the ability of the strap 20 to grip a supporting structure 18. This may be accomplished by adhering or securing a rubberized or grip material on an inner surface of a strap 20 or by sliding one or more sleeves (e.g., relatively tight fitting sleeves) of rubberized or grip material onto a strap 20.

A suspension system 14 may connect a seat 16 to an anchor 12. Accordingly, a suspension system 14 may transfer the weight of a user 30 to an anchor 12 so that the anchor 12 may, in turn, transfer the load to the supporting structure 18. In selected embodiments, a suspension system 14 may include one or more tethers 32 and a spreader 34.

For example, a suspension system 14 may include a first tether 32a and a second tether 32b. A first tether 32a may connect a first side 36a of a seat 16 to a first connection point 24a. A second tether 32b may connect a second side 36b of a seat 16 to a second connection point 24b. A spreader 34 may extend between the first and second tethers 32a, 32b to space the first and second sides 36a, 36b of a seat 16 away from each other to produce a more comfortable seating experience for a user 30.

In selected embodiments, a suspension system 14 may be configured to easily and securely engage an anchor 12. For example, the upper ends of the first and second tethers 32a, 32b may each be or include a ring 38 (e.g., a metal ring) that may be easily hung from a hook 26 of a corresponding connection point 24 of an anchor 12. Similarly, the lower ends of the first and second tethers 32a, 32b may each be or include a ring 40 (e.g., a metal ring) that may form a strong connection with a corresponding side 36a, 36b of a seat 16.

In certain embodiments, first and second tethers 32a, 32b may each include a spreader interface 42. A spreader interface 42 may provide a location for an end of a spreader 34 to engage a corresponding tether 32. In selected embodiments, an end of a spreader 34 may be or include an extension 44 and a spreader interface 42 may be or include an aperture sized and shaped to receive the extension 44. Accordingly, an extension 44 of a spreader 34 may be inserted within an aperture of a spreader interface 42 in order to secure that end of the spreader 34 to a corresponding tether 32.

In selected embodiments, an upper portion 46 of a tether 32 may be connected to a lower portion 48 of the tether 32 by a ring 50 (e.g., a metal ring). A bridge material 52 may also extend to connect an upper portion 46 to a lower portion 48. An aperture formed in the bridge material 52 may be sized and shaped to receive an extension 44 of a spreader 34. Thus, in certain embodiments, a ring 50, a bridge material 52, an aperture in the bridge material 52, and selected portions of the upper and lower portions 46, 48 of a tether 32 may form a spreader interface 42.

In selected embodiments, a spreader 42 may be a segmented rod. That is, a spreader 42 may comprise various segments 54 that may be separated from one another in order to reduce the overall length of the spreader 42. This may enable a seating system 10 to be fit within a relatively small space for transport and storage.

A suspension system 14 may be formed of any suitable material or combinations of materials. For example, in selected embodiments, various rings 38, 40, 50 and various components of a spreader 34 may be formed of metal, while one or more tethers 32 may be formed of flat polymeric webbing. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, one or more components of a spreader 34 may be formed of fiberglass or the like.

In selected embodiments, a seat 16 may be a mesh, net, or weave formed using various intersecting pieces of flat polymeric webbing. Multiple pieces of flat polymeric webbing that extend side to side may converge at the first and second sides 36a, 36b of a seat 16. This may enable the weight of a user 30 to be easily and securely transferred to the corresponding tethers 32 of a suspension system 14. In other embodiments, a seat 14 may be formed of a fabric material cut and/or reinforced as necessary to securely transfer the weight of a user 30 to the corresponding tethers 32 of a suspension system 14.

A seating system 10 in accordance with the present invention may be readily portable. For example, a seating system 10 may be compactable and relatively light so that a user may carry the seating system 10 in a pack (e.g., in a relatively small stuff sack or the like carried within a backpack) during outings (e.g., day hikes, multi-day hikes or camps) in the woods. Accordingly, when the user would like to sit or rest, he or she may find a suitable tree or the like and deploy the seating system 10.

Deploying a seating system 10 in accordance with the present invention may include: (1) wrapping the anchor 12 around a portion of a tree 18 (e.g., wrapping the anchor 12 horizontally around a trunk of a tree 18); (2) securing the anchor 12 around the portion of the tree 18 (e.g., securing the anchor 12 horizontally wrapped around the trunk of the tree 18); (3) substantially vertically suspending, by the first tether 32a, a first end of the seat 16 from a first connection point 24a of the anchor 12; and (4) substantially vertically suspending, by the second tether 32b, a second end of the seat 16 from a second connection point 24b of the anchor 12.

Once a seating system 10 is deployed, a user may sit on the seat 16 thereof. During such sitting, an anchor 12 may transfer to the tree 18 all weight (or substantially all weight) applied by the user to the seating system 10. In situations where a trunk of a tree 18 extends vertically or substantially vertically, gravitational forces may urge or bring a user sitting on a seat 16 toward the tree 18 (e.g., toward the trunk of the tree 18) such that a back of the user is proximate or rests against the trunk of the tree 18.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, in selected embodiments, a connector 22 may comprise a cam buckle so that a user may more easily cinch or tighten an anchor 12 around a supporting structure 18 (e.g., around a trunk of a tree) and, thereby, prevent slippage of the anchor 12 with respect to the supporting structure 18 during use. In certain embodiments, a connection point 24 of an anchor 12 may be a loop of metal, a loop of fabric (e.g., of flat polymeric webbing), a portion of a strap 20, or the like. An upper end of an upper portion 46 of a tether 32 may also include a loop of metal, a loop of fabric (e.g., of flat polymeric webbing), or the like. Accordingly, in selected embodiments, a carabineer 56 or the like may be used to connect an upper end of an upper portion 46 of a tether 32 to a connection point 24 of an anchor 12.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in selected embodiments, a spreader interface 42 may include backing material 58. Backing material 58 may connect to a tether 32 opposite bridge material 52. Accordingly, backing material 58 may reinforce a spreader interface 42 (and, therefore, increase the weight-carrying capacity of a tether 32) and assist in resolving forces imposed on a tether 32 may a spreader 34. For example, an extension 44 of a spreader 34 may extend through an aperture 60 (e.g., a grommeted aperture) in the bridge material 52 and contact the backing material 58. Accordingly, the backing material 58 may carry some of the load that would otherwise be imposed solely onto the aperture 60 in the bridge material 52. Also, during deployment of a seating system 10, backing material 58 may enable a user to quickly see how to orient and install a spreader 34 with respect to a spreader interface 42 since backward access to an aperture 60 in the bridging material 52 may be blocked by the backing material 58.

Referring to FIG. 12, in selected embodiments, tethers 32 may be configured so as to be adjustable in length. For example, in certain embodiments, a lower portion 48 of each tether 32 may be broken into two segments 48a, 48b. The two segments 48a, 48b may be connected to one another via a cam buckle 62. Accordingly, by pulling one of the two segments (e.g., the bottom segment 48b) through the cam buckle 62, a user may shorten the corresponding tether 32. Alternatively, by releasing one of the two segments (e.g., the bottom segment 48b) within the cam buckle 62, a user may lengthen the corresponding tether 32. In this manner, a user may adjust the length of each tether 32 individually and, thereby, select a desired seat height for a seating system 10 in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

obtaining a portable seating system comprising an anchor, a first tether, a second tether, and a seat;

deploying the portable seating system, the deploying comprising wrapping and securing the anchor around a portion of a tree, suspending, by the first tether, a first end of the seat from a first portion of the anchor, and suspending, by the second tether, a second end of the seat from a second portion of the anchor; and

supporting, by the portable seating system while the portable seating system is deployed, a human seated on the seat.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the wrapping comprises horizontally encircling, by the anchor, the portion of the tree.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein:

the suspending the first end of the seat comprises extending, by the first tether, substantially vertically from the anchor to the first end of the seat; and

the suspending the second end of the seat comprises extending, by the second tether, substantially vertically from the anchor to the second end of the seat.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the wrapping comprises positioning the first portion of the anchor on one side of the tree and positioning the second portion of the anchor on an opposite side of the tree.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the portable seating system further comprises a spreader.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the deploying further comprises installing the spreader to force a particular spacing between the first and second tethers.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the anchor, first tether, second tether, and seat each comprise textile.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the anchor, first tether, second tether, and seat each comprise flat polymeric webbing.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the portable seating system further comprises a spreader.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the deploying further comprises installing the spreader to force a particular spacing between the first and second tethers.

11. A method comprising:

obtaining a portable seating system comprising an anchor, a first tether, a second tether, and a seat that each comprise flexible material;

deploying the portable seating system, the deploying comprising wrapping the anchor horizontally around a portion of a tree, securing the anchor horizontally wrapped around the portion of the tree, substantially vertically suspending, by the first tether, a first end of the seat from a first portion of the anchor, and substantially vertically suspending, by the second tether, a second end of the seat from a second portion of the anchor; and

supporting, by the portable seating system while the portable seating system is deployed, a human seated on the seat such that all weight applied by the human to the portable seating system is transferred from the anchor to the tree.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the portable seating system further comprises a spreader.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the deploying further comprises installing the spreader to force a particular spacing between the first and second tethers.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the anchor, first tether, second tether, and seat each comprise flat polymeric webbing.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the wrapping comprises positioning the first portion of the anchor on one side of the tree and positioning the second portion of the anchor on an opposite side of the tree.

16. A method comprising:

obtaining a portable seating system comprising an anchor, a first tether, a second tether, and a seat;

deploying the portable seating system, the deploying comprising wrapping the anchor horizontally around a trunk of a tree, securing the anchor horizontally wrapped around the trunk of the tree, substantially vertically suspending, by the first tether, a first end of the seat from a first connection point of the anchor, and substantially vertically suspending, by the second tether, a second end of the seat from a second connection point of the anchor;

sitting, by a human, on the seat while the portable seating system is deployed;

supporting, by the portable seating system during the sitting, the human such that all weight applied by the human to the portable seating system is transferred from the anchor to the tree; and

drawing, by gravitational forces during the sitting, the human toward the tree such that a back of the human is against the trunk of the tree.