Portable Seat Device

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of seating. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable seat device. The device is primarily comprised of a vertical frame member, a horizontal frame member, and at least two arm rest assemblies. The device can be attached around a bleacher via a hook strap and loop strap to provide a more comfortable sitting surface. The device is also comprised of at least four folding legs that allow the device to be used as a standalone chair. The device may also have a sunshade, and a removable tray for convenience. The device may further fold for storage/transport.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/247,848 which was filed on Sep. 24, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of seating. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable seat device. The device is primarily comprised of a vertical frame member, a horizontal frame member, and at least two arm rest assemblies. The device can be attached around a bleacher via a hook strap and loop strap to provide a more comfortable sitting surface. The device is also comprised of at least four folding legs that allow the device to be used as a standalone chair. The device may also have a sunshade, and a removable tray for convenience. The device may further fold for storage/transport. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Bleachers are typically found at athletic areas/fields, concert venues, stadiums, etc. Although bleachers are efficient in that they allow a large number of individuals to be seated, they are also extremely uncomfortable, especially when extremely cold or extremely hot. As a result, many individuals may choose to sit in a grass area near bleachers instead of on the bleachers themselves. However, this is burdensome as it requires that a user bring their own chair. This is a further inconvenience if a user is at a sporting event/tournament or other location where they must move to multiple fields, wherein some of the fields have bleachers and some do not. As a result, the user is stuck carrying around their own chair throughout the day, even at locations where it may not be needed.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that overcomes the limitations of bleachers and grass seating. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable seat device that can be placed on a bleacher to make sitting on a bleacher more comfortable for a user. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable seat device that can be placed on a bleacher to make sitting on a bleacher more comfortable for a user, wherein the device can also be used as a stand-alone chair when it is not required for use on a bleacher.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a portable seat device. The device is primarily comprised of a vertical frame member, a horizontal frame, and at least two arm rest assemblies. The device can be attached around a bleacher via a hook strap and loop strap to provide a more comfortable sitting surface. The device is also comprised of at least four folding legs that allow the device to be used as a standalone chair. The device may also have a sunshade, a removable tray, and at least one pouch for convenience. The device may further fold for storage/transport.

In this manner, the portable seat device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides a device that can be placed on a bleacher to make sitting on the bleacher more comfortable for a user. Further, the device can also be used as a stand-alone chair when it is not required for use on a bleacher. In addition, the device can fold for easy transport and storage.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a portable seat device. The device is primarily comprised of a frame that is further comprised of a vertical frame member, a horizontal frame member, and at least two arm rest assemblies. In differing embodiments, the frame may be manufactured from a rigid plastic or a durable metal. The frame may also be opaque, semi-transparent, or transparent and may have a plurality of indicia such as, but not limited to: patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. The frame can also be any color known in the art.

The frame is chair-like in shape and is primarily comprised of a vertical frame member and a horizontal frame member, which are connected via at least one hinge. The front surface of the vertical frame member and the top surface of the horizontal frame member are further preferably padded for comfort. In one embodiment, the front surface may further have at least two child straps that retain a child within the device. Each side surface of the vertical frame member is further comprised of an arm rest assembly that may fold for storage/transport purposes and may be adjustable.

The device may also have at least one pouch that may be fixedly or removably attached to the horizontal frame member of the arm rest assembly and/or the rear surface of the vertical frame member. Any surface of the frame may also be comprised of at least one carrying strap that may be a handheld strap or a shoulder strap. The device may also have a collapsible sunshade that removably or fixedly attaches to each side surface of the vertical frame member via at least one hinge on each surface. When in use, the sunshade can be extended to provide shade for a user sitting on the device. When not in use, the sunshade can be retracted or removed altogether from the device. Further, the device may have a tray that removably attaches to the horizontal frame members of each arm rest assembly.

The bottom surface of the horizontal frame member is further comprised of at least one strap with a hook surface and at least one strap with a loop surface. The straps can be pressed/fastened together around a bleacher such that the device cannot shift or fall off of the bleacher. The device may also have at least four folding legs that are each connected to the bottom surface by at least one hinge. In this manner, the legs can be extended to allow the device itself to function as a standalone chair. However, the legs can be folded when not needed during transport or to allow the device to be used on a bleacher as described.

Accordingly, the portable seat device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it can be placed on a bleacher to make sitting on a bleacher more comfortable for a user. In addition, the device can also be used as a stand-alone chair when it is not required for use on a bleacher. Further, the device can be folded to be easily stored and transported. In this manner, the portable seat device overcomes the limitations of existing methods and devices used to sit on grass areas and bleachers known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a portable seat device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates multiple perspective views of one potential embodiment of a portable seat device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a portable seat device of the present invention while secured to a bleacher (shown as prior art) in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of one potential embodiment of a portable seat device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a portable seat device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that overcomes the limitations of bleachers and grass seating. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable seat device that can be placed on a bleacher to make sitting on a bleacher more comfortable for a user. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable seat device that can be placed on a bleacher to make sitting on a bleacher more comfortable for a user, wherein the device can also be used as a stand-alone chair when it is not required for use on a bleacher.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a portable seat device primarily comprised of a frame that is further comprised of a vertical frame member, a horizontal frame member, and at least two arm rest assemblies. In differing embodiments, the frame may be manufactured from a rigid plastic or a durable metal and may also be opaque, semi-transparent, or transparent and may have a plurality of indicia such as, but not limited to: patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. The frame can also be any color known in the art.

The frame is chair-like in shape and is primarily comprised of a vertical frame member and a horizontal frame member, which are connected via at least one hinge. The front surface of the vertical frame member and the top surface of the horizontal frame member are further preferably padded for comfort. In one embodiment, the front surface may further have at least two child straps that retain a child within the device. Each side surface of the vertical frame member is further comprised of an arm rest assembly that may fold for storage/transport purposes and may be adjustable.

At least one pouch may be fixedly or removably attached to the horizontal frame member of the arm rest assembly and/or the rear surface of the vertical frame member. Any surface of the frame may also be comprised of at least one carrying strap. Said strap may be a handheld strap or a shoulder strap. The device may also have a collapsible sunshade that removably or fixedly attaches to each side surface of the vertical frame member via at least one hinge on each surface. When in use, the sunshade can be extended to provide shade for a user sitting on the device. When not in use, the sunshade can be retracted or removed altogether from the device. Further, the device may have a tray that removably attaches to the horizontal frame members of each arm rest assembly.

The bottom surface of the horizontal frame member is further comprised of at least one strap with a hook surface and at least one strap with a loop surface. The straps can be fastened together around a bleacher such that the device cannot shift or fall off of the bleacher. The device may also have at least four folding legs that are each connected to the bottom surface by at least one hinge. In this manner, the legs can be extended to allow the device itself to function as a standalone chair. However, the legs can be folded when not needed during transport or to allow the device to be used on a bleacher as described.

Accordingly, the portable seat device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it can be placed on a bleacher to make sitting on a bleacher more comfortable for a user. Further, the device can be placed on a bleacher to make sitting on a bleacher more comfortable for a user. In addition, the device can also be used as a stand-alone chair when it is not required for use on a bleacher. In this manner, the portable seat device overcomes the limitations of existing methods and devices used to sit on grass areas and bleachers known in the art.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a portable seat device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is primarily comprised of a frame 110 that is further comprised of a vertical frame member 120, a horizontal frame member 130, and at least two arm rest assemblies 140. In differing embodiments, the frame 110 may be manufactured from a rigid plastic material such as, but not limited to: acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, etc. The frame 110 may also be manufactured from a durable metal such as, but not limited to, stainless steel or aluminum. The frame 110 may also be opaque, semi-transparent, or transparent and may have a plurality of indicia 230 such as, but not limited to: patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. The frame 110 can also be any color known in the art.

The frame 110 is chair-like in shape and is primarily comprised of a vertical frame member 120 and a horizontal frame member 130. The frame members 120, 130 are connected via at least one hinge 220. Throughout this specification, references to at least one hinge 220 may include any hinge-type known in the art such as, but not limited to, an offset blind hinge, a knuckle hinge, a butt hinge, a rising butt hinge, a gravity pivot hinge, a ball bearing hinge, a barrel hinge, a concealed hinge, a knife hinge, a piano hinge, a strap hinge, a pivot hinge, a gas-piston hinge, an injection molded hinge, a locking hinge, etc. The hinge 220 may allow the vertical frame member 120 to recline in at least one reclining position, wherein the horizontal frame member 130 remains in a position parallel to a ground surface. The hinge 220 further allows both frame members 120, 130 to fold together to allow the entire device 100 to fold for storage and transport purposes. The front surface 122 of the vertical frame member 120 and the top surface 132 of the horizontal frame member 130 are further preferably padded for comfort. In one embodiment, the front surface 122 may further have at least two child straps 200 that retain a child within the device 100 when said child is sitting in the device 100.

Each side surface 126 of the vertical frame member 120 is further comprised of an arm rest assembly 140. Each arm rest assembly 140 is further comprised of a vertical frame member 142 that is connected to a horizontal frame member 144 via at least one hinge 220. The vertical frame member 142 further connects to the side surface 133 of the horizontal frame member 130 via at least one hinge 220. Similarly, the horizontal frame member 144 connects to the side surface 126 of the vertical frame member 120 via at least one hinge 220. In this manner, the arm rest assembly 140 may fold for storage/transport purposes and may be adjustable in position.

FIG. 2 illustrates multiple perspective views of one potential embodiment of a portable seat device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 may also have at least one pouch 170. The pouch 170 is preferably an elastic, netted pouch that may be fixedly attached to the horizontal frame member 144 of the arm rest assembly 140 and/or the rear surface 124 of the vertical frame member 120. The pouch 170 may alternatively be attached to the horizontal frame member 144 of the arm rest assembly 140 and/or the rear surface 124 of the vertical frame member 120 via an at least one fastener 180 such as, but not limited to: adhesive, hook and loop, magnet, snap-button, etc. At least one fastener 180 may also be present within the pouch 170 that allows a user to close/secure the pouch 170. Any surface of the frame 110, but preferably the rear surface 124 of the vertical frame member 120, may be further comprised of at least one carrying strap 190 that may be a handheld strap and/or a shoulder strap.

The device 100 may further be comprised of at least one collapsible sunshade 160 that removably or fixedly attaches to each side surface 126 of the vertical frame member 120 via at least one hinge 220 on each surface 126. When in use, the sunshade 160 can be extended to provide shade for a user sitting on the device 100. When not in use, the sunshade 160 can be retracted or removed altogether from the device 100.

The device 100 may also be comprised of at least one removable tray 150 that removably attaches to the horizontal frame members 144 of each arm rest assembly 140. The tray is further comprised of a top surface 152 and two arms 154 that extend away from the top surface 152. Each arm 154 is further comprised of a top surface 156 and a pair of generally parallel side surfaces 158 that extend downwards from the top surface 156, wherein all three surfaces 156, 158 contact the horizontal frame members 144 and snap or click onto each frame member 144. The arms 154 may also be attached to each horizontal frame member 144 via an at least one fastener 180 of the type noted supra.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a portable seat device 100 of the present invention while secured to a bleacher 10 (shown as prior art) in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The bottom surface 134 of the horizontal frame member 130 is further comprised of at least one strap with a hook surface 136 and at least one strap with a loop surface 138. The straps 136, 138 can be fastened together (e.g. to each other) around a bleacher 10 such that the device 100 cannot shift or fall off of the bleacher 10. In this manner, the device 100 remains stable and eliminates the possibility of a user falling backwards when sitting down on the device 100. In differing embodiments, each strap 136, 138 may additionally or alternatively have at least one fastener 180 of the type noted supra.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of one potential embodiment of a portable seat device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In one embodiment, the device 100 may further be comprised of at least four folding legs 210 that are each connected to the bottom surface 134 by at least one hinge 220. In this manner, the legs 210 can be extended to allow the device 100 itself to function as a standalone (e.g. freestanding) chair, as seen in FIG. 5. However, the legs 210 can be folded when not needed during transport or to allow the device 100 to be used on a bleacher 10 as described. In one embodiment, the bottom surface 134 and legs 210 are magnetic such that the legs 210 are magnetically attached to the bottom surface 134 when being stored in a folded position.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “portable seat device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the portable seat device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the portable seat device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the portable seat device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the portable seat device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the portable seat device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the portable seat device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A portable seat device comprising:

a frame comprised of a vertical frame member, at least two arm rest assemblies, and a horizontal frame member having a bottom surface, at least one strap with a hook surface, at least one strap with a loop surface, and at least four folding legs;

at least one hinge;

at least one collapsible sunshade;

at least one carrying strap; and

at least one pouch.

2. The portable seat device of claim 1, wherein the frame is foldable.

3. The portable seat device of claim 2, wherein the vertical frame member is reclinable.

4. The portable seat device of claim 3, wherein each of the vertical frame member and the horizontal frame member comprise a padding.

5. The portable seat device of claim 4, wherein the at least one strap with a hook surface is removably attached to the at least one strap with a loop surface around a bleacher to secure the portable seat device to the bleacher.

6. A portable seat device comprising:

a frame comprised of a vertical frame member, at least two arm rest assemblies, and a horizontal frame member comprised of a bottom surface having at least one strap with a hook surface, at least one strap with a loop surface, and at least four folding legs;

at least one hinge;

at least one collapsible sunshade;

at least one removable tray;

at least one carrying strap; and

at least one pouch.

7. The portable seat device of claim 6, wherein the frame is foldable.

8. The portable seat device of claim 7, wherein the vertical frame member is reclinable.

9. The portable seat device of claim 8, wherein each of the vertical frame member and the horizontal frame member comprise a padding.

10. The portable seat device of claim 6, wherein the at least one hinge is a select one of an offset blind hinge, a knuckle hinge, a butt hinge, a rising butt hinge, a gravity pivot hinge, a ball bearing hinge, a barrel hinge, a concealed hinge, a knife hinge, a piano hinge, a strap hinge, a pivot hinge, a gas-piston hinge, an injection molded hinge and a locking hinge.

11. The portable seat device of claim 6, wherein the at least one strap with a hook surface is removably attached to the at least one strap with a loop surface around a bleacher to secure the portable seat device to the bleacher.

12. The portable seat device of claim 6, wherein the removable tray is attached to the at least two arm rest assemblies.

13. A portable seat device comprising:

a frame comprised of a vertical frame member having at least two child straps, at least two arm rest assemblies, and a horizontal frame member having a bottom surface comprised of at least one strap with a hook surface, at least one strap with a loop surface, and a plurality of folding legs;

at least one hinge;

at least one collapsible sunshade;

at least one removable tray;

at least one carrying strap; and

at least one pouch.

14. The portable seat device of claim 13, wherein the frame is foldable.

15. The portable seat device of claim 14, wherein the vertical frame member is reclinable.

16. The portable seat device of claim 15, wherein each of the vertical frame member and the horizontal frame member comprise a padding.

17. The portable seat device of claim 13, wherein the at least one hinge is a select one of an offset blind hinge, a knuckle hinge, a butt hinge, a rising butt hinge, a gravity pivot hinge, a ball bearing hinge, a barrel hinge, a concealed hinge, a knife hinge, a piano hinge, a strap hinge, a pivot hinge, a gas-piston hinge, an injection molded hinge and a locking hinge.

18. The portable seat device of claim 13, wherein the at least one strap with a hook surface is fastened to the at least one strap with a loop surface around a bleacher to secure the portable seat device to the bleacher.

19. The portable seat device of claim 13, wherein the removable tray attaches to the at least two arm rest assemblies.

20. The portable seat device of claim 13, wherein each of the at least one strap with a hook surface and the at least one strap with a loop surface are each further comprised of an at least one fastener.