EP2305066A1

EP2305066A1 - Bag and seating means combination and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: EP2305066A1
Application number: EP10171473A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Anthony Thomas Verrill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-03
Filing date: 2010-07-30
Publication date: 2011-04-06
Also published as: GB0913512D0

Abstract

There is provided a bag and seat means combination. The bag includes a first portion (4) which is movable relative to at least a second portion (6) between closed and open positions. At least one of said portions forms a base or back of seat means when in said open position. Inflatable means (22,24) are located or locatable with the base and/or back of said seat means and the inflatable means (22,24) can be inflated in use to form at least part of a cushioned base and/or back to said seat means.

Description

This invention relates to a bag and seating means combination and a method of use thereof.
It is normally the case that seating provided in public areas and arenas, such as sports stadiums, theatres, restaurants and/or the like, is at a pre-defined height and is non-adjustable. As such, a seat may not be a suitable height for a wide range of different sized users, particularly if the user is a young child, thereby preventing the user from having an optimal view of the event at the sports stadium or theatre, or prevents the user from being at a required level for eating from a table in a restaurant and/or the like.
In addition, it is often the case that seating provided in public areas and arenas, particularly seating that is provided for outdoor use and is required to be weatherproof, tends to be formed from hard plastic material which can be uncomfortable to sit on for an extended period of time.
A user may take a cushion with them when they attend such events to overcome this problem. Alternatively, a user may be required to take a booster seat or hire a booster seat at the venue if they find the existing seating is at the wrong height for their stature. A problem with this is that it the cushion or booster seat can be difficult to transport and takes up a large amount of space. In addition, it can be expensive to hire a booster seat at the venue where the seat is required.
In an attempt to overcome the abovementioned problems, it is known to provide a combination of a bag that can be transformed into a seat. US5641199 discloses a combination backpack and chair cover. The backpack can be opened out to reveal a seat cover, although there is no provision for providing any significant comfort or height gain to the user. US4935589 discloses a combination seat cushion and carrying bag. The bag can be opened to reveal two padded compartments or seat cushions on opposite sides of the bag. A pocket can be provided to store articles between the padded compartments. A problem with this combined seat and bag combination is that the seat fills the majority of the internal space of the bag.
It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved bag and seat means combination.
It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using an improved bag and seat means combination.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a bag and seat means combination, said bag including a first portion which is movable relative to at least a second portion between closed and open positions, at least one of said portions forming a base or back of seat means when in said open position, characterised in that inflatable means are located or locatable with the base and/or back of said seat means and said inflatable means can be inflated in use to form at least part of a cushioned base and/or back to said seat means.
By providing inflatable means, said inflatable means can be deflated when not in use and/when the bag is in the closed position, thereby providing a greater interior space within the bag when the bag is used in a bag mode for carrying purposes to allow a greater carrying volume for the containment of one or more items. When the bag is to be transformed into the seat mode, the inflatable means can be inflated to provide a seat and/or back portion with increased comfort and/or provide an increased height to the seat suitable for the requirements of the user. The level of inflation of the inflatable means can also be adjusted or determined by the user to allow the height provided by the seat portion and/or the comfort provided by the seat and/or back portion to be adjusted accordingly.
The present invention is movable between a bag mode and a seat mode. In the seat mode the inflatable means are typically inflated and in the bag mode the inflatable means are typically deflated.
In one embodiment at least the first and second portions both have inflatable means associated with the same. At least one of said portions forms a seat portion and at least one of said portions can form a back portion. Thus, inflatable cushion means can be provided on both the base of the seat and back of the seat in this embodiment.
The inflatable means can be integrally formed with the base and/or back of said seat means, attached to or detachably attached thereto via attachment means.
The attachment means can include any or any combination of VELCRO® (hook and loop fastening), one or more ties, clips, strap and buckle, stitching, press studs, welding, adhesive, inter-engaging members and/or the like.
The inflatable means can be provided in any size, shape and/or design. The inflatable means are arranged so as to be inflatable to a size substantially larger, substantially equal to or substantially smaller in dimensions than the base and/or back of the seat means.
The inflatable means can include any or any combination of one or more panels, channels and/or the like, it can be a substantially continuous member, a plurality of members and/or can be provided with one or more apertures defined therein. In one embodiment a substantially central aperture is provided so as to further reduce space taken up by the inflatable means when not in use. The peripheral edge surrounding the central aperture can still provide sufficient support to support at least part of a user thereon. The aperture also increases the ease with which the bag interior can be viewed for inspection by security personnel on entering a particular venue.
Further preferably the inflatable means can be inflated manually, such as via a user blowing into a valve associated with said inflatable means, or the inflatable means can be self inflated, via a user opening and/or closing a suitable valve arrangement.
The bag can be provided to take any suitable form when in the closed position, such as for example, a brief case, suit case, rucksack, holdall, handbag, sports bag and/or the like.
Preferably securing means are associated with the bag for securing at least part of the bag to at least part of an existing seat or chair in use.
In one embodiment the securing means can include resilient means and/or adjustable means, thereby allowing the securing means to be expandable and/or adjustable to fit around different sized seats or chairs in use.
The securing means can include any or any combination of one or more lengths of elastic, rubber, a strap and buckle, a pouch or compartment which locates on an existing portion of a seat or chair, inter-engaging members, one or more ties, clips and/or the like.
The securing means can be located on or associated with the interior and/or exterior of the bag.
Preferably the at least first and second portions of the bag form front and rear portions of the bag respectively.
Closure means can be associated with the bag to allow the portions of the bag to be maintained in a closed position. The closure means can include one or more zips, buttons, straps and buckles, VELCRO®, ties, press studs, inter-engaging members and/or the like.
Preferably at least the exterior of the bag or one or more components of the bag can be formed from waterproof material and/or can be provided with a waterproof coating thereon.
Preferably the bag or one or more components of the bag are formed from fire proof or fire retardant material or provided with a fire retardant material thereon, thereby reducing the fire safety risk at a venue where said bag is to be used.
In one embodiment the inflatable means are provided with an outer cover. The outer cover can be attached to or detachably attached to the inflatable means if required to allow removal of the cover for cleaning, replacement and/or repair.
In one embodiment the bag is provided with one or more substantially transparent panels or portions. The transparent panels or portions allows or increases the ease with which security personnel can view at least part of the interior of the bag from an exterior of the bag without opening the bag is going through a security check at a venue.
In one embodiment the transparent panels or portions can be substantially aligned with one or more apertures defined in the inflatable means, thereby further increasing the ease with which the interior of the bag can be viewed from the outside of the bag.
Preferably one or more pockets or compartments are defined on the bag, in the bag, on an exterior of the bag, or are associated with the bag to allow a user to store one or more items therein in use.
In one embodiment the one or more of the pockets or compartments are movable relative to the first and/or second bag portions to allow the pockets or compartments to be moved to one or more accessible positions or to be allow easy access when the bag is in either or both of the bag mode and/or the seat mode.
Preferably the one or more of the pockets or compartments are detachably attached to the bag to allow the pockets to be moved to a suitable position in either the bag mode and/or the seat mode.
The bag can be provided in any suitable size, shape and/or design and can be provided with any suitable aesthetic decoration thereon.
In one embodiment a substantially transparent pocket or compartment is provided adjacent an exterior surface of the bag to allow one or more images, information and/or the like to be located therein and viewed externally of the bag.
The bag can include any or any combination of other conventional bag accessories, such as for example, one or more reflective portions, lights, straps and/or the like.
In one embodiment illumination means are associated with the bag. Power means, such as one or more batteries, can be used to power the illumination means. For example, in one embodiment, a light strip can be located at or adjacent the transparent pocket or compartment of the bag, and preferably inside the bag or in a separate compartment, thereby allowing the light to be visible from an exterior of the bag.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provide a method of using a bag and seat means combination, said method including the steps of locating the bag on an existing seat or chair, moving at least a first portion of the bag relative to at least a second portion of the bag from a closed position to an open position, at least one of said portions forming a base and/or back to said seat means when in said open position, characterised in that inflatable means are located or locatable with the base and/or back of said seat means and said method includes the step of inflating said inflatable means to form at least part of a cushioned base and/or back to said seat means.
Once the seat mode has been finished with, the above method steps can be undertaken in reverse to return the seat mode to a bag mode.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a bag having bag and seat means capability.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a bag and seat means combination, said bag including a first portion which is movable relative to at least a second portion between closed and open positions, at least one of said portions forming a base of seat means when in said open position, characterised in that seat cushion means are or can be associated with said seat means base and said seat cushion means have at least one aperture defined therein to reduce the space taken up by the seat cushion means when the bag/seat combination is in a bag mode.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rucksack according to an embodiment of the present invention in a closed position or bag mode;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the rucksack in figure 1 in an open position or seat mode;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a typical chair used in public arenas and sports stadiums; and
Figure 4 is a perspective of the rucksack in figure 2 attached to the chair in figure 3 to form the seat mode in use.

Referring to the figures there is illustrated a bag in the form of a rucksack 2 including a first front portion 4 and a second rear portion 6. Closure means in the form of a zip 8 secures the front and rear portion in a substantially parallel, adjacent position, as shown in figure 1, when the rucksack is in a closed position.
A handle 10 can be provided on top of the rucksack 2 for carrying the rucksack and two adjustable back straps 12 can be provided on the rear portion 6 to allow a user to carry the rucksack on their back when used in the bag mode.
A pocket 14 is provided on a side of the rucksack and has a closure flap 16 associated with the same to prevent items located in the pocket from falling out. A substantially transparent window or pocket 18 is provided on the front surface of front portion 4. This pocket allows a user to insert an image or printed matter therein to allow the bag to be customised to the personal taste of a user. Alternatively and/or in addition, the front window can allow the interior contents of the rucksack to be viewed more easily, thereby allowing security personnel to view the contents of the bag without opening the same during a security check on entry to a public arena or sports stadium.
The front portion 4 is hingedly joined to rear portion 6 along a base edge 20. This allows front portion 4 to be moved from the closed position in figure 1 to a position substantially perpendicular to rear portion 6 when zip 8 is fully opened to form an open position for the rucksack, as shown in figure 2. In the open position, the front portion 4 can form the base of a seat as will be described in more detail below.
Inflatable members 22, 24 are attached to the interior surface of the front portion 4 and rear portion 6 respectively to provide a base and back seat cushion when the bag is in a seat mode. Each inflatable member 22, 24 is in the form of a shaped cushion having sufficient depth to provide a level of cushioning and/or height gain for a user. A valve 26 is provided on each inflatable member 22, 24 to allow the same to be inflated in use and deflated when the seat mode is no longer required or to allow adjustment of the level of inflation to allow adjustment of the height and/or comfort of the base or back of the seat. One of the back or base seat cushions can be optional and may be removed if not required and/or if additional space is needed in the interior of the rucksack when in a bag mode.
Referring to figure 3, there is illustrated a conventional plastic seat 28 of a type typically found in a sports arena or public venue. The seat 28 includes a back panel 30 and a base seat panel 32. A frame 34 maintains the back panel 30 and base panel 32 in the required pre-defined position. This type of seating is typically non- adjustable and can be uncomfortable to sit on for extended periods of time.
In accordance with the present invention, rucksack 2 can be located on seat 28 with back portion 6 located adjacent back panel 30 and front portion 4 located on base panel 32. Attachment means in the form of an adjustable strap 36 is located around back panel 30 to maintain the back portion 6 in position on seat 28.
It can be seen that inflatable cushion members 22, 24 associated with the rucksack can form cushioned areas which are substantially aligned with the back and base seat panels 30, 32. These can make the seat 28 more comfortable for a user and/or can provide height gain for a user equivalent to a booster seat, thereby providing a user with an more optimal view of a stage at a public arena or sports pitch in a sports stadium.
A detachable pocket 38 can be provided on the bag and can be located adjacent a front edge 40 of the front portion to allow a user to locate one or more items therein, such as for example food and drink for consuming during the event. After use, the pocket can be detached and moved to a different position within the bag.
When a user has finished with the seat mode, the user simply detaches the bag 2 from the seat 28 and moves the rucksack to a closed position.

Claims

A bag and seat means combination, said bag including a first portion which is movable relative to at least a second portion between closed and open positions, at least one of said portions forming a base or back of seat means when in said open position, characterised in that inflatable means are located or locatable with the base and/or back of said seat means and said inflatable means can be inflated in use to form at least part of a cushioned base and/or back to said seat means.
A bag and seat means combination according to claim 1 characterised in that the inflatable means are integrally formed with the base and/or back of the seat means, attached to or detachably attached thereto via attachment means.
A bag and seat means combination according to claim 1 characterised in that the inflatable means are arranged so as to be inflatable to a size substantially larger than, substantially smaller than or substantially equal to the dimensions of the base and/or back of the seat means.
A bag and seat means combination according to claim 1 characterised in that the inflatable means includes any or any combination of one or more panels, channels, substantially continuous members, plurality of members or aperture containing members.
A bag and seat means combination according to claim 4 characterised in that a substantially central aperture is provided in the inflatable means.
A bag and seat means combination according to claim 1 characterised in that the inflatable means are inflatable manually or via self inflation means.
A bag and seat means combination according to claim 1 characterised in that the bag is provided in the form of a brief case, suit case, rucksack, holdall, handbag or sports bag when in the closed position.
A bag and seat means combination according to claim 1 characterised in that securing means are associated with the bag to allow at least part of the bag to be secured to at least part of an existing seat or chair in use.
A bag and seat means combination according to claim 1 characterised in that the at least first and second portions of the bag form front and rear portions of the bag respectively.
A bag and seat means combination according to claim 1 characterised in that closure means are associated with the bag to allow the portions of the bag to be maintained in a closed position.
A bag and seat means combination according to claim 1 characterised in that the bag or one or more components of the bag are formed from waterproof material, provided with a waterproof coating, formed from fire retardant material and/or provided with a fire retardant coating.
A bag and seat means combination according to claim 1 characterised in that the inflatable means are provided with cover means attached or detachably attached thereto.
A bag and seat means combination according to claim 1 characterised in that the bag is provided with one or more substantially transparent panels or portions to allow at least part of an interior of the bag to be viewable from the exterior of the bag without opening the bag.
A bag and seat means combination according to claim 1 characterised in that one or more pockets or compartments are movable relative to the first and/or second portions or are detachably attached to the first and/or second portions.
A method of using a bag and seat means combination, said method including the steps of locating the bag on an existing seat or chair, moving at least a first portion of the bag relative to at least a second portion of the bag from a closed position to an open position, at least one of said portions forming a base and/or back to said seat means when in said open position, characterised in that inflatable means are located or locatable with the base and/or back of said seat means and said method includes the step of inflating said inflatable means to form at least part of a cushioned base and/or back to said seat means.