US20150320219A1 - Article with Selectively Deployable Member - Google Patents
Article with Selectively Deployable Member Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150320219A1 US20150320219A1 US14/707,360 US201514707360A US2015320219A1 US 20150320219 A1 US20150320219 A1 US 20150320219A1 US 201514707360 A US201514707360 A US 201514707360A US 2015320219 A1 US2015320219 A1 US 2015320219A1
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- Prior art keywords
- seat
- article
- seat member
- support member
- support
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- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 15
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- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 15
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- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims 1
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- 210000001217 buttock Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
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- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C4/00—Foldable, collapsible or dismountable chairs
- A47C4/52—Trunk chairs, i.e. chairs collapsible to self contained carrying case, e.g. trunk shape
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
- A45F3/14—Carrying-straps; Pack-carrying harnesses
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F4/00—Travelling or camp articles which may be converted into other articles or into objects for other use; Sacks or packs carried on the body and convertible into other articles or into objects for other use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F4/00—Travelling or camp articles which may be converted into other articles or into objects for other use; Sacks or packs carried on the body and convertible into other articles or into objects for other use
- A45F4/02—Sacks or packs convertible into other articles or into objects for other use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
- A47C1/14—Beach chairs ; Chairs for outdoor use, e.g. chairs for relaxation or sun-tanning
- A47C1/146—Beach chairs ; Chairs for outdoor use, e.g. chairs for relaxation or sun-tanning of legless type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C4/00—Foldable, collapsible or dismountable chairs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
- A45F2003/003—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body combined with other objects; specially adapted for carrying specific objects
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
- A45F3/14—Carrying-straps; Pack-carrying harnesses
- A45F2003/144—Pack-carrying waist or torso belts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F4/00—Travelling or camp articles which may be converted into other articles or into objects for other use; Sacks or packs carried on the body and convertible into other articles or into objects for other use
- A45F2004/006—Pack-frames, pack-carrying harnesses, carrying straps or shoulder-pads convertible into articles for other use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F4/00—Travelling or camp articles which may be converted into other articles or into objects for other use; Sacks or packs carried on the body and convertible into other articles or into objects for other use
- A45F4/02—Sacks or packs convertible into other articles or into objects for other use
- A45F2004/026—Sacks or packs convertible into other articles or into objects for other use into seats or sitting cushions
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention is directed toward an article including an assembly with a selectively repositionable shield or seat. The assembly includes at least one guide rail along which the seat or shield moves. With this configuration, the seat is deployable along a predetermined path. Additionally, lateral movement of the seat is restricted, lessening noise and interference with the user. In an embodiment, the article is an accessory such as a back pack. In another embodiment, the article is an apparel item such as a hunting vest (e.g., a turkey vest).
Description
- This application claims priority to and is based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/990,241, filed May 8, 2014, entitled “Article with Selectively Deployable Member,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
- The present invention relates to a reconfigurable accessory article and, in particular, to a sport accessory including a selectively deployable seat.
- Hunting gear such as a hunting vest (e.g., a turkey vest) may include a seat for use by the wearer. Conventional accessories, however, suffer from several disadvantages. For example, conventional vests include a seat tethered by straps from the rear of the vest. The seat is suspended, moving as the user moves. This seat movement generates noise that can be heard by game in the area. Other vests includes straps with buckles retain the seat in a stowed position on the rear or back side of the vest. When use of the seat is desired, one or more of the straps may be unhooked or unbuckled. Along with being cumbersome, this configuration also results in noise generation, which is caused when the user manipulates the buckles.
- Thus, it would be desirable to provide a hunting accessory that does not suffer from the above disadvantages.
- The present invention is directed toward an article adapted to be worn by a user that includes an assembly with a selectively repositionable shield or seat. The seat assembly includes a guide rail on which the seat or shield moves. With this configuration, the seat is deployable along a predetermined path. Additionally, lateral movement of the seat is restricted, lessening noise and interference with the user. In an embodiment, the article is an accessory such as a back pack. In another embodiment, the article is an apparel item such as a hunting vest (e.g., a turkey vest).
- Furthermore, the present invention may be a vest or a backpack that includes a selectively deployable seat assembly. The seat assembly of the present invention may include a support member and a seat member. The support member may include an elongated guide element, while the seat member may be movably coupled to the elongated guide element of the support member. The seat member may be moveable along the elongated guide element in a defined and repeatable path between a first position and a second position.
- In another embodiment, the present invention may be a vest or a backpack that includes a selectively deployable seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a support member and a seat member. The support member may include at least one elongated guide element, while the seat member may be slidingly coupled to the at least one guide element. The seat member may be slidable along the elongated guide element in a defined and repeatable path between a first position and a second position. When the seat member is disposed in the first position, the seat member may be substantially aligned with the support member. When the seat member is disposed in the second position, the seat member may be substantially misaligned with the support member.
- The present invention may be a vest or a backpack that includes at least one strap, a structure that is coupled to the strap and a seat assembly disposed on the structure. The strap may be configured to cover a shoulder of the user. Moreover, the structure has a front side and a rear side. The seat assembly is disposed on the front side of the structure, where the seat assembly further includes a support member and a seat member. The support member may be equipped with at least one guide element. The seat member may be slidingly coupled to the at least one guide element so that the seat member is slidable between a first position and a second position. When the seat member is positioned in the second position, the seat member extends below the support member.
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B each illustrates a front view in elevation of the article in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. -
FIGS. 1C and 1D each illustrates a rear view in elevation of the article shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B , respectively. -
FIG. 2A illustrates a rear view of a compartment, showing the straps in a secured configuration. -
FIG. 2B illustrates the rear view of the compartment shown inFIG. 2A , showing the straps in an opened configuration. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view in elevation of the article shown inFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the support member of the article, shown in isolation. -
FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of the seat member of the article, shown in isolation. -
FIG. 5B illustrates a rear view of the seat member ofFIG. 5A . -
FIG. 5C illustrates a first partial side view of the seat, showing the connection of the seat to the support. -
FIG. 5D illustrates a second partial side view of the seat, showing the connection of the seat to the support. -
FIGS. 5E and 5F illustrate close up views of the guide system, showing a connector element connected to a guide element. -
FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of the article with the outer shell moved for clarity, showing the seat oriented in its stowed position. -
FIG. 6B illustrates a front view of the article shown inFIG. 6A , showing the seat oriented in a partially extended position. -
FIG. 6C illustrates a front view of the article shown inFIG. 6A , showing the seat oriented in a fully extended position. -
FIG. 6D illustrates a side view of the article shown inFIG. 6A , showing the seat oriented in a seating position. -
FIGS. 7A , 7B, 7C, and 7D show the operation of the article. -
FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an accessory in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. - The article may be an article of apparel, such as a vest, or an accessory article, such as a backpack. In either embodiment, the article is adapted to by worn by the user, e.g., by being supported on the user's back and/or shoulders. Turning to the embodiment of
FIGS. 1A , 1B, 1C, and 1D the article is a vest 10 (e.g., a turkey vest) including anouter shell 100 having a first orfront portion 105 and a second orrear portion 110. Thefront portion 105 includes a support harness orneck yoke 115, afirst panel 120A, and asecond panel 120B. Theyoke 115 andpanels - As shown, the
exterior surface 125 of thepanels system 130 includes a plurality of spaced, generallyhorizontal rows row fabric loops separate loops loops loops 140A-140C may possess varying dimensions. Theloops 140A-140C are generally configured such that the loops are vertically aligned among therows 135A-135C. The number of rows and loops included on thepanels 120A, 12B may be greater or less than the number of rows and loops illustrated inFIG. 1A . - Referring to
FIG. 1B , the hunting vest further includes anassortment 150 of accessory storage compartments or cases that may be secured to thefront panels connection system 130. Each compartment is configured to house various components carried by the user. For example, the assortment of accessory storage compartments may includebox call compartment 155A, aslate call compartment 155B, shotshell compartment 155C, and/or a mobile phone/waterresistant compartment 155D. Thecompartments 155A-155D may be accessed via a zipper located along the outward facing portion of the compartment. - Referring to
FIGS. 2A and 2B , illustrated is a rear view of a compartment in different configurations. Eachcompartment 155A-155D includes one or more strap member pairs 210 disposed on the interior, vest-facing surface 156A-156D of thecompartment 155A-155D. Eachstrap member pair 210 includes anupper strap member 215A generally vertically aligned with alower strap member 215B. Theupper strap member 215A may be configured to secure to thelower strap member 215B. For example, the upper strap member 215 includes the hooks of a hook and loop fastener system, while thelower strap member 215B includes the loops, or vice versa. The width of thestrap members loop 140A-140C. In operation, theupper strap member 215A is inserted into theloop 140A of afirst row 135A, while thelower strap member 215B is inserted into theloop 140A of asecond row 135C. If a secondstrap member pair 210 is present, it may be similarly secured, with theupper strap member 215B being secured to aloop 140B of thefirst row 135A and thelower strap member 215B of thesecond pair 210 being secured to aloop 140B thesecond row 135C. - In the illustrated embodiment, each
compartment 155A-155D possesses different dimensions (size/shape) from other compartments in the assortment. It should be understood, however, that theassortment 150 may include two or more compartments of similar dimensions. - With this configuration, a customizable compartment system is provided, wherein a user may place the
compartments 155A-155D along the front, outward facingsurface 125 of thevest 10 at selected locations. The locations of thecompartments 155A-155D, moreover, are interchangeable with the user altering the location—or adding or removingcompartments 155A-155D—as the needs of the user change. - Referring back to
FIGS. 1C and 1D , therear portion 110 of theouter shell 100 generally covers to the back of the torso of the wearer. Therear shell portion 110 may include one ormore pockets 160 operable to house items carried by the user. Additionally, therear shell portion 110 may possess a generally arcuate shape, protruding outward at its center from an interior support panel thereby defining a game pocket (discussed in greater detail below). - Referring to
FIG. 3 , theouter shell 100 houses a rearward structural member 305 (oriented closer to the rear shell portion 110) and aseating assembly 310 disposed forward of the structural member 305 (oriented closer to the front shell portion 105). Thestructural member 305 is configured to provide structure to thevest 10. By way of example, thestructural member 305 may include a resilient member such as a wire frame. A cover (e.g. a fabric cover) may be disposed over thestructural member 305. The cover, moreover, may include additional features such as pockets, etc. Thestructural member 305 “floats” within thevest 10, being secured along upper and lower edges. Accordingly, thestructural member 305 cooperates with therear shell portion 110 and thestructural member 305 to define achamber 308, enabling a user to store items (e.g., game) therein. - The
seating assembly 310 includes a support member and a seat member or shield movably coupled to the support. Referring toFIG. 4 , thesupport 405 includes a body 407 (e.g., an elongated body) suspended with the article such that it floats, being secured at its upper and lower ends. As noted above, thebody 407 is spaced from thestructural member 305 to define achamber 308 therebetween, as illustrated inFIG. 3 . - Continuing with
FIG. 4 , thesupport 405 further includes a guide system that directs the movement of theseat member 505 along a predefined pathway. Specifically, thesupport 405 includes afirst guide element 410A and asecond guide element 410B laterally spaced (in the transverse dimension) from the first guide element by width w. Theguide elements seat member 505 such that the seat member 505 (FIG. 5 ) moves along theguide elements guide elements support 405. Theguide elements seat member 505, as well as a sufficient coefficient of friction sufficient to permit theseat member 505 coupling element to glide therealong. In an embodiment, eachguide member guide members guide elements support 405 via any suitable method (sewing, adhesive, etc.). In an embodiment, theguide elements support 405. - The
support 405 may further include one or more capture members operable to maintain the position of the seat in proximity of the support. In an embodiment, the capture member is a slot, band, or loop of fabric configured to capture a corresponding tethering member disposed on the seat. Thesupport 405 includes afirst capture member 415A disposed along the lower portion of thesupport 405 and oriented outboard of thefirst guide element 410A (e.g., to the left of theguide element 410A proximate the lower edge of the support 405 (from the viewpoint ofFIG. 4 )) and asecond capture member 415B disposed along the lower portion of thesupport 405 and oriented outboard of thesecond guide element 410B (e.g., to the right of theguide element 410B proximate the lower edge of the support 405). - The
support 405 may be formed of any material suitable for its described purpose. In the illustrated embodiment, thesupport 405 includes acentral panel 420 disposed between theguide elements lateral panel 425A disposed left of thefirst guide member 410A, and a second (right)lateral panel 425B disposed right to thesecond guide element 410B. Thecentral panel 420 may be a venting fabric, thereby defining a venting panel. By way of example, the fabric may be a knitted or woven mesh. Thelateral panels seat member 505 selectively exposes thecentral venting panel 420 to the user to increase airflow proximate the user wearing thevest 10. That is, a user may adjust the venting qualities of thevest 10 by selectively raising and lowering theseat member 505 to open and close thecentral vent panel 420. - The
support 405 may further include amagnet 440 operable to align with acorresponding magnet 570 on theseat member 505. As discussed in greater detail below, with this configuration, themagnets seat member 505 in position relative to thesupport 405. - The seat member is configured to provide support to a user seated thereon. Referring to
FIGS. 5A and 5B , theseat member 505 includes a seat inner (user-facing)side 510A and a seatouter side 510B. The seatinner side 510A faces and/or contacts the user. Accordingly, the seatinner side 510A of theseat member 505 may include padding or other cushioning to aid in the comfort of the wearer. The seatinner side 510A may include a system to control airflow proximate the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the seatinner side 510A includes a plurality ofspacer elements channel inner side 510A includes a generallylongitudinal channel 520 extending the length of theseat member 505, as well as a plurality of generallytransverse channels seat member 505. Thespacer elements 515A-515H are raised relative to thechannels channels channels inner side 510A. - With this configuration, air movement along the interface with the user is provided. Specifically, one or more of the
channels inner side 510A an exhausting the air out through the perimeter of the seat member 505 (along an outboard edge of the seat member 505). Alternatively, or in addition to, cooler ambient air may enter one or more of thechannels channels spacer elements 515A-515H, thechannels seat member 505 to at least partially fold along thechannels - The seat
outer side 510B includes anupper portion 530 and alower portion 535. Theupper portion 530 of the seatouter side 510B may be formed of the same fabric as that covering the seatinner side 510A. Thelower portion 535 may be formed of friction enhancing material. By way of example, thelower portion 535 may be textured fabric, a friction-enhancing coating (rubber, etc.), or a printed traction layer (e.g., a printed silicone matrix). The friction enhancing surface increases the frictional forces between thelower portion 535 of theseat member 505 and the surface on which theseat member 505 is placed. Thus, it minimizes sliding of theseat member 505 on a support surface while deployed (set on a support surface and sat upon by a user). - As discussed above, the seat
outer side 510B may further include one or more tethering members adapted to slidingly couple to thecapture members support 405. Each tethering member may be in the form of an elongated, pliant strap secured at atop end 545A and abottom end 545B to upper 530 and lower 535 areas of the seatouter side 510B, respectively. As shown, afirst tethering member 540A is laterally spaced from a second tethering member, with each tethering member extending along the length of theseat 505 and configured to align with its associatedcapture member FIG. 5C , thefirst tethering member 540A of theseat member 505 is received by thefirst capture member 415A of thesupport 405. Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 5D , thesecond tethering member 540B of theseat member 505 is received by thesecond capture member 415B of thesupport 405. Each tetheringmember capture member end - The
seat member 505 further includes a coupling assembly operable to slidingly couple to a guide element. Specifically, referring toFIGS. 5B , 5E, and 5F, the seatouter side 510B includes afirst coupling assembly 550A and asecond coupling assembly 550B. Eachcoupling assembly anchor portion 555 and connector orclip portion 560 disposed along the distal end of the anchor portion. Theconnector portion 560 slidingly couples to theguide element support 405. As shown inFIGS. 5E and 5F , theconnector portion 560 may be a generally C-shaped or semicircular clip mounted on theguide element guide element clip 560 is sufficiently resilient to hold theseat member 505 in a desired position along theguide elements seat member 505 when sufficient force is applied thereto. As noted above, theseat member 505 further includes amagnet 570 configured to mate withmagnet 440 disposed onsupport 405. Specifically, theseat magnet 570 is positioned such that, when theseat member 505 is oriented in its stowed/retracted position, theseat magnet 570 is in registry with thesupport magnet 440. Additionally, theseat member 505 may include one ormore handles 575 to enable a user to manipulate the seat member 505 (e.g., urge theseat member 505 downward or upward along theguide elements - The operation of the seating assembly is explained with reference to
FIGS. 6A , 6B, 6C, and 6D. InFIG. 6A , theseat member 505 begins in its first, stowed/retracted position. In this position, theseat member 505 is disposed over thesupport 405 such that it is generally aligned (in registry) therewith. That is, theseat member 505 is oriented proximate the back of the user, with thechannels magnets - A user may manipulate the seat member 505 (e.g., by grasping a
handle 575 illustrated inFIG. 5B ) to decouple themagnets seat member 505 along theguide elements FIG. 6B . In the venting position, theseat member 505 is brought out of alignment with thesupport 405 such that a portion of theventing panel 420 with venting material is exposed. For example, thelower portion 535 of theseat member 505 may extend from the bottom of thesupport 405 and may be oriented proximate the buttocks of the user. The upper portion of theventing panel 420 is exposed, permitting increased air movement and creating a cooling effect for the user. - A user may again manipulate the
seat member 505 to drive theseat member 505 along theguide elements FIG. 6C . In the fully-extended position, theseat member 505 is generally misaligned with thesupport 405, the seat member extending downward such that a substantial portion of the seat member is positioned below the support member bottom edge. The over-extension of theseat member 505 is prevented by thecapture members capture members seat member 505 along theguide elements - From the third, fully extended position, the user may continue to manipulate the
seat member 505 to move it to its fourth, deployed position, as illustrated inFIG. 6D . Specifically, the user pivots/rotates the seat from the third position, in which it is oriented generally vertically, to the fourth position, where it is oriented generally horizontally. In this orientation, a user may sit on theseat member 505, either on the ground or on an elevated support surface (e.g., a bench). -
FIGS. 7A , 7B, 7C, and 7D illustrate the article in use. As shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B , thevest 10 is worn by the user, with theseat member 505 being oriented in its stowed position. As previously explained, the user may manipulate thehandle 575 to draw theseat member 505 downward to its fully extended position. As best illustrated inFIG. 7C , showing the rear view of thevest 10 as it is worn by a user, when theseat member 505 is in its fully extended position, the seatouter side 510B is exposed. Finally, as illustrated inFIG. 7D , the user folds theseat member 505 along thechannels seat member 505 is bent upward such that it curved or contoured around the body (buttocks/legs) of the user via, e.g., thechannels -
FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an article in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the article is an accessory article such as abackpack 800 including astorage compartment 805 and aseat assembly 810 with aseat member 815 and guideelements seat assembly 810 includes afirst retraction cord 820A disposed onfirst shoulder strap 825A and asecond retraction cord 820B disposed on asecond shoulder strap 825B. Theretraction cords seat member 815 with respect to thestorage compartment 805. Specifically, when theseat member 815 is oriented in its extended or deployed position, to return theseat member 815 to its stowed position, a user grasps the cords to urge theseat member 815 along theguide elements seat member 815 upward. The shoulder straps 825A, 825B, in addition to supporting theretraction cords - With the above described configurations, an article with a selectively deployable seat or shield is provided. Specifically, the guide elements (the rails) guide the movement of the seat along a predefined path. That is, the seat deployment pattern is consistent and or repeatable, ensuring that the seat is positioned consistently with respect to the user. This is in contrast with conventional seats which dangle from a strap, requiring the user to continually adjust the position of the seat during deployment. In addition, adjustments of the conventional seats must be done with a buckle and strap system, which makes repeating the deployment of the seat cumbersome and difficult to ensure proper seat position.
- This configuration also prevents the movement of the seat (i.e., the lateral movement) when in its stowed position. In hunting, minimizing noise is critical to avoid alarming game in the area. Conventional seats are suspended from the back of the vest via straps. Consequently, the seat sways with the hunter's movement, contacting the outer shell of the vest and generating noise. The current invention prevents this swaying, securing the seat member against the support and against the user's back. The coupling of the seat member to the guide elements of the support restricts the seat member from any lateral movement.
- While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, an elastic cord may couple the seat to the support to provide an automatic retraction of the seat back to its stowed position.
- The capture members may be any dimensions suitable for its described purpose and may be selected to further control the lateral movement of the seat member (e.g., providing the capture member with a width that is greater than the width of the tethering member permits more lateral movement, providing the capture member with a width similar to that of the tethering member restricts lateral movement). The capture members may further have a pivoting construction to assist in the pivot of the seat member to its horizontal/deployed position. For example, the capture member may be configured as an “ice pick loop” or may be in the form of a tethered ring through which the tethering member passes.
- Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood that terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “medial,” “lateral,” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.
Claims (18)
1. An article adapted to be positioned on a back of a user, the article comprising:
a harness to support the article on the user; and
a seat assembly including:
a support member coupled to the harness, the support member including a guide element, and
a seat member including a coupling element movably coupled to the guide element on the support member,
wherein the guide element and the coupling element cooperate to direct movement of the seat member along a defined, repeatable path between a first seat position and a second seat position.
2. The article of claim 1 , wherein:
the support member defines a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension; and
the guide element comprises an elongated rail extending along the longitudinal dimension of the support member.
3. The article of claim 2 , wherein:
the guide element is a first guide element;
the support member further comprises a second guide element, the second guide element comprising an elongated rail extending along the longitudinal dimension of the support member;
the coupling element is a first coupling element movably coupled to the first guide element;
the seat member further comprises a second coupling element movably coupled to the second guide element.
4. The article of claim 3 , wherein the first and second coupling elements comprise a resilient clip slidingly engaged with the first and second rails of the support member, respectively.
5. The article of claim 4 , wherein the first and second coupling elements are tethered to the seat member.
6. The article of claim 1 , wherein:
the support member defines an inner, user-facing side and an outer-facing side; and
the article further includes a storage chamber disposed on the outer side of the support surface.
7. The article of claim 1 , wherein:
the seat member comprises a first spacer element and a second spacer element, the spacer elements being separated by a channel; and
the spacer elements and channel cooperate operable to permit airflow between the user and the seat member.
8. The article of claim 1 , wherein:
the seat member comprises:
a plurality of spacer elements protruding from a user-facing side of the seat member,
a plurality of plurality of air flow channels;
the spacer elements and channels are configured to direct airflow towards a perimeter of the seat member.
9. The article of claim 1 , wherein:
the support member includes a first capture member laterally spaced from a second capture member such that the capture members are generally aligned;
the seat member includes;
a first tether member extending longitudinally along the seat member, and
a second tether member extending longitudinally along the seat member;
the first tether member is movably coupled to the first capture member; and
the second tether member is movably coupled to the second capture member.
10. The article of claim 1 , wherein:
the support member comprises a venting panel operable to permit the flow of air therethrough; and
the seat member is movable from a first non-venting position, in which the seat member is aligned with the venting panel, to a second, venting position, in which the seat member is misaligned with the venting panel.
11. The article of claim 10 , wherein:
the venting panel is covered by the seat member when the seat member is disposed on the non-venting position; and
the venting panel is exposed when the seat member is disposed in the venting position.
12. The article of claim 1 , wherein:
the seat assembly further comprises a retraction cord coupled to the seat member; and
manipulation of the retraction cord moves the seat member between the first position and the second position.
13. An article including a selectively deployable seat assembly, the seat assembly comprising:
a support member including at least one elongated guide element; and
a seat member slidingly coupled to the at least one guide element such that the seat member slides along a defined, repeatable path from a first seat position to a second seat position, wherein the seat member is disposed over and substantially aligned with the support member in the first seat position and is substantially misaligned with the support member in the second seat position.
14. The article of claim 13 , wherein the support member further includes a central panel constructed from a venting fabric.
15. The article of claim 14 , wherein:
the seat member further includes a third seat position, the third seat position being an intermediate position relative to the first seat position and the second seat position;
in the first seat position, the central panel of the support member is covered by the seat member; and
in the third seat position, the seat member is displaced to expose the central panel of the support member.
16. The article of claim 13 , wherein:
the support member includes a magnet;
the seat member includes a magnet operable to mate with the support member magnet; and
mating of the support member magnet to the seat member magnet retains the seat member in position relative to the support member.
17. The article of claim 16 , wherein the support member magnet and the seat member magnet are configured to secure the seat member in the first seat position.
18. The article of claim 13 , wherein:
the seat member comprises:
a plurality of channels disposed in a user-facing side of the seat member, wherein the seat member is configured to fold along the channels when the seat member is the second seat position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/707,360 US20150320219A1 (en) | 2014-05-08 | 2015-05-08 | Article with Selectively Deployable Member |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201461990241P | 2014-05-08 | 2014-05-08 | |
US14/707,360 US20150320219A1 (en) | 2014-05-08 | 2015-05-08 | Article with Selectively Deployable Member |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150320219A1 true US20150320219A1 (en) | 2015-11-12 |
Family
ID=54366707
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/707,360 Abandoned US20150320219A1 (en) | 2014-05-08 | 2015-05-08 | Article with Selectively Deployable Member |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20150320219A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
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US20150238017A1 (en) * | 2012-08-23 | 2015-08-27 | Lear Corporation | Thoracic region comfort seating system |
US10602847B2 (en) | 2012-08-23 | 2020-03-31 | Lear Corporation | Thoracic region comfort seating system |
US11135465B1 (en) * | 2019-10-08 | 2021-10-05 | Vaneta Melendez | Exercise vehicle seat cover |
US20220232908A1 (en) * | 2021-01-22 | 2022-07-28 | Huiyun You | Reducing load vest-bag |
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US2437223A (en) * | 1945-12-13 | 1948-03-02 | Claude H Dutrow | Sportsman's coat |
US6564387B1 (en) * | 1999-10-25 | 2003-05-20 | Jo Ann Leigh Willoughby | Vest or jacket equipped with inflatable convertible seat cushion and lower back cushion |
US20060269172A1 (en) * | 2005-05-24 | 2006-11-30 | Travel Caddy, Inc. D/B/A Travelon | Easel back storage and carrying case |
US20070080183A1 (en) * | 2005-10-10 | 2007-04-12 | Antoine Lafoux | Backpack with lateral sliding module |
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US20140203057A1 (en) * | 2013-01-23 | 2014-07-24 | William Goryl | Front-back pack |
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US2437223A (en) * | 1945-12-13 | 1948-03-02 | Claude H Dutrow | Sportsman's coat |
US6564387B1 (en) * | 1999-10-25 | 2003-05-20 | Jo Ann Leigh Willoughby | Vest or jacket equipped with inflatable convertible seat cushion and lower back cushion |
US20060269172A1 (en) * | 2005-05-24 | 2006-11-30 | Travel Caddy, Inc. D/B/A Travelon | Easel back storage and carrying case |
US20070080183A1 (en) * | 2005-10-10 | 2007-04-12 | Antoine Lafoux | Backpack with lateral sliding module |
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US20150238017A1 (en) * | 2012-08-23 | 2015-08-27 | Lear Corporation | Thoracic region comfort seating system |
US9826840B2 (en) * | 2012-08-23 | 2017-11-28 | Lear Corporation | Thoracic region comfort seating system |
US10165863B2 (en) | 2012-08-23 | 2019-01-01 | Lear Corporation | Thoracic region comfort seating system |
US10602847B2 (en) | 2012-08-23 | 2020-03-31 | Lear Corporation | Thoracic region comfort seating system |
US11135465B1 (en) * | 2019-10-08 | 2021-10-05 | Vaneta Melendez | Exercise vehicle seat cover |
US20220232908A1 (en) * | 2021-01-22 | 2022-07-28 | Huiyun You | Reducing load vest-bag |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: UNDER ARMOUR, INC., MARYLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BERNS, JASON;REEL/FRAME:038693/0618 Effective date: 20160219 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |