US20160100692A1

US20160100692A1 - Stadium Seat Engaging Device

Info

Publication number: US20160100692A1
Application number: US14/877,487
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeffrey F. Seidel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-10-10
Filing date: 2015-10-07
Publication date: 2016-04-14

Abstract

A device for engaging a folding stadium seat and restricting upward movement of the seat base is presented herein. In particular, the device includes an attachment member removably attachable to a seat frame member and at least one seat engaging extension disposed outwardly from the attachment member. The seat engaging extension member is selectively disposed into an engaging relation with the seat base of the folding stadium seat and is configured to hold the seat base in a down or horizontal position. The attachment member includes a base panel and at least two side wall panels disposed outwardly there from in order to define a receiving area for disposition at least partially around the seat frame member of the folding stadium seat.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Patent Application No. 62/062,458
Filing Date: Oct. 10, 2014
Relationship: Provisional application was for the same invention

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was not made by an agency of the United States Government nor under a contract with an agency of the United States Government.

PARTIES TO JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device for holding the seat base portion of a stadium seat or chair in a downward or substantially horizontal orientation. The device is attachable to a seat frame member generally disposed adjacent to the seat base and extends outward and over the seat base to prevent or restrict the seat base from automatically folding upward, for example when a person stands up or leaves the seat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many stadiums, arenas, convention centers, theaters and similar venues are equipped with seats that are constructed to automatically pivot or move upward in the absence of a counter downward force exerted thereupon, for example, via a person's weight upon the seat base or upon the placement of an object on the seat base. The seat base is in a substantially vertical (closed or default position) when the seat is unoccupied. The seat base is moved downward to a substantially horizontal position (open or sitting position) when a person desires to occupy the seat. When the user stands up, the seat base will automatically flip or pivot upward to the closed position. Upon returning to his or her seat, the user is required to manually push the seat base down against the biasing force and into the open or sitting position that will allow the user to sit back down.
In many cases, this constant readjusting of the seat base may be bothersome, especially at sporting events or other events that may encourage periodic standing during the course of the event. In other cases, the readjusting of the seat base may be difficult to accomplish for example, in the event the person's hands are full (e.g., with food, concession items, etc.), or in the event the person is physically impaired.
There is thus a need in the art for a device that can be used to restrict the automatic positioning of the seat base from the open or sitting position to the closed or default orientation. The proposed device would advantageously be non-permanently attached (removable) to a support frame, armrest or other proximate structure and extend over a portion of the seat base in order to engage the seat base and prevent it from automatically pivoting upward. The device may be selectively positioned and attached to the support frame and selectively removed, for example, when the person or user leaves the event.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Many stadiums, arenas, convention centers, theaters and similar venues are equipped with seats that are configured for the seat base to be in a substantially vertical orientation (closed or default position) when not occupied. When a user desires to occupy his or her seat, the user must move the seat base from its closed position to a substantially vertical orientation (open or sitting position) so that the user may sit on the seat base. The seat base is structured to automatically return to the closed position when the occupier removes their weight from the seat. The present invention is directed to a device which will prevent or inhibit the seat base from moving from its open or sitting position to the closed or default position when the user is no longer occupying the seat.
The device is configured to securely, yet non-permanently, attach to a support frame, armrest, or other like member and extend outward over the seat base and into an engaging relation with the upper surface of the seat base. In this manner, the device of the various embodiments described herein is configured to maintain the seat base in the open or sitting position, even in the absence of additional downward force upon the seat base, for example, via a person's weight. In this regard, with the device installed while the seat base is disposed in the open or sitting position, when a person stands up and/or leaves the seat, the device will restrict the automatic movement of the seat base into an upright position and, instead, maintain the seat base in the sitting position.
The device includes an attachment member which is structured to engage a seat frame member in a secure manner. For instance, the seat frame member of many stadium seats, arenas, etc. are constructed with, or otherwise include, at least one substantially vertically disposed “I” beam, or a beam with the cross sectional shape substantially similar in visual appearance to the letter “I.” The “I” beam or seat frame member may include two enlarged ends connected by a center connection member, forming the “I” shape. It should also be noted that in many stadium or arena seats, the entire circumference of the support beam or “I” frame may be exposed, meaning that a person or user may be able to reach under the armrest and through to the adjacent seat. This allows the device of the present invention to attach or connect to the seat frame or “I” beam in a number of different manners, for example, along the front of the frame, side of the frame, back of the frame, or a combination thereof.
Particularly, some of the embodiments of the present invention may engage or connect to one of the enlarged ends of the “I” beam (e.g., either the front or rear enlarged end), whereas other embodiments may connect or engage both of the enlarged ends, spanning across the center connection member. It should be noted, however, that the various embodiments of the present invention may connect to or engage with seat frame members having other configurations, cross sections or shapes, and thus the present invention is not limited to use with an “I” beam seat frame. Furthermore, a seat engaging extension is disposed in an outward manner from the attachment member and is positioned above the upper surface of the seat base adjacent the seat frame member. The engaging relation between the attachment member and the seat frame will maintain the device in the intended or operative position, thereby restricting upward movement of the seat base. These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two stadium seat assemblies (100), one of which has the present device (10) attached to the seat frame (120). One seat is shown with the seat base (110) in the closed or default position (110 a) while the other is shown with the seat base (110) in the open or sitting position (110 b).

FIG. 2 is a top-front perspective view of at least one embodiment of the device disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. The device includes an attachment member (20) which attaches to the seat frame (120) and at least one seat engaging extension member (30).

FIG. 3 is a top front perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 2 with additional labeling of components.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is front plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the device (10) attached to a seat frame (120) as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the device disclosed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is front perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 attached to a seat frame (120)

FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 10 attached to a seat frame (120).

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of the device (10) disclosed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is front perspective view of the embodiment (10) illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 attached to a seat frame (120).

FIG. 15 is a top view of the embodiment (10) illustrated in FIGS. 12 through 14 attached to a seat frame (120).

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of the device (10) disclosed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is front perspective view of the embodiment (10) illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 attached to a seat frame (120).

FIG. 19 is a top view of the embodiment (10) illustrated in FIGS. 16 through 18 attached to a seat frame (120).

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the device (10) described in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the embodiment (10) illustrated in FIG. 20 with exemplar dimensions shown.

FIG. 22 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 with exemplar dimensions shown.

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of the device (10) described in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23 with exemplar dimensions shown.

FIG. 25 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24 with exemplar dimensions shown.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings provided herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device (10) for maintaining a folding seat typically used in a stadium, arena or like venue in the open or sitting position, even in the absence of additional weight or force exerted upon the seat base, for example, by a person. Many stadium seat assemblies (100) include a seat base portion (110) that is hinged or otherwise configured to automatically fold or pivot in a generally upward direction when the seat is not in use. FIG. 1 illustrates two exemplary folding stadium seat assemblies (100), one with the seat base (110) in a substantially vertical orientation (the closed or default position (110 a)) and the other seat base (110) in a substantially horizontal orientation (the open or sitting position (110 b)). The stadium folding seat (100) is generally configured automatically revert from the sitting position to the closed default position in the absence of a greater downward force on the seat base (110), which is typically provided by a person sitting in the seat and providing a downward force upon the seat base (110). Specifically, when the person leaves the seat, stands up, or otherwise removes his or her weight and downward force exerted upon the seat base portion (110), the seat base portion (110) will automatically pivot or fold upward from the sitting position (110 b) to the closed default position (110 a).
The device (10), as disclosed in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention, is structured to secure or attach to the seat frame (120) and continuously hold the seat base portion (110) in the open or sitting position, even when the seat is unoccupied. It should be noted that the seat frame (120), as used herein, may include one or more portions of the seat assembly, including but not limited to a beam, post, armrest, one or more supports, etc., generally disposed adjacent to the seat base portion (110) and in some instances, between two seat assemblies (100). The structure, size, shape, and configuration of the seat assemblies (100), and in particular, the seat frame (120), may vary from one location to another (e.g., from one stadium to another), and thus, the device (10) of the various embodiments may be configured for attachment to a number of different supports, frame members, etc. of different shapes, sizes, and locations. The exemplary seat assemblies (100) and frame members (120) shown in FIG. 1 are merely illustrative and should in no way be deemed limiting to the full spirit and scope of the present invention.
In particular, the various embodiments of the device (10) include an attachment member 20 and at least one seat engaging extension member (30) disposed in a generally outward direction from the attachment member (20) and into an at least partially engaging relation with an upper surface of an adjacent seat base (110). The attachment member (20) of at least one embodiment is configured to at least partially wrap around a portion of the seat frame member (120) and engage the seat frame member (120). Certain embodiments include a tight, gripping and/or frictional engagement between the device attachment member (20) and the seat frame member (120) in order maintain the device attachment member (20) in an operative position and prevent, restrict or minimize movement or sliding of the device attachment member (20), particularly when a generally upward force is exerted upon the device (10) by seat base portion (110) attempting to move into its closed position.
As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the attachment member (20) may include a base panel (22), and at least two side wall panels (24, 26) disposed outwardly from the base panel (22). The attachment member (20), and in particular, the base panel (22) and the side wall panels (24, 26) are configured to define a receiving area (25) for placement at least partially around a portion of the seat frame member (120). The receiving area (25) of may be of square, rectangular or angular configuration in order accommodate seat frame members (120) having a similar square, rectangular or angular configuration or cross-section. The configuration and shapes the receiving area (25) are not limited to the aforementioned configuration and shapes and other configurations and shapes are contemplated within the scope of the present invention, and indeed, other shaped frame members (120) may fit within or be engaged by the square, rectangular or angular receiving area (25). It should also be noted that in certain embodiments, the length or dimension of the receiving area (25), defined by the length of the respective base panel (22) and side wall panels (24, 26) includes an elongated configuration in order to provide a substantial amount of contact surface between the interior of the attachment member (20) and the outer surface of the seat's support frame member (120).
The side wall panels (24, 26) of at least one embodiment includes a plurality of sections or portions (24A, 24B, 24C, v26A, 26B, 26C). The side wall panels (24, 26) are configured with an inwardly disposed angular bend between the first and second portions (24A, 24B and 26A, 26B) toward the receiving area (25). In this manner, the first portions (24A and 26A) extend from the base panel (22)at opposite ends of the base panel (22) and the second portions (24B and 26B), are at least partially angled inward toward the receiving area (25). This configuration facilitates a tight, engaging relation between the attachment member (20) and the corresponding seat frame member (120) and can further facilitate a tight, engaging relation with different sized frame members 120. The inwardly directed angle between first and second portions (24A, 24B and 26A, 26B) allows the device attachment member (20) to at least partially flex and engage seat frame members (120) of difference sizes and dimensions.
The side wall panels (24, 26) of at least one embodiment further includes outer engaging arms or outwardly directed flanges (24C and 26C). The flanges (24C, 26C) are disposed in an angular relation to the second portions (24B, 26B) and are configured to define an outer opening (27). The opening (27) is sized to accommodate a number of different sized seat frame members (120) in that the device attachment member (20) flexes to at least partially fit around the seat frame member (120). Thus, the second portions (24B, 26B) may fit around the seat frame member (120) or engage the side of the seat frame member (120), depending on the size, shape and dimensions of the seat frame member (120).
The device attachment member (20) of the various embodiments is structured to engage or attach to a portion of the seat frame member (120). Depending on the size, shape and dimension of the seat frame member (120), the device attachment member (20) may fit around the seat frame member (120) such that the second portions (24B, 26B) of the device side wall portions at least partially contact the backside of the seat frame member (120) while the front side of the seat frame member (120) at least partially contacts the interior surface of the base panel (22). Other applications, however, may include engaging the side surfaces of the seat frame member (120) via the second portions (24B, 26B) of the side wall panels or via the end flanges (24C, 26C).
The present invention includes at least one seat engaging extension member (30) disposed outwardly from the device attachment member (20) and into engagement with the seat base (110). In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 5, the seat engaging extension (30) extends from the outer end of one of the side wall portions (24) of the attachment member (30). In the illustrated embodiment, the seat engaging extension (30) is substantially parallel to the base portion (22) of the attachment member (20), although it does not necessarily need to be. Further, the seat engaging extension (30) may extend linearly from the base portion (22) of the device attachment member (20), or from other portions of the device attachment member (20) or the device (10).
The device's seat engaging extension member (30) is structured to contact the upper surface of the seat base (110) and hold the seat base (110) in the generally downward or substantially horizontal orientation (open or sitting position) while the device's attachment member (20) is secured or attached to the seat frame (120). In certain embodiments, the device's seat engaging extension member (30) includes a generally flat or planar configuration with a bottom or lower surface (32) which is structured to at least partially engage or contact the seat base (110). For example, depending on how close the seat base (110) is relative to the seat's frame member (120), the engaging surface (32) may substantially contact the seat base (110) or the outer peripheral end (34) may only contact the seat base (110).
Further structural features of the device's seat engaging extension (30) of at least one embodiment include an outer reinforced end portion (35). The outer reinforced end portion (35) comprises a bulbous or enlarged configuration for contact with the seat base (110) and to provide reinforcement to sufficiently facilitate holding the seat base (110) in the open or sitting position. The reinforced end (35) further provides an enlarged bottom surface (36) for increasing the contacting surface area between the device's seat engaging extension (30) and the seat base (110).
Moreover, as illustrated, the length of the seat engaging extension (30) of at least one embodiment may extend the entire length of the attachment member (20), which as described above, may include an elongated length.
Another variations of the present invention include one or more display panels (40) disposed on the device's attachment member (20) and/or the seat engaging extension (30). The display panels (40) may be used to display one or more logos, trademarks, graphics, text, phone numbers, designs, artwork, etc., and which may be embedded as part of a mold, etched on the display panel, applied via ink, sticker(s), adhesives, etc.
FIGS. 4 and 5, which respectively show a bottom view and a front plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is noted that the width W1 of at least one exemplary implementation of the device (10) may be approximately four to five inches. Furthermore, the depth D1 of the device (10) may be in the range of approximately two and half to three inches. The length L1 of the device (10), as shown in FIG. 5, which includes an approximate length of the attachment member (20) and the seat engaging extension (30), as described herein, may be in the range of approximately three inches. The opening (27) of the receiving area (25) may include a dimension O1 in the range of approximately one to one and a quarter inches. It should be noted that these exemplary dimensions are provided as being illustrative in nature only, and the various embodiments of the present invention may be constructed with different dimensions.
Many seat assemblies in stadiums, arenas, etc. include a seat frame (120) constructed out of or otherwise including at least one “I” beam defined as a support member or frame member comprising a cross-sectional shape substantially in the form of the upper case letter “I,” as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example. The seat frame (120) may include beams or supports of different shapes, cross-sections, sizes and configurations, and the various embodiments described herein should not be deemed limited to use on “I” beams.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the seat frame (120) or “I” beam may include one or more enlarged ends (122) connected to a smaller inner support (126), forming the substantially “I” shaped configuration. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the attachment member (20) of the device (10) may connect to one of the enlarged ends (122) of the seat frame (120) by engaging at least partially around the corresponding enlarged end (122). In this manner, the receiving portion of the attachment member (20) may be configured to receive the enlarged end (122), of the “I” beam or other seat frame (120). Connection of the device (10) may include positioning one side wall or arm (26) around one side of the enlarged end (122), of the seat frame (120) and rotating the other arm (24) around the other side of the enlarged end (122) until the attachment member (20) snaps around the seat frame (120) and secures in place.
In certain embodiments, the outer ends of one or more of the side walls (24 and 26) may, but need not necessarily, engage or contact the inner connection or support portion (126) of the seat frame (120) or “I” beam for establishing or facilitating a secure, yet removable, connection therewith. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, a portion of the seat frame (120) and/or one of the enlarged ends (122) of the “I” beam may be wedged within the receiving portion of the attachment member (20), depending on the particular size, shape and dimension of the seat frame (120) portion and the attachment member (20).
It should also be noted that the base panel (22) of the device attachment member (20) may include a slight curvature from one side wall (24) to the other side wall (26). This curvature will extend across the end of the seat frame (120) and facilitate a secure attachment thereto. In order to remove the device (10) from the seat frame (120), the user may grab one end of the attachment member (20) or seat engaging extension (30) and rotate the device (10) off of the seat frame.
FIGS. 8 through 11 illustrate another embodiment of the device (10) as disclosed in accordance with the present invention. Particularly, the side wall or arms (24, 26) of the attachment member (20) are structured to secure at least partially around a portion of the seat frame member (120), as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In this regard, the side wall or arms (24, 26) may include a partially curved configuration in order to facilitate a partial wrapping around the seat frame member (120). Base panel (22), of the various embodiments, may also include a partial curve extending from one side wall (24) to the other (26) in order to facilitate a secure connection with the seat frame (120). Oftentimes, the seat frame (120) may also be constructed with a slight bend or curve from one side to the other, which is accommodated by the slight curve of device base panel (22).
The device's attachment member (20) secures at least partially around one of the enlarged ends (122) of the “I” beam or other portion of the seat frame (120) in order to secure the attachment member (20) thereto. The user may attach one arm (24 or 26) around the seat frame (120) portion first, then snap the other arm into place until the device (10) is secured to the seat frame (120) portion and the device's extension member (30) is positioned in an overlying relation to the seat base (110). In this embodiment, the outer ends of the side walls (24, 26) may not reach or engage the inner support (126), but rather, secures around the end of the support frame (122), as shown in FIG. 11.
FIGS. 12 through 15 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the device's attachment member (20) may be structured to at least partially engage or secure around a substantial portion of the seat frame (120). Specifically, in the “I” frame example, illustrated, the device's attachment member (20) may be secured at least partially around or to both of the enlarged ends (122) of the seat frame (120). It should be noted, however, that the attachment member (20) may secure or connect to a frame having a more solid or rectangular, square or circular shape. For instance, the “C” shape configuration of the attachment member (20) may partially wrap around or otherwise cover three or more sides of the seat frame (120).
FIGS. 16 through 19 illustrate another embodiment of the device (10) of the present invention, without additional gripping members. For instance, the device (10) as shown in FIGS. 17 through 19 is structured to wrap substantially around a portion of the seat frame (120).
FIGS. 20 through 22 illustrate another embodiment of the device (10) of the present invention. In this embodiment, the seat engagement extension (30) extends linearly from the base panel (22) of the device's attachment member (20). Display panels (4) may be disposed on the device's attachment member (20) and/or the device's seat engaging extension (30), as illustrated in FIG. 20.
FIGS. 21 and 22 are provided to illustrate exemplary dimensions, although others may be contemplated within the full spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, the width W2 of at least one embodiment of the device (10), extending from the outer end (34) of the seat engaging extension (30) to the furthest opposite end, as illustrated, may be in the range of approximately 3 to 3.5 inches. Further, the seat engaging extension (30) of at least one embodiment may include a width W2A in the range of approximately 1.5 to 2.25 inches, whereas the base panel (22) of the attachment member may include a width W2B in the range of approximately 0.75 to 1 inch. The length L2 of the device (10), measured from a top edge to a bottom edge, may be in the range of approximately 1.5 inches. Further, the depth D2 may be in the range of 1 to 1.25 inches. The thickness T of the material used to construct the device may be in the range of approximately 3 millimeters, although other thicknesses, including greater thicknesses may be implemented in order to provide greater strength and durability, as desired. The receiving area (25) of the attachment member (20) may include a depth R1 measured from the interior surface of the base panel (22) to the end of the second portion (24B, 26B) of the side walls (24, 26) in the range of approximately 0.3 inches to 0.5 inch. The opening (27) into the receiving area (25) of the attachment member (20) may include a first width O2 measured between the innermost inside surfaces of the flanges (24C, 26C) of approximately 0.5 to 0.6 inches, and a second width O3, measured between the outermost end tips of the flanges (24C, 26C) of approximately 0.65 and 0.75 inches. These exemplary dimensions are provided as being illustrative in nature only, and the various embodiments of the present invention may be constructed with different dimensions and are not limited to the dimensions provided above.
FIGS. 23 through 25 demonstrate another embodiment with differing dimensions from the above. In FIGS. 24 and 25, the width W3 of at least one embodiment of the device (10), extending from the outer end (34) of the seat engaging extension (30) to the furthest opposite end may be in the range of approximately 3.75 inches to 4 inches. The seat engaging extension (30) of at least one embodiment may include a width W3A in the range of approximately 2 to 2.25 inches, whereas the base panel (22) of the attachment member (20) may include a width W3B in the range of approximately 1.25 inches to 1.5 inches. In this manner, the base panel (22) of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 through 25 is wider than the base panel (22) of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 20 through 22.
As seen in FIG. 24, the length L3 of at least one embodiment of the device (10), measured from a top edge to a bottom edge, may be in the range of approximately 1.5 inches. In addition, the depth D3 (FIG. 25) may be in the range of approximately 1 inch. The thickness T (FIG. 25) of the material used to construct the device (10) may be in the range of approximately 3 millimeters, although other thicknesses, including greater thicknesses may be implemented in order to provide greater strength and durability, as desired. The receiving area (25) of the attachment member (20) may include a depth R2, measured from the interior surface of the base panel (22) to the end of the second portion (24B, 26B) of the side walls (24, 26), in the range of approximately 0.25 inches to 0.5 inches. The opening (27) into the receiving area (25) of the attachment member (20) may include a first width O4 measured between the innermost inside surfaces of the flanges (24C, 26C), in the range of approximately 1.1 inches, and a second width O5, measured between the outermost end tips of the flanges (24C, 26C) in the range of approximately 1.2 inches. These exemplary dimensions are merely provided as being illustrative in nature only, and thus, it should be apparent that the various embodiments of the present invention may be constructed with different dimensions than those provided herein and still fall within the full spirit and scope of the present invention.
The device (10) may be constructed of various organic and inorganic polymers that comprise a material that is partially rigid and yet somewhat flexible. An example material of construction is polyvinylchloride (PVC) plastic. It should be noted that material of construction of the invention is not limited to PVC.
A potential patent classification for this invention is Class 297, Chairs and Seats; Sub-Class 463.2, Miscellaneous.
The present invention described above, in particular paragraphs 40 through 56 and illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7 is visualized as the preferred embodiment of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention are described in paragraphs 57 through 65 and illustrated by FIGS. 8 through 25. As seen by the descriptions above and the various illustration, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in forms and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. It is therefore intended that the present invention not be limited to the exact forms and details described and illustrated herein, but falls within the scope of the appended claims.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.
It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”, “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly on”, “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a stricture or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

Claims

The invention claimed is:

1. An insertable apparatus for modifying the difficulty level of a cornhole game, where said apparatus is comprised of a thin circular disk which has an outer diameter larger than the standard game board aperture and an inner diameter smaller than the standard game board aperture and said circular disk is affixed to a ring which has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the standard game board target aperture and an inner diameter sufficiently large to allow free passage of the game bag and where the apparatus is inserted into the game board aperture from the side of the game board facing the players.

1. A device for engaging a folding stadium seat, the stadium seat comprising a folding seat base and at least one adjacent seat frame member, said device comprising:

an attachment member removably attachable to the seat frame member of the folding stadium seat, said attachment member comprising a base panel and at least two side wall panels disposed outwardly from opposite ends of said base panel, said at least two side wall panels and said base panel being configured to define a receiving area for disposition at least partially around the seat frame member of the folding stadium seat,

at least one seat engaging extension disposed outwardly from said attachment member and into a selective engagement with the seat base of the folding stadium seat, said at least one engaging extension configured to hold the seat base in a down position.

2. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said seat engaging extension comprises a lower engaging surface for engagement with the seat base.

3. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said seat engaging extension comprises an outer reinforced end.

4. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said seat engaging extension is linearly aligned with said base of said attachment member.

5. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said seat engaging extension is substantially parallel to said base of said attachment member.

6. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said at least two side wall panels of said attachment member comprises at least one inwardly disposed angular bend toward said receiving area.

7. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said at least two side wall panels of said attachment member comprise an outer engaging arms for engagement with the seat frame.

8. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said attachment member comprises an at least partially resilient construction.

9. The device as recited in claim 8 wherein said attachment member comprises an at least partially flexible construction.