U.S. patent application number 10/996701 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for seat garment and storage device.
Invention is credited to Mary Ellen Park, Robert Frederick Park.
Application Number | 20060117455 10/996701 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36572486 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060117455 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Park; Robert Frederick ; et
al. |
June 8, 2006 |
Seat garment and storage device
Abstract
A device is disclosed for removably attaching one or more oxygen
tanks to a chair, particularly to a wheelchair, while providing a
means of warmth for the seated individual and storage space for
personal effects. The device comprises a holder component and a
garment component. The holder component fits over the back rest of
the chair and contains one or more pockets of sufficient dimension
to secure one or more oxygen tanks to the rear of the chair's back
rest. The garment component is attached to the holder component via
a fastening means such as Velcro.RTM. or snaps and comprises long,
substantially rectangular flaps which cover the seated individual,
providing comfort and warmth. The garment component may also
contain interior and/or exterior pockets to hold loose
articles.
Inventors: |
Park; Robert Frederick;
(Kearney, NE) ; Park; Mary Ellen; (Chicago,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark Wiemelt;Suite 3300
10 S. LaSalle St.
Chicago
IL
60603
US
|
Family ID: |
36572486 |
Appl. No.: |
10/996701 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 3/08 20130101; A41D
13/0012 20130101; A41D 13/1245 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/069.5 |
International
Class: |
A41B 13/06 20060101
A41B013/06 |
Claims
1. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device, comprising: a
holder component and a garment component; the holder component
being attachable to the back rest of a chair and containing pockets
of sufficient size to secure one or more oxygen tanks to the chair;
and the garment component extending from the back rest of the chair
to provide a removable cover for a seated user.
2. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device, comprising: a
holder component; a garment component; the holder component
comprising a front section, a rear section, a fold, and a means for
fastening the holder component to a chair; the rear section
containing pockets of sufficient size to secure one or more oxygen
tanks to the chair; the front and rear sections being disposed such
that, when the fold is placed parallel to the top of the back rest
of the chair, the front section is oriented in substantially the
same plane as the front of the back rest of the chair, and the rear
section is oriented in substantially the same plane as the rear of
the back rest of the chair; and the garment component extending
from the back rest of the chair to provide a removable cover for a
seated user.
3. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device, comprising: a
holder component, a garment component, and a means for fastening
the holder component to the garment component; the holder component
comprising a front section, a rear section, a fold, and a means for
fastening the holder component to a chair; the rear section
containing pockets of sufficient size to secure one or more oxygen
tanks to the chair; the front and rear sections being disposed such
that, when the fold is placed parallel to the top of the back rest
of the chair, the front section is oriented in substantially the
same plane as the front of the back rest of the chair, and the rear
section is oriented in substantially the same plane as the rear of
the back rest of the chair; and the garment component extending
from the holder component to provide a removable cover for a seated
user.
4. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 1,
wherein the garment component comprises two elongate, substantially
rectangular flaps.
5. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 2,
wherein the garment component comprises two elongate, substantially
rectangular flaps.
6. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 3,
wherein the garment component comprises two elongate, substantially
rectangular flaps.
7. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 1,
wherein the garment component comprises one or more pockets.
8. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 2,
wherein the garment component comprises one or more pockets.
9. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 3,
wherein the garment component comprises one or more pockets.
10. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 2,
wherein the means of fastening the holder component to the chair is
a series of snaps disposed along the sides of the front section and
rear section.
11. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 3,
wherein the means of fastening the holder component to the chair is
a series of snaps disposed along the sides of the front section and
rear section.
12. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 4,
wherein the means of fastening the holder component to the chair is
a series of snaps disposed along the sides of the front section and
rear section.
13. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 5,
wherein the means of fastening the holder component to the chair is
a series of snaps disposed along the sides of the front section and
rear section.
14. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 6,
wherein the means of fastening the holder component to the chair is
a series of snaps disposed along the sides of the front section and
rear section.
15. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 3,
wherein the means of fastening the holder component to the garment
component is a Velcro.RTM. strip positioned substantially near the
top of the back rest of the chair on the holder component, and a
mating Velcro.RTM. strip positioned substantially near the top edge
of the garment component.
16. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 3,
wherein the garment component comprises two elongate, substantially
rectangular flaps and contains one or more pockets; and the means
of fastening the holder component to the garment component is a
Velcro.RTM. strip positioned substantially near the top of the back
rest of the chair on the holder component, and a mating Velcro.RTM.
strip positioned substantially near the top edge of the garment
component.
17. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 3,
wherein the garment component comprises two elongate, substantially
rectangular flaps and contains one or more pockets; the means of
fastening the holder component to the garment component is a
Velcro.RTM. strip positioned substantially near the top of the back
rest of the chair on the holder component, and a mating Velcro.RTM.
strip positioned substantially near the top edge of the garment
component; and the means of fastening the holder component to the
chair is one or more Velcro.RTM. tabs disposed along the sides of
the front section and rear section.
18. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device, comprising: a
holder component, a garment component, and a means for fastening
the holder component to the garment component; the holder component
comprising a means for fastening the holder component to a chair,
and pockets of sufficient size to secure one or more oxygen tanks
to the chair; the garment component extending from the holder
component to provide a removable cover for a seated user.
19. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 18,
wherein the garment component comprises two elongate, substantially
rectangular flaps.
20. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 18,
wherein the garment component comprises one or more pockets.
21. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 18,
wherein the means of fastening the holder component to the garment
component is a Velcro.RTM. strip positioned substantially near the
top of the back rest of the chair on the holder component, and a
mating Velcro.RTM. strip positioned substantially near the top edge
of the garment component.
22. A chair-mounted seat garment and storage device of claim 18,
wherein the garment component comprises two elongate, substantially
rectangular flaps and contains one or more pockets; the means of
fastening the holder component to the garment component is a
Velcro.RTM. strip positioned substantially near the top of the back
rest of the chair on the holder component, and a mating Velcro.RTM.
strip positioned substantially near the top edge of the garment
component; and the means of fastening the holder component to the
chair is one or more Velcro.RTM. straps disposed along the sides of
the holder component.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to seat garments, and, more
particularly, to devices that removably attach to a seat and
provide storage space for oxygen tanks while providing a means of
warmth and storage space for the personal effects of the seated
individual.
[0003] 2. The Prior Art
[0004] In the field of patient care, it is often necessary to
transport a patient in a wheelchair. Patients suffering from
respiratory illnesses or other ailments requiring a supply of
oxygen are often bound to a wheelchair and require an oxygen supply
to be transported with them wherever they go. Oxygen tanks are
sufficiently heavy and bulky that they must be carried on an extra
cart and pushed alongside the wheelchair or must otherwise be
coupled to the wheelchair in some manner. It would be useful to
have a convenient and easy means of transporting oxygen tanks along
with a wheelchair.
[0005] Wheelchair occupants also encounter difficulties carrying
numerous personal articles which may be inconvenient to hold
loosely, including various medications, glasses, and keys. Such
individuals currently have the option of carrying loose articles in
a bag on their lap, but it would be useful for wheelchair-bound
individuals to have a convenient and readily accessible place to
store their personal effects while in the wheelchair without having
to carry an extra bag or container.
[0006] Further, many wheelchair occupants are elderly, infirm, or
are recovering from an illness or surgery. Such individuals have a
great need for warmth and require a greater degree of protection
from the elements. It would be advantageous to have a means of
providing warmth and comfort conveniently attached to the
wheelchair so that such means are available whenever needed, even
when unforeseen circumstances arise.
[0007] Despite the advantages provided by devices known in the art
directed toward the aforementioned purposes, there remains no
single device that meets all of these needs. Specifically, there is
an unmet need for a device which can support and carry oxygen
tanks, provide convenient and easily accessible storage space for
medical items and other personal articles, and provide comfort and
warmth to the seated individual.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is a device which is removably
attached to the back rest of a chair and is particularly functional
when used with a wheelchair. The device provides storage space for
oxygen tanks while providing a means of warmth for the seated
individual and storage space for personal effects.
[0009] The device comprises two major components: (1) a holder
component, and (2) a garment component. The holder component
attaches to the back rest of the chair and contains one or more
pockets of sufficient dimension to secure one or more oxygen tanks
proximate the rear of the chair's back rest. The garment component
is attachable to the holder component via a fastening means such as
Velcro.RTM., a zipper, buttons, ties, buckles, belts, snap-hooks,
adjuster bars, slides or snaps. The garment component comprises two
long flaps that are substantially rectangular in shape, although
other dimensions are also effective. The garment component attaches
to the holder component at or near the top of the chair's back rest
and drapes over and around the seated individual, providing comfort
and warmth. The garment component may also contain interior and/or
exterior pockets to hold loose articles.
[0010] It is an object of this invention to provide a removable
wheelchair attachment which is capable of holding oxygen tanks
upright proximate the rear of the wheelchair while providing a
means of comfort and warmth to the seated occupant as well as
storage space for the personal articles of the seated
individual.
[0011] It is an object of this invention to provide a device by
which oxygen tanks may be removably coupled to a wheelchair so that
no additional person is needed to handle the oxygen tanks during
the travels of the seated occupant.
[0012] It is a further object of this invention to provide a means
for the storage of oxygen tanks and personal articles and providing
warmth and comfort while seated in any chair having a back
rest.
[0013] It is a further object of this invention to provide an
oxygen tank holding device which is constructed of inexpensive
materials, is easy to use, and is simple to install onto a
wheelchair.
[0014] It is an advantage of this invention that providing a means
for holding the various personal effects of individuals bound to a
wheelchair leaves their hands free for other tasks that may become
necessary.
[0015] It is an advantage of this invention that its use will make
life easier and more comfortable for wheelchair users.
[0016] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention
relates, from the following embodiments described with reference to
the accompanying drawings, the specification and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The foregoing and other additional objects of the present
invention will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art
upon gaining an understanding of the preferred embodiment as
described in the following detailed description and shown in the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the exterior of the
garment component showing exterior pockets.
[0019] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the interior of the garment
component showing interior pockets.
[0020] FIG. 3 is an elevational view illustrating the pocket side
of the holder component.
[0021] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the chair side of the
holder component.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the garment component
attached to the holder component which is secured to a
wheelchair.
[0023] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the rear of the holder
component secured to a wheelchair and holding two oxygen tanks.
[0024] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the alternate embodiment
showing the front and rear sections of the holder component.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the garment component
attached to the alternate embodiment of the holder component which
is secured to a wheelchair.
[0026] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the rear section of the
alternate embodiment of the holder component secured to a
wheelchair and holding two oxygen tanks.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the seat garment and
storage device being used by a wheelchair occupant.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] While this present invention is susceptible of embodiments
in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will
be described in detail herein, a preferred embodiment, with like
parts designated by like reference numerals and with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the present invention, and is
not intended to limit the claims to the illustrated preferred
embodiment.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1, the garment component 30 of the
invention is depicted in a front elevational view of the exterior
surface of the garment component 30. The garment component 30 may
be fashioned out of any suitable material or fabric. The garment
component 30 is preferably composed of a sufficiently warm,
insulating and/or waterproof material as is necessary for outdoor
use. The material should also be easy to clean. By way of example,
the garment component could be composed of a knit, fleece, canvas,
vinyl or nylon material, or any such material as is necessitated by
the climate in which the device is to be used.
[0030] In the preferred embodiment, the garment component 30 is
composed of two elongate, substantially rectangular flaps 25
approximately 57 inches in length and 14 inches wide; however,
other shapes and dimensions could be successfully employed. The two
rectangular flaps 25 are joined by stitching the fabric along the
adjacent sides 27 from a point at or near the top edge 24 to a
point approximately 6 inches below the top edge 24. Note, however,
that any equivalent means of joining the two rectangular flaps 25
would achieve a similar result. The two rectangular flaps 25 drape
over the seated individual and provide a generous amount of
material for warmth and comfort. The material near the top edge 24
contains a fastening means 26 by which the garment component 30 can
be attached to the holder component 40, as shown in FIG. 5. The
illustrated embodiment utilizes mating strips of Velcro.RTM. 26, 36
as the fastening means. In alternate embodiments, the garment
component 30 could be fastened by some means directly to the back
rest of the chair, such as a zipper, buttons, ties, buckles, belts,
snap-hooks, adjuster bars, slides or snaps. FIG. 1 also shows a
plurality of exterior pockets 28 on the garment component 30 for
storage of personal articles. Some of the exterior pockets 28 may
be closed with zippers 29 for added safekeeping.
[0031] Alternatively, the garment component 30 is not fashioned out
of two separate pieces of material which are secured to one
another. Instead, the garment component 30 is created from one
continuous piece of material which is tailored in whatever manner
necessary to form a suitable cover for the seated occupant. For
example, a large, rectangular piece of material could be cut along
the long axis of the rectangle to a point approximately six inches
from the top edge 24, thereby creating two elongate rectangular
flaps which function similarly to the preferred embodiment of the
garment component 30 discussed above.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows an elevational view of the interior surface of
the garment component 30. The interior surface is in contact with
the body during use. The garment component 30 contains interior
pockets 28 for the storage of personal items. The interior pockets
28 may contain zippers 29 for added security.
[0033] The holder component 40 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The
holder component 40 contains a means by which it is fastened to the
chair, embodied as straps 74 in FIGS. 3 and 4. The straps 74 slip
over the handles of a wheelchair, thereby securing the holder
component 40 to the chair. Alternatively, mating Velcro.RTM. straps
could be used as a fastening means. The pocket side 70 of the
holder component 40 contains a counterpart to the fastening means
on the exterior surface of the garment component 30, embodied as a
Velcro.RTM. strip 26 in FIG. 1. The fastening means in the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 is, therefore, a mating Velcro.RTM.
strip 36 positioned at or near the top of the chair's back rest.
The pocket side 70 contains one or more pockets 43 to hold one or
more oxygen tanks. The pockets 43 are sufficiently deep to prevent
the oxygen tanks from slipping out. The chair side 72 rests on or
near the back rest of the chair when the holder component is
secured to the chair. The holder component 40 is constructed from
materials similar to those of the garment component 30; for
example, a knit, fleece, canvas, vinyl or nylon material, but the
chosen material should be constructed of a sufficiently rugged
material to withstand the wear and tear placed upon it by heavy
oxygen tanks. The straps 74 can be a thicker version of the same
material or can be a different material altogether.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 5, the holder component 40 is depicted
in a side view secured over the back rest of a wheelchair with the
garment component 30 attached to it. FIG. 6 shows a rear view of
the holder component 40 attached to a wheelchair and holding two
oxygen tanks. In addition to being a convenient location for the
oxygen tanks, the rear of the chair tends to be a safe place for
the oxygen tanks because they become less susceptible to being
accidentally struck by people or objects passing by.
[0035] FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the seat
garment storage device 20 which can be used with a type of chair
that does not contain handles or other elements around which the
straps 74 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be fitted. FIG. 7 is a front
elevational view of the alternate embodiment of the holder
component 40. In this configuration, the holder component 40 is
divided by a fold 49 into a front section 41 and a rear section 42.
The fold 49 is placed along the top of the back rest of a chair so
that the front section 41 drapes over the front of the back rest,
and the rear section 42 drapes over the rear of the back lest. The
holder component 40 contains a fastening means by which the front
section 41 and rear section 42 are fastened together and secured to
the back rest. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening means
is a series of snaps 46 placed along a reinforced strip 44 on each
side of the front section 41 and rear section 42. When the front
section 41 and rear section 42 are positioned over the back rest,
the snaps 46 secure the holder component 40 to the chair. Mating
Velcro.RTM. tabs 48 may be attached to the sides of the front
section 41 and rear section 42 as an alternate or redundant
fastening means. The Velcro.RTM. tabs 48 may be looped around the
chair frame to secure the holder component 40 to the back rest. The
configuration of the holder component 40 in two separate sections
has been found to be a useful construction in that it allows the
holder component 40 to fit a wide range of back rest sizes.
However, the holder component 40 need not be constructed in two
separate sections. The holder component 40 can also be constructed
as a continuous sleeve.
[0036] The rear section 42 contains one or more pockets 43 to hold
one or more oxygen tanks. The pockets 43 are sufficiently deep to
prevent the oxygen tanks from slipping out. The front section 41
contains a counterpart to the fastening means on the exterior
surface of the garment component 30, embodied as a Velcro.RTM.
strip 26 in FIG. 1. The fastening means in the embodiment depicted
in FIG. 3 is, therefore, a mating Velcro.RTM. strip 36 positioned
at or near the top of the chair's back rest. The holder component
40 is constructed from materials similar to those of the garment
component 30; for example, a knit, fleece, canvas, vinyl or nylon
material. The front section 41 of the holder component 40 makes
contact with the seated individual and should therefore be
constructed of a comfortable material. The reinforced strips 44 can
be a thicker version of the same material or can be a different
material altogether. The rear section 42 may be constructed of the
same material as the front section 41, but the rear section 42
should be constructed of a sufficiently rugged material to
withstand the wear and tear placed upon it by heavy oxygen
tanks.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 8, the alternate embodiment of the
holder component 40 is depicted in a side view secured over the
back rest of a wheelchair with the garment component 30 attached to
it. It can be seen that when the fold 49 is aligned substantially
parallel to the top of the chair's back rest, the front section 41
is oriented in substantially the same plane as the front of the
back rest, and the rear section 42 is oriented in substantially the
same plane as the rear of the back rest. FIG. 9 shows a rear view
of the holder component 40 attached to a wheelchair and holding two
oxygen tanks.
[0038] FIG. 10 shows the seat garment and storage device being used
by an individual seated in a wheelchair with the garment component
30 covering the wheelchair occupant for warmth and comfort. Use of
the invention does not impede the motion of the wheels, does not
cause any interference to a person pushing the wheelchair from
behind, nor does it restrict the range of mobility of the seated
individual's arms.
[0039] In another alternate embodiment of the invention, the
garment component 30 and the holder component 40 are part of a
continuous piece of material and comprise a non-separable unit. In
such an embodiment, a means of fastening the components together,
shown as Velcro.RTM. strips 26 and 36, are not required. However,
in the preferred embodiment, the two components are separable for
convenience and ease of use.
[0040] While the bulk of the foregoing discussion has been in the
context of use in connection with a wheelchair, use of the device
is by no means limited to a wheelchair. The invention is adaptable
to virtually any type of chair or seating device containing a back
rest. The device is well-suited to use in an easy chair in the home
and could even be used in such venues as movie theaters or sporting
events.
[0041] While the invention has been described in connection with a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended
that the invention be limited to that embodiment. On the contrary,
it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and
equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the
invention as disclosed.
[0042] As to the manner of usage and operation of the present
invention, the same should be apparent from the above disclosure,
and accordingly no further discussion relevant to the manner of
usage and operation of the present invention shall be provided.
[0043] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the present invention, to include variations in size, materials,
shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use,
are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art,
and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the
drawings and described in the specification are intended to be
encompassed by the present invention.
[0044] Therefore, the foregoing is considered illustrative of only
the principles of the present invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the claims to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the claims. Therefore the foregoing is
considered illustrative of the principles of the present
invention.
* * * * *