U.S. patent application number 11/059066 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-17 for seat back caddy.
Invention is credited to Hugh W. Lok.
Application Number | 20060181116 11/059066 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36814943 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060181116 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lok; Hugh W. |
August 17, 2006 |
Seat back caddy
Abstract
An article supporting device for use on the top member of a seat
backrest comprising a base or first frame member and an internal or
second frame member either fixedly attached, hinged, or recessed to
the base or first frame member. The base or first frame member can
either be attached to the seat backrest top member, or recessed
therein. A kit for installing the device on the top portion of an
existing automobile seat backrest is further disclosed.
Inventors: |
Lok; Hugh W.; (Castro
Valley, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHARLES LOUIS THOEMING
1390 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 1020
CONCORD
CA
94520
US
|
Family ID: |
36814943 |
Appl. No.: |
11/059066 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/188.06 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/622 20180801;
A47C 7/62 20130101; B60N 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/188.06 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/62 20060101
A47C007/62 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for seat back caddy affixed to a top surface of a Seat
back rest, comprising an extension above and perpendicular to the
top surface near an edge of the top surface whereby articles
comprising looped attachments including purses, backpacks, shopping
bags, and items on conventional hangers may be hung.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a rectangular base
comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a longitudinal
centerline, two long sides of predetermined length, two short sides
of predetermined length, and two holes through the base top and
bottom surfaces, each hole at an equal distance from each short
side on the base longitudinal centerline; a frame of predetermined
height, length and width, fixedly attached to the base top surface
and extending upwards perpendicularly there from, whereby the frame
width is equal in dimension to the base short sides, the frame
length is less than the base long sides, and the frame length is
centered on the base longitudinal centerline such that the holes
through the base are at equal distances beyond the frame length;
and means for fixedly attaching the base bottom surface to the seat
back rest top surface.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein means for attaching the base
bottom surface to the top surface of the seat back rest is chosen
from a group consisting of pliobond, split-wing toggle bolts, and
screws.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the base and frame comprise
metal and plastic.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, suitable for manufacture into a top
surface of a seat back rest, comprising: a frame; an internal
member housed within the frame; means to position the internal
member above and perpendicular to the frame; means to secure the
internal member positioned above and perpendicular to the frame;
and means for fixedly attaching the frame into the top surface of
the seat back rest.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the frame comprises an open
rectangular box of predetermined length, width, and depth, having a
bottom, two long sides, two short sides, an open top, wherein the
frame bottom has a top side and a bottom side, and wherein the
frame rests within the top surface of the seat back rest such that
the frame is flush with the top surface.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the internal member comprises
a rectangular box of predetermined length, width, and depth, having
a bottom, a top, two long sides, two short sides, and which is
sized to fit within the frame and rotate therein to a position
above and perpendicular to the frame, and wherein when the internal
member is closed its top side is flush with the top surface of the
seat back rest.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein means to position the internal
member above and perpendicular to the frame and means to secure the
internal member positioned above and perpendicular to the frame are
chosen from a group consisting of: an external hinge attached to
one short side of the frame and one short side of the internal
member; an internal hinge attached to one short side of the
internal member and top side of the frame bottom; means for
locking/unlocking the internal member in a position above and
perpendicular to the frame; and a recessed portion of the frame
short side opposite the attached hinge allowing access to the
internal member when it is in a closed position flush with the top
surface of the seat back rest.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein means for locking/unlocking
the internal member above and perpendicular to the frame further
comprises: a first and second curved, biased member each having
uniformly flat top and bottom sides, two ends, and identically
sized channels having two ends conforming to the members' curves
through the member sides, wherein the first and second members are
identical in size and curved shaped, wherein one end of a first
member is attached at a position on one long side of the internal
member and one end of the other member is attached to a position
corresponding to the other long side of the internal member, and
wherein each unattached end of the curved members has a locking
notch at the end of curved channel therein; an inside surface on
each frame long side; a first and second pin of equal sizes,
wherein each pin is fixedly attached to the inside surface of each
of the long sides of the frame such that the pins oppose each other
and define a horizontal plane parallel to the top surface of the
seat back rest top surface of the seat back rest, wherein each pin
is sized to fit and be received within the channel of one curved
member and guide the curved member through its length of travel as
the internal member travels from closed to open position within the
frame and to fit and be received within the locking notch of the
channel end; and whereby the internal member is released from an
open, locked position by pressure simultaneously exerted on each
respective curved, biased member towards each frame long side.
10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the base, internal member,
means to position the internal member above and perpendicular to
the frame, and means to secure the internal member positioned above
and perpendicular to the frame comprise metal and plastic.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 for seat back caddy suitable for
attachment to a top surface of a seat back rest, comprising: a base
member comprising a top mounting surface having a center point, a
housing of predetermined length, width, depth and uniform
cross-sectional area connected to the mounting surface, whereby the
housing defines a longitudinal centerline which is co-existent with
the mounting surface center point, and two holes through the base
member mounting surface, each hole at an equal distance from the
base center point; an internal member of predetermined size and
uniform cross-sectional area to be received and reside within the
housing; means to position the internal member above and
perpendicular to the base member; means to secure the internal
member positioned above and perpendicular to the base member; and
means for fixedly attaching the base member to the top surface of
the seat back rest.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein means to position the
internal member above and perpendicular to the base member and
means to secure the internal member positioned above and
perpendicular to the base member are chosen from a group consisting
of; coil spring within the internal member; resilient channel clip
within the internal member; and means for locking/unlocking the
internal member in a position above and perpendicular to the base
member.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein means for attaching the base
member to the top surface of the seat back rest is chosen from a
group consisting of pliobond, split-wing toggle bolts, and
screws.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the base member, internal
member, means to position the internal member above and
perpendicular to the frame, and means to secure the internal member
positioned above and perpendicular to the frame comprise metal and
plastic.
15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the internal member
cross-section defines geometries selected from the group consisting
of circle, square, rectangle, triangle, and ellipse.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, suitable for manufacture into a top
surface of a seat back rest, comprising: a base member comprising a
top mounting surface having a center point, a housing of
predetermined length, width, depth and uniform cross-sectional area
connected to the mounting surface, whereby the housing defines a
longitudinal centerline which is co-existent with the mounting
surface center point; an internal member of predetermined size and
uniform cross-sectional area to be received and reside within the
housing; means to position the internal member above and
perpendicular to the base member; means to secure the internal
member positioned above and perpendicular to the base member; and
means for fixedly attaching the base member into the top surface of
the seat back rest.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein means to position the
internal member above and perpendicular to the base member and
means to secure the internal member positioned above and
perpendicular to the base member are chosen from a group consisting
of: coil spring within the internal member; resilient channel clip
within the internal member; and means for locking/unlocking the
internal member in a position above and perpendicular to the base
member.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the base member, internal
member, means to position the internal member above and
perpendicular to the frame, and means to secure the internal member
positioned above and perpendicular to the frame comprise metal and
plastic.
19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the internal member
cross-section defines geometries selected from the group consisting
of circle, square, rectangle, triangle, and ellipse.
20. A kit for installation on the top surface of a seat back rest
to facilitate hanging articles comprising looped attachments
including purses, backpacks, shopping bags, and items on
conventional hangers, the kit comprising in combination: a
rectangular base comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a
longitudinal centerline, two long sides of predetermined length,
two short sides of predetermined length, and two holes through the
base top and bottom surfaces, each hole at an equal distance from
each short side on the base longitudinal centerline; a frame of
predetermined height, length and width, fixedly attached to the
base top surface and extending upwards perpendicularly there from,
whereby the frame width is equal in dimension to the base short
sides, the frame length is less than the base long sides, and the
frame length is centered on the base longitudinal centerline such
that the holes through the base are at equal distances beyond the
frame length; and two split-wing toggle bolts sized to fit through
the holes in the base for fixedly attaching the base bottom surface
to the seat back rest top surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] None.
REFERENCE TO A MICRO-FICHE APPENDIX
[0003] None.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] The embodiments of the present invention described herein
related generally to the field of accessories for use with seats to
allow hanging of articles. Such seats have various applications and
may be found in various modes of transportation such as trains,
planes, buses, automobiles, and elsewhere. Specifically the
invention relates to apparatus mounted on or constructed within the
top portion of a seat backrest for hanging articles comprising
looped attachments such as purses, backpacks, shopping bags, and
the like, or items hung on conventional hangers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A search of the prior art located the following United
States patents which are believed to be representative of the
present state of the prior art: U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,614, issued
Aug. 11, 1998; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0121943, published
Jul. 3, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,914, issued Aug. 5, 2003; U.S.
Pat. No. 4,302,046, issued Nov. 24, 1981; U.S. Patent Publication
No. 2004/0155080, published Aug. 12, 2004; U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,443,
issued Aug. 27, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 2,582,650, issued Jul. 8, 1949;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,750, issued Jul. 17, 2001; and U.S. Pat. No.
4,681,366, issued Jul. 21, 1987.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides securing apparatus for
hanging articles comprising looped attachments such as purses,
backpacks, shopping bags, and the like, or items hung on
conventional hangers from the top portion of a seat backrest such
that the article so hung rests against the side of the seat
backrest. In this manner, persons seated around the seat will not
be encumbered by the presence of the article on the floor or in
another seat. Similarly, persons seated next to the article so hung
may readily access it for retrieving necessary items.
[0007] The present invention comprises generally a supporting base
or frame member having means for attachment to the top portion of
the seat backrest. Upon or within the base, is an internal or
second frame member fixedly attached, hinged, or recessed to the
base or first frame member. When the internal or second frame
member is operationally positioned, it is sufficient to safely
secure the hung article. The apparatus of the present invention is
suitable for either addition to existing seat backrests or
manufacture into seat backrests.
[0008] Other features, advantages, and objects of the present
invention will become apparent with reference to the following
detailed description and accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention, shown installed on the top portion of the seat backrest
of an automobile seat and supporting a purse there from.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the present
invention comprising a base supporting member, frame and split-wing
toggle bolts suitable for assembly onto the top portion of a seat
backrest.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the present
invention comprising a base supporting member, frame and split-wing
toggle bolts assembled onto the top portion of a seat backrest.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front view of FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of the present
invention comprising a base supporting frame and closed hinged
internal member suitable for manufactured assembly onto the top
portion of a seat backrest.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the locking and unlocking
mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a
base supporting frame and closed hinged internal member suitable
for manufactured assembly onto the top portion of a seat
backrest.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the present
invention comprising a base supporting frame and opened hinged
internal member assembly manufactured onto the top portion of a
seat backrest.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a front view of FIG. 7.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of the present
invention comprising a base supporting frame and closed hinged
internal member suitable for manufactured assembly onto the top
portion of a seat backrest.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of the present
invention comprising a base supporting frame and opened hinged
internal member assembly manufactured onto the top portion of a
seat backrest.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a front view of FIG. 10.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a top view of an embodiment of the present
invention comprising a base supporting frame and closed, spring
activated internal member assembly having a rectangular
cross-section suitable for attachment onto the top portion of a
seat backrest.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a side view of an embodiment of the present
invention comprising a base supporting frame and open, spring
activated internal member assembly having a rectangular
cross-section attached to the top portion of a seat backrest using
split-wing toggle bolts.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a side view of an embodiment of the present
invention comprising a base supporting frame and open, spring
activated internal member assembly having a circular cross-section
attached to the top portion of a seat backrest using screws.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a top view of an embodiment of the present
invention comprising a base supporting frame and closed, spring
activated internal member assembly having a rectangular
cross-section suitable for manufacture onto the top portion of a
seat backrest.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a side view of FIG. 15.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of FIG. 16.
[0026] FIG. 18 is a top view of an embodiment of the present
invention comprising a base supporting frame and closed, spring
activated internal member assembly having a circular cross-section
suitable for manufacture onto the top portion of a seat
backrest.
[0027] FIG. 19 is a side view of FIG. 18.
[0028] FIG. 20 is a side view of a typical resilient channel spring
clip for use in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 18 and 19.
[0029] FIG. 21 is a top view of an embodiment of the present
invention comprising a base supporting frame and closed, spring
activated internal member assembly having a circular cross-section
suitable for manufacture onto the top portion of a seat
backrest.
[0030] FIG. 22 is a side view of FIG. 21.
[0031] FIG. 20 is a side view of a typical coil spring for use in
the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 21 and 22.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0032] The present invention for a securing apparatus on the top
portion of a seat backrest comprises a supporting member 10
attached to or within the top portion 150 of the seat backrest 100
as shown generally in FIG. 1.
[0033] A preferred embodiment of the present invention that
attaches to the top of a backrest, FIGS. 2-4, comprises a base
supporting member 14 having a top surface, a bottom surface, a
longitudinal centerline, two long sides of predetermined length,
two short sides of predetermined length, and at least two holes, 22
and 24, through the base top and bottom surfaces, each hole, 22 and
24, at an equal distance from each short side on the base
longitudinal centerline. The two holes, 22 and 24, are for securing
the base supporting member 14 to the backrest 100 top side 150. A
frame 16 is fixedly attached to the base supporting member 14 top
surface and extends upwards perpendicular to the base supporting
member 14. The frame 16 width is equal in dimension to the short
sides of the base supporting member 14. The frame 16 length is less
than the base member 14 long sides, and the frame 16 length is
centered on the base member 14 longitudinal centerline such that
the holes, 22 and 24, through the base member 14 are at equal
distances beyond the frame 16 length The base supporting member 14
bottom can be adhered to the top 150 of the seat backrest 100 using
pliobond or similar industrial adhesive. As shown in FIGS. 2-4,
attaching means between the base supporting member 10 and the
backrest 100 can comprise split-wing toggle bolts 18 and 20, or
similar attaching apparatus, which are received by the frame
assembly within the seat backrest 100 an secured thereto. The base
supporting member 14 and frame 16 can be constructed of metal or
plastic.
[0034] As depicted in FIGS. 5-8, a second preferred embodiment of
the present invention suitable for manufacture into a seat backrest
comprises a frame 30 of an open rectangular box of predetermined
length, width, and depth, having a bottom, two long sides, two
short sides, an open top, wherein the frame 30 bottom has a top
side and a bottom side, and wherein the frame 30 rests within the
top surface 150 of the seat back rest 100 such that the frame 30 is
flush with the top surface 150.
[0035] As further illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, the frame 30 houses an
internal member 32 comprising rectangular box of predetermined
length, width, and depth, having a bottom, a top, two long sides,
two short sides, and which is sized to fit within the frame 30 and
rotate therein to a position above and perpendicular to the frame
30. When the internal member 32 is closed its top side is flush
with the top surface 150 of the seat back rest 100. A pair of
equally opposed, locking and unlocking assemblies 34 and 36 allow
the frame internal member 32 in an unused position to be received
into the frame 30 and to rest flat on the top 150 of the seat
backrest 100. The frame 30 and internal member 32 are attached by a
hinged means 38. The frame 30 further comprises a recess 40 for
ease of operating the internal member 32 from the closed position
flush with the top 150 of the seat backrest 100, FIG. 5, to a fully
open position, perpendicular to the top 150 of the seat backrest
100, FIG. 8.
[0036] A preferred locking/unlocking assembly 36 is depicted in
FIGS. 6 and 8. This assembly comprises a first and second curved,
biased member, 34 and 36, each having uniformly flat top and bottom
sides, two ends, and identically sized channels 48 having two ends
conforming to the members' curves through the member sides, wherein
the first and second members, 34 and 36, are identical in size and
curved shaped. One end of a first member 34 is attached at a
position 42 on one long side of the internal member and one end of
the other member 36 is attached to a position corresponding to the
other long side of the internal member, and each unattached end of
the curved members has a locking notch at the end of curved
channel. A first and second pin of equal sizes, 44, is fixedly
attached to the inside surface of each of the long sides of the
frame 30 such that the pins 44 oppose each other and define a
horizontal plane parallel to the top surface 150 of the seat
backrest 100. Each pin 44 is sized to fit and be received within
the channel 36 of each curved member, 34 and 36, and guide the
curved member, 34 and 36, through its length of travel as the
internal member 32 opens and closes within the frame 30, FIGS. 6
and 8.
[0037] Each assembly, 34 and 36, is biased such that when the
internal member is fully opened in a position perpendicular to the
top 150 of the seat backrest 100, FIG. 8, the assembly locks onto
the pin 44. Each assembly, 34 and 36, is released by pressure
simultaneously exerted on each respective assembly towards the side
of the frame 30, and the internal member travels to a flush
position the top 150 of the seat backrest 100, FIGS. 5 and 8. The
frame 30, internal member 32, and assemblies 34 and 36 can be
constructed of metal or plastic.
[0038] FIGS. 9-10 illustrate a third preferred embodiment of the
present invention suitable for manufacture into a seat backrest
comprising a frame 50, and internal member 52, and rotational hinge
means whereby the internal member 52 connects to the frame 50, and
can be manually pivoted from an open position perpendicular to the
frame 50 and top 150 of the seat backrest 100, FIGS. 10 and 11, to
a closed position flush with the top 150 of the seat backrest 100,
FIGS. 9 and 11. The frame 50 is recessed into the top 150 of the
seat backrest 100, FIGS. 10 and 11. The frame 50 further comprises
a recess 60 for ease of operating the internal portion 52 from the
closed position flush with the top 150 of the seat backrest 100,
FIGS. 9 and 11, to a fully open position, perpendicular to the top
150 of the seat backrest 100, FIGS. 10 and 11. The frame 50 and
internal member 52 can be constructed of metal or plastic.
[0039] As depicted in FIGS. 12-23, a fourth preferred embodiment of
the present invention suitable for manufacture into, or attachment
to, a seat backrest comprises a base member 70 having a top
mounting surface, a center point, a housing of predetermined
length, width, depth and uniform cross-sectional area connected to
the mounting surface. The housing defines a longitudinal centerline
which is co-existent with the mounting surface center point. Two
holes are drilled through the base member mounting surface, each
hole at an equal distance from the base center point.
[0040] As further illustrated in FIGS. 12-23, a spring locking and
unlocking mechanism allows an internal member 72 of predetermined
size and uniform cross-sectional area to be received and reside
within the housing of the base member 70. The locking/unlocking
mechanism allows the internal member 72 to be recessed into the
seat backrest and flush to the top 150 of the backrest when the
internal member 72 is not is use. The internal member 72 may have a
rectangular cross-section, FIGS. 13 and 16, or a circular
cross-section, FIGS. 14, 21-22. Other cross-sections, such as
square [not shown], triangular, or ellipsis [not shown] may be
practiced within the scope of this embodiment of the present
invention. The spring locking and unlocking mechanism may be a
typical coil spring within the internal member 72, FIGS. 13-17,
21-23. Alternately, the spring locking and unlocking mechanism may
be a resilient channel clip within the internal member 72, FIGS.
18-20. As shown in FIGS. 13-14, attaching means between the base
supporting member 70 and the backrest top 150 can comprise
split-wing toggle bolts 18 and 20, as depicted in FIG. 13, screws,
80 and 82, as illustrated in FIG. 14, or similar attaching
apparatus, which are received by the frame assembly within the seat
backrest top 150 and secured thereto. The base 70 and internal
member 72 can be constructed of metal or plastic.
[0041] The above description is included to illustrate the
operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit
the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be
limited only by the following claims. From the above discussion,
many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art
that would yet be encompassed the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *