U.S. patent application number 13/552124 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-07 for portable personal seating barrier.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lisa Margaret Daly. Invention is credited to Lisa Margaret Daly.
Application Number | 20130033074 13/552124 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47626527 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130033074 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Daly; Lisa Margaret |
February 7, 2013 |
PORTABLE PERSONAL SEATING BARRIER
Abstract
A portable, personal seating barrier constructed of panels,
capable of demarcating an individual seating space while also
blocking out sensory stimuli from other people in close proximity,
is described. In certain embodiments, the panels retract and expand
telescopically, through hinging, folding down through a locking or
other hinge type mechanism or other folding means, into an easily
portable device that can be used in a variety of settings, such as
public buses, trains, airplanes, classrooms. The device is
free-standing in that it need not be physically attached to any
structure, and thus provides a seat and a privacy/sensory barrier
from others.
Inventors: |
Daly; Lisa Margaret; (North
Bethesda, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Daly; Lisa Margaret |
North Bethesda |
MD |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47626527 |
Appl. No.: |
13/552124 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61515368 |
Aug 5, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/183.1 ;
297/452.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 1/16 20130101; A47C
7/16 20130101; A47C 3/16 20130101; A47C 1/146 20130101; A47C 4/04
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/183.1 ;
297/452.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 4/04 20060101
A47C004/04; A47C 7/16 20060101 A47C007/16; A47C 31/00 20060101
A47C031/00; A47C 4/00 20060101 A47C004/00 |
Claims
1. A device for providing portable seating comprising: at least one
horizontal panel sections and at least one vertical panel sections
constructed so as to be pivotally joined by a folding means,
wherein the at least one horizontal panel sections constructed so
as to serve as the seat portion of the device, wherein said at
least one vertical panel section constructed so as to serve as a
barrier.
2. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the
vertical panel sections are attached to opposite sides of the at
least one horizontal panel sections.
3. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one
vertical panel sections and the at least one horizontal panel
section further comprises a polymer material, said polymer material
constructed so as to provide structure to the device.
4. The device as recited in claim 2, wherein the polymer material
is bioresistant.
5. The device as recited in claim 3 wherein said structure is
selected from a group comprising a rigid polymer and a semi-rigid
polymer.
6. The device as recited in claim 4, wherein said device is
constructed so as to fold into a unitary portable structural
unit.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one
horizontal panel sections are further constructed so as to include
individual panels, grooved sections and cut out handles, said
individual panels constructed so as to connect through a locking
telescoping mechanism.
8. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one vertical
panel section and at least one horizontal panel section further
comprise a hybrid cloth material, the hybrid cloth material
constructed so as to provide structure to the device.
9. The device as recited in claim 2, wherein the hybrid cloth
material is bioresistant.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one
horizontal panel sections are further constructed so as to include
individual panels.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one
horizontal panel sections include grooved sections.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one
horizontal panel sections include cut out handles.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one
horizontal panel sections are constructed so as to connect through
a locking telescoping mechanism.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one
vertical panel sections include grooved sections.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the vertical
panel sections include cut out handles.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the vertical
panel sections are constructed so as to connect through a locking
telescoping mechanism.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional U.S.
Patent Application No. 61/515,368 filed Aug. 5, 2011, the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Studies have shown that most people value their personal
space, find physical proximity to be psychologically and in some
cases physically disturbing and uncomfortable, and feel discomfort,
anger, anxiety and other effects when their personal space is
encroached or they are over stimulated because of crowded
conditions. In addition, studies have shown that heart rate, blood
pressure, and skin conductance increase when people are in crowded
spaces or spaces that they anticipate will become crowded where
they have little or no control over maintaining their personal
space and level of stimulation. Public places are often crowded and
are becoming more so. In public places where seating is available,
individual seating spaces are often not demarcated or are
demarcated but not physically divided. Often people will encroach
into what is intended to be the space of the person seated next to
them. Theatres, sporting events, institutions of formal education
and testing, and governmental service locations are a few of the
many examples of public places with crowded seating conditions.
Public transportation vehicles are also examples of public spaces
that are often crowded, with crowded seating conditions. Subways,
cars, airplanes, trains, buses, and other modes of public
transportation often allow little space for each individual. For
example, in many subway cars, the seats are of a bench style.
Though each individual space is often marked in some manner, often
no armrests, dividers, or barriers exist between individual seating
spaces, or if they do, they are often inadequate to ensure that
each person remains within one space and does not encroach
physically, or in some other manner, on the space of the person
beside them. One seated passenger may eat, engage in personal
grooming, cough, sneeze, physically rub against, stare, and
otherwise provide unwanted stimuli to the person beside whom they
are seated. There have even been cases of passengers urinating on
bench seats with the urine running onto the seat and person seated
next to them and of passengers vomiting and bleeding on passengers
seated beside them.
[0003] People with diagnosed and undiagnosed disorders or
conditions (or both) that compromise the brain's ability to process
and integrate certain information received from the body's five
basic sensory systems can be especially impacted by having to sit
in close proximity to others or in crowded situations, or both.
Such sensory processing and integrative problems, comprising but
not limited to learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders,
stress-related disorders, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and brain
injury are found in many children and adults. In some cases, people
with at least one of these conditions or disorders are not capable
of being in situations where the person is likely or certain to be
in the conditions described above. This can mean that these people
are unable to conduct certain activities, for example use public
transportation. Because many of these people are also unable to
drive, this lack of ability to have control over the proximity or
stimulation in the crowded seating situation renders them without
affordable, reliable transportation, greatly limiting their
employment and other opportunities. People without these disorders
and conditions are usually sensitive to stimulation created by
people in close physical proximity, even though some are not
consciously aware of the effects.
SUMMARY
[0004] The instant disclosure is directed to a personal seating
barrier that can block or lessen certain sensory stimuli and
demarcate and preserve individual space. In some embodiments, such
a personal seating barrier may comprise a portable seat with at
least one attached divider that can simultaneously provide privacy
and block out stimuli. In some embodiments, the personal seating
barrier may be foldable in a manner which facilitates travel and
ease of use in a variety of locations. In some embodiments, a
separate carrying case may be provided with the personal seating
barrier.
[0005] An exemplary embodiment of the disclosed personal seating
barrier may comprise: a device for providing portable seating
comprising: at least one horizontal panel section and at least one
vertical panel section constructed so as to be pivotally joined by
a folding means, wherein the at least one horizontal panel section
constructed so as to serve as the seat portion of the device,
wherein at least one vertical panel section constructed so as to
serve as a barrier.
[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one vertical
panel section is attached to opposite sides of the at least one
horizontal panel section.
[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one vertical
panel section and the at least one horizontal panel section further
comprises a polymer material, said polymer material constructed so
as to provide structure to the device.
[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment, the polymer material
is bioresistant.
[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment, the structure is
selected from a group comprising a rigid polymer and a semi-rigid
polymer.
[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment, the device is
constructed so as to fold into a unitary portable structural
unit.
[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one
horizontal panel section is further constructed so as to include at
least one individual panel, grooved sections and cut out handles,
said individual panels constructed so as to connect through a
locking telescoping mechanism.
[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one vertical
panel section and at least one horizontal panel section further
comprise a hybrid cloth material, the hybrid cloth material
constructed so as to provide structure to the device.
[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, the hybrid cloth
material is bioresistant.
[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one
horizontal panel section is further constructed so as to include
individual panels.
[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one
horizontal panel section includes grooved sections.
[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one
horizontal panel section includes cut out handles.
[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one
horizontal panel section is constructed so as to connect through a
locking telescoping mechanism.
[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one vertical
panel section includes grooved sections.
[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one vertical
panel section includes a cut out handle.
[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one vertical
panel section is constructed so as to connect through a locking
telescoping mechanism.
[0021] The foregoing summary should not be construed to limit the
scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims appended
hereto. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the
embodiments thus described may be further modified without
departing from the spirit or the scope of such claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable personal seating
barrier in a fully extended position, in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable personal seating
barrier in a partially extended position, in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portable personal seating
barrier in a collapsed position, in accordance with an embodiment;
and
[0025] FIG. 4 is a side view of a portable personal seating barrier
in a collapsed position, in accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The instant disclosure is directed to a portable personal
seating barrier. The portable personal seating barrier comprises at
least one panel configured to block out sensory stimuli from other
people in close proximity and at least one folding means configured
to interconnect the panels. One of ordinary skill in the art would
appreciate that embodiments of the disclosed portable personal
seating barrier may be configured to utilize any number of panel
sections interconnected by at least one folding means, and
embodiments of the instant disclosure are contemplated for use with
any number of panel sections and folding means.
[0027] According to an embodiment, each panel may be comprised of
at least one locking telescoping mechanism or other collapsing
means provided to allow for the collapsing and expanding of the
panels. Locking telescoping means include, but are not limited to,
tab/detent means, friction fit means, friction locking means, pin
locking means and locking hinge means. One of ordinary skill in the
art would appreciate that there are numerous types of locking
telescoping means that could be utilized with portable personal
seating barriers as disclosed herein, and portable personal seating
barriers as disclosed herein are contemplated for use with any
locking telescoping means.
[0028] According to an embodiment, in a collapsed state, the panels
allow for portability and stowage of the device. In an expanded
state, the panels allow for stimuli reduction. Embodiments may also
allow each panel to be individually expanded or collapsed to allow
the user to customize the barrier to his or her body type, needs,
and surroundings. Further, embodiments of the disclosed personal
portable seating barrier may allow each panel to be partially
expanded and for each panel to be partially collapsed, thereby
further enhancing the customization options, such as in cases where
size limitations may restrict full expansion of at least one the
panels. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that
there are numerous types of collapsing means that could be utilized
with embodiments of the disclosed personal portable seating
barrier, and although the embodiments disclosed herein focus on the
use of a locking telescoping mechanism, the alternative collapsing
means may be substituted therefore without departing from the
spirit or the scope of the disclosure.
[0029] According to some embodiments, the folding means may be
configured to allow the device to collapse into a compact state for
portability and stowage purposes. Folding means include, but are
not limited to, active and passive hinges and other hinged means,
hook and loop means, bendable material means, and bolt and pin
means. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there
are numerous folding means that could be utilized with the
disclosed portable personal seating barrier, and the disclosed
embodiments are contemplated for use with any type of folding
means.
[0030] According to some embodiments, the device may be further
configured to provide a seating portion. The seating portion may be
configured to not only provide comfortable seating to the user, but
also to provide stability and control over the entire device. By
way of example, without limitation, when a user of the device is
seated on the seating portion, the side panel(s) of the device may
be stabilized by the weight of the user.
[0031] According to some embodiments, at least one of the panels
may further comprise a handle element. The handle element is
configured to allow the user of the device to easily transport the
device when in a collapsed state or otherwise. Such a handle
element may be cut out of at least one of the panels, or such
handle element may be fixedly or removably attached thereto.
[0032] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, device D includes
two panel sections 1 and 2 pivotally joined by a folding means 3. A
horizontal rigid panel section 1 serves as a seat portion of device
D. Section 1 includes individual panels 1a, each of which comprises
grooved sections 1b and cut out handles 1c. Panels 1a are connected
through a locking telescoping mechanism 1d. Vertical rigid panel
section 2 serves as a barrier portion of the device D, and includes
individual panels 2a, each of which comprises grooved sections 2b
and cut out handles 2c. Panels 2a are connected through a locking
telescoping mechanism 2d.
[0033] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, device D can be
made portable by retracting panels 1a and 2a telescopically using
the telescoping features 1d and 2d.
[0034] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, device D is
illustrated in an L shape. Alternatively, the orientation of the
device D could be that of a backward L shape. In some embodiments,
Device D may also include a second vertical section on the opposite
side of horizontal section 1 from the vertical section 2
illustrated in FIG. 1, thereby forming a U shape when the portable
personal seating barrier is deployed. In some embodiments, a
plurality of L shaped devices could be deployed, thereby forming a
U-shaped barrier, extending the size of the zone protected by the
portable personal seating barriers, or the like.
[0035] According to some embodiments, at least one carrying strap
may be attached to the panels for ease of carry when not in use.
Such a carrying strap may be permanently or removably attached to
the panels by way of premade holes, snaps, hook and loop fasteners,
or other such means. Panels can be of different colors or designs,
and may be covered with stickers, fabric, or other material for
hygienic, personalization, comfort, or other purposes. As
illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, a gel cushion,
padding, or other material may be provided with the portable
personal seating barrier, thereby enhancing the comfort of the
user. In some embodiments, at least one of the panels used for the
seat portion may comprise a gel cushion, foam pad, or other such
material to allow the panel to conform to the underlying seat,
thereby enhancing stability and comfort. In some embodiments, at
least the lower surface seat portion may be coated with silicone
rubber or other "non-skid" material.
[0036] As should be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art,
there are many readily available locking hinge type mechanisms that
could serve as a folding means 3. They include, but are not limited
to, infinite variable friction joints, friction catches, latch
mechanisms, tooth catches, ratchet hinges, riveted angle brackets,
clamp locks, bar and hook locks, and 180 degree hinges. In
embodiments deploying such hinge type mechanism, the folding means
may be locked into place via said locking hinge type mechanisms.
One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are
numerous locking hinge type mechanisms that could be utilized with
the disclosed portable personal seating barrier, and embodiments of
the present invention are contemplated for use with any type of
locking hinge type mechanism.
[0037] In some embodiments, the panel sections 1 and 2 of device D,
and their individual panels 1a and 2a, are made of a semi-rigid
plastic polymer material. In some embodiments, such a material may
be inherently bioresistant, or may be treated with at least one
surface coatings that provide such bioresistance. One of ordinary
skill in the art should appreciate that there are numerous
materials that could be utilized for the various components of
disclosed embodiments, and the disclosed embodiments are
contemplated for use with any construction material.
[0038] In some embodiments, instead of a locking telescoping
mechanism, panels 1a could be connected through a hinge-type
mechanism, and panels 2a could also be connected through a
hinge-type mechanism.
[0039] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the seat barrier are
such that the device D may fit into commercial or public transit
vehicles with ease. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill,
such dimensions may vary. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
1-4, the overall dimensions of panels 1a and 2a, when in a
collapsed state, is approximately 14 in. wide and 11 in. long.
Additional sub-panels can be added to both the horizontal section 1
and vertical section 2, depending on preference and need.
[0040] Turning now to FIGS. 3-4, an exemplary embodiment of a
personal seating barrier (device D) is shown in a fully collapsed
state. In these figures, all of the vertical panels 2 and
horizontal panels 1 of device D are lowered into a collapsed state
and retained in a folded position by folding means 3. In this
state, the device D is configured to take up as little space as
possible and thereby becoming easily transportable and storable
where necessary.
[0041] While multiple embodiments of the portable personal seating
barrier are disclosed herein, still other embodiments will become
apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed
description. The portable personal seating barrier disclosed herein
is capable of myriad modifications in various obvious aspects, all
without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
* * * * *