U.S. patent application number 13/972541 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-26 for slotted chair and method of using same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alan J. HOWARD. Invention is credited to Alan J. HOWARD.
Application Number | 20150054318 13/972541 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52479699 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150054318 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HOWARD; Alan J. |
February 26, 2015 |
SLOTTED CHAIR AND METHOD OF USING SAME
Abstract
A slot chair includes a frame, a seat coupled to the frame, and
a pair of legs coupled to the seat. The slot chair also includes a
slot in a backing that is located approximately three-quarters of
the total height of the char as measured from the lowermost portion
of the chair and a pouch coupled to the frame and surrounding the
slot.
Inventors: |
HOWARD; Alan J.; (Babylon,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HOWARD; Alan J. |
Babylon |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52479699 |
Appl. No.: |
13/972541 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/188.04 ;
297/217.1; 297/350; 297/411.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/40 20130101; A47C
15/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/188.04 ;
297/350; 297/411.2; 297/217.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 1/00 20060101
A47C001/00; A47C 7/00 20060101 A47C007/00 |
Claims
1. A slot chair, comprising: a backing coupled to a seat and a pair
of legs coupled to the seat; a field in the backing extending
substantially across the backing; a slot in the field, the slot
being located at a vertical height that is approximately
three-quarters of the total height of the slot chair; and a pouch
coupled to the backing and surrounding the slot.
2. The slot chair of claim 1, further comprising at least one
scoring dial.
3. The slot chair of claim 2, wherein the at least one scoring dial
is coupled to the backing.
4. The slot chair of claim 1, further comprising a storage
flap.
5. The slot chair of claim 4, wherein the storage flap is coupled
to the backing.
6. The slot chair of claim 1, wherein the seat and the pair of legs
are rotatably coupled.
7. The slot chair of claim 1, wherein the seat and the backing
fold.
8. The slot chair of claim 1, wherein the slot is sized to fit a
Frisbee.
9. The slot chair of claim 1, wherein the pouch is positioned to
hold a Frisbee received through the slot.
10. A chair, comprising a frame having a backing having a slot, the
slot being located in the backing below the uppermost surface of
the frame; a pair of arms coupled to the frame and located below
the slot; a seat coupled to the frame below the pair of arms; and
at least one leg coupled below the seat, the lowermost point of the
at least one leg being located a distance from the lowermost
surface of the slot that is about three quarters the total height
of the chair.
11. The chair of claim 10, further comprising a pouch coupled to
the slot.
12. The chair of claim 10, wherein the distance between the arm and
the slot is about 9 to about 13 inches.
13. The chair of claim 10, wherein the distance between the seat
and the slot is about 13 to about 20 inches.
14. The chair of claim 10, wherein the distance between the
lowermost point on the chair and the slot is about 20 inches to
about 34 inches.
15. The chair of claim 12, wherein the distance between the seat
and the slot is about 13 to about 20 inches.
16. The chair of claim 14, wherein the distance between the seat
and the slot is about 13 to about 20 inches.
17. The chair of claim 10, further comprising scoring means.
18. The chair of claim 17, wherein the scoring means includes a
pointer.
19. The chair of claim 17, wherein the scoring means includes at
least one toggle and at least one hoop.
20. The chair of claim 10, wherein the slot is sized to fit a
Frisbee.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a specially configured
chair for entertainment.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Frisbee or games involving flying discs being passed back
and forth between players are well known. Among the various
benefits of a Frisbee game is the relatively quick and easy way in
which a game can begin and be played.
[0003] Other forms of Frisbee games exist, such as ultimate Frisbee
and Frisbee golf.
[0004] Frisbee golf is a game in which a Frisbee disc is thrown
towards a cup-shaped receptacle placed on a one-legged stand. Such
stands tend to fall if a Frisbee is thrown at the receptacle with
too much force, and the receptacle is prone to being tipped over in
the wind.
[0005] Another Frisbee game is known by the trade name KanJam and
involves a disc being thrown into rolled laminated sheets having a
slot sized to fit the disc through the sheets. This particular game
is burdensome to set-up without proper foundation, such as sand, to
maintain the cylindrical "cans" in place. The unraveling of the
sheets can obscure the slot into which a Frisbee disc is to be
thrown. Further, the KanJam can be easily disrupted by the
elements, such as wind.
[0006] Therefore, there remains a need for a Frisbee disc game that
can be played without much delayed set-up, can be played in
multiple environments, and/or can be played using structures that
are sturdy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A slot chair serves a dual function as a seating mechanism
and a target for a game where players throw objects, usually
Frisbees, so that they may pass through the slot of the slot chair.
A slot chair may be used in parks, picnics, campuses, and any other
open area.
[0008] A slot chair includes a frame with a backing, the frame or
the backing may be coupled to a seat. On or more legs may also be
coupled to the seat. The slot chair also includes a slot through
the backing that is located at a distance approximately
three-quarters of the height of the slot chair from the lowermost
portion of the one or more legs. A slot chair may also have a pouch
coupled to the backing or frame and is positioned near the
slot.
[0009] A slot chair may be used in a game in which the chair is
placed a distance from the player, usually 30 feet, and the player
throws his or her object, usually a Frisbee, towards the slot chair
to place the object through the slot. Scoring may be done by using
a dial disposed on or connected to the slot chair.
[0010] A slot chair may also be used in other environments,
depending on needs, in which objects are to be received through the
slot. Objects received through the slot may be captured in a pouch
coupled to the slot chair. These objects may also be stored on the
slot chair when not in use via a storage flap disposed on the
chair.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present disclosure will become more fully understood
from the detailed description and the accompanying, interrelated
embodiments.
[0012] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an exemplary chair.
[0013] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate exemplary embodiments of a slot
chair.
[0014] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate exemplary embodiments of a slot chair
with positional relationships between parts.
[0015] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate additional views of exemplary
embodiments of a slot chair.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary rear of a slot chair.
[0017] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate exemplary embodiments of scoring
dials for an exemplary slot chair.
[0018] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate alternative embodiments of a slot
chair.
[0019] In the drawings like characters of reference indicate
corresponding parts in the different figures. The drawings are
non-limiting examples of the disclosed embodiments of the present
invention which are interrelated and may be interchangeable in view
of the written description provided.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a
chair 10 may be a folding chair or other type of device that may be
used for seating known to those skilled in the art including, for
example, plastic chairs, lawn chairs, inflatable seats, sofas,
rocking chairs, swivel chairs, or any other device which must
satisfy one or more of the following standards or like standards:
ISO 7174, ISO 9241, ASTM F1858-98, and ASTM F1912-98 standards. An
exemplary chair 10 may include a frame 1, a backing 2, a seat 6,
one or more front legs 9 and one or more back legs 8. An exemplary
chair 10 may further include one or more arms 5 connected to one or
more of the seat 6, backing 2, and/or the frame 1. Alternatively,
one may connect arms 5 in any other manner to chair 10 for
particular purposes.
[0021] In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1A, chair 10 may be
illustrated as a folding-type chair known to those skilled in the
art. A folding chair 10 may have a backing 2 that may be a fabric,
canvas, or other type of material for receiving the back of a user.
Backing 2 may be coupled to a frame 1 which may have at its
uppermost point an upper frame bar 1A and at its lowermost point a
lower frame bar 1B. In a preferred embodiment, backing 2 is any
material closest to frame 1. Alternatively, frame 1 and backing 2
may be integrated as a single construct. In an exemplary
embodiment, backing 2 may be spaced from upper frame bar 1A by an
upper backspace 11A. Alternatively or additionally, backing 2 may
be spaced from the lower frame bar 1B by an upper backspace
11B.
[0022] While FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary backing 2 as coupled
to a frame 1 of an exemplary folding chair 10, other forms of
backings in folding and non-folding chairs 10 would be readily
understood by those skilled in the art. For example, backing 2 may
cover substantially all of frame 1. Alternatively, backing 2 may be
patterned across the various parts of frame 1. Also, frame 1 may be
shaped in any manner to effect its purpose for receiving a user
sitting in chair 10. Frame 1 may be made out of hollow metal,
plastic, or other suitable components or in other shapes using the
same or similar materials that allow the chair 10 to operate to
hold a user on its backing 2. Where frame 1 and backing 2 are
integrated, the same or substantially the same materials which make
up frame 1 may be used to make up backing 2. Alternatively, an
exemplary frame 1 and backing 2 may be operatively coupled to one
another by welding, joining, adhesives, sewing, stitching, friction
fitting, tying, stapling, riveting, or any other mechanical or
chemical coupling techniques known to those skilled in the art.
[0023] Referring again to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1A, a
chair 10 of the folding variety may have one or more joints 3 about
which arms 5 may move when chair 10 may be folded. Arms 5 may be
made of the same or different material making up chair 10. Arms 5
may be of any suitable length. An exemplary chair 10, of the
folding variety, may further employ brackets 4 for providing
folding capabilities to frame 1 and other parts of chair 10, such
as, for example, lower frame bar 1B and seat 6. Alternatively,
bracket 4 may be extensions from frame 1 that rotatably connect to
seat 6, for example, through a joint 3A as illustrated in FIG. 3C.
In an alternative arrangement, bracket 4 may couple with joint 7
which couples to legs 8 and 9. Accordingly, the various parts of an
exemplary chair 10 of the folding variety may pivot and move about
various rotatable joints, formed from, for example, bolts, screws,
fasteners, latches, or other equivalent mechanical linkages known
to those skilled in the art.
[0024] Arms 5 may be any suitable constructs that may provide
intermediate support positioned above seat 6. Arms 5 may be made
out of the same or different materials as frame 1, backing 2,
and/or seat 6. Arms 5 may be hollow or solid and can be shaped in
any manner to operatively serve as an intermediate support
positioned above seat 6.
[0025] With reference to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1A,
chair 10, when fabricated as a folding-type chair, may couple one
or more of its front leg 9 and/or rear leg 8 to the remainder of
the chair 10 via joints 7 on seat 6. Alternatively, as will be
further discussed with reference to the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 1B, front leg 9 and/or rear leg 8 may be rotatably coupled to
arm joints within, beneath, or otherwise disposed on arms 5. While
in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1A, front leg 9 may be
illustrated as a single U-shaped component, those skilled in the
art would understand that front leg 9 may be at least two distinct
components separated from one another and serving the same purpose
to support chair 10. While in the illustrative embodiment of FIG.
1A, rear leg 8 may be illustrated as a single U-shaped component,
those skilled in the art would understand that rear leg 8 may be at
least two distinct components separated from one another and
serving the same purpose to support chair 10. Further, while legs 8
and/or 9 are shown as U-shaped, exemplary legs 8 and/or 9 of chair
10 may be any shape and size to operatively support chair 10.
According to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1A, front legs 9
and/or rear legs 8 may be unitary constructs that are bent into
substantially u-shaped pieces or cut from a single solid piece of
material.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1B, an exemplary side view of an
exemplary folding chair 10 may be seen. According to the
illustrative embodiment, arms 5 may be rotatably coupled to backing
2 via joint 3. Backing 2 may be rotatably coupled via bracket 4 to
seat 6 and, depending on the particular needs of the chair 10 when
fabricated as a folding-type chair, may be coupled to seat 6 and
rear legs 8 via bracket 4.
[0027] Rear legs 8 and front legs 9 may be rotatably connected to
an arm joint 5A disposed on or within arm 5. In an exemplary
embodiment, front legs 9 may have fixed degree of rotation so that
they may rotate only until they achieve a desired position, may
snap into place on seat 6, may have abutments that contact seat 6
once positioned so as to allow an object such as a person to rest
on the seat (not shown), or may take any other conformation known
to those skilled in the art to facilitate their use as an exemplary
chair 10, either in folding and non-folding varieties. For example,
front legs 9 may be rotatably joined to seat 6 by a joint 3B as
shown in FIG. 3C. In an alternative embodiment, separate arm joints
5B and 5C may rotatably couple legs 8 and 9, respectively to the
arm 5.
[0028] While FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate upper backspace 11A and
lower backspace 11B in a particular position relative to backing 2,
an exemplary chair 10 may not have any such backspaces 11A, 11B.
Alternatively, seat 6 may have spaces in its surface or arm 5.
Additionally, lower backspace 11B may encompass additional spaces
between backing 2 and seat 6 such as vacancies between brackets 4
on either side of chair 10.
[0029] FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrative embodiments of a slot chair
20 with an exemplary slot 12 through backing 2 and sized to receive
an incoming object 50. As illustrated, slot 12 may be substantially
rectangular in shape, but may be shaped in any way to receive an
incoming object 50, which may be, for example, a disc. According to
another exemplary embodiment, object 50 may be a Frisbee or any
other type of device that may be thrown across a distance and is
substantially flat to fit within slot 12. In a preferred
embodiment, an exemplary Frisbee may be approximately 8 to
approximately 10 inches in diameter, however such Frisbees may vary
in size depending on the needs.
[0030] While the illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 2A and 2B
involve folding chairs 20, those skilled in the art, with the
disclosures of this application, such as, for example FIGS. 7A and
7B, need not limit such a slot chair 20 to folding chairs. Such
other seating devices which may be used as slot chairs 20 may be,
for example, plastic chairs, lawn chairs, inflatable seats, sofas,
rocking chairs, swivel chairs, or any other device which must
satisfy one or more of the following standards or like standards:
ISO 7174, ISO 9241, ASTM F1858-98, and ASTM F1912-98 standards.
Rather, in a preferred embodiment, slot chair 20 is a folding chair
possessing an exemplary slot 12.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 3A, an illustrative embodiment of a
slot chair 20 provides exemplary dispositions of an exemplary slot
12 in chair backing 2. Slot 12 may have edges defining a vacancy in
and through backing 2 and such edges may be substantially straight
or rounded. According to another exemplary embodiment, where slot
12 comprises non-rectilinear edges (such as where slot 12 is oval,
circular, or possesses curvature with radii), the edge of such a
slot 12 may be defined as the radius of curvature of the bend that
is most distal from the center of the slot 12.
[0032] In one embodiment, the upper-most corner edge of an
exemplary slot 12, whether rounded or rigid in shape, may be
located a distance 13 approximately diagonal from the uppermost
surface of upper frame bar 1A. Where slot chair 20 may include
attachments to its upper frame bar 1A, such as, for example,
awnings, umbrellas, sun screens or blockers, or cushioning, the
uppermost surface of upper frame bar 1A may be the upper-most part
of the material comprising the structure of frame 1 with any
additional attachments removed. In a preferred embodiment, distance
13 may be from approximately 4 inches to approximately 8 inches. In
an alternative preferred embodiment, distance 13 may be a distance
that places the lower edge of slot 20 at a distance that is
approximately three-quarters of the total height of the slot chair
20. In one embodiment, the total height of the slot chair 20 is the
distance from the lowermost point on slot chair 20 to the uppermost
surface of the frame 1 or backing 2 of slot chair 20 without
attachments. According to this preferred embodiment, distance 13
and the total height of the slot chair 20 are measured from the
lowermost portion of the slot chair 20.
[0033] In another embodiment, an edge of an exemplary slot 12,
whether rounded or rigid in shape, may be spaced a distance 14 from
the outermost edge of frame 1. Where slot chair 20 includes
cushions or other attachments as previously described, distance 14
may be measured from the edge of frame 1 without any such
attachments to the edge of slot 12. In a preferred embodiment,
distance 14 may be from approximately 2 inches to approximately 4
inches. In an alternative preferred embodiment, distance 14 may be
from approximately 40% to approximately 60% the length of an
exemplary distance 13.
[0034] In another embodiment, an edge of an exemplary slot 12,
whether rounded or rigid in shape, may be spaced a distance 15 from
the outermost surface of backing 2. Where slot chair 20 includes
cushions or other attachments, distance 15 may be measured from the
surface of backing 2, without any such attachments, to the edge of
slot 12. In a preferred embodiment, distance 15 may be
approximately 2.15 inches to about 4.85 inches. Alternatively,
distance 15 may be from approximately 107% to approximately 120%
the length of an exemplary distance 14 where backing 2 runs
horizontally across frame 1. Alternatively, distance 15 may be from
approximately 80% to approximately 92% the length of an exemplary
distance 14 where backing 2 runs vertically across frame 1 and does
not reach the rightmost or leftmost edges of frame 1.
[0035] In yet another embodiment, slot 12 may be found within a
field 16 in backing 2 that surrounds the area of slot 12 and must
be maintained to withstand reception of an incoming object 50. An
exemplary field 16 defines a region about slot 12 which is found at
a location which is distal from all the outermost surfaces of slot
chair 20. Field 16 may be the area of backing 2 in which slot 12
may be formed. While field 16 is illustrated as rectilinear in
shape, field 16 may be any shape to accomplish the functions of a
slot chair 20. In a preferred embodiment, field 16 may be a portion
of backing 2 not in contact with frame 1. Alternatively, field 16
may be an area on slot chair 20 that satisfies one or more of the
dimensional requirements described herein. According to the
illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3A, field 16 may be a continuous
piece of material surrounding slot 12 that is held to frame 1 by
the same or different material in backing 2, and/or straps, pins,
string, or other binding mechanisms and materials known to those
skilled in the art.
[0036] For example, field 16 may be a rectangular portion that is
tied at its corners to frame 1, by, for example holes or hooks in
frame 1. Alternatively, field 16 may be a cushion portion of slot
chair 20 that protrudes from backing 2. Furthermore, field 16 may
be covering for a differently shaped portion of frame 1 as compared
to other portions of frame 1 of slot chair 20. In an alternative
embodiment, slot 12 may be covered by another piece of material
when not in use, such as, a portion of backing 2 or another
structure, that attaches on to or within field 16. For example,
slot 12 may be revealed by removing an object that is attached by
Velcro to the field 16 surrounding slot 12.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 3B, an illustrative slot chair 20 may
have an exemplary slot 12 whose lower-most edge, whether circular
or rigid, may be spaced a distance 17 from arm 5. For exemplary
arms 5 that may have attachments, may have uneven contours, may not
be perpendicular to frame 1, or may not be situated so that their
uppermost surface is parallel to seat 6, then an exemplary distance
17 may be measured from the uppermost point of arm 5 with any
attachments removed. In a preferred embodiment, distance 17 may be
the distance from arm 5 to the lower-most edge of slot 12 that
places the lower-most edge of slot 12 at a vertical distance that
is approximately three-quarters of the total height of the slot
chair 20, without attachments. In another preferred embodiment,
distance 17 may be from approximately 9 to approximately 13
inches.
[0038] In the illustrative embodiment of a slot chair 20 in FIG.
3B, the lower-most edge of an exemplary slot 12, whether circular
or rigid, may be spaced a distance 18 from the uppermost surface of
seat 6. Where the surfaces of seat 6 are uneven or have a plurality
of uppermost surfaces, the uppermost surface most distal from
backing 2 may act as the point of reference for distance 18. In a
preferred embodiment, distance 18 may be the distance from the
upper-most surface of seat 6 to the lower-most edge of slot 12 that
places the lower-most edge of slot 12 at a vertical distance that
is approximately three-quarters of the total height of the slot
chair 20, without attachments. In another preferred embodiment,
distance 18 may be approximately 16 to approximately 24 inches. In
an alternative embodiment, distance 17 may be from 58% to 72% the
length of distance 18.
[0039] In the illustrative embodiment of a slot chair 20 in FIG.
3B, the upper-most edge of an exemplary slot 12, whether circular
or rigid, may be spaced a distance 19 from the uppermost surface of
seat 6. Where the surfaces of seat 6 are uneven or have a plurality
of uppermost surfaces, the uppermost surface most distal from
backing 2 may act as the point of reference for distance 19. In a
preferred embodiment, distance 19 may be the distance from the
upper-most surface of seat 6 to the upper-most edge of slot 12 that
places the upper-most edge of slot 12 at a vertical distance that
is approximately three-quarters of the total height of the slot
chair 20, without attachments. In another preferred embodiment,
distance 19 may be from approximately 19 inches to approximately 22
inches. Alternatively, distance 19 may be from approximately 110%
to approximately 150% of the length of distance 18.
[0040] According to the illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 3A and
3B, an exemplary slot 12 may be formed in backing 2 of slot chair
20 so that its lowest and/or upper surfaces are substantially
parallel to the surface of seat 6. As illustrated according to the
exemplary embodiments of FIG. 3B, an exemplary slot 12 may not be
angled when slot chair 20 is in a fully open and resting condition
so that its cross section would be constant along the line of sight
from the front of slot chair 20 to the back of slot chair 20. In
contrast, an exemplary slot 12 according to the illustrative
embodiments of FIG. 3C may have a non-constant cross section along
the line of sight from the front of slot chair 20 to the back of
slot chair 20 while slot chair 20 is in the fully open and resting
condition.
[0041] As illustrated in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3C, a
frame 1 may be joined to a combination of seat 6 and one or more
legs (such as leg 8) via a common joint 3A. A separate common joint
3B may be provided for connecting one or more legs (such as leg 9)
to seat 6. An exemplary slot chair 20 may also have one or more
rotatable couplings 5B and 5C disposed in or under arm 5 for
coupling one or more legs (such as leg 8 and leg 9). Accordingly,
an exemplary slot chair 20 may have various degrees of coupling
between its constituent parts to be folded, configured, or arranged
for use. Other multi-component coupling between parts of slot chair
20 would be understood by those skilled in the art and applicable
to other forms of slot chair 20 besides those of the illustrative
embodiments of FIGS. 3A-3C.
[0042] According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG.
3C, the surface of an exemplary slot 12 may be tilted at an angle
24 when slot chair 20 is in a fully open and resting condition. An
exemplary angle 24 may be between the lowermost surface of slot 12
and a plane that is parallel to the line of sight from the front of
slot chair 20 to the back of slot chair 20. In a preferred
embodiment, angle 24 may be any angle that provides a line of sight
to a viewer arranged at the same height as slot 12 and viewing slot
12 from the front of the chair 20.
[0043] In another exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3C, slot
12 may be disposed in backing 2 of slot chair 12 at a distance 21
from the lowest surface of leg 8 or leg 9 to the first edge of slot
12, regardless of whether it is rigid or circular. The first edge
of slot 12 may be the edge of the slot 12 nearest to the bottom of
slot chair 20. In a preferred embodiment, distance 21 may be the
distance from the lower-most surface of leg 8 or 9 to the first
edge of slot 12 that places the lower-most edge of slot 12 at a
vertical distance that is approximately three-quarters of the total
height of the slot chair 20, without attachments. In another
preferred embodiment, distance 21 may be from approximately 20
inches to approximately 34 inches. In an alternative preferred
embodiment, distance 21 may be from approximately 120% to
approximately 180% the length of a distance 25.
[0044] In another exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3C, slot
12 may be disposed in backing 2 of slot chair 12 at a distance 22
from the uppermost surface of arm 5 to the first edge of slot 12,
regardless of whether it is rigid or circular. The first edge of
slot 12 may be the first point at which the cross section of an
exemplary slot 12 exists as one progresses from the bottom of the
slot chair 20 to the top of the slot chair 20. In a preferred
embodiment, distance 22 may be the distance from the upper-most
surfaces of arm 5 to the first edge of slot 12 that places the
upper most edge of slot 12 at a vertical distance that is
approximately three-quarters of the total height of the slot chair
20, without attachments. In another preferred embodiment, distance
22 may be from approximately 8 inches to approximately 14 inches.
In an alternative preferred embodiment, distance 22 may be from
approximately 62% to approximately 80% the length of distance
25.
[0045] In another exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3C, slot
12 may be disposed in backing 2 of slot chair 20 at a distance 23
from the lower-most surface bounded by upper backspace 11A to the
last edge of slot 12, regardless of whether it is rigid or
circular. The last edge of slot 12 may be the last point at which
the cross section of an exemplary slot 12 exists as one progresses
from the bottom of the slot chair 20 to the top of the slot chair
20. In a preferred embodiment, distance 23 may be the distance from
the lower-most surface bounded by upper backspace 11A to the
surface of slot 12 that is furthest from the bottom of slot chair
20. In another preferred embodiment, distance 23 may be the
distance which places the lowermost surface of slot 12 at a
vertical distance that is approximately three-quarters of the total
height of the slot chair 20, without attachments. In yet another
preferred embodiment, distance 23 may be from approximately 8
inches to approximately 14 inches. In still another preferred
embodiment, distance 23 may be from approximately 160% to
approximately 190% the length of distance 13.
[0046] In the illustrative embodiment of a slot chair 20 in FIG.
3C, the first edge of an exemplary slot 12, whether circular or
rigid, may be spaced a distance 25 from the uppermost surface of
seat 6. Where the surfaces of seat 6 are uneven or have a plurality
of uppermost surfaces, the uppermost surface most distal from
backing 2 may act as the point of reference for distance 25. In a
preferred embodiment, distance 25 may be the distance from the
upper- most surface of seat 6 to the upper-most edge of slot 12
that places the lowermost edge of slot 12 on the seating side of
chair 20 at a vertical distance that is approximately
three-quarters of the total height of the slot chair 20, without
attachments. In another preferred embodiment, distance 25 may be
from approximately 13 inches to approximately 18 inches. In an
alternative preferred embodiment, distance 25 may be from
approximately 120% to approximately 138% the length of distance
22.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions and dimensional
references disclosed are especially suitable for using an exemplary
slot chair for entertainment in which an object is thrown from a
distance to be received in the slot, such as a disc or a Frisbee.
The dimensions and dimensional references enable visibility of the
slot to users of the chair during game play. In a preferred
embodiment of a game played using an exemplary slot chair, a user
may stand approximately 30 feet from the slot chair and throw
objects, such as discs and Frisbees, towards the slot. Additional
throws are made and a count is kept of how many times an object is
received through the slot during game play. According to this
preferred embodiment of an exemplary game for which the dimensioned
slot chair is suitable, the dimensions and dimensional references
of the slot chair and its slot enable users to see the slot and
project objects toward the slot for reception in the same.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 4A, an exemplary slot chair 30 may
comprise a backing 2 with a slot 12 therein, an upper frame portion
1A, an upper backspace 11A, a joint 3, one or more arms 5 having an
arm joint 5A for rotatably coupling rear legs 8 and front legs 9,
and a seat 6 which connects via a linkage 4 to backing 2.
Additionally, an exemplary slot chair 30 may also have a pouch 26
operatively connected to the rear of slot chair 30 via one or more
fastener elements 28, which may be, for example, clips, Velcro,
string, wire, stitching, hook-and-loop structures, glue, screws,
nuts, bolts, welding, molding, or other such mechanical coupling
techniques, mechanisms, and elements known to those skilled in the
art. Alternatively, an exemplary slot chair 30 may connected its
pouch 26 to the rear of slot chair 30 via an extension 27 of pouch
26, from any of the various techniques, mechanisms, and elements
which may be used as a fastener element 28.
[0049] According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4A, pouch 26
is configured to substantially cover the cross-section of slot 12.
An exemplary pouch 26 may be a bag, netting, or any other material
sized and shaped to receive objects 50 received through slot 12. In
another embodiment, as shown in the sectioned side-view of a slot
chair 30 in FIG. 4B, an illustrative pouch 26 may be held up in
such a way so as to allow an object 50 received through slot 12 to
slide into the pouch 26. According to the illustrative embodiment
of sectioned side-view of slot chair 30 according to FIG. 4B, an
exemplary pouch 26 is coupled to backing 2 via fastener element 28
and/or extensions 27 as previously described in discussing FIG. 4A.
Additionally, a line 27A may be bound, tied, attached, or in any
other manner mechanically or chemically coupled to a portion 27B of
pouch 26 so that when the upper end 27C of line 27A is fastened to
a receiver portion 1C of frame 1, such as a hoop, hook, or other
equivalent anchoring mechanism, pouch 26 may be held level with the
surfaces of slot 12. Line 27A may alternatively be tied through
upper backspace 11A or in any other manner to achieve the desired
result of a level pouch 26. Thus, according to this exemplary
embodiment, pouch 26 may permit limited resistance to entry of
receiving objects 50 that are received within slot 12.
[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates the rear of an exemplary slot chair 30.
As illustrated, pouch 26 is attached to backing 2 via one or more
extensions 27 as previously described. Pouch 26 substantially
covers the cross section of slot 12. Below the backs of arms 5 and
pouch 26 is a storage flap 2A which may be made out of fabric,
plastic, or other material that is mechanically attached to slot
chair 30 via stitching, glues, welds, or other mechanical fasteners
(e.g., snaps, buttons, latches, hooks, or zippers). Alternatively,
storage flap 2A may be integral with slot chair 30 so that it forms
an opening into which objects may be stored.
[0051] For example, an exemplary storage flap 2A may be a piece of
fabric with a cover that uses Velcro, buttons, zippers, or other
fastening means known to those skilled in the art to keep its
contents enclosed. Alternatively, storage flap 2A may be a
removable opening in backing 2, which may be accessed by unzipping
a portion of flap 2A, unlocking 2A, or unwinding flap 2A.
Alternatively, storage flap 2A may be a separate bag or enclosure
that may be stitched, snapped or buttoned, or connected to any part
of slot chair 30, including backing 2, frame 1, arm 5, or the
underside of seat 6. In a preferred embodiment, storage flap 2A may
be an envelope stitched to backing 2 in which one or more objects
50 may be stored.
[0052] Also illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 are
scoring dials 29 which may be used to depict numerical values.
Scoring dials 29 may be coupled to slot chair 30 by way of
adhesives, screws, lamination, stitches, snapping in place, or any
other mechanical manner known to those skilled in the art. For
example, dial 29 may be applied to the upper frame bar 1A via an
adhesive. Alternatively, dial 29 may be attached to frame bar 1A by
being screwed into its surface. Further, dial 29 may be integral
with upper frame bar 1A so that the two constructs share common
materials. In like fashion, a dial 29 may also be disposed
elsewhere on slot chair 30, such as, for example on the portion of
backing 2 most proximal to lower frame bar 1B. In an exemplary
embodiment, dial 29 disposed on backing 2 may be stitched to
backing 2 fabric. Alternatively or additionally, dial 29 may be
integral with backing 2 depending on the needs of the device. While
the locations above have been used to describe the placement of
dial 29, alternative locations may be deemed suitable such as arms
5 or other parts of backing 2, frame 1, pouch 26, or seat 6.
[0053] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary types of scoring dials
29. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6A, scoring dial 29 may
comprise a slit or track 32 through which a pointer 33 slides to
indicate a particular number or symbol on marker strip 34. Each of
track 32, pointer 33, and marker strip 34 may be made from a
variety of materials, such as plastics, fabrics, metals, or other
materials conducive for use as a mechanism to show a number or an
accounting of objects. For example, while slit 32 and pointer 33
may be made of plastic, marker strip 34 may be made of a fabric or
a paper or cardboard. Accordingly, marker strip 34 or track 32 may
be the locations of coupling between dial 29 and the remainder of
slot chair 30. According to an exemplary embodiment where dial 29
is integral with slot chair 30, marker strip 34 and/or track 32 may
be made of the same or similar materials to that used in the
portion of slot chair 30 in which dial 29 may be found. In addition
to marker strip 34 of dial 29, an additional representation
mechanism 31 may be used to further provide additional meaning to
the symbols or numbers on marker strip 34.
[0054] According to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6A,
representation mechanism 31 may be a rotational dial having a
rotating display 35 which may be turned to show different
representations. In an exemplary embodiment, to show a score of 25,
the rotating display 35 may be rotated from "0+" to "10+" and then
to "20+" while also moving pointer 33 through track 32 to the
number "5" on marker strip 34. According to this exemplary
embodiment, by varying the shape and distribution or
representations on mechanism 31, one may be able to effect numerous
scoring possibilities for users of scoring dial 29. Alternatively,
an exemplary track 34 may be numbered to account for all possible
scores in which case representation mechanism 31 may not be
required.
[0055] Referring to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6B, an
alternative to the scoring dial 29 of FIG. 6B is shown. According
to the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 6B, a series of
hoops 37 coupled to a marker board 36 may be sized to receive
toggles 38 within the vacancies of the hoops. Toggles 38 may be
tethered to dial 29 via tether 39. Unlike dial 29 illustrated in
FIG. 6A, dial 29 of FIG. 6B may be completely integrated with a
surface of slot chair 30, such as, for example, a fabric backing 2.
According to this exemplary embodiment, marker board 36 may be a
sewed pattern on backing 2 while hoops 37 may be fabric material
likewise sewed or cut from backing 2. Tether 39 may be made of the
same or similar material as backing 2 and toggle 38 may be sewed
together as a cylindrical construct to be held within hoops 37.
While the aforementioned exemplary embodiment describes a fabric
dial 29 according to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6B, those
skilled in the art would readily appreciate that dial 29 may be
manufactured from any type of material depending on needs. For
example, a dial 29 according to the illustrative embodiment of FIG.
6B may be water proof or not collect debris.
[0056] While dial 29 has been described with respect to the
exemplary embodiments related to FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B, dial 29 may
take the form of digital scoring mechanisms such as digital score
keepers, touch screens, or adaptors for receiving iPhones which
utilize a slot chair scoring application. Such digital scoring
means may be disposed behind slot chair 30 to avoid contact from
incoming objects 50 which are sent towards slot 12. Accordingly, a
digital scoring means may be fastened securely to the most rigid
portions of slot chair 30, such as the frame or arms. A power
source may be provided elsewhere on or in slot chair 30, such as,
for example, battery pack in storage flap 2A. Such power sources
may have their electrical leads run through backing 2 or internal
portions of frame 1, seat 6, legs 8 or 9, arm 5 or other portions
of slot chair 30 to permit charging of digital scoring means
utilized in conjunction with the slot chair 10. Such power sources
may remain substantially out of sight of users and may be used in
conjunction with the exemplary embodiments of scoring mechanisms 29
shown and described with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, an illustrative non-folding
chair type slot chair 40 may be inflatable to sit atop a liquid
surface. According to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 7A, slot
chair 40 may have a backing 43, a slot 44, a storage space 46
integrally molded into the slot chair 40 and a base portion 42.
According to the embodiment where slot chair 40 is an inflated
seat, slot chair 40 may be a completely uniform plastic structure
that when filled with a fluid, such as air, slot 44 is pre-formed
so that its lower-most edge, whether it is rigid or round, may be
located at a distance 45 from the uppermost surface of base portion
42. Similarly, storage portion 46 may also be formed once slot
chair 40 is inflated so as to receive one or more objects 50. In
similar fashion to the slot chair 30 embodiments described, a slot
chair 40 may also comprise a pouch 26 and coupling portions 27 and
28 for receiving an object passing through slot 44 therein. In the
exemplary embodiment where slot chair 40 is inflatable, pouch 26
may be a netting or plastic that may be snapped to the rear of slot
chair 40 and may, but need not be, water resistant.
[0058] FIG. 7B illustrates the front face of an exemplary
non-folding chair type slot chair 40. Any of the prior orientations
of slot 12 as described with respect to embodiments illustrated by
FIGS. 2A-B, 3A-C, 4A-B, and 5 may be equally applicable to slot 44
with respect to slot chair 40. In the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 7B, slot 44 is angled so that its upper surface is visible
along the line of sight from the front of slot chair 40 to the back
of slot chair 40 (not shown).
[0059] As described, other types of seating devices may also comply
with the various distance and slot 12 orientation disclosures while
not being folding chairs or inflatable chairs.
[0060] It will be understood that the embodiments described herein
are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make
many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications
are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as
defined in the appended claims. Changes may be made, within the
purview of the appended claims without departing from the scope and
spirit of the system and method in their broader aspects. These
disclosures should be understood to involve interrelationships
between the various structures, materials, and embodiments, and it
is understood that such interrelationships are not limited to the
particulars disclosed.
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