U.S. patent application number 14/707360 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-12 for article with selectively deployable member.
The applicant listed for this patent is Under Armour, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jason Berns.
Application Number | 20150320219 14/707360 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54366707 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150320219 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berns; Jason |
November 12, 2015 |
Article with Selectively Deployable Member
Abstract
The present invention is directed toward an article including an
assembly with a selectively repositionable shield or seat. The
assembly includes at least one guide rail along which the seat or
shield moves. With this configuration, the seat is deployable along
a predetermined path. Additionally, lateral movement of the seat is
restricted, lessening noise and interference with the user. In an
embodiment, the article is an accessory such as a back pack. In
another embodiment, the article is an apparel item such as a
hunting vest (e.g., a turkey vest).
Inventors: |
Berns; Jason; (Crofton,
MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Under Armour, Inc. |
Baltimore |
MD |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54366707 |
Appl. No.: |
14/707360 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61990241 |
May 8, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/4 ;
297/180.1; 297/311 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2004/006 20130101;
A45F 2003/003 20130101; A45F 3/14 20130101; A45F 4/02 20130101;
A45F 2004/026 20130101; A45F 4/00 20130101; A45F 2003/144 20130101;
A47C 4/00 20130101; A47C 1/146 20130101; A47C 4/52 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47C 4/52 20060101
A47C004/52; A47C 1/14 20060101 A47C001/14; A45F 4/02 20060101
A45F004/02; A47C 4/00 20060101 A47C004/00 |
Claims
1. An article adapted to be positioned on a back of a user, the
article comprising: a harness to support the article on the user;
and a seat assembly including: a support member coupled to the
harness, the support member including a guide element, and a seat
member including a coupling element movably coupled to the guide
element on the support member, wherein the guide element and the
coupling element cooperate to direct movement of the seat member
along a defined, repeatable path between a first seat position and
a second seat position.
2. The article of claim 1, wherein: the support member defines a
longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension; and the guide
element comprises an elongated rail extending along the
longitudinal dimension of the support member.
3. The article of claim 2, wherein: the guide element is a first
guide element; the support member further comprises a second guide
element, the second guide element comprising an elongated rail
extending along the longitudinal dimension of the support member;
the coupling element is a first coupling element movably coupled to
the first guide element; the seat member further comprises a second
coupling element movably coupled to the second guide element.
4. The article of claim 3, wherein the first and second coupling
elements comprise a resilient clip slidingly engaged with the first
and second rails of the support member, respectively.
5. The article of claim 4, wherein the first and second coupling
elements are tethered to the seat member.
6. The article of claim 1, wherein: the support member defines an
inner, user-facing side and an outer-facing side; and the article
further includes a storage chamber disposed on the outer side of
the support surface.
7. The article of claim 1, wherein: the seat member comprises a
first spacer element and a second spacer element, the spacer
elements being separated by a channel; and the spacer elements and
channel cooperate operable to permit airflow between the user and
the seat member.
8. The article of claim 1, wherein: the seat member comprises: a
plurality of spacer elements protruding from a user-facing side of
the seat member, a plurality of plurality of air flow channels; the
spacer elements and channels are configured to direct airflow
towards a perimeter of the seat member.
9. The article of claim 1, wherein: the support member includes a
first capture member laterally spaced from a second capture member
such that the capture members are generally aligned; the seat
member includes; a first tether member extending longitudinally
along the seat member, and a second tether member extending
longitudinally along the seat member; the first tether member is
movably coupled to the first capture member; and the second tether
member is movably coupled to the second capture member.
10. The article of claim 1, wherein: the support member comprises a
venting panel operable to permit the flow of air therethrough; and
the seat member is movable from a first non-venting position, in
which the seat member is aligned with the venting panel, to a
second, venting position, in which the seat member is misaligned
with the venting panel.
11. The article of claim 10, wherein: the venting panel is covered
by the seat member when the seat member is disposed on the
non-venting position; and the venting panel is exposed when the
seat member is disposed in the venting position.
12. The article of claim 1, wherein: the seat assembly further
comprises a retraction cord coupled to the seat member; and
manipulation of the retraction cord moves the seat member between
the first position and the second position.
13. An article including a selectively deployable seat assembly,
the seat assembly comprising: a support member including at least
one elongated guide element; and a seat member slidingly coupled to
the at least one guide element such that the seat member slides
along a defined, repeatable path from a first seat position to a
second seat position, wherein the seat member is disposed over and
substantially aligned with the support member in the first seat
position and is substantially misaligned with the support member in
the second seat position.
14. The article of claim 13, wherein the support member further
includes a central panel constructed from a venting fabric.
15. The article of claim 14, wherein: the seat member further
includes a third seat position, the third seat position being an
intermediate position relative to the first seat position and the
second seat position; in the first seat position, the central panel
of the support member is covered by the seat member; and in the
third seat position, the seat member is displaced to expose the
central panel of the support member.
16. The article of claim 13, wherein: the support member includes a
magnet; the seat member includes a magnet operable to mate with the
support member magnet; and mating of the support member magnet to
the seat member magnet retains the seat member in position relative
to the support member.
17. The article of claim 16, wherein the support member magnet and
the seat member magnet are configured to secure the seat member in
the first seat position.
18. The article of claim 13, wherein: the seat member comprises: a
plurality of channels disposed in a user-facing side of the seat
member, wherein the seat member is configured to fold along the
channels when the seat member is the second seat position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and is based on U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/990,241, filed May 8, 2014,
entitled "Article with Selectively Deployable Member," the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a reconfigurable accessory
article and, in particular, to a sport accessory including a
selectively deployable seat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Hunting gear such as a hunting vest (e.g., a turkey vest)
may include a seat for use by the wearer. Conventional accessories,
however, suffer from several disadvantages. For example,
conventional vests include a seat tethered by straps from the rear
of the vest. The seat is suspended, moving as the user moves. This
seat movement generates noise that can be heard by game in the
area. Other vests includes straps with buckles retain the seat in a
stowed position on the rear or back side of the vest. When use of
the seat is desired, one or more of the straps may be unhooked or
unbuckled. Along with being cumbersome, this configuration also
results in noise generation, which is caused when the user
manipulates the buckles.
[0004] Thus, it would be desirable to provide a hunting accessory
that does not suffer from the above disadvantages.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed toward an article adapted
to be worn by a user that includes an assembly with a selectively
repositionable shield or seat. The seat assembly includes a guide
rail on which the seat or shield moves. With this configuration,
the seat is deployable along a predetermined path. Additionally,
lateral movement of the seat is restricted, lessening noise and
interference with the user. In an embodiment, the article is an
accessory such as a back pack. In another embodiment, the article
is an apparel item such as a hunting vest (e.g., a turkey
vest).
[0006] Furthermore, the present invention may be a vest or a
backpack that includes a selectively deployable seat assembly. The
seat assembly of the present invention may include a support member
and a seat member. The support member may include an elongated
guide element, while the seat member may be movably coupled to the
elongated guide element of the support member. The seat member may
be moveable along the elongated guide element in a defined and
repeatable path between a first position and a second position.
[0007] In another embodiment, the present invention may be a vest
or a backpack that includes a selectively deployable seat assembly.
The seat assembly includes a support member and a seat member. The
support member may include at least one elongated guide element,
while the seat member may be slidingly coupled to the at least one
guide element. The seat member may be slidable along the elongated
guide element in a defined and repeatable path between a first
position and a second position. When the seat member is disposed in
the first position, the seat member may be substantially aligned
with the support member. When the seat member is disposed in the
second position, the seat member may be substantially misaligned
with the support member.
[0008] The present invention may be a vest or a backpack that
includes at least one strap, a structure that is coupled to the
strap and a seat assembly disposed on the structure. The strap may
be configured to cover a shoulder of the user. Moreover, the
structure has a front side and a rear side. The seat assembly is
disposed on the front side of the structure, where the seat
assembly further includes a support member and a seat member. The
support member may be equipped with at least one guide element. The
seat member may be slidingly coupled to the at least one guide
element so that the seat member is slidable between a first
position and a second position. When the seat member is positioned
in the second position, the seat member extends below the support
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIGS. 1A and 1B each illustrates a front view in elevation
of the article in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0010] FIGS. 1C and 1D each illustrates a rear view in elevation of
the article shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively.
[0011] FIG. 2A illustrates a rear view of a compartment, showing
the straps in a secured configuration.
[0012] FIG. 2B illustrates the rear view of the compartment shown
in FIG. 2A, showing the straps in an opened configuration.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view in elevation of the article
shown in FIG. 1A.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the support member of the
article, shown in isolation.
[0015] FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of the seat member of the
article, shown in isolation.
[0016] FIG. 5B illustrates a rear view of the seat member of FIG.
5A.
[0017] FIG. 5C illustrates a first partial side view of the seat,
showing the connection of the seat to the support.
[0018] FIG. 5D illustrates a second partial side view of the seat,
showing the connection of the seat to the support.
[0019] FIGS. 5E and 5F illustrate close up views of the guide
system, showing a connector element connected to a guide
element.
[0020] FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of the article with the
outer shell moved for clarity, showing the seat oriented in its
stowed position.
[0021] FIG. 6B illustrates a front view of the article shown in
FIG. 6A, showing the seat oriented in a partially extended
position.
[0022] FIG. 6C illustrates a front view of the article shown in
FIG. 6A, showing the seat oriented in a fully extended
position.
[0023] FIG. 6D illustrates a side view of the article shown in FIG.
6A, showing the seat oriented in a seating position.
[0024] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D show the operation of the
article.
[0025] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an accessory in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The article may be an article of apparel, such as a vest, or
an accessory article, such as a backpack. In either embodiment, the
article is adapted to by worn by the user, e.g., by being supported
on the user's back and/or shoulders. Turning to the embodiment of
FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D the article is a vest 10 (e.g., a turkey
vest) including an outer shell 100 having a first or front portion
105 and a second or rear portion 110. The front portion 105
includes a support harness or neck yoke 115, a first panel 120A,
and a second panel 120B. The yoke 115 and panels 120A, 120B
cooperate to cover the shoulders and front torso of the wearer.
[0027] As shown, the exterior surface 125 of the panels 120A, 120B
includes a modular connection system for accessories. In the
illustrated embodiment, the system 130 includes a plurality of
spaced, generally horizontal rows 135A, 135B, 135C. Each row 135A,
135B, 135C includes a plurality of fabric loops 140A, 140B, 140C
configured to receive a fastener disposed on an accessory. By way
of example, each row may be an elongated fabric (e.g., canvas)
member secured at selected longitudinal locations by stitching 145
to define separate loops 140A, 140B, 140C having tethered ends and
a floating center portion. The loops 140A, 140B, 140C may possess a
uniform size (i.e., the loops may be of similar width), as shown.
Alternatively, the loops 140A-140C may possess varying dimensions.
The loops 140A-140C are generally configured such that the loops
are vertically aligned among the rows 135A-135C. The number of rows
and loops included on the panels 120A, 12B may be greater or less
than the number of rows and loops illustrated in FIG. 1A.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1B, the hunting vest further includes an
assortment 150 of accessory storage compartments or cases that may
be secured to the front panels 120A, 120B at selected locations via
the connection system 130. Each compartment is configured to house
various components carried by the user. For example, the assortment
of accessory storage compartments may include box call compartment
155A, a slate call compartment 155B, shot shell compartment 155C,
and/or a mobile phone/water resistant compartment 155D. The
compartments 155A-155D may be accessed via a zipper located along
the outward facing portion of the compartment.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, illustrated is a rear view of
a compartment in different configurations. Each compartment
155A-155D includes one or more strap member pairs 210 disposed on
the interior, vest-facing surface 156A-156D of the compartment
155A-155D. Each strap member pair 210 includes an upper strap
member 215A generally vertically aligned with a lower strap member
215B. The upper strap member 215A may be configured to secure to
the lower strap member 215B. For example, the upper strap member
215 includes the hooks of a hook and loop fastener system, while
the lower strap member 215B includes the loops, or vice versa. The
width of the strap members 215A, 215B generally corresponds to the
width of the loop 140A-140C. In operation, the upper strap member
215A is inserted into the loop 140A of a first row 135A, while the
lower strap member 215B is inserted into the loop 140A of a second
row 135C. If a second strap member pair 210 is present, it may be
similarly secured, with the upper strap member 215B being secured
to a loop 140B of the first row 135A and the lower strap member
215B of the second pair 210 being secured to a loop 140B the second
row 135C.
[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, each compartment 155A-155D
possesses different dimensions (size/shape) from other compartments
in the assortment. It should be understood, however, that the
assortment 150 may include two or more compartments of similar
dimensions.
[0031] With this configuration, a customizable compartment system
is provided, wherein a user may place the compartments 155A-155D
along the front, outward facing surface 125 of the vest 10 at
selected locations. The locations of the compartments 155A-155D,
moreover, are interchangeable with the user altering the
location--or adding or removing compartments 155A-155D--as the
needs of the user change.
[0032] Referring back to FIGS. 1C and 1D, the rear portion 110 of
the outer shell 100 generally covers to the back of the torso of
the wearer. The rear shell portion 110 may include one or more
pockets 160 operable to house items carried by the user.
Additionally, the rear shell portion 110 may possess a generally
arcuate shape, protruding outward at its center from an interior
support panel thereby defining a game pocket (discussed in greater
detail below).
[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, the outer shell 100 houses a rearward
structural member 305 (oriented closer to the rear shell portion
110) and a seating assembly 310 disposed forward of the structural
member 305 (oriented closer to the front shell portion 105). The
structural member 305 is configured to provide structure to the
vest 10. By way of example, the structural member 305 may include a
resilient member such as a wire frame. A cover (e.g. a fabric
cover) may be disposed over the structural member 305. The cover,
moreover, may include additional features such as pockets, etc. The
structural member 305 "floats" within the vest 10, being secured
along upper and lower edges. Accordingly, the structural member 305
cooperates with the rear shell portion 110 and the structural
member 305 to define a chamber 308, enabling a user to store items
(e.g., game) therein.
[0034] The seating assembly 310 includes a support member and a
seat member or shield movably coupled to the support. Referring to
FIG. 4, the support 405 includes a body 407 (e.g., an elongated
body) suspended with the article such that it floats, being secured
at its upper and lower ends. As noted above, the body 407 is spaced
from the structural member 305 to define a chamber 308
therebetween, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0035] Continuing with FIG. 4, the support 405 further includes a
guide system that directs the movement of the seat member 505 along
a predefined pathway. Specifically, the support 405 includes a
first guide element 410A and a second guide element 410B laterally
spaced (in the transverse dimension) from the first guide element
by width w. The guide elements 410A, 410B are configured to mate
with a coupling element disposed on the seat member 505 such that
the seat member 505 (FIG. 5) moves along the guide elements 410A,
410B, moving longitudinally along the support 405 (discussed in
greater detail below). In an embodiment, the guide elements 410A,
410B are each an elongated rail running longitudinally along the
support 405. The guide elements 410A, 410B may be formed of any
material possessing sufficient rigidity to guide the seat member
505, as well as a sufficient coefficient of friction sufficient to
permit the seat member 505 coupling element to glide therealong. In
an embodiment, each guide member 410A, 410B may include an
elongated tube having a generally circular cross dimension. By way
of specific example, the tube of the guide members 410A, 410B is a
foam piping having a diameter of approximately 2-5 mm (e.g., 3.175
mm). The guide elements 410A, 410B may be secured to the support
405 via any suitable method (sewing, adhesive, etc.). In an
embodiment, the guide elements 410A, 410B include a foam core and a
fabric sheath mounted to the support 405.
[0036] The support 405 may further include one or more capture
members operable to maintain the position of the seat in proximity
of the support. In an embodiment, the capture member is a slot,
band, or loop of fabric configured to capture a corresponding
tethering member disposed on the seat. The support 405 includes a
first capture member 415A disposed along the lower portion of the
support 405 and oriented outboard of the first guide element 410A
(e.g., to the left of the guide element 410A proximate the lower
edge of the support 405 (from the viewpoint of FIG. 4)) and a
second capture member 415B disposed along the lower portion of the
support 405 and oriented outboard of the second guide element 410B
(e.g., to the right of the guide element 410B proximate the lower
edge of the support 405).
[0037] The support 405 may be formed of any material suitable for
its described purpose. In the illustrated embodiment, the support
405 includes a central panel 420 disposed between the guide
elements 410A, 410B, a first (left) lateral panel 425A disposed
left of the first guide member 410A, and a second (right) lateral
panel 425B disposed right to the second guide element 410B. The
central panel 420 may be a venting fabric, thereby defining a
venting panel. By way of example, the fabric may be a knitted or
woven mesh. The lateral panels 425A, 425B may be non-venting. By
way of example, the non-venting material may be a woven or knitted
fabric. With this configuration, repositioning the seat member 505
selectively exposes the central venting panel 420 to the user to
increase airflow proximate the user wearing the vest 10. That is, a
user may adjust the venting qualities of the vest 10 by selectively
raising and lowering the seat member 505 to open and close the
central vent panel 420.
[0038] The support 405 may further include a magnet 440 operable to
align with a corresponding magnet 570 on the seat member 505. As
discussed in greater detail below, with this configuration, the
magnets 440, 570 are capable of coupling the seat member 505 in
position relative to the support 405.
[0039] The seat member is configured to provide support to a user
seated thereon. Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the seat member 505
includes a seat inner (user-facing) side 510A and a seat outer side
510B. The seat inner side 510A faces and/or contacts the user.
Accordingly, the seat inner side 510A of the seat member 505 may
include padding or other cushioning to aid in the comfort of the
wearer. The seat inner side 510A may include a system to control
airflow proximate the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat
inner side 510A includes a plurality of spacer elements 515A, 515B,
515C, 515D, 515E, 515F, 515G, 515H. The spacer elements are
separated from each other by a recess or channel 520, 525A-525C. In
the embodiment illustrated the seat inner side 510A includes a
generally longitudinal channel 520 extending the length of the seat
member 505, as well as a plurality of generally transverse channels
525A, 525B, 525C extending across the width of the seat member 505.
The spacer elements 515A-515H are raised relative to the channels
520, 525A-525C, creating a gap between the user and the channels
520, 525A-525C. In other words, the channels 520, 525A, 525B, 525C
define a plurality of recesses with the seat inner side 510A.
[0040] With this configuration, air movement along the interface
with the user is provided. Specifically, one or more of the
channels 520, 525A-525C capture warm air, directing it along the
seat inner side 510A an exhausting the air out through the
perimeter of the seat member 505 (along an outboard edge of the
seat member 505). Alternatively, or in addition to, cooler ambient
air may enter one or more of the channels 520, 525A-525C, flowing
along the interface with the user. Accordingly, the spacer/channel
configuration enhances airflow proximate the user and/or creates a
heat dissipating or cooling effect. Additionally, because the
channels 520, 525A-525C are thinner than the raised spacer elements
515A-515H, the channels 520, 525A-525C enable the seat member 505
to at least partially fold along the channels 520, 525A-525C for
deployment.
[0041] The seat outer side 510B includes an upper portion 530 and a
lower portion 535. The upper portion 530 of the seat outer side
510B may be formed of the same fabric as that covering the seat
inner side 510A. The lower portion 535 may be formed of friction
enhancing material. By way of example, the lower portion 535 may be
textured fabric, a friction-enhancing coating (rubber, etc.), or a
printed traction layer (e.g., a printed silicone matrix). The
friction enhancing surface increases the frictional forces between
the lower portion 535 of the seat member 505 and the surface on
which the seat member 505 is placed. Thus, it minimizes sliding of
the seat member 505 on a support surface while deployed (set on a
support surface and sat upon by a user).
[0042] As discussed above, the seat outer side 510B may further
include one or more tethering members adapted to slidingly couple
to the capture members 415A, 415B disposed on the support 405. Each
tethering member may be in the form of an elongated, pliant strap
secured at a top end 545A and a bottom end 545B to upper 530 and
lower 535 areas of the seat outer side 510B, respectively. As
shown, a first tethering member 540A is laterally spaced from a
second tethering member, with each tethering member extending along
the length of the seat 505 and configured to align with its
associated capture member 415A, 415B. In the illustrated embodiment
of FIG. 5C, the first tethering member 540A of the seat member 505
is received by the first capture member 415A of the support 405.
Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5D, the second
tethering member 540B of the seat member 505 is received by the
second capture member 415B of the support 405. Each tethering
member 540A, 540B moves along and through its associated capture
member 415A, 415B until an end 545A, 545B is reached.
[0043] The seat member 505 further includes a coupling assembly
operable to slidingly couple to a guide element. Specifically,
referring to FIGS. 5B, 5E, and 5F, the seat outer side 510B
includes a first coupling assembly 550A and a second coupling
assembly 550B. Each coupling assembly 550A, 550B includes an anchor
portion 555 and connector or clip portion 560 disposed along the
distal end of the anchor portion. The connector portion 560
slidingly couples to the guide element 410A, 410B on the support
405. As shown in FIGS. 5E and 5F, the connector portion 560 may be
a generally C-shaped or semicircular clip mounted on the guide
element 410A, 410B such that it glides or slides along the guide
element 410A, 410B. The clip 560 is sufficiently resilient to hold
the seat member 505 in a desired position along the guide elements
410A, 410B, but permit movement of the seat member 505 when
sufficient force is applied thereto. As noted above, the seat
member 505 further includes a magnet 570 configured to mate with
magnet 440 disposed on support 405. Specifically, the seat magnet
570 is positioned such that, when the seat member 505 is oriented
in its stowed/retracted position, the seat magnet 570 is in
registry with the support magnet 440. Additionally, the seat member
505 may include one or more handles 575 to enable a user to
manipulate the seat member 505 (e.g., urge the seat member 505
downward or upward along the guide elements 410A, 410B).
[0044] The operation of the seating assembly is explained with
reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D. In FIG. 6A, the seat member
505 begins in its first, stowed/retracted position. In this
position, the seat member 505 is disposed over the support 405 such
that it is generally aligned (in registry) therewith. That is, the
seat member 505 is oriented proximate the back of the user, with
the channels 520, 525A-525C providing venting as described above.
In this position, the magnets 440, 570 are generally aligned and
coupled to each other, securing the seat member.
[0045] A user may manipulate the seat member 505 (e.g., by grasping
a handle 575 illustrated in FIG. 5B) to decouple the magnets 440,
570 and drive the seat member 505 along the guide elements 410A,
410B from the first, stowed position to a second, venting position,
as illustrated in FIG. 6B. In the venting position, the seat member
505 is brought out of alignment with the support 405 such that a
portion of the venting panel 420 with venting material is exposed.
For example, the lower portion 535 of the seat member 505 may
extend from the bottom of the support 405 and may be oriented
proximate the buttocks of the user. The upper portion of the
venting panel 420 is exposed, permitting increased air movement and
creating a cooling effect for the user.
[0046] A user may again manipulate the seat member 505 to drive the
seat member 505 along the guide elements 410A, 410B from the
second, venting position, to a third, fully-extended position, as
illustrated in FIG. 6C. In the fully-extended position, the seat
member 505 is generally misaligned with the support 405, the seat
member extending downward such that a substantial portion of the
seat member is positioned below the support member bottom edge. The
over-extension of the seat member 505 is prevented by the capture
members 415A, 415B. The capture members 415A, 415B function as
stops, preventing movement of the seat member 505 along the guide
elements 410A, 410B beyond a predetermined longitudinal
position.
[0047] From the third, fully extended position, the user may
continue to manipulate the seat member 505 to move it to its
fourth, deployed position, as illustrated in FIG. 6D. Specifically,
the user pivots/rotates the seat from the third position, in which
it is oriented generally vertically, to the fourth position, where
it is oriented generally horizontally. In this orientation, a user
may sit on the seat member 505, either on the ground or on an
elevated support surface (e.g., a bench).
[0048] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D illustrate the article in use. As
shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the vest 10 is worn by the user, with the
seat member 505 being oriented in its stowed position. As
previously explained, the user may manipulate the handle 575 to
draw the seat member 505 downward to its fully extended position.
As best illustrated in FIG. 7C, showing the rear view of the vest
10 as it is worn by a user, when the seat member 505 is in its
fully extended position, the seat outer side 510B is exposed.
Finally, as illustrated in FIG. 7D, the user folds the seat member
505 along the channels 520, 525A-525C to its deployed position to
enable the user to sit thereon. Specifically, the seat member 505
is bent upward such that it curved or contoured around the body
(buttocks/legs) of the user via, e.g., the channels 520,
525A-525C.
[0049] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an article in accordance with
another embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the article is
an accessory article such as a backpack 800 including a storage
compartment 805 and a seat assembly 810 with a seat member 815 and
guide elements 410A, 410B as described above. Additionally, the
seat assembly 810 includes a first retraction cord 820A disposed on
first shoulder strap 825A and a second retraction cord 820B
disposed on a second shoulder strap 825B. The retraction cords
820A, 820B are connected to the seat member 815 (e.g., along the
top edge of the seat member) such that the cords may be manipulated
to reorient the seat member 815 with respect to the storage
compartment 805. Specifically, when the seat member 815 is oriented
in its extended or deployed position, to return the seat member 815
to its stowed position, a user grasps the cords to urge the seat
member 815 along the guide elements 410A, 410B, drawing the seat
member 815 upward. The shoulder straps 825A, 825B, in addition to
supporting the retraction cords 820A, 820B, serve as the support
harness, supporting the storage compartment on the back of a
wearer.
[0050] With the above described configurations, an article with a
selectively deployable seat or shield is provided. Specifically,
the guide elements (the rails) guide the movement of the seat along
a predefined path. That is, the seat deployment pattern is
consistent and or repeatable, ensuring that the seat is positioned
consistently with respect to the user. This is in contrast with
conventional seats which dangle from a strap, requiring the user to
continually adjust the position of the seat during deployment. In
addition, adjustments of the conventional seats must be done with a
buckle and strap system, which makes repeating the deployment of
the seat cumbersome and difficult to ensure proper seat
position.
[0051] This configuration also prevents the movement of the seat
(i.e., the lateral movement) when in its stowed position. In
hunting, minimizing noise is critical to avoid alarming game in the
area. Conventional seats are suspended from the back of the vest
via straps. Consequently, the seat sways with the hunter's
movement, contacting the outer shell of the vest and generating
noise. The current invention prevents this swaying, securing the
seat member against the support and against the user's back. The
coupling of the seat member to the guide elements of the support
restricts the seat member from any lateral movement.
[0052] While the invention has been described in detail and with
reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to
one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can
be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof. For example, an elastic cord may couple the seat to the
support to provide an automatic retraction of the seat back to its
stowed position.
[0053] The capture members may be any dimensions suitable for its
described purpose and may be selected to further control the
lateral movement of the seat member (e.g., providing the capture
member with a width that is greater than the width of the tethering
member permits more lateral movement, providing the capture member
with a width similar to that of the tethering member restricts
lateral movement). The capture members may further have a pivoting
construction to assist in the pivot of the seat member to its
horizontal/deployed position. For example, the capture member may
be configured as an "ice pick loop" or may be in the form of a
tethered ring through which the tethering member passes.
[0054] Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the
modifications and variations of this invention provided they come
within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It
is to be understood that terms such as "top," "bottom," "front,"
"rear," "side," "height," "length," "width," "upper," "lower,"
"interior," "exterior," "medial," "lateral," and the like as may be
used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit
the present invention to any particular orientation or
configuration.
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