U.S. patent application number 16/841497 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-08 for seating device adaptable to accommodate varying support conditions.
The applicant listed for this patent is Timothy Andrew Newara. Invention is credited to Timothy Andrew Newara.
Application Number | 20200315356 16/841497 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004807914 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200315356 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Newara; Timothy Andrew |
October 8, 2020 |
Seating Device Adaptable To Accommodate Varying Support
Conditions
Abstract
A seating device employing an interaction of components to
include an engineered multi surface rear stabilizer component
comprised of a rotatable object engagement piece working in
conjunction with an adjustable support piece granting the ability
to lock in position by means of a binding style fastener. This
multi surface rear stabilizer is mounted to one end of a two-piece
sleeve type, length adjustable trunk, capable of four-sided
rotation granting the center fulcrum design of the foot piece to be
employed in any direction as well as the closed position. This
device employs a rotatably connected seat to a swing arm style
piece connected to the trunk granting the ability to incrementally
adjust from parallel to perpendicular to the associated trunk.
Inventors: |
Newara; Timothy Andrew;
(Montpelier, VT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Newara; Timothy Andrew |
Montpelier |
VT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004807914 |
Appl. No.: |
16/841497 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62830836 |
Apr 8, 2019 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/60 20130101; A47C
7/004 20130101; A47C 9/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/60 20060101
A47C007/60; A47C 9/10 20060101 A47C009/10; A47C 7/00 20060101
A47C007/00 |
Claims
1. A seating device comprising: a trunk having a longitudinal axis,
a first end, and a second end spaced from the first end along the
longitudinal axis; a seat secured to the trunk by a swing arm piece
(from FIG. 5) used to adjust an angle of the seat relative to the
longitudinal axis of the trunk; and a multi surface engagement
system (MRS1+MRS2+ALD1) (from FIG. 7) engaged with the trunk at the
first end of the trunk, the multi surface engagement system
including an object engagement piece (MRS1) and an engagement
support piece (MRS2) (both from FIG. 7) securing the object
engagement piece to the trunk in any one of a plurality of
different positions relative to the trunk.
2. The seating device of claim 1, further comprising a foot
stabilizer secured to the trunk at the second end of the trunk.
3. The seating device of claim 2, wherein the foot stabilizer is
movably secured to the trunk.
4. The seating device of claim 3, where the foot stabilizer is a
center fulcrum foot stabilizer (from FIG. 4) pivotably secured to
the trunk.
5. The seating device of claim 1, wherein the seat has a central
pivot point rotatable three hundred and sixty degrees secured to
the swing arm piece (FIG. 5).
6. The seating device of claim 1, wherein the trunk comprises an
outer trunk piece (FIG. 2) providing the first end and an inner
trunk piece (FIG. 3) providing the second end.
7. The seating device of claim 6, wherein the inner trunk piece
(FIG. 3) is slidably engaged within the outer trunk piece (FIG.
2).
8. The seating device of claim 1, wherein the object wherein the
object engagement piece (MRS1) (from FIG. 7) has a V-shape and is
rotatably secured to the engagement support piece (MRS2) (from FIG.
7) so as to trace out a frustum of a cone when rotated.
9. A seating device as shown in any one or more of the drawings of
this disclosure.
10. A seating device as disclosed herein employing the multi
surface engagement system (MRS1+MRS2+ALD1) (from FIG. 7).
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of application No.
62/830,836 filed 2019 Apr. 8
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The seating device of the present disclosure represents a
device engineered with specific features to adapt to the obstacles
that occur as a result of the constant changes and diverse
conditions in nature that affect the quality and success of outdoor
experiences.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Seating devices are currently available on the market that
contain many deficits regarding adaptation to the natural
environment that the present disclosure overcomes. Currently
available devices are unable to accommodate compound angles at both
the seat and foot ends while simultaneously adapting to size,
unusual surface features, and composition complexities of the
immediate environment.
[0006] A need therefore exists for a device capable of adapting to
the combination of unique features presented by the natural
environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In this embodiment, the overall length of the seating device
both at the minimum and maximum extensions may be based on the
height of a typical user, such as a six-foot adult. At its maximum
extension, the seating device can accommodate a near-standing
position while maintaining a comfortable seat angle. The minimum
position achievable may allow the seating device to rest just
inches from the most horizontal surface and provide increments that
include a standard chair height, again while maintaining a
comfortable seat angle.
[0008] In this embodiment, the resulting exposed section of the
inner trunk piece when the device is at its minimal position
dictates the full length of the center fulcrum foot stabilizer.
This length is equal to the width of the object engagement piece of
the multi surface rear stabilizer. It is designed to symmetrically
distribute and balance the weight between the top and bottom of the
seating device.
[0009] In this embodiment, the length of the swing arm may be
determined by taking into consideration the necessary measurement
to place center mass of the user a comfortable distance from a
potential backrest while maintaining a rear leaning center of
gravity on the device. In the full horizontal adaptation this
places the user equidistant between the front and rear points of
contact with the surface allowing for a center balanced
three-hundred-and-sixty-degree rotation of the seat.
[0010] In this embodiment, the depth of the seat may be determined
by the overall width of the object engagement piece of the multi
surface rear stabilizer. It is designed to the maximum width of the
total device when in its compact travel position. The width of the
center pivot seat was determined by doubling the measurement from
the pivot point of the seat attachment on the swing arm to the
lower edge of the outer trunk piece.
[0011] In this embodiment, the overall length of the engagement
support piece of the multi surface rear stabilizer was determined
by taking into account the length necessary for this piece to
adjust fully on its pivot point and freely clear the swing arm
component in addition to the length necessary to allow clearance
between the fastening hardware that secures it to the object
engagement piece and the upper trunk piece at the other end.
Consideration of length was also made to properly place the center
mass of the user an appropriate distance from a potential
backrest.
[0012] In this embodiment, the center fulcrum foot stabilizer is
designed so that it can achieve angles anywhere from parallel with
the inner trunk piece all the way to one hundred thirty-five
degrees. This design allows the piece to adapt to uneven ground, as
well as to things like rocks and roots that may be in the way.
[0013] One common example would be near the base of just about
every tree in nature. The roots radiate from the trunk at varying
sizes and depths. Utilizing the center fulcrum foot stabilizer, the
inner trunk piece can be placed on the ground next to, and on
either side of these roots, while automatically adjusting by
creating an angle that applies pressure evenly on the high point
and low point by way of the center pivot of the center fulcrum foot
stabilizer.
[0014] In this embodiment, if space is narrow and linear, the inner
trunk piece can be removed and rotated to four different positions
to allow the center fulcrum foot stabilizer to run parallel with
the available space while still utilizing the full length of the
foot at all angles.
[0015] In unique cases wherein a surface presents the opportunity
for only a minimal footprint, the center fulcrum foot stabilizer
can be closed to the parallel position with the inner trunk piece
to create a narrow point that provides a secure footing between the
surface features.
[0016] In the robust version of the embodiment being described, the
C channel design of the center fulcrum foot stabilizer lends great
stability to the device whether there is a hard surface or
conditions of deep foliage, pine needles, or sand. In its design,
one side is always flat while the other has two deep edges backed
by a flat face. With these two features employed adaptability is
enhanced.
[0017] In horizontal use of the seating device, the center fulcrum
foot stabilizer, being of equal width to the object engagement
piece and perpendicular to the inner trunk piece, stability is
created by making contact with the surface at an equal distance
from center at both ends and placing opposing pressure at four
corners.
[0018] When the inner trunk piece contains evenly spaced adjustment
holes reflective of one another on all four sides, this piece has
the ability to rotate three hundred and sixty degrees, by
ninety-degree increments, to change the orientation of the center
fulcrum foot stabilizer. This adjustment can also be made at all
increments of the trunk extension between the inner trunk piece and
the outer trunk piece. These holes lend the ability to
incrementally adjust the height of the center pivot seat from
sitting flat to almost a full stand, including within a standard
chair height. This component was designed for comfort and
durability in mind.
[0019] Noting that sitting parallel with the ground is one of the
most important aspects of remaining comfortable for any amount of
time, in this embodiment, the entirety of the seat angle adjustment
system hinges on a single axis. This design defines strength
through simplicity. By utilizing evenly spaced holes along the
lower edge of the swing arm, the stress is distributed between two
very solid points. This design also allows for a full parallel to
perpendicular arrangement of the center pivot seat making it useful
in all situations.
[0020] In this embodiment, the position of the center pivot seat on
the swing arm not only balances the weight of the user versus the
object against which the seating device is engaging, it also places
the user the correct distance from the object so that the object
may be used as a backrest.
[0021] The center pivot of the seat lends the ability to smoothly
and silently rotate from right to left all the while absent of any
upper body movement or weight redistribution. This can greatly
minimize the body movement necessary to alter your field of view or
body orientation and minimizes noise generated therefrom.
[0022] The freedom of rotation employed by the multi surface
engagement system provides the ability to engage any surface at the
optimal angle for stability and silence. This includes any
abnormality in tree shape all the way to ledges and vertical
fissures in rock. It always adjusts to find the optimal angle.
[0023] In this embodiment, the engagement support piece employs an
angle locking device to apply clamping pressure to fix the piece at
the selected angle. This angle works in conjunction with the
orientation of the trunk component (e.g. outer plus inner trunk
pieces) to the object or surface and with the seat angle adjustment
system to allow a comfortable horizontal seat angle for any
combination of situations.
[0024] The many adjustment features of the multi surface rear
stabilizer removes any challenges presented by an ever-changing
natural environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 from left to right is a front view and a side view of
the device.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the outer trunk piece.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inner trunk piece.
[0028] FIG. 4 following top to bottom is a side view, and top view
of the center fulcrum foot stabilizer.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the swing arm component.
[0030] FIG. 6 from left to right to bottom a side view and top view
of the center pivot seat, and top view of the foam pad component of
center pivot seat.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a front view of the multi surface adjustable rear
stabilizer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] The components of the most robust example of the seating
device are described below in detail. Those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the seating device detailed immediately
below is merely one example of many seating devices that can be
made using one or more of the unique features disclosed herein.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 1 a front view and side view displays the
assembled seating device made in accordance with aspects of the
present disclosure.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 2 the outer trunk piece (T1) comprises a
square tube that has three pass-through holes. The top hole (H1)
provides a pass-through hole that corresponds with the holes (H13)
of the multi-surface rear stabilizer transition bracket (MRS2)
(from FIG. 7) that align in such a way to allow the angle locking
device (ALD1) (from FIG. 7) to pass through both pieces and be
tightened causing them to be in a fixed position.
[0035] The second hole (H2) provides a pass-through hole that
aligns with the swing arm holes (H5) (from FIG. 5) allowing the
swing arm to pivot on a fulcrum from this point in relation to the
outer trunk piece.
[0036] The third hole (H3) provides a pass through to work in
combination with the height adjustment holes (HAH) of the inner
trunk piece (T2) (from FIG. 3) to adjust the length of the combined
trunk piece.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3 the inner trunk piece (T2) comprises a
square tube designed to conformally fit within and slide inside the
outer trunk piece (from FIG. 2) with minimal tolerance. It contains
evenly spaced height adjustment holes (HAH) reflective of one
another on all four sides covering one half of its total length.
These holes work in conjunction with hole (H3) from the outer trunk
piece (T1) (from FIG. 2) to secure both trunk pieces in a fixed
position to a fixed length.
[0038] The height adjustment holes (HAH) of the inner trunk piece
(T2) being reflective of one another on all four sides allows it to
be removed from the outer trunk piece (T1) (from FIG. 2) and
rotated to show each of the four faces in the forward position
according to necessity. This also allows the center-fulcrum foot
stabilizer (FS1) (from FIG. 4) that is mounted to the lower section
of the inner trunk piece (T2) the option of all four
directions.
[0039] In this embodiment, the lower section of the inner trunk
piece (T2) has an angle of forty-five degrees to provide a single
side cutting edge for contact with the substrate of the chosen
location. The lower section of the inner trunk piece (T2) contains
a hole (H4) through two sides measuring to the center of the lower
section of the inner trunk piece allowing connection to the center
fulcrum foot stabilizer (FS1) (from FIG. 4).
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4 the center fulcrum foot stabilizer is
comprised of a square tube dimensionally sized to fit over the
inner trunk piece (from FIG. 3) with minimal resistance.
[0041] The length of the center fulcrum foot stabilizer is sized to
cover the lower section of the inner trunk piece (T2) (from FIG. 3)
while not impeding on the outer trunk piece (T1) (from FIG. 2)
section when the outer trunk piece and the inner trunk piece are
locked in the overall minimum length position. Starting from its
center point, the center fulcrum foot stabilizer has, on opposing
sides and the full width across, a section removed measuring twice
the width of the inner trunk piece.
[0042] Centered on the remaining faces of this section is a hole to
accept the mounting hardware which passes through center fulcrum
foot stabilizer and holes (H4) of the lower section of the inner
trunk piece (T2) (from FIG. 3), creating a fulcrum on which the
center fulcrum foot stabilizer (FS1) can pivot.
[0043] The remaining lengths of the square tubing of the center
fulcrum foot stabilizer on either side of the removed center
section shall have one face of full width on opposing sides removed
creating opposing "C" channels, allowing the center fulcrum foot
stabilizer to pivot to a complete parallel with the inner trunk
piece on one side and a greater angle on the other. This allows the
inner trunk piece (T2) (from FIG. 3) to rest inside of the center
fulcrum foot stabilizer and to a perpendicular position as
well.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 5 the swing arm comprises a rectangular
tube, here sized one point five times the width of outer trunk
piece (T1) (from FIG. 2) on its wider faces and opposing faces have
inside dimensions sized to fit over the outside dimensions of the
outer trunk piece (T1) (from FIG. 2) with minimal resistance. One
face of the shorter dimension is removed to create a "C"
channel.
[0045] At one end of the remaining shorter dimension face, a
section is removed measuring full width by a length of one point
two five times that of the outer dimension of the outer trunk
piece, allowing it to pivot from parallel to perpendicular relative
to outer trunk piece (T1) (from FIG. 2).
[0046] At the same end but on the wider faces is a hole (H5). This
hole (H5) is centered on the wider face and from the end is
centered on the removed portion of the shorter dimension. This hole
(H5) will accept the mounting hardware to pass through the swing
arm (SA1) and correspond with hole (H2) located on the outer trunk
piece (T1) (from FIG. 2), creating a pivot point for the swing arm
(SA1) to hinge on the outer trunk piece (T1) (from FIG. 2).
[0047] There are evenly spaced holes (H6) running the length of the
swing arm (SA1), here along a centerline located from the open edge
of the wide face by a distance of one third the total width. These
holes (H6) are present on both legs of the U-shaped transverse
cross section of the swing arm to allow for the through-insertion
of fastening hardware that will rest on the outer trunk piece (T1)
(from FIG. 2) as the swing angle of the swing arm (SA1) is
adjusted.
[0048] On the same two faces is also a hole (H7) located at the
opposite end as hole (H5). In this example, these holes (H5, H7)
are centered at one quarter of the total dimension of the wide face
as measured from the open edge as well as the end. Hole (H7) will
accept through insertion of hardware and will not interfere with
the outer trunk piece when the outer trunk piece (T1) (from FIG. 2)
and the swing arm (SA1) are in the parallel position relative to
one another.
[0049] On the remaining narrower dimensioned face of the swing arm,
and at the opposite end of where a section was removed, is a hole
(H8). In this example, this hole (H8) is centered on the face and
measures one quarter of the total length of (SA1) away from the
solid end of this face. This hole (H8) will accept mounting
hardware to attach the center pivot seat (CPS1) (from FIG. 6) using
the corresponding hole (H9) from the center pivot seat.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 6 the center pivot seat measures six
inches wide by twelve inches long and has a hole (H9) centered on
both length and width to allow mounting hardware to pass through
along with corresponding hole (H8) from the swing arm (SA1) (from
FIG. 5) connecting the swing arm (SA1) and the center-pivot seat on
a pivot point.
[0051] In this example, attached to one face of the center-pivot
seat (CPS1) is a foam pad (CPS2) of equal length and width to that
of the center-pivot seat (CPS1). This pad (CPS2) has one hole (H10)
centered on both width and length to allow mounting hardware for
the center pivot seat (CPS1) to pass through.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 7 an example multi surface adjustable rear
stabilizer is illustrated. In this example, the multi-surface
adjustable rear stabilizer consists of three components, an object
engagement piece (MRS1) and an engagement support piece (MRS2),
which together are connected by mounting hardware and an angle
locking device (ALD1) to the outer trunk piece (T1) (from FIG.
2).
[0053] In this example, the object engagement piece (MRS1) is
constructed of an open V-shaped portion having a center portion
approximately twice the thickness of each arm and that measures one
third the total width of the V-shaped portion. Located at the
center of the V-shape and centered on its width is a hole (H11) to
allow mounting hardware (not labeled) to pass through and connect
together the object engagement piece (MRS1) and the engagement
support piece (MRS2).
[0054] In the embodiment shown, the inside surface of the V-shaped
portion has a zig-zag tooth design. These teeth may be absent
immediately near (H11) to allow the object engagement piece (MRS1)
to rotate a full three hundred and sixty degrees without imposition
of associated hardware.
[0055] The engagement support piece (MRS2) is coupled to the object
engagement piece (MRS1) at one end and to the outer trunk piece
(T1) (from FIG. 2) at the other end.
[0056] In this example, the engagement support piece (MRS2)
comprises a square tube that is closed at one end and is sized to
fit over the outer trunk piece (T1) (from FIG. 2) plus hardware
with minimal resistance. In the present embodiment, the length of
the engagement support piece (MRS2) is two and half times the width
of the outer trunk piece (T1) (from FIG. 2). One face of the
engagement support piece (MRS2), starting at the closed end, has
been removed by its full length and width. The opposing face
(starting at the closed end) has two thirds of the face removed by
full width. This leaves a one-third section of that face that when
installed will be on the same side of the outer trunk piece (T1)
(from FIG. 2) as the center pivot seat (CPS1) (from FIG. 6).
[0057] The closed end has a hole (H12) centered on the square to
accept fastening hardware (not labeled) connecting the engagement
support piece (MRS2) to the object engagement piece (MRS1).
[0058] On the remaining full-length intact faces is a hole (H13)
centered on its width and measuring a distance from the open end of
the engagement support piece (MRS2) equal to one third the overall
length of the engagement support piece (MRS2). This hole (H13) is
sized to accept the pass-through of the angle locking device
(ALD1). The engagement support piece (MRS2) will be engaged over
the outer trunk piece (T1) (from FIG. 2), aligning holes (H13) from
the engagement piece support (MRS2) and holes (H1) from the outer
trunk piece (T1) (from FIG. 2). The angle locking device (ALD1)
passes through both sets of holes connecting together the
engagement support piece (MRS2) and the outer trunk piece (T1)
(from FIG. 2).
[0059] Still referring to FIG. 7 the angle locking device (ALD1)
may be a quick-release type of binder clamp bolt of appropriate
length to pass through holes (H13) of engagement support piece
(MRS2) and holes (H1) of the outer trunk piece (T1) (from FIG. 2)
and function as designed to apply clamping pressure to hold these
pieces at a selected angle.
[0060] There are less robust versions composed of varying mixtures
of alternative versions of each component that can be made without
departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure. The
embodiment just described characterizes a robust version of the
device.
* * * * *