Title:
STADIUM FOOT BAG AND SEAT
United States Patent 3580633
Abstract:
A foot bag for stadium use which completely encloses the feet and lower legs of the user and extends up over the upper legs and lap of the user when the user is seated, with a belt being attached to the upper end of the foot bag for attachment around the waist of the user. The foot bag is used in conjunction with a stadium seat having a seat bottom and a seat back hinged together with bracing to limit the rearward movement of the seat back and form a handle for the seat. Dual seats and foot bags are also disclosed.
US Patent References:
Adjustable seat back
Dietrich - September 1937 - 2092666
/2270598.html
Morgan - January 1942 - 2270598
Stadium seat
Du Priest - April 1956 - 2740466
Auxiliary seat for seat boards
Sweeney - July 1958 - 2841207
Combination stadium seat and article carrier
Warner - December 1958 - 2865433
Adjustable seat back
Dietrich - September 1937 - 2092666
/2270598.html
Morgan - January 1942 - 2270598
Stadium seat
Du Priest - April 1956 - 2740466
Auxiliary seat for seat boards
Sweeney - July 1958 - 2841207
Combination stadium seat and article carrier
Warner - December 1958 - 2865433
Application Number:
04/823315
Publication Date:
05/25/1971
Filing Date:
05/09/1969
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
297/423.400, 297/188.200, 297/423.100, 297/17, 297/183.500
International Classes:
A47C1/16; A47C4/52; A47C7/62; A47C1/00; A47C4/00
Field of Search:
297/192,182,252,378,220,135,188 248/3,204
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Mccall, James T.
Claims:
What I claim is
1. A flexible foot bag for stadium use, comprising:
2. A foot bag as defined in claim 1 characterized further to include a pocket on the inside surface of the hollow portion.
3. A foot bag as defined in claim 1 wherein the hollow portion is split along its length forming separable mating edges along the split to facilitate access to the hollow portion, and characterized further to include fasteners along said mating edges, whereby the hollow portion may be placed in enclosing relation around the feet and lower legs of the user.
4. A foot bag as defined in claim 1 wherein the foot bag is formed of a waterproof material.
5. A portable combination stadium seat and foot bag, comprising:
1. A flexible foot bag for stadium use, comprising:
2. A foot bag as defined in claim 1 characterized further to include a pocket on the inside surface of the hollow portion.
3. A foot bag as defined in claim 1 wherein the hollow portion is split along its length forming separable mating edges along the split to facilitate access to the hollow portion, and characterized further to include fasteners along said mating edges, whereby the hollow portion may be placed in enclosing relation around the feet and lower legs of the user.
4. A foot bag as defined in claim 1 wherein the foot bag is formed of a waterproof material.
5. A portable combination stadium seat and foot bag, comprising:
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to improvements in accessories for the use of spectators in stadiums, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an improved foot bag and an improved combination foot bag and stadium seat.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In applicant's prior U.S. Pat. No. 2,740,466 issued Apr. 3, 1956, there is disclosed a combination stadium seat and foot bag which has been found to he highly useful and a convenience to spectators in stadiums, particularly during inclement weather. It has been found, however, that the previous stadium seat is somewhat lacking in sturdiness; the foot bad does not provide the maximum protection for the spectator; and the utility of the combination can be increased.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the present invention contemplates a flexible foot bag for stadium use which includes a vertically extended hollow portion open at its upper end and adapted to receive the feet and lower legs of the user. A panel extends upwardly from the top of the hollow portion to cover the upper legs and lap of the user when the user is seated, and a belt is attached to the upper end of the panel for attachment about the waist of the user, such that the user may stand and sit down as desired without displacing the foot bag.
In another aspect, the present invention contemplates a combination stadium seat and foot bag wherein the seat comprises a substantially flat seat bottom having a pair of spaced rods extending rearwardly and upwardly from the rear end of the seat bottom, and a set back substantially corresponding in transverse dimensions with the seat bottom, having a U-shaped rod therein with the bight portion of the U-shaped rod protruding from the lower end of the seat back. The opposite sides of the U-shaped rod are pivotally secured to the free ends of the rods protruding from the seat bottom, such that the bight portion of the U-shaped rod will engage the rear end of the seat bottom and limit the rearward movement of the seat back, as well as form a handle for the seat when the seat back is folded down over the seat bottom. A flexible foot bag, including a hollow portion to receive the feet and lower legs of the user is detachably secured to the front edge of the seat bottom.
In a further aspect of this invention, a dual seat and foot bags are contemplated wherein two seats are hinged in side by side relation in order that the seats may be folded into a compact carrying position, and a separate foot bag is provided for detachable connection with the front edge of each seat bottom for the maximum comfort of the users of the seats.
An object of the invention is to increase the comfort of spectators in stadiums, and particularly in outdoor stadiums.
Another object of the invention is to provide a foot bag for spectators in stadiums which will fully protect both the lower and upper legs of the spectator, and during use of which the spectator may stand or sit as desired without dislodging the foot bag.
A further object of the invention is to provide a sturdily constructed stadium seat which may be safely used by substantially any size of spectator.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a foot bag and combination stadium seat and foot bag which may be economically constructed, will have a long service life, and which has a maximum utility.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will be evident from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing illustrating the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combination seat and foot bag construction in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame of the seat.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the seat in a folded condition ready for transporting.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the foot bag detached from the seat.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a combination dual seat and foot bag.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the dual seat construction partially folded.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the dual seat construction partially folded.
FIG. 7 is a top view of a portion of the dual seat structure.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the dual seat structure folded for transportation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawing in detail, and particularly FIG. 1, reference character 10 generally designates a stadium seat, and reference character 12 generally designates a foot bag attached to the seat 10, both of which are constructed in accordance with this invention. The seat 10 comprises a padded seat bottom 14 having a front end 16 and a back end 18, and a padded seat back 20 having a top or front end 22 and a bottom or rear end 24. Mating zipper connectors or fasteners 24 are provided along the mating edges of the seat bottom 14 and seat back 10 for interconnecting the seat bottom and back when the seat is folded to be transported, as will be described further below.
As shown in FIG. 2, the frame for the seat bottom 14 comprises a pair of rods 28 and a substantially rectangularly shaped board 30 secured to the rods by suitable screws 32. The rear end 34 of each of the rods 28 is extended rearwardly from the seat bottom, as shown in FIG. 1, and then curved upwardly and forwardly. The frame for the seat back 20 (FIG. 2) comprises a U-shaped rod 36 and a rectangularly shaped board 38 secured near the free ends of the rod 36 by suitable screws 40. The bight portion 42 of the U-shaped rod 36 projects from the seat back 20, as shown in FIG. 1, and an intermediate portion of each leg of the U-shaped rod 36 is hinged by a bolt 44 to the end portion 34 of the respective seat bottom rod 28 at the respective side of the seat. The frames for the seat bottom 14 and seat back 20 are suitably covered with padding and covering material to provide the completed seat as illustrated in FIG. 1.
It may also be noted in FIG. 1 that a gripper or fastening means 46, such as a strip of "velcro" is provided along the top, front end 16 of the seat bottom 14, for purposes to be described.
As will be apparent, the seat bottom 14 and seat back 20 are hinged together by bolts 44. For use, the seat back 20 is swung upwardly from the seat bottom 14 to the position shown in FIG. 1 where the spectator can sit on the seat bottom 14 and rest his back on the back portion 20. In this position of the seat, the bight portion 42 of the back frame rod 36 will engage the rear end 18 of the seat bottom 14 and limit the rearward swinging movement of the seat back 20 to adequately support the back of the user. When not in use, the seat back 20 is folded down over the seat bottom 14 to the position illustrated in FIG. 3; whereupon a zipper slide 48 is operated in a conventional manner to interconnect the zipper portions 26 of the seat bottom and back to retain the seat bottom and back in a superimposed relation. In this position of the seat 10, the bight portion 42 of the rod 36 forming a portion of the frame for the seat back provides a convenient handle for transporting the seat from one place to another. It may also be noted in this connection that the transverse dimensions of the seat bottom 14 and the seat back 20 are substantially the same in order that the zipper portions 26 will be in mating relation when the seat is folded to the transporting position.
A pocket 50 is preferably provided on the bottom of the seat bottom 14, as shown in FIG. 3, or on the back of the seat back 20 to be readily accessible when the seat 10 is folded to a transporting position. The pocket 50 may be provided with a zipper connection 52 at the upper, open end thereof, if desired.
The foot bag 12 is shown more clearly in FIG. 4 and basically comprises a hollow portion 54 closed at its lower end 56 and open at its upper end 58, along with a panel 60 extending upwardly from what would be considered the front edge of the open top 58 when the foot bag is in use. The hollow portion 54 is split along its length to provide mating edges 62 and 64, each of which has a half-portion of a zipper 66 secured thereto arranged to be connected together by a zipper slide 68, such that the hollow portion 54 may be opened and closed as desired by the user to facilitate access by the user.
A pocket 70 is provided on the inside surface of the hollow portion 54 for the storage of miscellaneous articles by the user, such as raincoats and rain hats. A suitable gripper or fastener 72, such as a strip of "velcro" is provided along one side of the hollow portion 54 adjacent the open end 58 and opposite to the panel 60 for connector with the fastener 46 provided on the front 16 of the seat bottom 14. Also, a belt 74 is attached in any desired manner, such as by loops 76, around the upper end 78 of the panel 60.
The foot bag 12 is formed of a flexible material, such that, when not in use, the foot bag may be folded up and stored either in the pocket 50 of the seat 10 or between the seat bottom 14 and the seat back 20 when the seat is folded to a transporting position as shown in FIG. 3. When placed in use, the gripper 72 on the foot bag 12 is attached to the gripper 46 on the seat bottom 14, such that the hollow portion 54 of the foot bag will depend from the front of the seat 10 when the seat is placed on a stadium seat (not shown) or the like. The user places his feet and lower legs in the hollow portion 54 of the foot bag either before sitting on the seat bottom 14 or after being seated on the seat bottom. During this maneuver, the zipper slide 68 may be lowered to facilitate access to the hollow portion 54, and then raised to interconnect the zipper portions 66 and fully enclose the feet and lower legs of the user.
While the user is standing in the hollow portion 54 of the seat bag 12, he lifts the panel 60 and connects the belt 74 around his waist, as by typing the free ends of the belt. Thus, when the user assumes a sitting position on the seat bottom 14, the panel 60 will fully cover the lap and upper legs of the user and protect the user from inclement weather.
The covering for the seat 10 and the material of the foot bag 54 are both preferably waterproofed materials, such that the user will be protected from a wet stadium seat and the user will be protected from his waist down from rain or snow.
A dual seat construction generally designated by reference character 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 8. This construction employs a pair of seats 10a only slightly modified from the seat 10 previously described. The backs 20 of the seats 10a are interconnected by a flexible panel 102 extending from the adjacent sides 104 of the seat backs. Also, the zippers 26 employed in the previously described seat 10 for attaching a seat back to a seat bottom may or may not be employed, as desired. In other words, the seat backs and bottoms of the modified seats 10a may be simply folded together as illustrated in FIG. 6. However, a zipper 106 is secured around the lower edges of the front 16, outer side 108 and rear end 18 of each seat back 20 of the modified seats 10a for interconnection of the dual seats in a transporting position as illustrated in FIG. 8 when the seats are completely folded together.
To put the modified seats 10a in a transporting position, the seat backs 20 are folded down over the seat bottoms 14 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6, and then the seats are folded together with the seat bottoms in contacting relation as illustrated in FIG. 8. The slide 110 is then moved around the mating portions of the zipper 106 to attach the seats together in a fairly secure manner. The user may then grip either of the bight portions 42 either of the seats 10a to carry the dual construction from place to place. It will thus be apparent that the panel 102 is of a length corresponding to twice the thickness of both of the seat bottoms 14 and seat backs 20 to accommodate the placement of the seat bottoms in contacting relation. It may also be noted that the pockets 50 in this form of the invention are placed on the backs of the seat backs 20, rather than on the bottoms of the seat bottoms as previously described in connection with the seat structure 10.
A foot bag 12 is attached to the gripper 46 of each of the modified seats 10a and used in the same manner as previously described, such that the occupants of both of the seats 10a may be adequately protected from inclement weather.
From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present invention will increase the comfort of spectators in stadiums and the like, and particularly in outdoor stadiums. The foot bag will fully protect both the lower and upper legs of a spectator and the spectator is free to sit or stand as described and the foot bag will stay in position at all times. The seat of this invention is sturdily constructed and may be used by a spectator of almost any size. It will also be apparent that the present foot bag and combination stadium seat and foot bag may be economically constructed.
Changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of parts or elements as heretofore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawing without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to improvements in accessories for the use of spectators in stadiums, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an improved foot bag and an improved combination foot bag and stadium seat.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In applicant's prior U.S. Pat. No. 2,740,466 issued Apr. 3, 1956, there is disclosed a combination stadium seat and foot bag which has been found to he highly useful and a convenience to spectators in stadiums, particularly during inclement weather. It has been found, however, that the previous stadium seat is somewhat lacking in sturdiness; the foot bad does not provide the maximum protection for the spectator; and the utility of the combination can be increased.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the present invention contemplates a flexible foot bag for stadium use which includes a vertically extended hollow portion open at its upper end and adapted to receive the feet and lower legs of the user. A panel extends upwardly from the top of the hollow portion to cover the upper legs and lap of the user when the user is seated, and a belt is attached to the upper end of the panel for attachment about the waist of the user, such that the user may stand and sit down as desired without displacing the foot bag.
In another aspect, the present invention contemplates a combination stadium seat and foot bag wherein the seat comprises a substantially flat seat bottom having a pair of spaced rods extending rearwardly and upwardly from the rear end of the seat bottom, and a set back substantially corresponding in transverse dimensions with the seat bottom, having a U-shaped rod therein with the bight portion of the U-shaped rod protruding from the lower end of the seat back. The opposite sides of the U-shaped rod are pivotally secured to the free ends of the rods protruding from the seat bottom, such that the bight portion of the U-shaped rod will engage the rear end of the seat bottom and limit the rearward movement of the seat back, as well as form a handle for the seat when the seat back is folded down over the seat bottom. A flexible foot bag, including a hollow portion to receive the feet and lower legs of the user is detachably secured to the front edge of the seat bottom.
In a further aspect of this invention, a dual seat and foot bags are contemplated wherein two seats are hinged in side by side relation in order that the seats may be folded into a compact carrying position, and a separate foot bag is provided for detachable connection with the front edge of each seat bottom for the maximum comfort of the users of the seats.
An object of the invention is to increase the comfort of spectators in stadiums, and particularly in outdoor stadiums.
Another object of the invention is to provide a foot bag for spectators in stadiums which will fully protect both the lower and upper legs of the spectator, and during use of which the spectator may stand or sit as desired without dislodging the foot bag.
A further object of the invention is to provide a sturdily constructed stadium seat which may be safely used by substantially any size of spectator.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a foot bag and combination stadium seat and foot bag which may be economically constructed, will have a long service life, and which has a maximum utility.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will be evident from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing illustrating the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combination seat and foot bag construction in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame of the seat.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the seat in a folded condition ready for transporting.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the foot bag detached from the seat.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a combination dual seat and foot bag.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the dual seat construction partially folded.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the dual seat construction partially folded.
FIG. 7 is a top view of a portion of the dual seat structure.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the dual seat structure folded for transportation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawing in detail, and particularly FIG. 1, reference character 10 generally designates a stadium seat, and reference character 12 generally designates a foot bag attached to the seat 10, both of which are constructed in accordance with this invention. The seat 10 comprises a padded seat bottom 14 having a front end 16 and a back end 18, and a padded seat back 20 having a top or front end 22 and a bottom or rear end 24. Mating zipper connectors or fasteners 24 are provided along the mating edges of the seat bottom 14 and seat back 10 for interconnecting the seat bottom and back when the seat is folded to be transported, as will be described further below.
As shown in FIG. 2, the frame for the seat bottom 14 comprises a pair of rods 28 and a substantially rectangularly shaped board 30 secured to the rods by suitable screws 32. The rear end 34 of each of the rods 28 is extended rearwardly from the seat bottom, as shown in FIG. 1, and then curved upwardly and forwardly. The frame for the seat back 20 (FIG. 2) comprises a U-shaped rod 36 and a rectangularly shaped board 38 secured near the free ends of the rod 36 by suitable screws 40. The bight portion 42 of the U-shaped rod 36 projects from the seat back 20, as shown in FIG. 1, and an intermediate portion of each leg of the U-shaped rod 36 is hinged by a bolt 44 to the end portion 34 of the respective seat bottom rod 28 at the respective side of the seat. The frames for the seat bottom 14 and seat back 20 are suitably covered with padding and covering material to provide the completed seat as illustrated in FIG. 1.
It may also be noted in FIG. 1 that a gripper or fastening means 46, such as a strip of "velcro" is provided along the top, front end 16 of the seat bottom 14, for purposes to be described.
As will be apparent, the seat bottom 14 and seat back 20 are hinged together by bolts 44. For use, the seat back 20 is swung upwardly from the seat bottom 14 to the position shown in FIG. 1 where the spectator can sit on the seat bottom 14 and rest his back on the back portion 20. In this position of the seat, the bight portion 42 of the back frame rod 36 will engage the rear end 18 of the seat bottom 14 and limit the rearward swinging movement of the seat back 20 to adequately support the back of the user. When not in use, the seat back 20 is folded down over the seat bottom 14 to the position illustrated in FIG. 3; whereupon a zipper slide 48 is operated in a conventional manner to interconnect the zipper portions 26 of the seat bottom and back to retain the seat bottom and back in a superimposed relation. In this position of the seat 10, the bight portion 42 of the rod 36 forming a portion of the frame for the seat back provides a convenient handle for transporting the seat from one place to another. It may also be noted in this connection that the transverse dimensions of the seat bottom 14 and the seat back 20 are substantially the same in order that the zipper portions 26 will be in mating relation when the seat is folded to the transporting position.
A pocket 50 is preferably provided on the bottom of the seat bottom 14, as shown in FIG. 3, or on the back of the seat back 20 to be readily accessible when the seat 10 is folded to a transporting position. The pocket 50 may be provided with a zipper connection 52 at the upper, open end thereof, if desired.
The foot bag 12 is shown more clearly in FIG. 4 and basically comprises a hollow portion 54 closed at its lower end 56 and open at its upper end 58, along with a panel 60 extending upwardly from what would be considered the front edge of the open top 58 when the foot bag is in use. The hollow portion 54 is split along its length to provide mating edges 62 and 64, each of which has a half-portion of a zipper 66 secured thereto arranged to be connected together by a zipper slide 68, such that the hollow portion 54 may be opened and closed as desired by the user to facilitate access by the user.
A pocket 70 is provided on the inside surface of the hollow portion 54 for the storage of miscellaneous articles by the user, such as raincoats and rain hats. A suitable gripper or fastener 72, such as a strip of "velcro" is provided along one side of the hollow portion 54 adjacent the open end 58 and opposite to the panel 60 for connector with the fastener 46 provided on the front 16 of the seat bottom 14. Also, a belt 74 is attached in any desired manner, such as by loops 76, around the upper end 78 of the panel 60.
The foot bag 12 is formed of a flexible material, such that, when not in use, the foot bag may be folded up and stored either in the pocket 50 of the seat 10 or between the seat bottom 14 and the seat back 20 when the seat is folded to a transporting position as shown in FIG. 3. When placed in use, the gripper 72 on the foot bag 12 is attached to the gripper 46 on the seat bottom 14, such that the hollow portion 54 of the foot bag will depend from the front of the seat 10 when the seat is placed on a stadium seat (not shown) or the like. The user places his feet and lower legs in the hollow portion 54 of the foot bag either before sitting on the seat bottom 14 or after being seated on the seat bottom. During this maneuver, the zipper slide 68 may be lowered to facilitate access to the hollow portion 54, and then raised to interconnect the zipper portions 66 and fully enclose the feet and lower legs of the user.
While the user is standing in the hollow portion 54 of the seat bag 12, he lifts the panel 60 and connects the belt 74 around his waist, as by typing the free ends of the belt. Thus, when the user assumes a sitting position on the seat bottom 14, the panel 60 will fully cover the lap and upper legs of the user and protect the user from inclement weather.
The covering for the seat 10 and the material of the foot bag 54 are both preferably waterproofed materials, such that the user will be protected from a wet stadium seat and the user will be protected from his waist down from rain or snow.
A dual seat construction generally designated by reference character 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 8. This construction employs a pair of seats 10a only slightly modified from the seat 10 previously described. The backs 20 of the seats 10a are interconnected by a flexible panel 102 extending from the adjacent sides 104 of the seat backs. Also, the zippers 26 employed in the previously described seat 10 for attaching a seat back to a seat bottom may or may not be employed, as desired. In other words, the seat backs and bottoms of the modified seats 10a may be simply folded together as illustrated in FIG. 6. However, a zipper 106 is secured around the lower edges of the front 16, outer side 108 and rear end 18 of each seat back 20 of the modified seats 10a for interconnection of the dual seats in a transporting position as illustrated in FIG. 8 when the seats are completely folded together.
To put the modified seats 10a in a transporting position, the seat backs 20 are folded down over the seat bottoms 14 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6, and then the seats are folded together with the seat bottoms in contacting relation as illustrated in FIG. 8. The slide 110 is then moved around the mating portions of the zipper 106 to attach the seats together in a fairly secure manner. The user may then grip either of the bight portions 42 either of the seats 10a to carry the dual construction from place to place. It will thus be apparent that the panel 102 is of a length corresponding to twice the thickness of both of the seat bottoms 14 and seat backs 20 to accommodate the placement of the seat bottoms in contacting relation. It may also be noted that the pockets 50 in this form of the invention are placed on the backs of the seat backs 20, rather than on the bottoms of the seat bottoms as previously described in connection with the seat structure 10.
A foot bag 12 is attached to the gripper 46 of each of the modified seats 10a and used in the same manner as previously described, such that the occupants of both of the seats 10a may be adequately protected from inclement weather.
From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present invention will increase the comfort of spectators in stadiums and the like, and particularly in outdoor stadiums. The foot bag will fully protect both the lower and upper legs of a spectator and the spectator is free to sit or stand as described and the foot bag will stay in position at all times. The seat of this invention is sturdily constructed and may be used by a spectator of almost any size. It will also be apparent that the present foot bag and combination stadium seat and foot bag may be economically constructed.
Changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of parts or elements as heretofore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawing without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.