Abstract:
The seat preferably is designed as a bucket seat having a seating surface and a backrest surface and at least one of the two surfaces or both are designed as an advertising surface. The advertising surface typically is designed in such a way that the replacement of advertising vehicles may be effected in simple fashion.

Description:
[0001]    This application of a continuation of previously filed PCT applciation Ser. No. PCT/DE99103288, filed Oct. 11, 1999 which prior application was published in the German language on May 11, 2000. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The invention relates to a seat, in particular a bucket seat, having a seating surface and a backrest surface.  
           [0003]    Such seats are becoming increasingly widespread in public facilities and buildings. In particular, bucket seats have been found to be comfortable and durable seats at big events. Bucket seats thus are increasingly being installed in soccer and football stadiums. The seat is ergonomically adapted to the seated posture that a person assumes when sitting in a relaxed manner. Despite this adaptation to a relaxed manner of sitting, the bucket seat is comparatively cheap to manufacture and assemble. In addition, it takes up relatively little space, so that the seats follow one another in close order. These seats hitherto have been made primarily of synthetic materials. They may vary in color, and an inviting mood is created by an aptly selected color combination. In addition, units, for example in blocks of seats, can be made recognizable by selection of the same color. However, thus far no effort has ever been made to exploit the large surfaces provided by seats for other purposes.  
           [0004]    Therefore, the object of the present invention is to improve the seat of the type mentioned at the beginning in such a way that the supply of surfaces provided by it is made commercially productive.  
           [0005]    According to the invention, this object is accomplished in that at least one of the two surfaces is designed as an advertising surface. This results in a considerable additional supply of advertising surface. Notice is taken of this surface by users of the seats and, specifically, in a state in which they are especially receptive. Regardless of where the seat is used, as a rule the user is in a state of leisure, in which an advertisement usually is unconsciously associated with the pleasant experience of this leisure time. In addition, the advertising surface may also be selectively associated with the place at which the seat is located. Thus, seats located in a sports stadium are especially suitable for the display of advertising for sporting goods or subsequent sports events.  
           [0006]    According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the advertising surface is designed as a device for the replacement of advertising vehicles. In this way, the advertising surface can be used in various ways for advertising activities. As a result, on the one hand, the advertising needs of a plurality of advertisers can be taken into account and, on the other, variety can be provided for the seats installed. The respective users of the seat can be pleasantly surprised by the various advertisements that the seat offers on different occasions.  
           [0007]    According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the device consists of replaceable advertising vehicles in a transparent plate, under which an advertising vehicle is fastened. In this way, the respective advertising vehicle can be secured against the wear and tear which is to be expected with varied use of the seat. Each user of the seat will find the advertising presented in each instance in a well preserved condition, so that it can give a good and favorable picture of the goods or services offered in each case.  
           [0008]    According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a compartment suitable for accommodation of the advertising vehicle may be provided below the transparent plate in the line of sight. This compartment is reliably covered by the transparent plate, so that the advertising vehicle can be safely and considerately presented to the view of an interested person. In particular, care is taken to see that the advertising vehicle is optimally arranged in the compartment for the respective advertising purpose.  
           [0009]    According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the compartment may be firmly connected with the plate. This ensures that no moisture can penetrate into the compartment and that the respective advertising vehicle cannot be stolen or removed from the compartment in some other unlawful way.  
           [0010]    According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one part of the plate may be designed as a cover closing the compartment. In this way, the cover can easily be swung away from the plate, so that the compartment is readily accessible and the advertising vehicle can be optimally arranged in the compartment.  
           [0011]    According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, an advertising vehicle may be inserted into the seating surface as well as into the backrest surface. The advertising surface made available is thereby considerably increased as compared to arrangement of the advertising surface in the region of the seating surface alone. In addition, the seat as a whole also offers versatility in terms of advertising.  
           [0012]    According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a common cover is provided for all compartments provided in the seating surface and in the backrest surface. This embodiment is especially suitable for those cases in which the entire advertising surface made available by the seat is needed by the same interested advertisers. In this case, rapid replacement and arrangement of the respective advertising means can be performed by swinging away the common cover. Additional particulars follow from the detailed description below and the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is represented by way of example and wherein: 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 is a side view of a bucket seat in accordance with the present invention,  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 is a side view of the bucket seat of FIG. 1 with the plate raised,  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a top view of the bucket seat of FIG. 1 with the plate closed,  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 is a top view of the bucket seat of FIG. 1 with the transparent plate lifted,  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 is a front view of the bucket seat according to the line of sight I in FIG. 1 with the plate folded down,  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 is a front view according to FIG. 5, but with the transparent plate lifted,  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 is a cross section through the bucket seat the section being taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 3,  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 is a cross section of the seat of FIG. 7, but with the plate lifted,  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 9 is a cross section view similar to that of FIG. 8, but with two separate plates for a seating surface on the one hand and a backrest surface on the other, all in accordance with the present invention,  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 is a top view of the bucket seat according to FIG. 9 with the plates closed in the seating surface as well as in the backrest surface,  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11 is a cross section through a bucket seat showing separate compartments for the seating surface on the one hand and the backrest surface on the other, both of which are accessible via a hinged plate in accordance with the present invention,  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 is a cross section through a bucket seat with fixed seating and backrest surfaces in each instance, below which are mounted fixed compartments, in accordance with the present invention, and  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 13 is a cross section through a bucket seat with a hinged plate that is firmly connected with a compartment, in accordance with the present invention.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0026]    A bucket seat ( 1 ) consists essentially of a seating surface ( 2 ), a backrest surface ( 3 ) and a contact surface ( 4 ). The contact surface ( 4 ) of the bucket seat ( 1 ) is supported on a bottom surface ( 5 ). The seating surface ( 2 ) is smoothly converted, in the form of a dish, into the backrest surface ( 3 ).  
         [0027]    Both the seating surface ( 2 ) and the backrest surface ( 3 ) are in each instance designed as advertising surfaces. An advertising surface ( 6 ) is provided below the seating surface ( 2 ), an advertising surface ( 7 ) is provided below the backrest surface ( 3 ). The advertising surfaces ( 6 ,  7 ) may be connected with one another, but it is alternatively possible to provide a partial advertising surface ( 8 ) below the seating surface ( 2 ) and a partial advertising surface ( 9 ) below the backrest surface which is not in connection with the partial advertising surface ( 8 ). In this case, the partial advertising surface ( 8 ) can be closed off by a cover ( 10 ), the partial advertising surface ( 9 ) by a cover ( 11 ). The two covers ( 10 ,  11 ) are in each instance hinged on axes of rotation ( 12 ,  13 ), to the seating surface ( 2 ) and to the backrest surface ( 3 ). In size they are designed corresponding to the partial advertising surfaces ( 8 ,  9 ). When the covers ( 10 ,  11 ) are closed, they project into the compartments ( 14 ,  15 ) assigned to them in each instance such that a space ( 21 ) accommodating an advertising vehicle ( 20 ) remains between a lower surface ( 16 ,  17 ) of the cover ( 10 ,  11 ) projecting into these compartments ( 14 ,  15 ) and a bottom surface ( 18 ,  19 ) delimiting the compartments ( 14 ,  15 ). If the advertising vehicle ( 20 ) is designed for example as a printed sheet ( 22 ), the space ( 21 ) is designed correspondingly narrow, so that the cover ( 11 ) presses the advertising vehicle ( 20 ) firmly on the bottom surface ( 19 ). There care is taken to see that the cover ( 11 ), at its narrow side ( 23 ) facing the axis of rotation ( 13 ), is provided with a locking mechanism ( 24 ) by which the cover engages in a recess, not illustrated, of the compartment ( 15 ).  
         [0028]    In addition, however, a space ( 25 ) may alternatively be provided, particularly in the seating surface ( 2 ), that is suitable for the accommodation of large objects, for example of balls ( 26 ,  27 ). These advantageously are inserted into holders ( 28 ,  29 ) that are supported on the bottom surface ( 14 ) of the space ( 25 ).  
         [0029]    In each case, the covers ( 10 ,  11 ) are designed transparent, for example of a transparent synthetic material. In addition, the latter may undergo processing by which the transparent covers ( 10 ,  11 ) are designed as a magnifying glass through which the details of the advertising vehicle ( 20 ) are readily recognizable, regardless of whether they are printed in the form of a sheet ( 22 ) or exhibited in the form of objects, for example balls ( 26 ,  27 ).  
         [0030]    In the case of connected advertising surfaces ( 6 ,  7 ), these may alternatively be covered by a common cover ( 30 ). The latter, in the closed state of the advertising surfaces ( 6 ,  7 ), extends over all parts of these advertising surfaces ( 6 ,  7 ). At the same time, the common cover ( 30 ) may be designed completely removable, so that it is removed from the bucket seat ( 1 ) when the advertising vehicle ( 20 ) is inserted into the compartments ( 14 ,  15 ). Of course, the cover ( 30 ) may be mounted hinged in the region of the backrest surface ( 3 ) (FIG. 2) or in the region of the seating surface ( 2 ) via an appropriately arranged axis ( 31 ). In these cases, the common cover ( 30 ) is swung away from the seating surface ( 2 ) and the backrest surface ( 3 ) about the axis ( 31 ) extending along a transverse edge, so that the compartments ( 14 ,  15 ) are opened for insertion of the respective advertising vehicle ( 20 ). The common cover ( 30 ) is then swung back, so that it engages in a corresponding recess ( 33 ) of the seating surface ( 2 ) or backrest surface ( 3 ). This recess ( 33 ) then is provided with a seal ( 34 ), so that when the cover ( 30 ) is closed, any water collecting on the seating surface ( 2 ) cannot penetrate into the compartment ( 14 ).  
         [0031]    The seal ( 34 ) has a U-shaped cross section, between the two arms of which is inserted an edge ( 35 ) surrounding the common cover. The common cover ( 30 ) is swung in the direction of the seating surface ( 2 ) with this installed seal ( 34 ). Then the seal ( 34 ) engages in the recess ( 33 ), so that the arm of the seal ( 34 ) projecting into the seating surface ( 2 ) presses on a surface ( 36 ) of the common cover ( 30 ) forming the seating surface ( 2 ) and, in this way, prevents the penetration of water into the compartment ( 14 ).  
         [0032]    The covers ( 10 ,  11 ) are alternatively designed transparent. They close off the compartments ( 14 ,  15 ) watertight with seals ( 37 ,  38 ). The respective advertising vehicles ( 20 ) lie within these compartments ( 14 ,  15 ).  
         [0033]    To minimize sealing problems, the seating surface ( 2 ) and the sealing surface ( 3 ) may consist of a common dish ( 39 ) which delimits the bucket seat ( 1 ) on its side opposite the contact surface ( 4 ). Then either the entire dish ( 39 ) or the regions of the seating surface ( 2 ) and backrest surface ( 3 ) lying in the region of the compartments ( 14 ,  15 ) may consist of a transparent material ( 40 ,  41 ). Below this dish ( 39 ), in the region of the transparent material ( 40 ,  41 ), the compartments ( 14 ,  15 ) are firmly integrated into the bucket seat, for example are fastened to the dish ( 39 ). They may be opened and closed by doors ( 42 ,  43 ) hinged below the dish ( 39 ). There, locks ( 44 ,  45 ) are integrated into the doors ( 42 ,  43 ). The doors ( 42 ,  43 ) have seals that close off the compartments ( 14 ,  15 ) watertight.  
         [0034]    After the doors ( 42 ,  43 ) are opened, the respective advertising vehicles ( 20 ) can be inserted into the compartments ( 14 ,  15 ). For this purpose, insertable supporting racks, which are not represented, are provided within the compartments ( 14 ,  15 ).  
         [0035]    Another possibility for a watertight seal of the compartments ( 14 ,  15 ) is provided in that a compartment ( 46 ) accommodating the advertising vehicles is fastened to a door ( 48 ) hinged in the seating surface ( 2 ). This door ( 48 ) consists of a transparent material ( 40 ), providing a view into the compartment ( 46 ). At its end ( 49 ) opposite the axis of rotation ( 47 ), the compartment ( 46 ) is closed off by a closure ( 50 ). In the turned-up state of the closure ( 50 ), advertising vehicles may be inserted into the compartment. Then, the closure ( 50 ) is actuated, so that the compartment ( 46 ) is closed. After that, the door ( 48 ) is swung about the axis of rotation ( 47 ), so that the compartment ( 46 ) projects into a recess ( 51 ), which is closed off by the door ( 48 ) at its upper edge lying in the seating surface ( 2 ). In addition, the recess ( 51 ) in the region of the upper edge ( 52 ) may be sealed off by an additional seal, not represented, which extends to the edges delimiting the door ( 48 ). A similar fastening for a corresponding compartment is possible in the region of the backrest surface ( 3 ).  
         [0036]    Instead of hinged covers ( 10 ,  11 ) and a hinged door ( 48 ), in each instance coverings that can be completely removed from corresponding recesses ( 33 ) may alternatively be used. In addition, sliding closures, which can be displaced within the seating surface ( 2 ) and backrest surface ( 3 ) in order to be able to open the compartments ( 14 ,  15 ), may alternatively be used.  
         [0037]    According to another embodiment, it is alternatively possible to design the device for the replacement of advertising vehicles ( 20 ) as a boxlike slide-in element that accommodates removable advertising vehicles. A typical embodiment consists in that the boxlike element may be designed as a holder, open toward the top and transparent at least in regions, which is mounted by its back to a back of the bucket seat. Here the advertising vehicles may be designed as individual printed elements that are alternatively called flyers. These advertising elements may be removed and taken along by a respective user.