Patent Publication Number: US-2006006705-A1

Title: Seat pocket storage apparatus

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/583,900, filed Jun. 29, 2004, entitled “Flexible Seat pocket and Storage Apparatus,” which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates generally to seats with removable article holders or receptacles. More particularly, the present invention relates to stadium and theater seat covers having storage pockets disposed therein for storing articles.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Stadiums, theaters, and other sporting and entertainment venues generally provide seating for viewers and spectators with rows of flip-down style seats. These venues are designed to seat a large number of people in a given area, which can result in limited storage room for coats, hats, gloves, handbags, books, programs, and other personal items. While limited space might be available on the floor in front of the spectator or under the seat, any items left in this space can become soiled from dirt, food, and beverage spills, or from the shoes of those in neighboring seats if they inadvertently step on or kick any items on the floor. Also, coats hung on a seatback can fall onto the floor and can also impede another spectator&#39;s space in an adjacent row. Handbags and purses might tempt thieves or pickpockets if left unattended on the floor or seatback. Items placed on the floor can also be accidentally left behind after an event and finding and retrieving these items can be difficult or impossible.  
      Many large venues are outdoors, such as sporting arenas or outdoor amphitheaters, at which seats can become wet or dirty from the environment. Further, these venues, whether indoor or outdoor, often offer a variety of food items, beverages, and other concessions that can be enjoyed by spectators during events. Unfortunately, food items and beverages are frequently spilled or left on the seats where they leave residue that can soil a later seat occupant&#39;s clothing. Personal items stored on the floor or seat can also become wet or dirty from spills or the environment. Movie theaters, in particular, also provide limited lighting in which to examine the seats and floor prior to sitting on the seat or setting down personal items on the floor for any dirt, food, or beverage residue left by a previous seat occupant.  
      As a result, there is a need for a seat storage apparatus that substantially addresses the problems inherent with conventional seating in stadiums, theaters, and other venues.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention solves many of the problems associated with conventional seating in stadiums, theaters, and other venues, specifically the lack of storage and unclean seating surfaces, by providing a seat storage apparatus for storing articles relative to a seat.  
      In one aspect, the invention comprises at least a flexible first sheet, and a flexible second sheet coupled to the first sheet to define a first pocket having a first opening, the first pocket configured to selectively shroudably couple with a portion of a seat, and a flexible third sheet coupled to the second sheet and/or the first pocket to define a second pocket having a second opening, the second sheet and second pocket configured to store an article relative to the seat. In a further aspect, the first and second openings are generally oriented such that each is facing in opposite directions with respect to the other.  
      In another aspect, the invention pertains to a method for assembling or forming a seat storage apparatus for storing an article relative to a seat. The method can include providing a flexible first sheet, coupling a flexible second sheet to the first sheet to define a first pocket configured to selectively shroudably couple with a portion of a seat, and coupling a flexible third sheet to the second sheet and/or the second pocket to define a second pocket configured to store an article relative to a seat. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a chair having a seat pocket disposed thereon according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the seat is depicted in the flipped-up configuration;  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a chair having a seat pocket disposed thereon according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the seat is depicted in the flipped-down configuration;  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an assembled seat pocket according to an embodiment of the present invention after reversing the seat cover.  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a first sheet layer according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a second sheet layer according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a second sheet layer according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a second sheet layer according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a second sheet layer according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a partially assembled seat pocket according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a partially assembled seat pocket according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an assembled seat pocket according to an embodiment of the present invention prior to reversing the seat pocket; and  
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a chair having a seat pocket disposed therein according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the seat pocket is coupled to the seat back. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a flexible seat pocket  10  is depicted. As depicted, the seat pocket  10  is generally used in conjunction with a seat, such as a stadium, theater, or other venue seat, which is depicted by the numeral  12  in  FIG. 1 . The stadium seat  12  generally includes a seat bottom  14 , a seat back  16 , and a pair of armrests  18 . A myriad of various seat configurations are available for use with the present invention.  
      Referring to  FIG. 3 , the seat pocket  10  generally comprises a first sheet layer  20 , a second sheet  22  operably joined or coupled to the first sheet  20 , and a closure assembly  23 . The closure assembly will be described in greater detail herein.  
      Referring to  FIG. 4 , the first sheet  20  of the seat pocket  10  is depicted. The first sheet  20  generally comprises a first unfinished or raw edge  24 , a second finished edge  26 , and a pair of generally opposed sides  28 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the first edge  24  of the first sheet  20  can be unfinished prior to assembling with the second sheet  22 . The second edge  26  can be finished, for example, by folding the previously unfinished edge upon itself and sewing or gluing a seam or using a finishing tape. In various embodiments, the first unfinished or raw edge  24  and sides  28  can also be finished by folding the previously unfinished edge or sides upon themselves and sewing or gluing a seam or using a finishing tape. Finishing the edges and sides can prevent the fabric or material from unraveling and also can provide the seat pocket  10  with a neat and attractive appearance.  
      The first sheet  20  can comprise a portion of the seat cover compartment  44  or a portion of the storage compartment  42  of the various embodiments, as the seat pocket  10  can generally be removably and selectively installed on or over a seat bottom  14  in either orientation. The storage compartment  42  and seat cover compartment  44  are described in greater detail herein.  
      In an embodiment, the first sheet  20  comprises denim, canvas, or another relatively heavy-duty material to provide durability and additional protection for indoor and outdoor stadium uses. In other embodiments, the first sheet  20  comprises fabric or cloth having sufficient elasticity, such as a cotton/polyester blend, e.g., LYCRA or SPANDEX, to enable the first sheet  20 , in communication with the second sheet  22  when assembled, to be stretch-fitted securely onto or shroudably over a seat bottom  14  or back  16  as a seat cover compartment  44  or to be stretched sufficiently to provide ample storage room beneath the seat bottom  14  as a storage compartment  42 .  
      It will be understood to those or ordinary skill in the art that various materials can be utilized for constructing many of the sheets of the present invention. I will also be understood to those or ordinary skill in the art that the sheets can be processed to be rigid and/or constructed of various rigid materials. The rigidity can provide stability and/or support to the seat pocket.  
      In other embodiments, the first sheet  20  can comprise a plastic or similar material. In embodiments in which the first sheet  20  comprises a relatively inelastic material, such as denim, canvas, or plastic, the seat pocket  10  can be specifically tailored for a particular seat bottom  14  or back  16  size and configuration such that the apparatus fits securely without substantial stretching.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , the second sheet  22  of the seat pocket  10  is depicted. The second sheet  22  generally comprises a first raw or unfinished edge  30 , a second finished edge  32 , and a pair of generally opposed sides  34 . As depicted in  FIG. 7 , the first edge  30  of the second sheet  22  is generally unfinished prior to assembling with the first sheet  20 . The second edge  32  can be finished, for example, by folding the previously unfinished edge upon itself and sewing or gluing a seam or using a finishing tape. In various embodiments, the first unfinished or raw edge  30  and sides  34  can also be finished by folding the previously unfinished edge or sides upon themselves and sewing or gluing a seam or using a finishing tape. Finishing the edges and sides can prevent the fabric or material from unraveling and also can provide the seat pocket  10  with a neat and attractive appearance.  
      Referring to  FIG. 3 , the seat pocket  10  can also comprise a closure assembly  23  operably joined or coupled to one of the sheets for closing the storage compartment  42  included within the storage pocket  10  and securing articles therein. Referring to  FIGS. 6-7 , the closure assembly  23  can comprise a drawstring  38 . The drawstring  38  can be attached proximate the sides  34  and edge  32  of the second sheet  22  using stitching, tape, glue, or any other fixation mechanism. The second sheet  22  can comprise a drawstring cutout or channel  36  to expose a central portion of the drawstring  38 . The drawsting  38  can include a toggle  39  or clamp for keeping the drawstring  38  in a cinched state. As depicted in  FIG. 7 , the drawstring  38  can be severed or looped proximate its center to enable ends of the drawstring  38  to be inserted into the toggle  39  or clamp.  
      The second sheet  22  can comprise a portion of the seat cover compartment  44  or a portion of the storage compartment  42  of the various embodiments, because as stated, the seat pocket  10  can generally be removably and selectively shroudably installed on a seat bottom  14  or back  16  in either orientation. The storage compartment  42  and seat cover compartment  44  are described in greater detail herein.  
      The second sheet  22  can comprise fabric, cloth, or a similar material having an elasticity to enable the seat pocket  10 , when assembled, to be stretch-fitted securely onto a seat bottom  14  or back  16 , or alternatively to provide ample under-seat storage. When used as the storage compartment  42 , the second sheet  22  can also comprise a fabric sufficiently elastic, such as those fabrics previously described with reference to the first sheet  20 , to enable a variety of items of different sizes to be stored in the storage compartment  42 . In an embodiment, the sheet or sheets forming the storage pocket portion  42  has a width greater than a width of the sheet forming the seat pocket portion  44  such that the underseat pocket  42  is larger to accommodate bulkier items, such as a large coat or backpack.  
      While the first and second sheets  20 ,  22  have been described as being comprised of certain materials, the sheets  20 ,  22 , or any additional sheets utilized herewith, can comprise any material suitable for use as a seat cover or storage pocket. Such materials include various cloths or fabrics, such as, for example, broadcloth, calico, burlap, cambric, canvas, corduroy, crêpe, denim, felt, flannel, gabardine, gingham, lamé, linen, muslin, organza, satin, serge, silk, twill, velvet, or worsted. Such materials can also include fur, leather, paper, rubber, PVC, or nylon. The sheets  20 ,  22 , or any additional sheets utilized herewith, can also be made of or comprise waterproof material, for example, Gore-Tex® or waxed denim or canvas.  
      Referring again to  FIG. 7 , the second sheet  22  comprises the cutout  36  through which the drawstring  38 , cord, or similar fastening mechanism can be accessed to enable the storage compartment  42  formed by the first and/or second sheets  20 ,  22  to be secured. As depicted, the cutout  36  is on the second edge  32  of the second sheet  22 . When the second edge is folded over to create the finished edge, an open area underneath the folded over portion can be created and can comprise a channel or passage  35  to hold, cover, and/or retain the drawstring  38 . As described herein, the drawstring  38  can also be cinched or tightened using the toggle  39 , which can then also be used for transporting the seat pocket  10  to and from events. In other embodiments, lock and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro), snaps, a zipper, or other fasteners can be used to secure the contents of the apparatus in the storage compartment  42 . As depicted in  FIG. 7  and described herein, the finished edge  32  second sheet  22  can be finished with a sewed, glued, or taped seam after the drawstring  38  has been inserted or covered and attached to the second sheet  22 . Alternatively, referring to  FIG. 8 , the second sheet  22  can comprise one or more apertures  40  through which the drawstring  38 , cord, or similar fastening mechanism can be accessed to enable the storage compartment  42  formed by the first and/or second sheets  20 ,  22  to be secured.  
      After the drawstring  38  or other fastening mechanism has been attached to the second sheet  22  and/or sides  34  and edges  30 ,  32  of the second sheet  22  have been finished as desired, the first and second sheets  20 ,  22  can be joined, as depicted in  FIG. 9 . The edge  24  opposite the edge  26  of the first sheet  20  can be sewed, glued, taped or otherwise joined or coupled to the edge  30  opposite the edge  32  of the second sheet  22 . Next, referring to  FIG. 10 , the second sheet  22  is folded upon itself with the first sheet  20  in between to form a first pocket by bringing the edge  30  of the second sheet  22  to the seam formed by the coupling of the edges  24 ,  30  of the first and second sheets  20 ,  22 , respectively. The sides  28  of the first sheet  20  are then sewed, glued, taped or otherwise coupled to the sides  34  of the second sheet  22  to form the second pocket between the first and second sheets  20 ,  22 . The completed seat pocket  10 , in an inside-out orientation, is depicted in  FIG. 11  and can be ready for use after being reversed to the configuration as depicted in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, The seat pocket can be used in the in the configuration as depicted in  FIG. 11  and any of the sides or edges of the seat pocket  10  can be cut or cropped to create additional pockets.  
      The completed seat pocket  10  comprises a flexible first sheet  20 , a flexible second layer as part of a second sheet  22  that is operably coupled to the first sheet  20  to define a first pocket  44  having a first opening  45 , the first pocket  44  configured to selectively and slidably shroudably cover a seat, and a flexible third layer operably or integrally coupled or joined to the second sheet  22  to define a second pocket  42  having a second opening  43 , the second pocket  42  configured to store an article relative to the seat. The first opening  45  and second opening  43  each comprise a margin  45   a,    43   a  defined therealong, respectively. The first opening  45  and second opening  43  each also comprise an orientation.  
      In an embodiment of the seat pocket storage apparatus  10 , the first pocket  44  has a length of fifteen inches plus or minus one inch (15.0″±1.0″) and a width of eighteen inches plus or minus one inch (18.0″±1.0″). In this embodiment, the second pocket  42  has a length of seventeen inches plus or minus one inch (17.0″±1.0″) and a width of eighteen inches plus or minus one inch (18.0″±1.0″). In an embodiment, the drawstring  38  is slightly longer than the width of the second pocket  42  to enable the toggle  39  to be operably coupled to the drawstring  38 . For example, in the above embodiment, the drawstring  38  has a length of twenty-four inches plus or minus one inch (24.0″±1.0″). These exemplary embodiments and dimensions can be modified without departing from the spirit of any of the essential attributes of the present invention.  
      In the embodiments depicted in the figures, the first opening  45  and second openings  43  of the storage and seat cover compartments  42 ,  44 , respectively, are generally oriented to face in opposite directions. The angle difference between the storage and seat cover compartments  42 ,  44  can be about one hundred and eighty degrees, but can vary without affecting the functionality of the seat cover. The generally opposed orientation of the first opening and second openings enables the seat cover compartment  44  to be slid onto or over a portion of the seat  12  in one direction, with the storage compartment  42  opening in the opposite direction. When the seat pocket  10  is placed onto the seat bottom  14 , as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the orientation enables a user sitting on a seat  12  to place articles into the storage compartment  42  and access the articles while remaining seated. Likewise, when the seat pocket  10  is placed onto the seat back, as depicted in  FIG. 12 , the contents of the seat pocket  10  can be easily accessed from the top when the seat cover compartment  44  is slid over the seat back  16 . In other embodiments, the storage and seat cover compartments  42 ,  44  of the seat pocket  10  can be oriented at different directions. In these embodiments, the angle difference between the storage and seat cover compartments  42 ,  44  can be at any angle between one degree and one hundred and seventy nine degrees.  
      The storage and seat cover compartments  42 ,  44  can comprise equivalent sizes and configurations or can comprise different sizes and configurations, depending on the layer or sheet sizes, the method and location of attachment and/or folding, the material, and the like. For example, as can be seen in  FIG. 3 , the storage compartment  42  can be longer than the seat cover compartment  42  and can comprise an additional flap  46  wherein the extra compartment length  46  can extend beyond the length of the seat pocket  44 . In another embodiment, the seat compartment  44  can be longer than the storage compartment  44 . The widths and heights of the seat and storage compartments  42 ,  44  can also vary.  
      The seat pocket  10  can also be assembled in other ways. For example, the seat pocket  10  can comprise three individual or separate sheets of fabric, cloth, or other material such that each is separately operably attached to an adjacent layer or margin to provide corresponding pocket and opening configurations. This can be desirable, for example, to represent a particular sports team&#39;s colors. In an embodiment, the first sheet  20  comprising a portion of the seat pocket  10  includes padding or quilting to provide a more comfortable seating surface. The padding can be cotton, foam, down, or any other material, such as a synthetic polymer, providing a more comfortable seating surface for a user. The fabric or cloth can also be customized with screen-printed or embroidered logos, or other indicia.  
      While the first and second sheets  20 ,  22  have been described as being joined using sewing, gluing, and taping, the sheets  20 ,  22 , or any additional sheets utilized herewith, can be joined by other mechanisms, such as, for example, gluing, taping, and hook and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro) to create the first and/or second pockets  42 ,  44 , and any additional pockets.  
      As depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in an embodiment of the seat pocket  10  the first sheet  20  forms at least a portion of the seat cover compartment  44 . The seat cover depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  can also be installed with the seat cover compartment  44  or storage compartment formed by only the second sheet  22 .  
      When installed on a seat bottom  14  as depicted, the first sheet  20  can substantially cover the seating surface of the seat bottom  14  and provides a clean and smooth seating surface for a user. The second sheet  22 , forming the storage compartment opens towards the front of the seat bottom  14  and is easily accessible to a user when the user is seated or when the user is standing. When the user is seated, the seat bottom is generally in the flipped-down configuration, as depicted in  FIG. 2 . When the user is standing, the seat bottom is generally in the flipped-up configuration, as depicted in  FIG. 1 .  
      The seat pocket  10  can provide a clean and relatively secure storage compartment  42  for coats, hats, gloves, handbags, books, programs, and other personal items. The storage pocket  44  can also comprise one or more smaller, internal pockets of various sizes. The storage pocket can also include other structure for holding and storing objects, such as a snap-closure or an elastic loop on an external surface of the pocket  44  for holding an umbrella. As described in greater detail herein, in an embodiment, the seat pocket  10  comprises a drawstring  38 , cord, or other fastening or securing structure for closing or substantially tightening the open portion of the storage pocket  44  to secure items stored inside.  
      The seat pocket and storage seat pocket  10  can be easily installed on seats by a venue owner or manager and removed periodically for any necessary cleaning. In an embodiment, the seat pocket  10  further comprises structure for coupling the seat pocket  10  to a seat bottom, such as snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or other fastening mechanisms/members to secure the seat pocket  10  to the seat so that it cannot be easily removed by users. The seat pocket  10  can also be transported by an individual user to and from a variety of venues for personal use.  
      In other embodiments, the seat pocket  10  can be used interchangeably on a seat bottom  14  and seat back  16 . Installing the seat pocket  10  on the seat back  16  immediately in front of a user&#39;s seat  12  provides easily accessible storage while not interfering with the comfort or space of the person using that seat back  16 . The seat pocket  10  can also be used on a user&#39;s own seat back  16 .  
      In other embodiments, the seat pocket  10  can include more than two sheets and more than three sheets. In these embodiments, the seat pocket  10  can include more two or more seat cover compartments and two or more storage compartments.  
      The embodiments the seat pocket  10  of the various embodiments of the present invention can be folded into a compact configuration for ease of transport and storage. The seat pocket  10  can also be placed into a bag  50  for ease of transport and storage. In the compact configuration, the seat pocket  10  can be folded or compacted to a size of less than 100 cubic inches. In another embodiment, the seat pocket  10  can be folded to a size of less than 50 cubic inches. In another embodiment, the seat pocket can be folded into a size of less than 25 cubic inches. These exemplary embodiments and packing configuration volumes can be modified without departing from the spirit of any of the essential attributes of the present invention.  
      The present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of any of the essential attributes thereof. Therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.