Abstract:
A portable viewing booth adapted to accommodate a viewer therein. The viewing booth comprising a chair having a seat portion, a back rest portion, a pair of arm rests, and a leg rest. The portable viewing booth is adapted to be transported on a roller. The portable viewing booth further includes a frame member adapted to cover the viewer seated on the chair, wherein the frame member is adapted to house a screen display thereon, and wherein the frame member is pivotally attached to an upper edge of the back rest portion of the chair, and is adapted to fold and be disposed behind the chair.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to booths for audio and visual equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable compact theatre booth for audio and visual equipment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Over the years, private viewing of a television or computer monitor has become more common for entertainment purposes conducted in private or public areas, or for educational purposes also conducted in private or public areas. As technology has advanced, for example, an employer may conduct on-the-job training by having a trainee watch an instructional or training program presented on a video, or perform computer-related tasks such as flight simulation. However, considering the scarcity of office space, it is often inconvenient and expensive to provide a separate office room for purposes of viewing such training tapes. 
     In the past, private viewing of television or computer monitors has been accomplished by use of small, hooded monitors. Unfortunately, the use of a small, hooded monitor does not isolate the viewer from his or her surroundings, which can be noisy and distracting. Another method has been to provide a booth in which the viewer sits to watch the television or computer monitor. Such booths are often soundproofed to allow the viewer to concentrate on the monitor without distraction from the environment surrounding the booth. Unfortunately, such booths are large and take up space in what may be a crowded office or factory floor. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a compact, personal viewing booth offering isolation from the environment so that viewing and listening will not be disturbed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A portable viewing booth, which is adapted to accommodate a viewer therein, comprises a support frame, a chair having a seat portion and a back rest portion extending from the seat portion wherein the chair is mounted on the support frame. A frame member is pivotally attached to the back rest portion and adapted to fold and be stored behind the chair. The frame member is adapted to cover the viewer while seated on the chair, and a display screen, speakers, and other devices are mounted is on the frame member. 
     The above-described and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the present invention where the folding traverse movement of frame member is illustrated; 
     FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the present invention in a viewing position; 
     FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the present invention in a non-use folded position; 
     FIGS. 4 through 8 are isometric views of the present invention illustrating the viewing booth transforming from a viewing configuration to a non-use configuration; 
     FIG. 9 is another isometric view of the present invention illustrating other structural features; 
     FIG. 9A is a cross sectional view of FIG. 9 taken along the line A—A; 
     FIG. 9B is a cross sectional view of FIG. 9 taken along the line B—B; 
     FIG. 9C is a cross sectional view of FIG. 9 taken along the line C—C; and 
     FIGS. 10 through 13 are side isometric views of the present invention illustrating the retraction sequence of a pedal frame member into the viewing booth. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the figures, illustrated in FIG. 1 is a side view of a viewing booth generally designated at  10 . Viewing booth  10  generally comprises a chair  12 , which includes a seat portion  14  and a backrest portion  16  attached to seat portion  14 . Backrest portion  16  extends in an upward direction from seat portion  14 . A pair of opposing arm rests  18  are attached to seat portion  14  and to back rest portion  16  at opposing sides of chair  12 . A leg rest  20  extends from seat portion  16  and provides a greater comfort for a viewer  22  while seated in chair  12 . Moreover, chair  12  is mounted on a support frame portion  26  attached to the bottom of seat portion  14 . 
     Booth  10  further includes a roller  24 , or a plurality of wheels in the alternative, disposed on support frame portion  26  of booth  10  wherein roller  24  provides for transportability of booth  10  from one location to a desired location. In order to assist in transporting booth  10 , leg rest  20  further includes a handle  28  extended outwardly from the edge of leg rest  20  for lifting booth  10  off the ground pivotally relative to roller  24  wherein booth  10  may be pushed or pulled on roller  24 . Alternatively, back rest portion  16  may include a handle  68  allowing a user to tilt booth  10  in the other direction relative to roller  24  and transport booth  10  to a desired location by pushing or pulling booth  10 . 
     Booth  10  further includes a boxed-in or enclosed compartment section  30  preferably disposed underneath, or alternatively behind seat portion  14  of chair  12 , wherein video and audio/visual sources  25  such as, but not limited to, a DVD player, a VCR, a computer, subwoofer, and a surround sound system may be stored therein. 
     In order to provide a segregated viewing area for viewer  22 , booth  10  further includes a frame member  32  capable of folding at various hinge point locations to allow booth  10  to be transformed from a viewing configuration (FIG.  2 ), into a non-use or storage configuration (FIG. 3) at the conclusion of a viewing. In the non-use or storage configuration (FIG. 3) chair  12  may be utilized as an ordinary chair, or simply stored away. 
     Frame member  32  is made of a plurality of sub-frame members pivotally attached to one another at a first hinge point  34 , a second hinge point  36 , and a third hinge point  38 . A display screen  42  such as, but not limited to, a flat screen monitor, is preferably suspended from the interior side of a sub-frame member  40 , which is pivotally attached to sub-frame member  48  at first hinge point  34 . Display screen  42  is in facing relation with viewer  22  while in use position. The use of a flat display screen monitor, allows for easier storage and folding capabilities of frame  32 . 
     The retraction and folding of frame member  32  is illustrated by folding sub-frame member  40  in a counter clock-wise direction, generally depicted at 1, about first hinge point  34 , to a position where sub-frame member  40  will ultimately secure underneath sub-frame member  48  via a latching device  78  disposed between first hinge point  34  and second hinge point  36 . Next, sub-frame member  48 , with sub-frame member  40  secured underneath, pivotally rotates and folds in a clock-wise direction, generally depicted at 2, about second hinge point  36  to where sub-frame member  48  is secured via a latching device  80  on top of sub-frame member  50 . Finally, sub-frame member  50 , which is pivotally attached to chair  12  at third hinge point  38 , with the sub-frame members  40  and  48  positioned on its top surface, pivotally rotates and folds in a clock-wise direction, generally depicted at 3, about third hinge point  38  to a stored position behind chair  12  wherein the frame member  32  is transformed into a fully folded position and secured via a latching device  84  behind back rest portion  16  of chair  12 . This complete folded position of frame member  32  transforms booth  10  to non-use position wherein chair  12  may be utilized as an ordinary chair, or be stored away for later use. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, in order to create a completely segregated viewing area for viewer  22 , booth  10  further comprises a pair of opposing sidewalls  52  and  54 . Sidewall  52  is pivotally attached along the peripheral edge of armrest  18  at a hinge point  70  and terminates at frame member  32  at the opposing free end. Similarly, sidewall  54  is pivotally attached along the peripheral edge of the other armrest  18  at a hinge point  71 , and terminates at frame member  32  at the opposing free end. 
     In transforming booth  10  from a viewing configuration to a non-use configuration, or vice versa, sidewall  52  pivotally rotates and folds in a counter clock-wise or counter clock-wise direction about hinge point  70  to ultimately rest and secure against frame member  32  via a latching device  85  in an enclosed viewing configuration, and rest and secure against frame portion  26  via a latching device  83  in a non-use configuration. Similarly, sidewall  54  pivotally rotates and folds in a clock-wise or counter clock-wise direction about hinge point  71  to also ultimately rest and secure against opposing side of frame member  32  via latching device  85  in an enclosed viewing configuration, and rest and secure against the other side of frame portion  26  via latching device  83  in a non-use configuration. Folding and retracting of other sub-frame members of frame member  32  may follow in the same way as discussed before. It is also contemplated that each sidewall  52  and  54  to include a window  56 , preferably slideable, to allow viewer  22  a view of the external surrounding of booth  10  while inside booth  10 . 
     As best seen in FIG. 5, sub-frame member  40  may include a tray portion  58 , which preferably extends over viewer&#39;s lap, and provides viewer  22  with a place to rest food or beverage while inside booth  10 . Additionally, tray portion  58  or sub-frame member  40  may have speakers  33  or audio/visual controls  46  mounted thereon. Alternatively, when a computer is utilized, tray portion  58  may be used to place a keyboard, joystick, or a mouse thereon. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, viewing booth  10  is illustrated in a viewing configuration. As will be described herein, this embodiment contemplates sub-frame member  40  to pivotally fold inwardly where sub-frame member  40  will ultimately secure on the bottom surface of sub-frame member  48 . Further, this embodiment includes removable side panels  62 , back panel  60 , and bottom panel  64  (FIG. 3) to allow access to compartment  30 . In addition, a pair of opposing sidewalls  53  extend from sub-frame member  40  to tray portion  58 . 
     Referring to FIG. 5, sidewalls  52  and  54  are illustrated in an open configuration where each sidewall  52  and  54  rests next to each side of chair  12  and are secured over side panels  62  via latching device  83 . Each sidewall  52  and  54  is pivotally attached to a corresponding arm rest  18  with at hinge points  70  and  71  respectively, where each sidewall  52  and  54  is to fold onto the side of chair  12 . Sub-frame member  40  is secured to arm rest  18  at attach point  82 . Handles  106  disposed on each sidewall  52  and  54  allow the viewer  22  to open and close sidewalls  52  and  54  while the viewer  22  is seated in chair  12 . The seat portion  14  of chair  12  may include sound holes  108  disposed therein. Sound holes  108  communicate with speakers (not shown) or a subwoofer (not shown) mounted within enclosed compartment  30  (FIG.  1 ). Sound holes  108  allow the sound from the speakers or subwoofer to reach the viewer  22 . Also shown in FIG. 5 are support braces  59 , which extend from side edges of back rest portion  16  to support sub-frame member  50 . 
     Referring to FIG. 6, sub-frame member  40  is illustrated in a folded position. As stated earlier, this embodiment contemplates that sub-frame member  40  pivots and folds in a clock-wise direction about first hinge point  34 , and then ultimately secured to the bottom surface of sub-frame member  48  with latching device  78 . 
     Referring to FIG. 7, sub-frame member  48 , with sub-frame member  40  secured to its bottom surface, is illustrated in a folded configuration. As stated earlier, sub-frame member  48  pivots and folds in a counter clock-wise direction about second hinge point  36  until sub-frame member  48  ultimately rests on the top surface of sub-frame member  50  and is secured with latch device  80 . Finally, referring to FIG. 8, sub-frame member  50 , which is pivotally attached to chair  12  at third hinge point  38 , with the sub-frame members  40  and  48  positioned on its top surface, pivotally rotates and folds in a counter clock-wise direction about third hinge point  38  to a stored position behind chair  12  wherein the frame member  32  is transformed into a fully folded position and secured with latching device  84  behind back rest portion  16  of chair  12 . This complete folded position of frame member  32  transforms booth  10  to non-use position wherein chair  12  may be utilized as an ordinary chair, or be stored away for later use. 
     Referring to FIG. 9, booth  10  is illustrated having a front panel  66  pivotally hinged at  72 . Front panel  66 , an alternative to leg rest  20 , provides access to compartment section  30 . In order to assist in transforming booth  10  from a viewing position to a non-use position, or vice-versa, that is to transform frame member  32  into a complete folded or unfolded positions, strut mechanisms  94 ,  96 ,  100 , and  104  assist viewer  22 , or a user, to perform the task of folding and unfolding the sub-frame members. It should be appreciated that each of the strut mechanisms may be of a type such as, but not limited to, hydraulic operated, spring operated, or air operated. Additionally, more than one of any of the strut mechanisms may be utilized as design variations, such as the weight of the sub-frame members, require. 
     Referring to FIG. 9A, strut mechanisms  94  and  96  are illustrated. Strut mechanism  96  is pivotally attached to back rest portion  16 , preferably on support brace  59 , at one end. As sub-frame member  50  is rotated in a counter clock-wise direction from the viewing configuration to the storage configuration, the rotation of sub-frame member  50  is assisted by strut mechanism  96 . As sub-frame member  50  is rotated in a clock-wise direction to transform the booth  10  into a viewing configuration, sub-frame member  50  rests on the opposing end of strut mechanism  96  thereby allowing sub-frame member  50  to rotate smoothly. Strut mechanism  94  is pivotally attached to back rest portion  16  of chair  12  and assists in the clock-wise rotation of sub-frame member  50  when transforming sub-frame member  50  from the storage configuration to a viewing configuration. Strut mechanism  94  also allows sub-frame member  50  to rotate smoothly in the counter clock-wise direction as sub-frame member  50  pivots to rest behind chair  12 . 
     Referring to FIG. 9B, strut mechanism  100  is illustrated. Strut mechanism  100  is pivotally connected to sub-frame member  50  at pivot point  98 , and rests within a receptacle  102  disposed on sub-frame member  48  at the opposing end. Strut mechanism  100  is configured so as sub-frame member  48  pivots in a clock-wise direction, the opposing end is inserted into receptacle  102  thereby assisting sub-frame member  48  to rotate in the counter clock-wise direction and allowing sub-frame member  48  to rotate smoothly downward in the clock-wise direction. 
     Referring to FIG. 9C, strut mechanism  104  is illustrated. Strut mechanism  104  is pivotally attached to sub-frame member  48  at one end, and to sub-frame member  40  at the opposing end. Strut mechanism  104  assists in pivotal movement of sub-frame member  40 . Strut mechanism  104  assists the user to pivotally fold sub-frame member  40  into a viewing or non-use configurations. 
     Referring to FIG. 10, additional structural features for an alternative embodiment of booth  10  is illustrated in a flight training device configuration. As a flight training device, the booth provides the trainee with a confined space (similar to an aircraft cockpit) where he may focus his attention on specific flight training actions without outside distraction, thus creating a more realistic environment. To further reproduce an aircraft cockpit and flying instruments, booth  10  includes a pedal frame member  88  slideably disposed on top surface of support frame portion  26  wherein pedal frame member  88  is capable of sliding in and out compartment area  30 . Pedal frame member  88  further includes a pair of pedals  86 , such as those commercially available for computerized flight simulation programs, disposed on a top surface of pedal frame member  88 , and within the reach of a trainee&#39;s feet in a fully extended configuration, as is illustrated here. 
     In order to retract pedal frame member  88  into a stored position, as illustrated in FIG. 11, hinged front panel  66  is pivotally lifted about hinge point  72 , and pedal frame member  88  is then slid into stored position inside compartment  30 . Front panel  66  is then pivotally brought down into a closed position, as illustrated in FIG.  12 . It should also be appreciated that pedal frame member  88  may pivot about a hinge point  74  to allow a trainee to adjust the height of the pedals  86  to a desired height (FIG.  13 ). 
     Another structural feature of booth  10  is a power plug  91  that provides electrical power to a plurality of electrical receptacles  92  via electrical wiring  93 . Receptacles  92  are mounted within compartment section  30  to receive electrical plugs from the various audio/visual sources  25  (FIG. 1) mounted therewithin. Electrical wiring  93  is mounted on a reel  90 , which is mounted within compartment section  30 . Reel  90  allows wiring  93  to be extended from compartment section  30  when booth  10  is in the viewing configuration, and withdraws wiring  93  when booth  10  is in the storage configuration. 
     All structural components of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are constructed from rigid material such as, but not limited to, metal, wood, plastic, fiberglass, composite material, or combinations thereof. Moreover, design variations as to the width of the booth, or the booth being capable of accommodating more than one viewer are also contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. Also, the use of accessories for comforting the viewer such as, but not limited to, a fan  76  and a light source inside the booth are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. 
     While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration only, and such illustrations and embodiments as have been disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting to the claims.