Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The subject matter of this application is generally related to composite stadium seats or a seat cushions composed of materials configured in a sandwich construction. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Many venues, such as events at sports and entertainment arenas or stadiums, provide inadequate seating arrangements (e.g., lack of insulation or cushioning), or no seating arrangements at all. For example, seats provided in stadiums or arenas are generally molded hard plastic that provides limited comfort and insulation. 
         [0003]    Besides various medical issues that can arise, an otherwise enjoyable experience of attending such venues can be diminished by inadequate seating arrangements. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present disclosure includes systems and techniques related to portable composite stadium seats or a seat cushions composed of materials configured in a sandwich construction. According to an aspect of the described systems and techniques, a portable composite seat cushion includes a bottom layer including a durable material adapted to provide fraction on a bottom surface of the portable composite stadium seat cushion, a core layer including an insulating material, which is different than the durable material, where the insulating material is adapted to provide contoured and cushioned support for sitting on the portable composite stadium seat cushion, and a top layer including a pliable material, which is different than both the durable material and the insulating material, where the top layer is resilient and protects the core layer. 
         [0005]    The foregoing and other embodiments can each optionally include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination. In some embodiments, the portable composite stadium seat cushion can further include a pocket insert that has a cavity with two opposing surfaces, where the pocket insert can be recessed into the core layer, and an attachment pin that can be coupled to the two opposing surfaces of the pocket insert. In some embodiments, the pocket insert can include a load distribution element, where the load distribution element can be embedded, at least in part, within the portable composite stadium seat cushion. In some embodiments, the load distribution element is ring shaped. In some embodiments, the load distribution element can be adapted to absorb tensile loads. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, the attachment pin can be integral to the pocket insert. In some embodiments, the portable composite stadium seat can include a front face and a rear face opposing the front face, where at least one of the bottom layer, the core layer, and the top layer can be configured such that the portable composite stadium seat is sloped downwards from the rear face towards the front face. In some embodiments, the portable composite stadium seat is rectangular. In some embodiments, the portable composite stadium seat has rounded corners. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the portable composite stadium seat cushion has a traction pattern. In some embodiments, the pliable material of the top layer is durable, abrasion resistant, and waterproof. In some embodiments, the pliable material of the top layer is neoprene. In some embodiments, the insulating material of the core layer is closed cell foam. In some embodiments, the durable material of the bottom layer is pliable, abrasion resistant, and waterproof. In some embodiments, the durable material of the bottom layer is rubber. 
         [0007]    The systems and techniques described in this specification can be implemented so as to realize one or more of the following advantages. A stadium seat that features ergonomically contoured support for seating comfort and insulation from the surface on which the stadium seat is placed (e.g., insulation from cold or hot surfaces) can be provided. Additionally, a compact and portable stadium seat that can be attached to clothing (e.g., a belt or belt loops) or equipment (e.g., a backpack or a bag) via an attachment device (e.g., a carabineer, a clipping device, or a rope) can be provided. 
         [0008]    Details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects and advantages may be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DRAWING DESCRIPTIONS 
         [0009]      FIGS. 1A-1F  are various views of an example of a composite stadium seat cushion. 
           [0010]      FIGS. 2A-2B  are exploded views of an example of a composite stadium seat cushion. 
           [0011]    Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    The portable composite stadium seats or seat cushions described herein are compact, easily transportable, and convenient devices that include various features and qualities that are deficient or not found in other stadium seat cushions. The portable composite stadium seats or seat cushions can provide ergonomic comfort and support in addition to insulating features from temperatures of surfaces on which the composite stadium seat or seat cushion is placed. 
         [0013]    The portable composite stadium seats or seat cushions feature a sandwich structure of materials serving several complimentary functions. The ergonomic features of the composite stadium seat or seat cushion can include a contoured shape that conforms to the human anatomy in the buttocks region and can be sloped downward from the back face of the seat cushion towards the front face of the seat or cushion to facilitate proper back posture when a person is in a seated position. Amongst other possible shapes, the composite stadium seats or seat cushions can be rectangular. In some implementations, the sandwich structure of the composite stadium seat or cushion includes three layers of material, a bottom layer, a top layer, and a core layer sandwiched between the bottom and the top layer. 
         [0014]      FIGS. 1A-1F  are various views of an example of a composite stadium seat cushion  100 . In this embodiment, the composite stadium seat cushion  100  includes a bottom layer  130 , a top layer  110 , and a core layer  120  sandwiched between the bottom layer  130  and the top layer  110 . 
         [0015]    The top layer  110  is the element of the composite stadium seat cushion  100  on which a person can be seated. The top layer  110  can be formed from a pliable, durable, abrasion resistant, and/or waterproof material (e.g., neoprene.) The top layer  110  provides resiliency when subjected to continued and periodic use and when exposed to a variety of weather conditions. The top layer  110  partially protects the core layer  120  from exposure to ambient elements and from external contact related impact. 
         [0016]    The core layer  120  is an insulating layer that is adapted to retain the ergonomic shape of the composite stadium seat cushion  100  while providing contoured and cushioned support for sitting on the composite stadium seat cushion. The core layer  120  can provide an insulating barrier from surface temperatures on which the composite stadium seat cushion  100  is placed. In some embodiments, the core layer  120  can be formed from a pliable and thermally insulating material (e.g., closed celled foam). 
         [0017]    The bottom layer  130  can be formed from a pliable, durable, abrasion resistant, and/or waterproof material such as rubber (e.g., rubber used for athletic shoes.) The bottom layer  130  provides resiliency when subjected to continued and periodic use and when exposed to a variety of weather conditions. The bottom layer  130  can also provide traction when placed on a surface and partially protects the core layer  120  from exposure to ambient elements and from external contact related impact. In some embodiments, the bottom layer  130  has a bottom surface with a traction pattern (e.g., similar to fraction patterns of shoe soles). 
         [0018]    In embodiments where the composite stadium seat cushion is sloped downward from the back face towards the front face (e.g., in angles of 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, or more,) the back face can have a height H 1  (e.g., of 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 2 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches, or more) and the front face can have a height H 2  (e.g., of 0.75 inches, 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 2 inches, or more,) to facilitate proper back posture when a person is in a seated position. 
         [0019]    In some implementations, the composite stadium seat cushion  100  can include a pocket insert  140  and an attachment pin  150 , as shown in  FIG. 1B , to attach devices such as a carabineer or a clipping device for transporting the composite stadium seat cushion  100 . In this example, the pocket insert  140  is located at a corner of the composite stadium seat cushion  100 . In other embodiments, the pocket insert  140  can be located at other portions of the composite stadium seat cushion, such as the middle of a shorter one of the sides. The pocket insert  140  can be embedded in the core layer  120  and have a cavity  146  with an opening at one or more outside faces of the composite stadium seat cushion  140 . The cavity  146  can have a height H p  (e.g., 0.75 inches, 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, or more) from the bottom surface  142  to the top surface  144  of the pocket insert  140  to accommodate an attachment device, for example. 
         [0020]    The attachment pin  150  is coupled to the bottom surface  142  and the top surface  144  of the pocket insert  140  such that attachment devices can be hooked onto the attachment pin  150 . In some embodiments, the attachment pin  150  is integral to the pocket insert  140 . In some embodiments, the attachment pin  150  is a component separate from the pocket insert  140  and can be attached to the pocket insert via bolts, screws, rivets, or adhesive, for example. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the composite stadium seat cushion  100  includes a load distribution element  148 , as shown in  FIG. 2A . The load distribution element  148  provides structural support and form stability for the composite stadium seat cushion  100 . In some embodiments, the load distribution element  148  can be embedded within the core layer  120 . In some embodiments, the load distribution element  148  can be placed between the bottom layer  130  and the core layer  120 , or between the core layer  120  and the top layer  110  of the composite stadium seat cushion  100 . In some embodiments, the load distribution element  148  can be ring shaped. 
         [0022]    The load distribution element  148  can be coupled to the pocket insert  140  providing structural support when the pocket insert  140  is subjected to external loads (e.g., tensile loads) through attachment devices that are coupled with the attachment pin  150 . The material used for the load distribution element can feature tensile and shear strength structural properties to withstand loads the composite stadium seat cushion is designed to endure. For example, when a concentrated tensile load is applied to the pocket insert, which may occur when the attachment device is subjected to a tensile load while the composite stadium seat cushion is constrained in some manner, the load path starts where the attachment pin is coupled with the pocket insert and is dispersed through the load distribution ring. The load path follows the load distribution ring along its longitudinal axis and gradually disperses to the enclosure material (e.g., the bottom, core, and/or top layer) via shear and normal load transfer. The load transfer can be achieved by bonding and geometric interfaces between the contiguous components. In implementations, where loads are transmitted from the load distribution ring to the core layer, the loads can be dispersed to the extent that the shear loads are below the core layer&#39;s yield shear values. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the load distribution element  148  can be integral to the pocket insert  140 . The load distribution element  148  can be formed from material, such as semi-rigid plastic, that does not crack or rupture when the composite stadium seat cushion  100  is rolled up or subjected to loads that are applied to the composite stadium seat cushion during ordinary use (e.g., sitting on or transporting the composite stadium seat cushion.) 
         [0024]    While the composite stadium seat cushion  100  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is rectangular (e.g., with a width W of 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, 14 inches, or more, and a depth D of 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, or more) with rounded corners, other shapes and configurations are also possible. For example, the composite stadium seat cushion can be circular, oval, triangular, octagonal, hexagonal, etc. 
         [0025]    The described composite stadium seats or seat cushions can be fabricated by well-known methods, including injection molding, laminating, multiple axis milling, and 3D printing. For example, the individual elements of the composite stadium seats or seat cushions, such as the bottom layer, core layer, top layer, pocket insert, attachment pin, and/or load distribution element, can be formed separately, by injection molding. In some embodiments, various elements of the composite stadium seat or seat cushion can be integrally formed. For example, the attachment pin and/or load distribution element can be integral to the pocket insert.  FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate an example of separately formed elements of the composite stadium seats or seat cushions. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, the top layer  110  can be injection molded from material such as neoprene. The material properties of the molded top layer  110  can include non-marking, weather resistant, and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The bottom layer  130  can be injection molded from material such as rubber. The material properties of the molded bottom layer  130  can include non-marking, weather resistant, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and a high durometer or hardness (e.g., comparable to a durometer of rubber found in shoe soles.) In some embodiments, the bottom layer  130  includes a traction pattern on the bottom surface  132  (e.g., a tread like pattern) to provide traction when placed on a surface, as shown in  FIGS. 1C ,  1 E, and  1 F. 
         [0027]    The pocket insert  140  and the load distribution element  148  can be injection molded from material such as plastic. The material properties of the molded pocket insert  140  and the load distribution element  148  can include non-marking, weather resistant, and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. In some embodiments, the load distribution element  148  is attached to the center of the pocket insert  140 , as shown in  FIG. 2A , to position the attachment location at about the neutral axis of the composite stadium seat cushion  100 . This configuration can reduce eccentric loading that may otherwise cause discomfort or premature wear when seated on uneven surfaces, for example. In some embodiments, the load distribution element  148  is integral to the pocket insert  140 . 
         [0028]    The attachment pin  150  can be injection molded from material such as plastic with properties similar to the pocket insert  140 . The attachment pin  150  can be integral to the pocket insert  140  or a separate component. In embodiments where the attachment pin  150  is a separate component, the attachment pin  150  can be coupled to the pocket insert, for example, via attachment hardware, such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc., or bonded via adhesives. In some implementations, the attachment pin may also be screwed in or inserted into a slot and secured with an adhesive. In some embodiments, the attachment pin  150  can be fabricated from a durable material, such as plastic, fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), steel, or aluminum, for example. 
         [0029]    The core layer  120  can be injection molded from material such as closed cell foam (e.g., medium density closed cell foam.) The material of the core layer  120  can include thermally insulating properties suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The core layer  120  can be lightly compressible to provide comfort, but generally retain its shape to provide structural support for the composite stadium seat cushion  100 . For example, the material of the core layer  120  can feature elastic properties that allow compression with minimal strain or low percentage of deformation from the original shape of the core layer. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, the pocket insert  140  and/or the load distribution element  148  are embedded in the core layer  120 . The pocket insert  140  and/or the load distribution element  148  can be placed and secured within the mold for the core layer  120 . During the injection molding process of the core layer  120 , the injected material encases, at least partially, the pocket insert  140  and/or the load distribution element  148 . 
         [0031]    The separately fabricated elements of the composite stadium seat or seat cushion can be bonded together, for example by using an adhesive (e.g., cement or adhesive used for bonding components of a shoe to each other.) In the assembled configuration, the top layer  110  and the bottom layer  130  can provide the rigid portion of the composite stadium seat  100 , while the core layer  120  provides the softer portion. This sandwich configuration can provide benefits such as load distribution that results in substantially uniform support when seated on a level or uneven surface and protection from external wear and tear (primarily by the bottom and top layers,) while achieving thermal insulation from surfaces on which the composite stadium seat cushion is placed (primarily by the core layer.) 
         [0032]    It is noted that the described embodiments of a composite stadium seat or seat cushion described herein are exemplary and different variations in structure, design, application and methodology are possible.

Technology Category: 1