Chairs and seats – Straddle seat – With cushioned top
Reexamination Certificate
2003-02-24
2003-09-23
Nelson, Jr., Milton (Department: 3636)
Chairs and seats
Straddle seat
With cushioned top
C297S188190, C297S188040, C297S183500, C297S016100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06623072
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to chairs, more particularly, to beach chairs with facilities for providing audio entertainment.
2. Description of the Related Art
If a person wishes to listen to music while sitting in a beach chair at the beach, in the back yard sunning, or in other similar situations, there are several options. The first is to use a large portable player, what is commonly referred to as a “boom box.” One problem is that it is not private; everyone else in earshot also hears it. Another problem is that it is bulky and must be carried separately. A third problem is that the environment, in the form of beach sand, can have detrimental effects on the player.
A second option is to use a handheld portable player with headphones. The problem of other people hearing it is resolved, and it is typically small enough to fit in a backpack or bag. However, it can still suffer detrimental effects from the environment.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a combination foldable chair and audio player to provide several advantages over the prior art, including privacy and protection from the environment for the player media.
The present invention is a beach chair with an integral audio player permanently mounted within the armrest. Any form of foldable beach chair known in the art is contemplated for use. The chair has a rigid frame that can be folded to a more compact size for carrying. The chair is light in weight to facilitate carrying.
The audio player is permanently mounted in an armrest. Any of a number of different kinds of audio players are contemplated for use by the present invention, including compact disk players, tape cassette players, MP3 players, minidisc players, and radio. It is also contemplated that more than one type of audio player may be integrated into a single chair of the present invention.
In one configuration, the audio player is a compact disk (CD) player. The CD player is vertical and is hinged at the bottom. The hinged section opens outwardly from the stationary section. Optionally, sliding arms prevent the hinged section from opening too far. When closed, the CD player forms a seal that substantially protects the CD from the environment, for example, sand and salt water. The seal may be formed in any manner known in the art, for example, by a rubber o-ring.
The CD player drive mechanism is in either the hinged section or stationary section. The electronics, including the battery, can be located wherever is practical, in the hinged section, stationary section, and/or other parts of the chair. The headset jack may be located wherever it is convenient.
A mechanical clasp holds the CD player closed when the CD is playing. In one configuration, the CD controls are located on the clasp so that the controls are visible and convenient. Alternatively, the CD controls are located in the upper end of the CD player. Alternatively, the controls are located on the armrest.
In another configuration, the audio player is a cassette tape player. The cassette player may be hinged at the bottom, like the CD player, or it may have an external slot into which the cassette tape is inserted. In the latter configuration, the slot should have a door to prevent damage to the internal mechanism by the environment.
Other configurations include an integral minidisc player, MP3 player, radio, and combinations of the above.
The other armrest has a storage compartment. Preferably, the compartment is large enough to hold at least several copies of the player media. The compartment
60
may have a cover so that the stored items are protected from the environment. Optionally, the cover is transparent. Optionally, the armrest has a drink holder.
Optionally, the chair has a large pouch preferably composed of a mesh material so that sand and water are not trapped within. Optionally, there is a set of small pouches for holding smaller items. Optionally, the chair includes a carrying strap.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1700337 (1929-01-01), Renner
patent: 2879835 (1959-02-01), Miller
patent: 4064376 (1977-12-01), Yamada
patent: 4072346 (1978-02-01), Schueler
patent: 4841587 (1989-06-01), Carter et al.
patent: 4868888 (1989-09-01), Dayton
patent: 4979777 (1990-12-01), Takada
patent: 5318340 (1994-06-01), Henry
patent: 5326152 (1994-07-01), Baron
patent: 5482352 (1996-01-01), Leal et al.
patent: 5611594 (1997-03-01), Findlay
patent: 5620229 (1997-04-01), Ledford
patent: 5624156 (1997-04-01), Leal et al.
patent: 5628544 (1997-05-01), Goodman et al.
patent: 5683137 (1997-11-01), MacDonald et al.
patent: 5913572 (1999-06-01), Grimaldi et al.
patent: 6102476 (2000-08-01), May et al.
patent: 6149238 (2000-11-01), Tsai
Jr. Milton Nelson
Morse, Altman & Martin
LandOfFree
Beach chair with integral audio player does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Beach chair with integral audio player, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Beach chair with integral audio player will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3022626