Chairs and seats – Plural related seats
Reexamination Certificate
2003-04-23
2004-12-14
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3636)
Chairs and seats
Plural related seats
C297S158400, C297S235000, C297S158300, C297S158200, C297S248000, C297S249000, C108S168000, C108S169000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06830294
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the general field of seating structures and is particularly concerned with a foldable seating structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There exists a plurality of situations wherein it is desirable to install temporary seating arrangements. For example, it may be desirable to temporary increase the number of seats available in a conventional waiting room, a conventional entertainment theatre, a church or any other location wherein multiple seats arranged in a row configuration are typically provided.
It may also be desirable to temporary install seats in areas wherein the seats need to be readily removed after their use in order to allow the location to be used for other purposes then that of seating spectators. For example, it may be desirable to temporarily set up seats in a gymnasium, an arena, a multifunctional room or other suitable locations.
Whether the seats are required in a room deprived of existing seating arrangements or in a room needing increased seating structures, it is often desirable that the seats be readily and easily installable through a set of quick and ergonomical steps. It is also desirable to allow the seats to be easily and readily removed also through easy and ergonomical steps.
In most situations, it is desirable to arrange the seats in rows that are independently moveable relative to each other. Typically, the rows are arranged in substantially parallel relationship relative to each other allowing intended users to be seated while providing passage between the rows. This type of seating arrangement is typically used in situations wherein the intended users face in a common direction such as when attending a political convention, a trade show, an entertainment or sports related performance or any other type of situations. Other times, it is desirable to have the rows arranged in other configurations such as surrounding a stage. Yet, in other situations, it is desirable to allow the rows of seats to remain free to move independently relative to each other in order to provide for various types of configurations depending on the outcome of the activity.
A common method of providing rows of seats is to individually place seats in a side-by-side relationship relative to each other. Evidently, this method is both tedious and time consuming. The effort required is compounded in situations wherein the rows of seat need to be readily moved from one position to another.
Another solution involves the use of frame-like units. A common disadvantage of such systems is that they typically require a large number of separate components. Also, typically, their assembly is somewhat difficult. Furthermore, the seats typically provided with frame-like units are often of a plank-type which not only adds to the number of separate components required, but are uncomfortable to sit on for long periods. Still further, these units are typically heavy, unwieldy, bulky to stow and difficult to handle and erect. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved seating arrangement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of the present invention to provide a foldable row seating arrangement adapted to mitigate the foregoing disadvantages.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a foldable seating structure for allowing a first and a second user to sit thereon, the seating structure comprising: a foldable frame, the foldable frame defining a first frame section and a second frame section, the first and second frame sections respectively defining a first and a second frame axis, the first and second frame sections being coupled together by a section hinge, the section hinge allowing the first and second frame sections to pivot relative to one another in a section pivoting plane about a section pivoting axis between a frame deployed configuration and a frame folded configuration wherein in the frame deployed configuration the first and second frame axes are in a substantially horizontal position and in a substantially co-linear relationship relative to each other and wherein in the frame folded configuration the first and second frames axes are in a substantially vertical position and in a substantially parallel and adjacent relationship relative to each other; a first and a second seat respectively mounted on the first and second frame sections so as to extend respectively in a substantially parallel relationship relative to respectively the first and second frame axis; whereby when the foldable frame is in the frame deployed configuration, the first and second seats are in a substantially horizontal position allowing the first and second users to seat in a side by side relationship relative to each other and, when the foldable frame is in the folded configuration, the first and second seat are in a substantially vertical and adjacent relationship relative to each other so as to minimize the required storage space.
Typically, the foldable seating structure further comprises a deployed configuration releasable locking means for releasably locking the first and second frame sections in the deployed configuration. Conveniently, the foldable seating structure further comprises a folded configuration releasable locking means for releasably locking the first and second frame sections in the frame folded configuration.
Typically, the foldable seating structure further comprises—a deployed configuration releasable locking means for releasably locking the first and second frame sections in the deployed configuration; and a folded configuration releasable locking means for releasably locking the first and second frame sections in the frame folded configuration.
Conveniently, the foldable seating structure further comprises a pair of wheels rotatably mounted to the foldable frame adjacent the first and second frame distal ends. Typically, the wheels are positioned so as to stably support the foldable frame thereon when the foldable frame is in the folded configuration.
Conveniently, the section hinge is configured and sized for releasably locking the foldable frame in the deployed configuration. Typically, the first and second frame sections respectively include corresponding first and second seat attachment members, the first and second seat attachment members respectively defining a corresponding first and second section proximal end and a corresponding first and second section distal end; the first and second frame sections being also respectively provided with a first and a second proximal leg pivotally attached respectively to the first and second seat attachment members respectively adjacent the first and second section proximal ends; the first and second frame sections being also respectively provided with a first and a second distal leg pivotally attached respectively to the first and second seat attachment members respectively adjacent the first and second section distal ends.
Typically, the foldable seating structure further comprises a first and a second proximal-to-distal leg linking member respectively pivotally attached between the first and second proximal and distal legs for ensuring that the first and second proximal legs pivot solidarly respectively with the first and second distal legs. Conveniently, the foldable seating structure further comprises a first and a second proximal leg-to-opposed section linking member respectively pivotally attached to the first and second proximal legs and to an opposite frame section for ensuring that the movement of the first and second proximal legs are transmitted respectively to the second and first frame sections.
Typically, the first and second proximal leg-to-opposed section linking members are attached respectively to the second and first frame sections respectively proximally to the second and first section proximal ends. Conveniently, the section hinge, the first and second proximal legs, the first and second distal legs, the first and second proximal-to-distal leg linking members and the first and second proximal leg-to-opposed section linking membe
LandOfFree
Foldable seating structure does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Foldable seating structure, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Foldable seating structure will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3274577