Folding Step Seat Device

Abstract

A folding step seat device is provided. The device is comprised of a frame that can fold for easy transport and storage. The frame includes a cushion for sitting, potentially featuring storage pockets and spring-loaded cup holders. Additionally, the frame is supported by folding legs, which can articulate at various angles, with options for fixed or telescopic legs that include adjustable feet for stability. The device further comprises straps for carrying, with padding for comfort, and may include a handle integrated into the frame for ease of use.

Claims

1. A folding step seat device comprising: a frame comprised of a first hinge and a locking mechanism; a cushion attached to the frame; and a leg attached to the frame via a second hinge.

2. The folding step seat device of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is comprised of a button lock, a latch, or a lever lock.

3. The folding step seat device of claim 1, wherein the frame folds in half about the first hinge.

4. The folding step seat device of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism is positioned on the first hinge.

5. The folding step seat device of claim 1, wherein the second hinge is comprised of a locking hinge.

6. The folding step seat device of claim 1, wherein the cushion is comprised of a rectangular cushion.

7. The folding step seat device of claim 1, wherein the cushion is comprised of a foam or a padding.

8. The folding step seat device of claim 1 further comprised of a strap.

9. The folding step seat device of claim 1 further comprised of a handle positioned on the frame.

10. A folding step seat device comprising: a frame comprised of a first hinge and a first locking mechanism; a cupholder attached to the frame; a cushion attached to the frame; and a telescopic leg attached to the frame via a second hinge, the telescopic leg comprised of a second locking mechanism.

11. The folding step seat device of claim 10, wherein the cupholder is comprised of a spring-loaded cupholder.

12. The folding step seat device of claim 10, wherein the telescopic leg is comprised of a foot.

13. The folding step seat device of claim 12, wherein the foot is comprised of a rubber foot.

14. The folding step seat device of claim 13, wherein the rubber foot is adjustable between 1 and 359 degrees relative to a vertical axis of the leg.

15. The folding step seat device of claim 10, wherein the second locking mechanism is comprised of a spring-pin, a locking button, or a locking latch.

16. The folding step seat device of claim 10 further comprised of a strap.

17. The folding step seat device of claim 16, wherein the strap is comprised of a padding.

18. The folding step seat device of claim 16, wherein the strap is comprised of a length adjustable strap.

19. The folding step seat device of claim 18, wherein the strap is comprised of a fastener.

20. A method of using a folding step seat device, the method comprising the following steps: providing a folding step seat device comprised of a folding frame comprised of a first hinge, a first locking mechanism, a cushion, and a leg attached to the frame via a second hinge; unfolding the frame about the first hinge into a right-angled L-shape and securing the frame into the right-angled L-shape via engaging the first locking mechanism; unfolding the leg from the frame and securing the leg in an extended position via the second hinge and securing the leg at a length via engaging a second locking member of the leg; and placing the folding step seat device on a set of stairs wherein the frame is placed on a first step of the set of stairs and the leg is placed on a second step of the set of stairs, wherein the second step is positioned below the first step.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a folding step seat device of the present invention while unfolded in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a folding step seat device of the present invention while folded in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a folding step seat device of the present invention while unfolded and while a user is sitting on the device on a set of stairs in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a folding step seat device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0021] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved seating solution. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a folding step seat device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a folding step seat device that can be placed on steps, a bench, or other surface to provide improved comfort. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a folding step seat device that can be placed on steps, a bench, or other surface to provide improved comfort and wherein the device can be easily stored/transported when not in use.

[0022] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a folding step seat device. The device is comprised of at least one frame comprised of at least one hinge that allows the frame to fold in half for transport/storage. The hinge and/or frame can be secured in a folded or unfolded position via at least one locking mechanism. The frame is comprised of at least one cushion that a user sits on during use and that is preferably rectangular. The cushion provides buttocks and back support to the user in one embodiment.

[0023] The frame is also comprised of at least one leg that preferably attaches to the frame via at least one hinge. The leg can preferably articulate between 1 and 179 degrees relative to a horizontal axis of the frame (when the frame is unfolded in a generally L-shaped shape) to allow the leg to be positioned at various angles to support the frame and cushion. In one embodiment, the leg is of a fixed length. In another embodiment, the leg is telescopic, wherein the height/length of the leg can be set and secured at a desired position via at least one locking member. In a further embodiment, the leg is comprised of at least one foot. The foot is preferably a rubber foot that increases the surface area the leg contacts during use to further stabilize the leg. In one embodiment, the foot is angle adjustable.

[0024] In one embodiment, the frame and/or cushion may be comprised of at least one strap. The strap may be a hand strap, a shoulder strap, etc. that allows the device to be easily carried. In one embodiment, the strap is comprised of at least one padding for comfort. In one embodiment, the strap is of a fixed length, or may be length adjustable via at least one fastener such as but not limited to a sliding buckle.

[0025] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a folding frame comprised of a hinge, a locking mechanism, a cushion, and a leg attached to the frame via a hinge. Then, the frame can be unfolded about the hinge into a generally right-angled L-shape and can be secured in said position via engaging the locking mechanism. Optionally, the leg can be unfolded from the frame and secured in an extended position via a locking hinge, wherein a length/height of the leg can be secured via engaging at least one locking member in any embodiment wherein the leg is telescopic. Finally, the device can be placed on a set of stairs, wherein the cushion and frame are placed on a first step and the leg (can optionally) be placed on a second step below the first step (in an embodiment where the leg is used).

[0026] Accordingly, the folding step seat device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved seating solution. More specifically, the device can be placed on steps, a bench, or other surface to provide improved comfort on said seating areas. In addition, the device can be easily stored/transported when not in use due to the folding frame and leg hinges. In this manner, the folding step seat device provides a solution for increasing comfort while sitting on steps or other sitting areas.

[0027] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a folding step seat device 100 of the present invention while unfolded in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is comprised of at least one frame 110. The frame 110 is preferably rectangular but may be any shape. The frame 110 may be made from any material such as but not limited to a lightweight plastic or a lightweight metal. The frame 110 is comprised of at least one hinge 111 that allows the frame 110 to fold in half for transport/storage, as seen in FIG. 2. The hinge 111 and/or frame 110 can be secured in a folded (preferably in half) or unfolded position via at least one locking mechanism 112 such as but not limited to a button lock, a latch, a lever lock, etc.

[0028] The frame 110 is comprised of at least one cushion 113 that a user sits on during use and that is preferably rectangular. The cushion 113 provides buttocks and back support to the user in one embodiment. The cushion 113 may be made from any material such as but not limited to a foam, a padding, a waterproof foam, etc. In one embodiment, the cushion 113 is comprised of at least one storage pouch/pocket 114 that may be any style of pouch or pocket known in the art. In a further embodiment, the frame 110 may be comprised of at least one spring-loaded/spring-actuated cup holder 115 that folds underneath the frame 110 and cushion 113 when not in use, but that can be deployed via spring-action when needed. The cupholder 115 may be any cupholder style known in the art.

[0029] The frame 110 is also comprised of at least one leg 120. The leg 120 preferably attaches to the frame 110 via at least one hinge 122. The leg 120 can preferably articulate between 1 and 179 degrees relative to a horizontal axis of the frame 110 (when the frame is unfolded in a generally L-shaped shape) to allow the leg 120 to be positioned at various angles to support the frame 110 and cushion 113, as seen in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the leg 120 is of a fixed length. In another embodiment, the leg 120 is telescopic, wherein the height/length of the leg 120 can be set and secured at a desired position via at least one locking member 124, such as but not limited to a spring-pin, a locking button, a locking latch, etc. In a further embodiment, the leg 120 is comprised of at least one foot 126. The foot 126 is preferably a rubber foot that increases the surface area the leg 120 contacts during use to further stabilize the leg 120. In one embodiment, the foot 126 is angle-adjustable between 1 and 359 degrees relative to a vertical axis of the leg 120 such that it can be repositioned as necessary to provide desired leg 120 support.

[0030] In one embodiment, the frame 110 and/or cushion 113 may be comprised of at least one strap 130. The strap 130 may be a hand strap, a shoulder strap, etc. that allows the device 100 to be easily carried. In one embodiment, the strap 130 is comprised of at least one padding 132 for comfort. In one embodiment, the strap 130 is of a fixed length, or may be length adjustable via at least one fastener 134 such as but not limited to a sliding buckle. In one embodiment, the frame 110 itself is comprised of at least one handle 116 of any type that is integrally formed to the frame 110.

[0031] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 4. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a folding frame 110 comprised of a hinge 111, a locking mechanism 112, a cushion 113, and a leg 120 attached to the frame 110 via a hinge 122 [Step 202]. Then, the frame 110 can be unfolded about the hinge 111 into a generally right-angled L-shape and can be secured in said position via engaging the locking mechanism 112 [Step 204]. Optionally, the leg 120 can be unfolded from the frame 110 and secured in an extended position via a locking hinge 122, wherein a length/height of the leg 120 can be secured via engaging at least one locking member 124 in any embodiment wherein the leg 120 is telescopic [Step 206]. Finally, the device 100 can be placed on a set of stairs 10, wherein the cushion 113 and frame 110 are placed on a first step 12 and the leg 120 (can optionally) be placed on a second step 14 below the first step 12 (in an embodiment where the leg 120 is used) [Step 208].

[0032] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein folding step seat device and device are interchangeable and refer to the folding step seat device 100 of the present invention.

[0033] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the folding step seat device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the folding step seat device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the folding step seat device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the folding step seat device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the folding step seat device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0034] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0035] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.